by Cross Country Nova Scotia, Staff, September 5, 2021
Are you hoping to enjoy time on skis this winter? Your first step is finding gear. There are a variety of options to rent, borrow, or buy equipment across the province. If you’re new to the sport, consider contacting a cross-country ski club to inquire about seasonal or daily rental options – some clubs offer members seasonal rentals at reasonable rates. Clubs can also help you coordinate private or group instruction to get you started, and offer friendly advice for trails within your ability. Keep your eye on the CCNS calendar and your municipality, for “try-it skiing” sessions.
For ease of reference, we have compiled essential skiing information, in the directory below:
>Directory: Trails, Equipment & Weather
Purchase – New
Stores specializing in cross-country ski equipment have knowledgeable gear specialists, who can help you select properly fitting equipment that matches your abilities. Ski technicians offer services to help extend the life of your equipment, such as base maintenance, tuning, prep for storage, or waxing. If you have older equipment you’re hoping to incorporate with newer gear, technicians can give you recommendations for safe equipment set-up and compatibility.
>Hub Cycle | Truro | Rossignol Nordic Race Centre for Atlantic Canada | Ski Club Supporter
>The Trail Shop | Halifax | Ski Club Supporter | Rental Equipment
>Aerobics First | Halifax
>Mountain Equipment Co-op | Halifax
Purchase – Used
Considering buying previously used gear? We encourage you to research before you purchase – to prevent buying equipment that is obsolete due to age, or boots that are not compatible with bindings. A few tips that may help you along: bring along a knowledgeable skier with you to check out equipment, research sizing guides for gear you’ve identified, or contact your local ski club or cross-country ski store experts for advice. If you are purchasing by mail, use a secure method of payment transaction with buyer protection.
>Nordic Buy, Sell, Give-Away | Private Facebook Group (open to all to join) | Nova Scotia based
>NS XC Buy / Sell / Trade | Open Facebook Group | Nova Scotia based
>Nordic Buy and Sell | Open Facebook Group | Canmore, AB based
Rent or Borrow
There are many options to rent and borrow ski equipment. Some cross-country ski clubs offer members seasonal rentals at very reasonable rates, and may offer daily rentals to visiting skiers. Municipalities coordinate equipment loans for daily and multi-day use, to residents within their communities. Rentals are also available through libraries and businesses. Contact your selected location directly for details!
| REGION | COUNTY | CITY | ORGANIZATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| EASTERN NS | CBRM | Ben Eoin | Ski Ben Eoin |
| CBRM | North Sydney | Cape Breton Nordic | |
| CBRM | Sydney | McConnel Library | |
| Highland | Antigonish | Town of Antigonish | |
| Highland | Antigonish | The Keppoch | |
| Inverness | Port Hood | Municipality of Inverness | |
| Victoria | Baddeck | Baddeck Public Library | |
| Victoria | Cape North | North Highlands Nordic | |
| Victoria | Ingonish | Victoria North Regional Public Library | |
| CENTRAL NS | Colchester | Truro | Truro Douglas Recreation Centre |
| Cumberland | Parrsboro | Parrsboro Recreation | |
| Cumberland | Ski Wentworth | Ski Wentworth | |
| Hants | West Hants | Municipality of West Hants Parks + Rec | |
| HRM | Halifax | The Trail Shop | |
| HRM | Timberlea | The Links at Brunello | |
| WESTERN NS | Annapolis | Middleton | Recreation Department |
| Lunenburg | Lunenburg | Municipality of the District of Lunenburg | |
| Kings | Berwick | tboylan@berwick.ca | |
| Kings | Kentville | Kentville · Sit ski available |
Links
>How to Choose Cross-Country Ski Gear
>Skis, Boots, and Binding Compatibility
Cross Country Nova Scotia 