In an industry where fitness fads come and go, the iconic NordicTrack Pro cross-country ski machine has endured as a durable and effective exercise machine for over 40 years! Have you ever wondered about the secret to its lasting popularity and passionate cult following?
NordicTrack Pro Ski Machine
The Iconic NordicTrack Pro Skier
The NordicTrack cross-country ski machine was designed to simulate the motions of Nordic skiing and provide a way for cross-country skiers to practice. Since its patent in 1977, the original NordicTrack ski machine exerciser remained a fitness icon and fan favorite for over 40 years! The sturdy construction of the steel and oak frame led Bloomberg to comment, “once you have a NordicTrack, you never need another one.”
Cross Country Ski Exerciser Patent Drawings
In the 1990s, there were many different models of NordicTrack ski machines available, but over time, production was cut to focus solely on the best-selling model, and the company scaled back to only produce the NordicTrack Classic Pro Skier.
As of May 2023, the ski machine is still listed with other NordicTrack exercise equipment on the www NordicTrack com website, but the nordic track ski machine displays as “OUT OF STOCK.” When asked when the skier would be available in stock for purchase again, an agent confirmed that the Classic Pro Skier “is not coming back”.
Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing
NordicTrack skiers were designed to mimic the motion of cross-country Nordic skiing. Cross-country skiing is a full-body aerobic exercise that burns hundreds of calories per hour without the discomfort of high-impact exercise.
Benefits of Nordic Skiing
Using the natural motion to exercise on the NordicTrack ski machine will:
- Engage major muscle groups in the core, upper body, and lower body
- Be gentle on the feet, knees, and hips
- Burn hundreds of calories per hour while working both the “pulling” and “pushing” muscles of each region
Features of the NordicTrack Pro Ski Machine
All NordicTrack ski machines provide a non-impact exercise that is gentle on the body and easy on the joints. All skier models can be adjusted to customize the intensity of the upper and lower body workouts to help reach individual goals. The Pro model adds the ability to adjust the front elevation to work on different muscle groups.
NordicTrack Adjustable Resistance
All NordicTrack ski machines operate without a motor and are noticeably quieter than powered fitness machines. Plus, NordicTracks can be used without access to electric outlets for power! The wheeled, folding design can easily be moved and stored out of the way!
Purchase a NordicTrack Ski Machine
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to purchase a shiny new NordicTrack Pro ski machine from NordicTrack.com.
Purchase a new NordicTrack Pro ski machine
Many people wonder if purchasing a used NordicTrack skier is a smart way to pick up an at-home exercise machine. The classic wood NordicTrack machines made in the USA in the 1990s are regarded as well-built, high-quality machines — machines that have been maintained and stored with care often make a great purchase!
Used NordicTrack ski machines can be purchased locally at thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces, including Amazon, Bonanza, eBid, and Sideline Swap.
Be sure to make note of the NordicTrack skier model when you shop — the quality will vary depending on the model of the ski machine.
Learning and Using NordicTrack Ski Machines
Learning to use NordicTrack can be done in three easy steps: learning the lower body movement, adding the arm movements without any resistance, and finally, adding the upper body arm resistance for the full-body workout. Once the motion has been mastered, it is as comfortable and natural as walking.
Learn to use NordicTrack ski machines
New machines purchased from NordicTrack.com have a 30-day return policy to allow plenty of time to learn this new skill. Visit the “Tips” page for more detailed information on learning to use a NordicTrack skier.
Maintaining NordicTrack Ski Machines
NordicTrack skiers are designed to last for years, and regular maintenance will ensure this lasting experience. The durable design can handle many miles before the wearable parts need to be replaced. Fortunately, these parts are easy to purchase online and replace yourself.
Visit the “Maintenance” page for more information on maintaining your NordicTrack ski machine to run like new for years!
Upgrading a NordicTrack Ski Machine
Finally, there are a handful of ways to upgrade and improve the home workout experience on a NordicTrack.
Browse clever accessories to upgrade NordicTrack ski machines and add touches of comfort to workouts. Browse the fitness gift guide for more fitness-themed products to complete your home gym.
