It is very important to choose the right length of cross-country skis for classic or skating. After all, the comfort of riding and the ease with which you can go the distance depend on it. Sometimes it happens that with the wrong size of skis you walk 5 kilometers, and the sensations are such that you have already run all 15.

When choosing equipment for skiing, three characteristics are taken into account - the height, weight and skiing style of the athlete. If we talk about styles, then we can distinguish 3 directions in cross-country skiing (X-COUNTRY or cross country):

• Skating and a bright representative - biathlon. Marked in English as skate;
• Classic move. One of the oldest trends, well-known styles: two-step, one-step, stepless, etc.;
• Universal or walking (FITNESS, Combi). Strictly speaking, they cannot be combined, because skis can be called recreational, which are designed for walking on unprepared tracks, a distinctive feature of which is an increased width (more than 50 mm.).

We will not talk about skiing in this article, they need completely different equipment, which, in turn, is also divided into a number of areas.

There is a dependence of the length of skis on a person’s height, and it significantly affects the speed of movement and, in general, the comfort of skiing. The weight ratio is necessary to determine the required stiffness. We wrote in detail about the stiffness index in an article about, but in this publication we will analyze the importance of the correct ratio of ski size and skier height.

How to choose skis by height and guess the size?

The optimal ski length is determined by the formula:

Ideal Height = (Height * (Weight)) / (Skill Level) √ Magic Factor.

Don't be scared, it's actually easier.

For the classic move = Height + 15 cm.
For skating \u003d Height + 15-25 cm.

This is the maximum length indicator, but it can be less, but not more. This is especially important for beginners who are just starting to learn how to walk.

The length of the skis in the classic course should be 5-10 centimeters longer than the ridge. This is due to differences in walking technique.

For beginners, trainers are advised to select equipment shorter. With them it is easier to comprehend the technique of driving, to enter turns. The speed will be mediocre, but this is not the main thing. In the first workouts, you need to think about the ideal technique and the right step. That is why we do not recommend purchasing any expensive and branded skis as the first pair, such as the Austrian Fisher (Fisher) or the French Rossignol (Rossignol).

It is easy to determine the size of skis by height, the main thing is to measure your height in and already use the formula described above. Never measure with bare feet.

The length of the skis affects the maximum speed they can develop. Of course, there are a number of other factors - lubrication, snow temperature, and so on, but, all other things being equal, the athlete who goes on longer ones will be faster. But, in no case do not fall into the delusion that the larger the size, the better. The length must be strictly adjusted to the anthropometric data of the athlete, otherwise there will be problems and discomfort during training.

Ski selection table by height and weight for classics and station wagons

We have compiled a summary table that will help determine the size. The table must be used carefully and take into account your skills and skill level, sometimes it happens that the numbers from these sizes do not suit a particular person.

Below is a table with the size of skis for skating:

height, see	Size, see
150	160-165
155	165-170
160	170-175
165	175-180
170	180-185
175	185-190
180	190-195
185	195-200
190	200-205

If cross-country skiing is not your passion, then check out the publication on. The principle is the same, only the features of skiing are taken into account. This is an increased load on the sliding surface during the descent and sharp turns, which require a certain geometry and length of deflections.

What is the weight of the skier?

Do not forget that when choosing cross-country skis by height, you should definitely take into account the weight of the owner, the stiffness of the material depends on it. This applies to people who weigh more than 70 kg, to everyone who is less, it doesn’t matter, since any minimum ski stiffness will be sufficient for them.

We wrote about how to pick up ski poles in. The article examined in detail all the important characteristics, from the material of the handle to the lanyard.

best posts
Ours will help you choose the right length of sticks. He calculates the size of the sticks for all varieties of winter sports.

How to choose skis for a child by height?

For teenagers and children over six years old, the size of the skis is selected in the same way. We use adult formulas, which are indicated at the beginning of the article. We advise children of preschool return to choose shorter skis, the same height as the child himself, or a little more, literally 5 cm.

A kid at this age is a beginner, which is why equipment is selected based on learning the walking technique. And this is easiest to do on short skis.

In no case do not buy skis and sticks for growth. Yes, it may seem cost-effective, but the child will suffer and may lose interest in skiing altogether.

Post Scriptum

At the end, we advise you to watch a video with tips and tricks from a sports store seller.

In general, there is nothing difficult in choosing the length and size of cross-country skis, the main thing is to remember the basic formula that is above, well, you can save yourself a size plate or print it. In this case, you will go to the store already prepared.

The onset of the cold season does not mean at all that you need to hide at home under cozy bedspreads, as winter provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. And it is precisely this kind of rest that should accompany your leisure time in order to keep you in good physical shape and help improve your health. Skiing is a full-fledged workout of all major muscle groups with maximum performance, and even in the fresh air. For example, you can go skiing, familiar to us from childhood. Despite the fact that in recent years more and more fans of alpine skiing have begun to appear, there are also lovers of more relaxed cross-country skiing. However, before choosing skis for skating, you need to decide what types of these products are in general.

Main varieties

Cross-country skiing according to its purpose is usually divided into two main types: for classic and skating. In the classic style of skiing, the skier moves the skis parallel to each other, and in skating, the athlete steps in the same way as skaters walk, that is, he uses the inside of the ski to push off the snow. That is why it is worth knowing how to choose skis for skating, so that when you visit an online store or a regular sports equipment store, you will be guided by your needs.

