Hypothermia, be gone! XC skiing in Norway, seeking clothing help

Tandem Affinity's advice looks good to me - just remember to emphasise mobility. You can't really get away with the heavy trousers and jackets downhill skiers wear for long. That said, you'll need to dress a lot warmer when learning than you will later, as it will inevitably involve a lot of standing around talking, then falling over. Once you get going you'll find the exertion keeps you warm - it's not unusual to ski in a single layer of lycra, light windbreaker and gloves when it's well, well below zero. Just be sure to have a warm jacket waiting where you stop.

I am usually too hot if anything when I cross country ski (admittedly not in Norway but certainly in temps well below freezing). Layers are key, and a place to put your bulky layers when you take them off. Unless it's windy I often end up taking off my hat and gloves, though I need them when I start out. Of course, as soon as you stop moving, you need to put something on to keep all that nice heat in. I aim to be a little bit chilly when I first start out, then I'm pretty comfy by the time I get going. Your hat (especially with the hood) will likely keep you warm, but it will get sweaty and gross. When choosing gloves, make sure they're not so bulky that you can't comfortably hold your poles. Also I really like to wear http://www.fieldandtrek.com/regatta-cayman-gaiter-780031?colcode=78003124 - keeps the snow out of your shoes. For bottoms I will often just wear tights/yoga pants and gaiters (with a top layer that covers my bum). Sunglasses are a good idea. Snow is bright!

Consider a http://www.bigrays.com/shop/search.php?pg=1&sprice=&stype=&scat= (like a short tube of fleece, far superior to a scarf ). My hands get really cold. I don't wear gloves and would suggest mittens. Also maybe some chemical hand warmers (HotHands are what we have) --- again good if your hands get cold. It's what they give the kids during ski lessons. As a beginning skier, you may or may not get super overheated. But layers are always a good idea.

I wear: - Silk long underwear (pants and shirt). Any base layer is fine though. - Fleece top (a wool sweater works too). - Gortex pants & jacket. Wind pants and a rain jacket would be fine too though, just nothing cotton. You are going to fall at least once, and being wet is no fun at all. - Mittens with glove liners and a thin hat that easily fits into a pocket in case I need to remove it. - Sunglasses (any that you have are fine). Honestly, you are more likely to overdress than underdress. The biggest worry is actually getting hungry out there, so be sure to bring water and high-density snacks with a lot of protein and fat.

For legs I wear a wicking layer of long johns with a windproof, breathable shell. Roughly the same thing on top. I like the standard wool mittens with the flipping finger cover but if it extra cold then wear a pair of silk gloves underneath. I also wear a fleece neck gaiter and a watch cap. Socks are most important - silk underneath wool work well. Carry a rucksack with extra socks or fleece just in case, along with water and a snack or two. I like to carry emergency chemical hand or foot warmers just in case and they have saved my toes. I wouldn't worry too much about sunglasses in Norway, in winter. Do they have a sun in winter?

Sunglasses can't hurt especially in the middle of the day. Glare off of the snow can be awful and having something over your eyes helps if there is blowing snow in the air. Sunglasses can be annoying in "flat light" situations which makes it harder to see contours in the snow but in that case you just take them off.

I wear pants made out of windblocking fleece. The brand is SportHill. I bought mine ten years ago, but http://www.sporthill.com/products2011.php?ProductGroup=2100 an updated version of what I wear. On a particularly cold day, I will also wear a base layer under those pants. You don't mention socks, but you'll want some. Wool or wool blend. Something made for hiking or skiing. I don't wear sunglasses, but many people do. Snow glare is a real thing.

I wear a single pair of fleece pants, thickness depends on the temperature. If its really cold I wear softshell. Then one winter weight baseline on top (under armour cold gear, mt hardwear butter zip-t, expedition weight long underwear which is basically a fleece) and a windbreaker. For learning I would add a warmish coat, not down, maybe a ski coat, and bring a backpack to put it in if you get hot. Bring water. My hands freeze so I use mitts and start out with a handwarmer usually but for learning I'd bring heavier gloves probably.

You're most likely going to be warmer than you think, and you don't want to be so warm that you freeze when stopping because you are coated in sweat. But this has to be balanced with being warm ENOUGH when you're skiing. I usually dress much the same way I would if running under the same weather conditions: Base layer of running tights and long-sleeve athletic fiber shirt, with an outer layer of baggier running pants, and a fleece top (liner for my Columbia jacket, usually; add the outer shell too if it's really windy). Hat, gloves/mittens, maybe a balaclava to keep your face warm. Thick, long socks too! If you are in fresh powder or breaking trail you'll also want a pair of http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html to keep snow out of your boots.