Seeking advice re: returning to XC skiing after a 20+ year hiatus (probably did more alpine than XC skiing in my youth). Would people recommend classic or skate XC skis? I’d like whatever would be most versatile, and most amenable to participating in any group XC skiing ONEC organizes (I have snowshoes already). For XC skiing on my own time, the trail nearest to me is the “Snow Jam” one that starts near the Mill Street pub/pump station near Lebreton flats.

Also, if I were to order skis online with binding, would I be able to go to a brick & mortar shop to find the right shoes without having to lug the skis there, or would it be better to just purchase everything (including the skis) in-person? I’m open to new or used.