Oregon Nordic Club Portland Chapter HOME SEARCH About ONC Membership News and Events Nordic Issues Officers & Committees TRIPS Day Trips Overnight Trips Trips Guide Resources for Trip Leaders TRAILS Mt Hood Guide Mt Hood FS Trail Report St. Helens and Mt Adams FS Trail Report Topo Maps DIRECTIONS & WEATHER Directions Weather GEAR Ski Gear What to Wear Rentals and Retailers Shop Online LINKS ONC Chapters ONC Photo Gallery Nordic Skiing Other Links Send mail to webmaster with comments about this web site.   Ski Gear The Origins of Nordic Skiing Nordic skiing was created as a means of travel years ago in Scandinavia. On long, narrow skis, the Norse were able to kick and glide from place to place on gentle terrain. They later learned to descend steep slopes using a unique style of bent-knee turns that became known as telemark skiing. Gradually, these modes of travel developed into a sport. Trails were built specifically for the new pastime, many of which were groomed to allow smooth, rapid skiing. Today, the terms "cross-country" and "Nordic" are used interchangeably to describe the collection of related skiing disciplines that use free-heeled ski gear. These techniques all have roots in the original striding style of early Nordic skiing, but they also have distinct features that set each of them apart. Because all of them use similar ski equipment, it is often possible to enjoy a number of these different skiing styles with a single set of skis, poles, boots and bindings. Nordic skiing is a sport with its own special volcabulary. Here is a glossary of Nordic skiing terms. (This is based on a glossary that used to be available on the REI web site; here is the version from the Internet archive.) Where Do I Start? We recommend that novices rent boots, poles, and skis. It's always a good idea to check out a sport before making the start-up investment. You can rent as well as purchase Nordic skis at: Oregon Mountain Community - 2975 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland.  503-227-1038 (CitySearch review) Mountain Shop - 628 NE Broadway, Portland 97232-1212.  503-288-6768 (CitySearch Review) Otto's Ski Shop - 38716 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy OR 97055-8008.  503-668-5947 Winter Fox - 38454 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy OR 97055-8005.  503-668-6500 Meadowlark Ski and Sports - 38858 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055.  503-668-8173 Mountain Tracks - Huckleberry Inn Building, Government Camp, OR 97049.  503-272-3380 Portland REI - 1405 NW Johnson Street, Portland, OR 97209.  503-221-1938. Hillsboro REI - 2235 NW Allie Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124.  503-617-6072. No Nordic ski gear rentals. Tulalatin REI - 7410 SW Bridgeport Road (exit 290 off I-5), Tigard, OR 97224.  503-624-8600. No Nordic ski gear rentals. Clackamas REI - 12160 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97266.  503-659-1156. No Nordic ski gear rentals. Call the store to be sure they have the sizes you need. Start with Bindings and Boots For beginners who want to enjoy the Pacific Northwest backcountry, the best system consists of three-pin bindings or some of the newer technology such as NNN-BC (New Nordic Norm-Back Country) bindings, a good pair of stiff boots with ankle support, and waxless skis. Stiff boots are very important. They make turning much easier and you learn control faster. With control, you'll ski with more confidence and enjoy nature more. We all tend to pick out the skis first and then the bindings and boots. A better approach is to select the binding system first. Next select the boots. Now you're ready for skis and poles.  You may also want to check out skins later if you decide to explore backcountry skiing. The problem with selecting the skis first, and the bindings and boots last, is that our gear budget may be close to depleted with the skis so we compromise on the boots. Sales people usually want to get us into the pricier bindings. We are also susceptible to the idea that newer technology is better. The standard 3-pin binding, a long-time favorite of many experienced skiers, is by far the least expensive binding. Combined with a stiff pair of high quality leather boots, you will have a system that will last you for many years. Equipment Introduction Boots and Binding Skis Poles and Skins Thank you to the Los Angeles Chapter of the Club for permitting us to use the above information.  Source of this information is Todd Yuen, Don Holtz, Jerry Blackwill, Mark Nadel, and the University of Calgary (Cross-Country Frequently Asked Questions) compiled by I. Stern.  David Nackerud and Andrew Black from the Oregon Nordic Club (Portland Chapter) edited portions and added items of interest for skiing in the Pacific Northwest. 1999–2008 Portland Chapter ONC. All Rights Reserved.