Boots & Bindings
Cross-country ski boots and bindings have undergone substantial transformations in recent years. The current setup is either a leather or plastic boot and a three-pin binding, cable binding, or three-pin/cable combination. The choice of boot-binding system is mainly a matter of personal preference. Again, renting is a good way to try different options. Do make sure that you rent boots, bindings, and skis that are compatible with one another.

Clothing
Two important considerations are: dress in layers and avoid cotton. Dressing in layers allows you to wear less and stay cool while skiing, and bundle up to keep warm when resting. Layers might include polypropylene underwear, a lighter insulating layer such as a wool shirt, a heavier insulating layer such as wool sweater or synthetic fleece jacket, and a shell layer for protection against wind and rain. (Winter rains are not uncommon in the Sierra Nevada.) Cotton clothing is not suitable because it loses its insulation value when wet. Don't forget a hat, mittens or gloves, and extra socks. Also, gaiters can prevent snow from slipping inside your boots.

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