Equipment

Nordic Equipment Needed 

Skis-Boots-Poles
For those new to the sport, you will need both classic and skate equipment. This includes classic skis, classic poles, skate skis, and skate poles.  Skiers have the option of purchasing separate skate and classic boots, or can go with 'combi' boots, which can be used for both classic and skate skiing.  Combi boots are a good pick for those just getting started with the sport, while separate skate and classic boots might be a better option for those who have race experience and want a more specialized feel.  Options for purchasing equipment can be found below...

School Provided Gear/Equipment

Waxes
The school provides all waxes and waxing equipment.  Skiers will be taught how to wax and prepare their skis early on in the season.  The day before each race all team members will wax skis in the Nordic ski/training room (The 'Blue' Locker Room!).  The past few years the team has worked hard to make several upgrades to the waxing room, including new swix waxing tables, wax irons, and even a SkiErg training machine! 

Uniforms
All skiers will be issued team racing spandex suits and warm up jackets.

Proper Practice Clothing 

Skiers should dress using layers.  Clothing should be fairly tight but allow for a lot of movement. Be sure that clothing is polypro, nylon, or some other type of synthetic material (avoid cotton!). Cotton is not a good material to ski/train in, as it does not retain heat after becoming wet and becomes heavy and bulky.

Lower body 
1) Base layer 
      - Long underwear/tights
2) Mid layer
      - Spandex uniform bottom (if race day)

3) Outer layer

      - Nordic ski warm up pants / running pants.  Swix and Craft make very good outer layer warm up pants and jackets.  These can be quite expensive, but they do last a very long time.

Upper body 
1) Base layer 

      - Polypro / nylon shirts.  First layer shirt should be thin and tight fitting (ex -under armer).  Second layer should be thicker to provide insulation.  

2) Spandex uniform top (if race day) 

3) Outer layer

      - Warm up jacket that allows for lots of movement (school provided) and that is not bulky.  Again, brands such as Swix and Craft make quality outer layer jackets if skiers decide to purchase these.
4) Hats, wool socks, and Nordic ski gloves (Craft gloves, Toko gloves Swix, etc...)

Other 

- Water bottle

- Water bottle holder (optional)

- Running shoes   
  
Options for Buying Equipment/Clothing - It can often be overwhelming for skiers and parents to cope with the price of a new line of equipment, but there a number of options available to help keep costs down...

Ski Swaps
Every fall there are a number of 'ski swaps' held in the Burlington area. Ski swaps are events where used/new skis are sold at reasonable prices. I highly recommend going to a ski swap if you are a new skier looking for a line of new equipment.  Those working ski swaps are very good about making sure skiers are fitted with the right sized skis/pols, etc... scroll down this page to see a list of 2017 Vermont Fall Ski Swaps.  

Ski Rack


Buying new equipment at the Ski Rack in Burlington can often be quite expensive, but the selection is large, and the workers are very knowledgeable about fitting customers / new skiers with the right equipment. They do not sell used equipment, but do have introductory level competition skis/poles that are fairly inexpensive compared to the upper level equipment.  The Ski Rack also provides a large selection of Nordic ski clothing such as warm up pants, jackets, and non-cotton layering clothing such as spandex tights, shirts, etc..

Note - high school team skiers will receive a 10 - 15% discount, so let them know that you are skiing for Essex High School!

Outdoor Gear Exchange also has new and consignment Nordic equipment, although their selection is not as large as Ski Rack's.

Other Options
If affordability is an issue, please talk to the Nordic coach.  We do have a limited supply of skis/gear that can be borrowed if needed.  We never want a potential skier to turn away because of the price factor.  

2017 Vermont Ski Swaps

September 23

South Burlington Boosters Ski Swap
So. Burlington High School
Sale is on Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Consignment drop-off is Friday, 5 - 8 p.m., at the high school.

September 29 - October 1

Pico Ski Club Ski & Snowboard Swap and Sale
Pico Mountain Base Lodge, Mendon, Vermont
Sale is Friday from 5 - 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Consignments accepted September 23 from 3 - 5 p.m. (Pico Retail Shop); September 24 from 10 a.m. - Noon (Pico Retail Shop); September 27 from 4 - 6 p.m. (Pico Retail Shop); September 28 from 4 - 6 p.m. (Pico Base Lodge – Sunshine Room); and September 29 from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Pico Base Lodge – Sunshine Room).

September 29 & 30 

Colchester Ski/Skate Sale
Colchester High School
Sale is Friday from 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Note new days & times!)
Drop off equipment on Friday from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at the high school.  

October 6 - 8

Killington Ski & Snowboard Club Ski Swap
Ramshead Base Lodge, Killington
Sale is Friday, 5 - 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Consignment drop-off at Ramshead Base Lodge is Sept. 30, 1 - 4 p.m.; Oct. 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Oct. 5, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Oct. 6, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Oct. 7, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

October 21

Montpelier Rec Department Ski & Skate Sale
Montpelier High School
Sale is Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Drop off items on Friday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

November 4 & 5

Cochran's Ski Sale
Camel's Hump School, Richmond, Vt.
Sale is Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Consignment drop-off is Friday, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

November 17 - 19

Okemo Ski and Snowboard Swap
Main Base Lodge, Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow
Sale is Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. (3 - 4 p.m. is early-buy hour for $5 admission or free for Okemo employees); Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Equipment drop-off is at Sitting Bull Restaurant, Main Base Lodge, Okemo Mountain — enter near First Aid Building — on November 11, 12 and 15 between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This info was taken directly from Ski Maven's Vermont Ski Swap page.  They will probably update that page more frequently than I will, so please visit that site to make sure you know about later swaps.