If you've been waiting to get your family out cross-country skiing,here's my first tip: don't wait any longer. Each of our children -- Eli, age 17, Sawyer, 15, and Ruby, 13 -- were on skis by age 4. Outings were little more than an hour on the neighborhood golf course or short excursions in our backyard, but these early experiences gave them confidence and introduced them to an activity they all still enjoy. Here's how to take your own family on the trail.

1. Rent Before Buying
Ski equipment can be pricey, and kids often outgrow gear from season to season, so first try out the options by renting from ski shops and Nordic centers (see No. 4). When you're ready to invest, watch for bargains. Our community, for example, holds an annual garage sale-style ski swap, where we've picked up used gear. You can also find deals at the end of the winter, when outdoor stores, ski centers, and college outing clubs offer last season's products and rentals. Just be sure to check out used equipment before you buy.

2. Match Boots and Bindings
The two most common boot/binding systems are NNN (New Nordic Norm) and SNS (Salomon Nordic System). Unfortunately, these systems are not interchangeable, so make sure those skis you find on sale are compatible with the boots you own or plan to purchase.

3. Start Waxless
Cross-country skis rely on either a waxed or a textured bottom to grip the snow. Waxless skis don't perform as well as waxable ones. But when you're a new skier, or the parents of a new skier, convenience is paramount, and waxless skis are nothing if not convenient: just clip in the boots and go. Once cross-country skiing becomes a winter staple, kids can experiment with waxable skis for better performance. For tips on waxing, watch outdoor retailer REI's video demonstration at rei.com/expertadvice/snowsports (click on "X-C Skis:Waxing for Grip").