How to Choose the Right Clothing for Cross-Country Skiing

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLOTHING FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Cross-country skiing is about movement, rhythm, and enjoying winter outdoor activities. To fully enjoy your time on the trail, your body needs to stay dry, warm, and free to move. This requires carefully chosen materials and a well-functioning layering system.

The right clothing makes a significant difference whether you are heading out for an easy endurance session or a high-intensity interval workout. Finding the right balance between breathability, weather protection, and freedom of movement is essential. Your ski clothing should efficiently manage moisture, protect you from wind, and move naturally with your body without restricting movement.

With Halti’s technical cross-country ski clothing, it is easy to adjust warmth according to weather conditions and training intensity. Below, we explain how to build the optimal combination of base layers, mid layers, ski jackets, pants, and accessories to ensure comfort and functionality on the ski trail throughout the winter season.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CLOTHING

A high-quality cross-country ski outfit should be both windproof and breathable. Stormwall® material is developed specifically for active skiing, offering reliable wind protection while allowing excess heat to escape during intense movement. Halti’s Stormwall® jackets and pants are designed to provide freedom of movement and comfort in varying winter conditions.

MATERIALS IN HALTI’S CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CLOTHING

Halti’s cross-country ski clothing is designed to provide performance, comfort, and protection for Nordic skiing in changing weather conditions. All materials are selected to meet the demands of active movement and winter conditions.

Stormwall®
Stormwall® is Halti’s own softshell material, combining effective wind protection with excellent breathability. It blocks cold wind while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape efficiently, helping maintain a comfortable body temperature during active skiing.

DrymaxX®
DrymaxX® is a waterproof and windproof membrane material with good breathability. It provides protection against rain and wet snow while allowing moisture generated by the body to move away from the skin. It is suitable for cross-country skiing in wet, windy, and demanding weather conditions.

Active Dry
Active Dry is a technical fabric designed to efficiently transport moisture away from the skin and dry quickly during physical activity. It is commonly used in base layers and mid layers where moisture management is important.

Merino Wool
Merino wool is a soft and skin-friendly natural fibre suitable for a wide range of weather conditions and activities. It provides insulation in cold conditions and comfort during changing weather conditions.

BASE LAYER

Always start with a functional base layer that efficiently transports moisture away from the body. Materials such as merino wool or technical fibres are popular choices for cross-country skiing. Halti’s Active Dry material provides reliable moisture management during training sessions. Merino wool offers comfortable temperature regulation in various weather conditions.

MID LAYER

The mid layer provides extra warmth and helps regulate body temperature during cross-country skiing. Choose a material that insulates effectively without overheating and that transports moisture away from the body.

For high-intensity skiing, a thinner mid layer is often sufficient, while colder conditions may require additional insulation. A lightweight fleece or thin insulated jacket can provide warmth without restricting movement. The right mid layer makes your ski outfit adaptable to different weather conditions.

ACCESSORIES

Complete your cross-country ski outfit with windproof gloves, a warm beanie, and a breathable neck gaiter to protect exposed areas from the cold. Technical ski socks help improve comfort during longer skiing sessions.

In colder temperatures, an additional mid layer or a lightweight insulated vest can provide extra warmth without limiting freedom of movement.

RECREATIONAL OR ACTIVE SKIER? CHOOSE CLOTHING BASED ON YOUR TRAINING

When choosing cross-country ski clothing, it is important to consider how often and how intensively you train. Recreational skiers and active skiers often have different needs, and the right outfit can improve both comfort and performance.

Recreational Skier
If you ski occasionally, comfort and versatility are often the top priorities. Choose ski clothing that can also be used for other winter activities. Halti’s Stormwall® jackets and pants provide protection against wind and light moisture while offering good breathability.

With a slower pace and more frequent breaks, warmer jackets and pants combined with an insulating base layer are recommended. In colder conditions, a lightweight insulated vest or padded shorts can add extra warmth without restricting movement.

Active Skier
For active skiers, Halti offers close-fitting ski clothing designed to support freedom of movement. The focus is on breathability and efficient moisture management through carefully selected technical materials.

Halti’s cross-country ski clothing is developed in collaboration with elite athletes, with every detail designed to support performance and comfort during demanding training sessions.

LAYERING SYSTEM

Dressing in layers allows you to easily adjust your clothing according to weather, temperature, and training intensity. With Halti’s range of base layers, mid layers, and outer layers, you can build a flexible layering system for cross-country skiing in a variety of winter conditions.