The takeaway: One of the best and most affordable ways to get out in the winter is to cross-country ski. Cross-country skiing requires little in the way of skill and no expensive lift tickets. Buying used cross-country ski gear can help you save even more money so you can get out and explore winter.
Cross-country skiing is the easy, affordable way to get out and enjoy the mountains this winter. Whether you're new to the sport or a veteran, one of the best ways to enjoy cross-country skiing without breaking the bank is by opting for used gear. Read on to learn more.
Cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, is a full-body workout. Unlike downhill skiing, which requires lifts and specialized terrain, cross-country skiing can be enjoyed almost anywhere there’s snow and public access. From groomed trails in parks to untouched wilderness areas, the possibilities are endless. In the Durango area you will find groomed trails at the Hillcrest Golf Course, Vallecito reservoir, Chicken Creek, and near Purgatory ski area.
What makes cross-country skiing particularly appealing is its low-impact nature, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Can you walk? Then you can learn to cross-country ski. (Can’t walk? There are many adaptive tools available that allow people of different abilities to cross-country ski too.) Whether you're looking to improve your cardiovascular health, build strength, or simply enjoy the outdoors, this sport offers a gentle yet effective way to get out and enjoy our incredible landscape.
Investing in brand-new skiing equipment can be expensive, especially if you're just getting started. Purchasing used gear offers several advantages:
Affordability: Used equipment is often available at a fraction of the cost of new gear.
Sustainability: By choosing used gear, you're contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Stress-free experimentation: When you buy used gear, you can experiment with different types of skis, boots, and poles without the pressure of making the perfect purchase. This flexibility allows you to find what works best for you as you develop your skills. Get boots that don’t exactly fit? Sell ‘em back and buy new used ones.
Less worry about wear and tear: When you're not using brand-new, shiny equipment, you can focus more on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about every scratch or scuff.
Each fall, winter, and spring, Durango Outdoor Exchange is packed with used and new gear that will get you on the snow. At the Exchange you can find:
Used cross-country skis for skate, traditional, and backcountry skiing, both with and without bindings, as well as poles
Used boots for all types of cross-country skiing
New and used shells and pants, as well as base and mid layers
New socks and gloves
Backpacks for carrying everything from a water bottle to a baby
Everything else you might need, from sunglasses to lip balm to ski wax
Fit and comfort: Boots should fit snug but not too tight. Of course, they also need to be compatible with the bindings on your skis. Make sure a pro looks at your boots and bindings to ensure compatibility.
Ski length and style: The length of the skis should correspond to your height and skiing ability. Classic cross-country skis are generally longer, while skate skis are shorter. If you are a beginner or intermediate, a few inches too long or too short won’t matter.
Condition of skis: Check the bases of the skis for any deep scratches or gouges. Minor wear and tear is normal but significant damage can affect performance. Also, inspect the bindings to make sure they are in good working order.
Poles: Poles should reach your armpit when standing upright, with baskets that are appropriate for the type of snow you'll be skiing on.
Selling your gear is simple–make sure it’s clean and works as it should, then bring it to our consignment desk in the store. We will create an account for you and when your gear sells, you get store credit or cash.
Want to buy used gear but not sure what is best for you? Let our pros help you find the best used cross-country ski gear in Durango.
For many hikers, summiting one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks is a lifetime achievement. Others make it their entire personality, working for years and even decades to climb all of them. Some make a goal of climbing them all in a single season while others try to ski them all.
Summer is here, and Durango and the rest of Southwest Colorado and the greater Four Corners is your playground. Accessible just a short drive from Durango is everything from low-desert rivers to high-alpine tundra, and there’s just about everything in between. If you’re into outdoor rec, this is the spot for you, and Durango Outdoor Exchange is here to help make it happen.
This is your ultimate field guide to outdoor recreation and the gear you need for a summer in and around Durango. In it you’ll find a rundown of local recreational opportunities and the gear each sport requires, plus recommendations for staying safe and dry.
Overheating in the outdoors can be more than an annoyance—it can be dangerous.
From heat exhaustion to heatstroke, overheating can damage organs, leave you hobbled, cause disorientation, and worse. With summer here, it’s time to learn which gear can help you stay cool.
We see firsthand how proper gear helps people stay cool, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors. If you’re planning to hike, bike, paddle, camp, or explore this summer, here are some of the best types of gear to help keep things comfy.