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What are your favorite things about the NordicTrack Pro skier?
I have a Sequoia Nordic Track I’ve used but I no longer need it. It’s fully functional. I’ll be glad to give it away to a good home or reseller. You pay the shipping.
Hi Harvey. I would be interested in this for my mom. Would you mind reaching out to me?
Hi! I bought a Nordic Track skier back when I was pregnant with my now 26 year old son and used it for years until I got bored and gave it away, something I deeply regretted over the following years. Nothing worked as well for me as that skier and I was always longing to get another one. The chinese models turned me off and I was leery of buying a used one off the internet. BUT, lo and behold, just the other day I came across one in a thrift store in my area, an older Pro model, that was available for just $30. I tried it out, bought it and am now ready to clean it up and get into a daily routine with it. My question is what Pro model could it be? I see several manuals listed on your site for different Pro Models, but I can find nothing other than ‘Nordic Track Pro’ on mine. Mine does have a monitor attached to it but that is all. Does it matter which Manual I download?
Hi Mary, Congrats on scoring a great machine locally at a fantastic price!
The NordicTrack Pro machines and manuals should all be fairly similar as far as the mechanisms and design. I would start with the newest download and if you don’t see the information that you were looking for then download an additional version to see if that helps.
I hope you enjoy reconnecting with your old friend! 🙂
Can I purchase a replacement monitor/computer for my skier pro?
Hi Susan, There are a handful of places where you can purchase different styles of NordicTrack monitors online.
There have been a number of different models produced over the years so you may want to search inventory at a few online stores to see which model / features / price you like the best!
I am not seeing NoedicTrack Excel electronic monitor readily available on eBay. Any other ideas? Expected cost?
Hi Barbara, You may want to continue to watch eBay for a monitor or contact nordicfitnessskimachines.com about the type of specific monitor that you are looking for. Good luck!
I purchased a used nordictrack classic pro. It’s in good condition, all of the wheels turn except the fly wheel. It will turn manually but not when I ski. I cleaned it with an emory board and wiped it with alcohol. The drive rollers appear to be functioning. Any trouble shooting tips on why the fly wheel won’t turn?
The tension band controls the force necessary to move the fly wheel. Loosen the band and the wheel will turn, but that is not what you want. Adjust the tension to set the force necessary to move the fly wheel when you are standing on the skis and pushing backward.
Hi,
Looking to replace the NordicTrack Sequoia flywheel sensor wire up to the vertical pole. Is there an instruction protocol to accomplish this?
Thanks
Isac
Hi,
How does the current NordicTrack Pro ski machine, which I believe is made in China, compare to old ones that were made in the US? Is the design identical? Would parts from the newer model–skis, say–work on an old model? Is the quality of materials and construction better, the same, or worse? There are many old ones for sale locally on Craigslist and Facebook for very low prices–or even free–and I’m wondering whether I should look for an old one or a newish one.
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Hi David, Many NordicTrack devotees will swear by their older US-made machines, but since it’s been so long since the machines were produced in the US, the quality of any given machine is going to depend largely on how it has been treated / stored over the years. New machines will come with a warranty.
The exercise motion and major parts should be the same if you are comparing “Pro” model skiers. If you can find a free one, then it will be hard to beat that deal!
I have a Nordic Track from the 90s. I want to sell it, but I don’t know what model it is. It doesn’t have ropes for the arm exercise, it has what looks like high handle bars that you move up and down while skiing. Can you tell me the model name and, what value it might have now? ((I think we paid about $400-$500 when we bought it new.))
Hi Robin, There were many different models sold in the 90’s, so it’s hard to say which model you have. It’s usually printed on the side of the machine though (right under / next to the NordicTrack logo). Check to see what your machine says and do an internet search on those words to see if you find a ski machine that is the same as yours.
I just purchased a new NordicTrack ski machine that arrived a month ago. It makes a loud annoying clicking noise in the arm pulley when I use it. I can feel a click on the right side when I pull it. How can I fix that or where can I find a technician?
