Cross country equipment differs from its alpine counterpart in a variety of ways. In addition, different disciplines within cross country skiing also require a different types of equipment. However, there is some overlap and although not ideal, in a non-competitive environment a single type of ski should allow most cross country disciplines to be undertaken. Probably the best compromise would be to use a waxless classic ski.

The Classic Ski has a highly bowed profile or camber when viewed from the side so that when the ski is laid flat on the floor, the centre section makes no contact with the ground. With the weight of the skier evenly distributed on both skis, the gap between this centre section and floor is reduced but still remains clear. This clear area is know as the kick zone, grip zone or wax pocket of the classic ski. Only when the full weight of the skier is placed over a single ski should this centre section begin to contact the snow and thus exert some grip. This is why the ski should be closely matched to the skier's weight and not necessarily their height. During the classic skiing movement, the skier will exert additional downward force during the kick phase and hence addition grip is generated. The kick zone of the classic ski may achieve grip in one of two ways:

• The Waxed Ski utilises a soft wax in the kick zone that binds with the snow/ice crystals to provide grip. The area outside of the kick zone, known as the glide zone, uses a glide wax to optimise speed and efficiency over he snow. Unfortunately, different conditions (temperature, humidity, age/type of snow) require the use of different waxes and changeable conditions can cause endless headaches when using this type of ski. There are a number of "universal" waxes that work over a greater temperature range and on different grades of snow. However, their flexibility comes at a cost in terms of reduced overall ski performance.

• The Waxless Ski does away with wax altogether and relies on the mechanical grip of "fishscales" cut into the base of the ski. Although this provides an easy "no-brainer" approach there is an inevitable trade-off in that the skis can't be optimised for the conditions. As a result, a correctly setup waxed ski will almost always outperform a waxless ski. The exception to this would be in extremely changeable conditions where the consistency of the waxless ski may win out.

The Skating Ski is similar in construction to the waxed classic ski and despite no requirement for a kick zone, the ski still remains cambered, although to a lesser extent. A glide wax is applied to the entire length of the skate ski to reduce friction between ski and snow. It is quite possible to use a classic ski as a skate ski and though not optimal, at a novice level the skating technique may be effectively taught on classic skis.

Bindings also differ from the alpine style in that they allow free movement of the heel, pivoting upwards from a fixed point at the toe. Cross country bindings come in several varieties, the most popular of which are the NNN - New Nordic Norm and SNS - Salomon Nordic System. In addition, the SNS style has two varieties called Profil and Pilot, the later having two fixing points or "axes" for greater control. The stiffness of the binding may be optimised for either classic, skating or a combination of both.

Boots are of a semi rigid construction to allow both flexibility of the foot whilst maintaining control of the ski. Boots should be selected to suit the bindings as NNN and SNS systems are not compatible. For the most part SNS Profil and SNS Pilot bindings and boots are not interchangeable. For optimal performance at a higher level, consideration might also be given the style of boot to suit classic, skate or combination skiing.

Poles for classic and skating are usually made of aluminium based alloys or even carbon fibre composites to minimise weight. They have a hard tip at the base with a small basket to prevent the pole sinking too far into the snow. The top of the pole is equipped with a plastic or cork grip and a strap that allows the skier to release their grip on the pole without fear of losing it. The ability to release the pole is vital to maintain proper technique. Classic poles are basically the same as skating poles although the length of the two differ; classic poles being around shoulder height, skating poles at chin height or even longer.