If you are planning on going the XC route (as opposed to backcountry) I really suggest renting for a while. Figure out what you like, what you don't like. Do you want traditional nordic XC skis (your skies stay parallel to each other and move forward in a straight line) or do you want skate skies (this is what you see in the Olympics - its a blast but also a brutal workout). Gunstock has some good rentals but you should try making the trip up to Waterville. They have a world class facility and some seriously nice skis in their rental program.
Finally - although you really need groomed trails for skate skies you can definitely use nordic skis to cross the lake. I've done it a decent bit.
Good luck! Once I changed to nordic I've never gone back to the cost and crowds of downhill!
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