I bought NordicTrack Pro Skier not too long, Ordered because I stopped running after moving to my new place, as the terrain is so hilly, and it was really taking a toll on my feet and knees. It’s quite good. I really don’t know why they don’t have it at health clubs because to me, it exercises you every bit as well as an elliptical, and it’s quite easy to put together, even for someone who is bad at that kind of thing.
Regards!
I used to see NordicTrack cross-country skiers at gyms & health clubs back in the 1990’s, but since I purchased my machine I haven’t needed the gym in a while. It’s defintely a great machine that gives a great workout without being harsh on the knees!
Hi Alyce,
Great post! Very good organization of your thoughts and paragraphs. Kudos there. I leave your page today feeling highly informed on the NordicTrack Pro Skier. You did a great job of detailing the benefits and specs of this work out machine. Question: have you tried this out before? Do you recommend this over a treadmill? Elliptical?
Hi Eddie, I have owned a NordicTrack Pro skier since the early 1990’s, and I also encouraged my family members to buy them as well. It’s great to have so many in the family now so that I can always do my favorite workout… which I feel like I need after Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! 😉
Personally, I find the elliptical machine movements to be a little awkward and the good machines tend to cost thousands of dollars. The NordicTrack is affordable and also has a smaller footprint (which is great if you don’t have a dedicated exercise room).
Thank you for this site. Your information is very useful fo maintenance and enhancing my NordicTrack skiing experience. I am a cross-country skier and big NordicTrack Ski Machine fan, and remember when they were the latest thing on the fitness scene. Gyms couldn’t have enough of them, people would argue over them, but then just a few years later ellipticals came along and the NordicTracks sat kind of forlornly off to the side. I acquired one somewhere years ago (probably a 505) and use it when I can’t get out or need to watch TV while I exercise.
Hi Keith, I’m glad you find the information helpful. I agree that it’s still a great exercise after all these years!
This is great! I am so glad to see people are still interested in Nordic Track Machines.
My personal all time favorite fitness machine is the versa climber, but that’s another topic.
Nordic track has been around forever, and their machines are super durable. You could get by with a vintage Nordic Track and be very pleased.
Did you read about this study? Oops – no links. OK
Well, did you read about how a ten minute workout with three 20 second super high intensity sprints could be as good as a fifty minute low intensity workout – at least as far as cardio-vascular conditioning was concerned?
I’m dying to put this information to work for myself next week. I bet you could do this kind of high intensity interval training on a Nordic Track.
What do you think?
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for sharing! It sounds like you are describing a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) style of workout. I’ve done intervals on the NordicTrack Pro and it is definitely an intense cardiovasular challenge! To boost the intensity on your NordicTrack, simply increase the leg resistance by pulling UP on the resistance, and simulateously increase the intensity for the upper body by dialing (clockwise) that intensity up as well. When you finish your interval (20 seconds), you can reset the NordicTrack to settings with less resistance to keep your body in motion (walking pace) until you get to your next intervals.
Best of luck to you with your workout goals! Regards, Alyce
Nice article Nordictrack has been one of my favorite brands to buy exercise equipment from for a while now. I see that you know your stuff. I like the video it makes the content all the better. I did not know however you could buy an item like this on bonanza. That was cool to discover since I shop on the often. May have to give this a shot..
Hi James! I’m happy to hear that you’ve learned a little bit more about the iconic NordicTrack Pro. It’s a great piece of home gym equipment that will get years of use!
Regards, Alyce
I go to the gym, but sometimes it’s kind of a stretch. So the NordicTrack Pro Ski Machine looks pretty appeasing. I like the fact that it is not to big and it is easy to store. On the treadmill I’m always tracking my time, so it’s awesome that the NordicTrack Pro Ski Machine offers that and more. Thanks for this.
Hi Emonne, Thanks for visiting NordicTrackProSkier.com! These skiers are every bit as good as a gym workout, plus they have that added convenience of being an “at home” product… no gym trips necessary!
Regards, Alyce