NORDIC
Our Stock
Here at Moon Cycle we stock nordic skis from Fischer and Salomon, we have a great selection of classic skin and scale skis, skate skis, off-track and back-country nordic skis and youth skis for the beginner to intermediate skier. For any speciality skis not in-store consider placing a custom order.
We accept special orders for the Fischer* and Salomon ski selection programs annually by May 1st.
Benefit from custom ski selection across the Fischer Speedmax and Salomon S/LAB range.
Please provide us with the following attributes for your custom ski selection order:
- Skier height
- Skier weight
- Ski type e.g. classic
- Preferred ski length
- Typical snow conditions you ski on e.g. hard, cold snow or a specific grind e.g. cold, warm or universal
Alternatively, you can provide us with an FA or MF value if you know the specific flex you are looking for. Please contact us to place your Fischer or Salomon select order by May 1st. Please note that once an order is placed, you are committed to picking up all of your items upon arrival.
*Fischer charges a $40 selection fee which must be covered by the customer.
XC Ski Choosing Guide
Which skis should I buy?? How stiff? What length? Should I buy classic or skate? Choosing cross-country skis can sometimes be a head-scratcher. This ski guide will provide you with all the information you need in order to make an informed purchase and have a great winter on your new pair of skis!
Why is the stiffness of a ski so important?
When choosing the ideal cross-country ski, a skier's weight is the most important metric to consider when determining how well a ski will fit. The aim is to choose a ski with a stiffness that affords the skier a strong and clean kick whilst also promoting a smooth glide. There are several ways of conveying a ski's stiffness. The most common way is via a weight range, which you can see in the image to the right. Ideally you want to sit right in the middle of the defined weight range for a ski, to ensure the correct stiffness, so for that 186cm ski ideally a skier of 48kg would be best! Another metric you may come across is FA value, which we explain below.
FA Value Explained
FA value is an industry-specific metric used by Fischer. Expressed in kilograms, the FA Value represents the amount of force it takes to close the camber pocket of the ski. Above is a handy chart to help you work out your ideal FA value based on your weight in kilograms. All of the advice on this page can be applied to the FA. To find your FA range, first calculate your weight in kilograms, choose the appropriate table based on the type of ski you are looking to purchase, then you have your FA range!
Example: 70kg skier looking for a skate ski to use in soft conditions. Based on the table, their FA range is 80-85.
Choosing an XC Pole
When you’ve chosen your cross-country skis, you now need to find a pair of poles. In cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, poles are really important as they help to propel you forward.
What size should they be? What kind of straps should they have? What materials should they be made from? Here is our advice to choose the right cross-country ski poles.
XC Ski Pole Sizing
Poles used in classic skiing are shorter than those used in skate skiing. In skating they should generally come up to the same height as your nose or bottom of your ears and you can use this formula for a more specific fit: your height in cm x 0.89.
For classic cross-country skiing they should come up to your collar bone or you can use this formula: your height in cm x 0.83.
If your ideal pole length is between two sizes, we advise you to choose the longer of the two. If the longer length frustrates you after a couple of uses we can reduce the length of them by cutting a few centimeters off the top, underneath the grip!
Types of XC Ski Pole Straps...
There are 3 types of pole straps:
- Simple loop straps: similar to downhill skiing poles, this strap is easy to use for beginners
- Harness straps: are more comfortable as they hold the pole close to the hand. These straps are used by intermediate to advanced skiers.
- Quick-release harness straps: these straps disengage from the pole making them very practical.
What should the pole shaft be made of?
- Entry level poles are usually made from aluminium. They are not the lightest on the market but they are sturdy and not too expensive.
- Mid-range poles are made from composite material using a percentage of carbon to make them more lightweight.
- High-end poles are made completely from carbon, making them really sturdy. This makes them the lightest poles but also the most fragile.
What is pole swing?
In cross-country skiing, after propelling yourself forward and pushing back on your poles, you need to bring your pole back in front of you in a swinging motion. Swing is an important quality in higher-end poles. Some poles are weighted at the top, which will have an impact on the swing and also on the balance of the pole. The more weight there is at the top of the pole, the better the swing will be. Ligherweighted poles are generally more fragile, however the more expensive the pole, the better the swing. This is usually due to the high carbon content.
How much do XC poles cost?
Cross-country ski poles range from $50 to $340+. Entry-level poles have aluminum shafts with loop straps, making them heavier but affordable. Mid-range options, priced between $65 and $150, are made from composite materials with 20–60% carbon, featuring harness straps, anatomical grips, and a lightweight design suited for intermediate to advanced skiers. High-end poles, costing $160 to $340+, are made entirely of carbon, making them lighter but more fragile, ideal for competitive racers or those seeking peak performance.
In-House Waxing and Nordic Service
We may not be world-cup nordic racers but we do know how to care for our gear and keep it in excellent shape!! We offer waxing services, base-binder application, clean and storage wax services, pole-cutting, binding mounts, binding transfer, recreational glide/grip wax application, repairs and other services as needed.
Our Waxing Technique
- Your requested glide-wax is melted into the glide zones by hand to ensure full and deep coverage, without scorching or drying out your base.
- Once cooled we will use an acrylic scraper to avoid any damage to your base, followed by brushing to an expert standard.
- The hardness/temperature rating of the wax we use will be based on the conditions at the time of servicing, unless requested otherwise.
Book your Service or Repair
Call us on 250-344-7980 to book your service or repair.
Alternatively to learn more about waxing, attend one of our scheduled wax clinics, or book a one-on-one training session.