Know some of you ladies xc ski for cross training in winter months, and I need some gear advice to get started.

I had only been xc skiing one other time in my life, like 20 years ago, and borrowed a GFs skiis, that were also from about 20 years ago, to see if I could still do it. Yep, I still remembered the concept, and what I also remember came back too--it was a great cardio workout. Plus, I love nature. I had forgotten how xc skiing can turn a "ugh, it's winter outside" day, into a sight seeing trip of what Mother Nature has to offer in the snow. There's a perfect pic of what I mean about this on another old thread on the topic of xc skiing on this site...almost makes me wish for snow ...shhh, don't let my bike hear that . ...or "stone me" thru cyberspace . btw...can't ride my bike now for a bit with some surgery recovery stuff, so maybe next time I'm up to really working out hard, there might be snow...so part of is nothing against my beloved bike

Any rate, back to square one, like being new to cycling...I need gear. I looked on line, our shops here are so small town lame, and also went to used sporting goods stores last winter. They had some gear, but none of it was quite my right size, and if like my cycling turned out to be (that I loved it), I just didn't want "to settle" for stuff at the re-sale shop that was gonna just rot in my garage because I hated it. I'd rather suck it up and pay the 1st time for something I like and will use. I'm just not exactly sure what that is?

I live in the midwest, so we don't have tons of snowy day, but enough that I think buying a pair of skiis would still pay off, versus I know you can actually rent skiis at parks, etc. I can't do anything impactive exercise wise due to some past lady pelvic support surgeries. So, I don't see myself doing any major backcountry type of skiing that involves more using your legs pulling into the pelvis area, but more groomed trails.

What are some decent quality, but middle of the road priced, skiis/gear I would need to meet my needs? Also, how do I know what size to get? What say ye, board ladies? Thanks!