FREE SHIPPING. NO MINIMUM ORDER. NO END DATE. "Highest Customer Satisfaction among Online Apparel Retailers" by J.D. Power and Associates
Skip to page content
Shopping Bag
Added to Your Shopping Bag
Close

Accessing Shopping Bag

Accessing Shopping Bag

How to Choose Cross-Country Skis

Whether it's your first time on skis, or you're a seasoned pro, we'll help you find the right gear for your next ski adventure.

Play

CHANNELS: Outdoor Gear

  • How to Choose a Kayak

    How to Choose a Kayak (01:49)

  • Camp Bags

    Camp Bags (00:52)

  • King Pine Dome Tent HD

    King Pine Dome Tent HD (01:37)

  • Turbo Tent

    Turbo Tent (01:00)

  • AT 35 Pack

    AT 35 Pack (01:16)

  • Manatee Kayak

    Manatee Kayak (01:38)

  • Choosing the Right Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)

    Choosing the Right Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) (01:39)

  • Modular Sit-in Kayaks

    Modular Sit-in Kayaks (01:07)

  • Modular Sit-on-Top Kayaks

    Modular Sit-on-Top Kayaks (01:00)

  • What to Pack for a Day Hike

    What to Pack for a Day Hike (02:18)

  • Top Ten Bike Helmet Tips

    Top Ten Bike Helmet Tips (02:39)

  • Calypso Women's Kayak

    Calypso Women's Kayak (01:49)

  • Bicycle Safety

    Bicycle Safety (02:35)

  • Mountain Light XT Tent

    Mountain Light XT Tent (01:20)

  • Microlight FS Tent

    Microlight FS Tent (01:44)

  • Dirigo XT Tandem Plus Kayak by Old Town

    Dirigo XT Tandem Plus Kayak by Old Town (02:07)

  • L.L.Bean Team Rides in the Trek Across Maine

    L.L.Bean Team Rides in the Trek Across Maine (03:28)

  • How to Set Up Your King Pine Dome Tent

    How to Set Up Your King Pine Dome Tent (03:13)

  • How to Set Up Your Mountain Light XT Tent

    How to Set Up Your Mountain Light XT Tent (01:37)

  • How to Set Up Your Big Woods Dome Tent

    How to Set Up Your Big Woods Dome Tent (03:56)

  • How to Set Up Your Acadia Tent

    How to Set Up Your Acadia Tent (02:37)

  • How to Set Up Your Microlight FS Tent

    How to Set Up Your Microlight FS Tent (02:18)

  • How to Set Up Your Vector XL Dome Tent

    How to Set Up Your Vector XL Dome Tent (02:44)

  • How to set up your Woodlands Screen House

    How to set up your Woodlands Screen House (02:30)

  • Bicycle Assembly: Runaround Cruiser, Acadia Cruiser or Sport 7 Cruiser

    Bicycle Assembly: Runaround Cruiser, Acadia Cruiser or Sport 7 Cruiser (02:35)

  • Bicycle Assembly: Sport Trail, Sport Tour or Ridge Runner Bicycles

    Bicycle Assembly: Sport Trail, Sport Tour or Ridge Runner Bicycles (02:51)

  • Poles for Hiking and Winter Sports

    Poles for Hiking and Winter Sports (01:57)

  • Intro to Snowshoeing

    Intro to Snowshoeing (02:05)

  • Winter Walker Snowshoes

    Winter Walker Snowshoes (00:41)

  • Pull Sleds and Toboggans

    Pull Sleds and Toboggans (01:26)

  • Discovery Ski Set

    Discovery Ski Set (01:40)

  • Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing

    Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing (03:15)

  • Pathfinder Snowshoes

    Pathfinder Snowshoes (00:46)

How to Choose Cross-Country Skis

Hi. I'm Nathan Mack, and I work in product development at L.L.Bean. I'm here today at the Bike, Boat & Ski Store in Freeport, Maine, to talk to you about how to select the right pair of cross-country skis. At L.L.Bean, we offer three main categories of skis.

1. Recreational touring skis, like our Discovery Ski Set are suitable for flat or rolling terrain. They're wide for increased stability, have a no-wax bottom, and great traction for both in and out of track skiing, making them an ideal option for beginning and intermediate skiers. The Discovery Ski set features a durable wood core, making these skis a great value for the price. They also come in a youth size so you can outfit the entire family for winter fun.

2. Backcountry touring skis can be used to break trail over rolling, packed or icy terrain in variable snow conditions, but they're versatile enough to be used in groom tracks at Nordic touring centers. These skis feature metal edges that make it easier to maintain control while going downhill and around turns. The no-wax base is low maintenance and provides an efficient glide and superior traction for climbing.

3. Performance touring skis are designed for groomed trials at Nordic touring centers and are available in both classic and skate styles. These skis are lightweight, efficient, and provide a great aerobic workout. They're narrower, faster, and typically feature a centered base that holds kick and glide wax, making them a great option for novice racers and fitness skiers.

Whether it's your first time on skis or you're a seasoned pro, L.L.Bean has everything you need for your next ski adventure.


Free Shipping. No minimum order, no end date, just free.
Free Shipping. No minimum order, no end date, just free.

EVERYDAY FREE SHIPPING We proudly offer free shipping and handling in the US and Canada. Free Shipping will be applied automatically to all qualifying orders — no minimum purchase, coupons or promotion codes are required.

Most packages in the contiguous US will arrive in 2 to 5 business days.* Estimated delivery times for AK, HI, APO/FPO, US possessions and Canada will be provided during checkout. Not valid for Direct to Business orders or some international locations.

EXPRESS DELIVERY If you need your order sooner, we offer an expedited two-day* service for a fee. Available to most US addresses. Add $15 per address in the contiguous US and $17 per address in AK and HI.

OVERSIZED DELIVERY CHARGES A small percentage of our large items requires oversized delivery charges; those charges are listed on the product page and are also displayed in your Shopping Bag.

*Monogramming, special services and certain items shipped directly from our suppliers may require more time. We will notify you when you place your order.