Emily at the top of the trail in the National Park
Using the simple premise that women products need to be different from men's, some cross country (XC) ski companies went to work designing a line of women's XC ski boots that incorporates various differences between the male and female physical characteristics and their interests. For example, women generally have narrower feet, so companies have built boots to accommodate. A woman's whole center of gravity may be shifted compared to a man, which means that application of force from the legs to the skis is shifted, so different flexes in a ski are appropriate. The skis are now selected according to specific needs (soft, wide skis for ungroomed trails or narrow skate skis that are stiffer) or performance characteristics and are gender neutral.
Over the years, some product differences were cosmetic but now they address fundamental interests such as stability or downhill control. Moreover, they are not just for the touring lines—companies recognized the need for women's products in each equipment category, from touring or backcountry to performance and racing.
These days, there are few specific models of XC skis that are made for women because skis are available in different widths, weights, and stiffness levels which can be selected to accommodate a women’s physical or desired utilization differences. Most major ski companies no longer offer complete lines of XC skis, bindings, or poles that are different for women. But most companies offer a line of women-specific XC ski boots.
Jan Guenther owner of Gear West, a retail dealer in the Minneapolis area commented that women are often shorter and lighter than men so they might be matched to a ski with a shorter length or softer flex that matches their ability and skiing goals.
Women's Products
Alpina T15 EVE Nordic touring boot
Alpina Sports designed a line of women's XC ski boots after analyzing women's feet using a patented measurement system to arrive at the "ideal" proportions. The fit of the Alpina's women's boots is dramatically different than the typical men's lasted, smaller sized boots that women are often sold. The flex patterns are totally altered, the heel pockets are much narrower, and the cuffs are redesigned for the slightly different calf/ankle configuration of a woman. Alpina has the EVE collection of Nordic ski boots for skating, classic, and touring for women. The Outlander EVE version is a women-specific XC ski boot for backcountry skiing.
Women might select XC skis configured for lighter body weights and designed for the techniques that require with less effort. The ski camber is adjusted to a lower height so it will accommodate the skier who can use less energy to get the ski base waxless grip pattern on to the snow. And there's a new specially developed, very light adjustable binding for fitness-oriented women that is very user-friendly with an automatic step in/out mechanism. With the adjustable bindings just slide the binding back for a faster ski or forward for better grip on uphill travel.
Fischer has models of women's boots ranging for high performance skate and classic to recreational and off track backcountry. Behind the fashionable designs lie numerous specific developments for enhanced female performance on the trails. Additionally the individual models are tuned to the varied individual skills and sporting ambitions of the respective skier such as all around, advanced, classic and the best seller is the XC Comfort Pro WS.
Rossignol has the FW Nordic ski boot line with women-specific Nordic ski boots for touring in various levels of support. For more active or higher performance for classic or skate skiers there’s the X-IUM W.C. Classic FW and X-IUM W.C. Skate FW. Rossignol women’s boots accommodate reduced instep volume and a narrower fit from midfoot to the heel. Rossignol's X5 OT FW (Off-Trail) boot combines the women's touring boot features as well as a Cordura® lace cover and Thinsulate® lining to provide increased off-trail versatility, durability, and warmth. In-track or off-trail the free-hinge cuff with velcro powerstrap provides fuller mobility, stability, and control. These Rossignol boots feature external cuff gaiters ultra-durable Cordura® lace covers, Thinsulate® lining, and a Thermo-moldable fit, for women who want comfort, durability, and warmth while exploring off-trail.
Women XC skiers on Methow Trails
Salomon Nordic has women-specific boot models in classic, skate, and combi (which can be used for either skate or classic skiing). These “Vitane” models of Nordic ski boots include lightweight carbon chassis, heel adjustments and dialed-in flex for women.
Mariah Frye-Colie of Cross Country Ski Headquarters, a Michigan cross country ski retail and area operation commented, "Women like to feel good with product options that flatter a women's body, but also are functional and comfortable. The Nordic ski manufacturers have woken up to the demand and it's great to have more feminine equipment and clothing."
Banner photo from Todd Powell at Frisco Nordic Center