Production material

If we talk about what these products can be made of, then there are only two options - plastic and different types of wood. The former have a whole range of advantages over the latter, as they are characterized by strength, durability and the ability to develop significant speeds. They do not delaminate, which cannot be said about wooden ones, which are prone to changing their properties as a result of repeated contacts with water. However, the main advantage of wooden skis is their cost, which makes them an excellent option for beginners who are just starting to take their first hard steps in the snow.

Skating ski parameters

Knowing the basic parameters will help answer the question of how to choose skis for skating. What to choose, in the end, will depend on their rigidity and length. The selection process should be as thorough as possible, since the convenience of the skier depends on this, but the personal preferences of the athletes also play a significant role in this situation. It is important to understand that skis are intended for skating, which are shorter and more rigid compared to the classics, but here it should be remembered that hard skis are much more difficult to manage. If you answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by height, then it must be borne in mind that their length should be 10 cm more than the athlete’s height.

Subtleties of choice

Skis for skating differ from classic models in the absence of curved noses, and their height, as already mentioned, should be only 10 cm more than the skier's height. When buying this option, it is very important to choose the right stiffness. Ideally, it should be calculated as follows: skis must be installed on a flat surface, after which a person stands on them, evenly distributing their weight on both skis. Next, you need to take a probe, it can even be a sheet of paper to measure the clearance area between the floor and the ski in front and behind in relation to the boot. It should be approximately 35-40 and 10-15 cm, respectively. After the skier transfers the entire body weight to one ski, the clearance zone should become 10 cm smaller and less in the back and front, while the gap should end earlier than the heel of the boot is located.

However, not every store will allow you to do such a check, so you can use another method. If you are deciding how to choose skis for skating, then there is another option for checking them. It is required to install the skis vertically, fold them to each other with sliding surfaces, put your hands on the blocks, and then squeeze them with force. If the gap between the skis is about 3-4 mm, then they are quite suitable for you, and with a gap of 1-2 mm, we can conclude that they are too soft for you.

So, now you understand how to choose skis for skating in terms of stiffness. Now it is worth saying that it is not recommended to buy these products in a hypermarket. It would be best to go to a sports store, where you can, with the help of a consultant, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Usually, such specialists are well versed in how to choose skis for skating. Fisher is a popular brand to look out for as it produces high quality products at a reasonable price. Each manufacturer has its own line for each category of skis, with different features and prices. In this case, the choice of one or another option depends primarily on how much you are willing to spend.

ski boots

If we talk about how to choose skis for skating, then one of the important attributes in this case are ski boots. They should be rigid, high, fix the ankle. For these purposes, it is completely inappropriate to use classic boots, since they are low, and the legs in them will get tired very quickly during such skating. As a result, you will not get any pleasure. The size should correspond to the size of the foot, while there is no need to leave a margin for woolen socks. Modern boots are characterized by density, softness, and their thermal parameters are designed for use with one toe, but rather dense.

The right choice of boots is an additional answer to the question of how to choose skis for skating. Much distinguishes them from the classics, so in the store you should once discard all unsuitable options. Boots may well become the most expensive part of the “skis - bindings - boots - poles” set, but you should not save on them, because poles and skis can be changed next season, and boots will last you another 10-15 years, no less.

ski poles

There is one general principle here: the lighter the sticks, the better. The same principle applies to skis and boots. Lighter sticks are made from carbon fiber or carbon fiber, but they are quite expensive, so it is recommended to take fiberglass products. They are characterized by rigidity, lightness and relative cheapness. If we talk about how to choose skis for skating by height, then it is important to know that poles should also be selected according to height. On average, their length should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete himself. But even here it is possible that the skier will select sticks according to his own criteria, because it is convenient for everyone to use them in different ways.

Ski waxing

If it has already been said about how to choose skis for skating, now it is necessary to decide on the preparation of skis for operation, and this is impossible without their lubrication. In professional circles, at least ten layers of different lubricants and accelerator powders are applied to the sliding surface using a special iron, scrapers and brushes. Skating enthusiasts do not need to resort to such tricks, but they cannot completely abandon the use of lubricant. It's all about the composition of the sliding surface of the skis, because it consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, and it begins to gradually wear out from constant contact with snow. If you do not lubricate the skis, then this surface will gradually turn into completely unsuitable for skiing, which will require you to carry the skis to a professional for the scraping operation. After every 2-3 rides, it is recommended to rub the skis with special purpose paraffin, and then rub it with a stiff brush. Manufacturers have taken care of the laziest as well, for these purposes they produce aerosols that must be used before each ride.

skating

If your decision to learn how to ski is pretty solid, then you should first decide what style of skiing you will use. In accordance with this, you also need to purchase skis. Not so long ago, people began to skate - in the eighties of the twentieth century. The ancestor of this style is considered Gunde Svan - the legendary skier from Sweden, who became the Olympic champion four times.

The peculiarity of this type of skiing is that the athlete is repelled from the track by the inside of the ski. At the same time, the route should have a large width, and also be well-packed. The advent of skating style has led to a change in the familiar look of traditional classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the fact that these are shorter skis with blunt noses, these are also products with a center of gravity shifted by 25 cm. In this case, in order to answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight and height, you need to understand that not only the type of snow is important here, but also your personal preferences.

If you just love Sunday skiing in the snow, then your best bet is to opt for models of medium and low hardness. Very rigid products have quite significant drawbacks - they spring and slip at the moment of push. But here it is important to understand that their rigidity is proportional to their own weight - the larger this indicator, the greater the rigidity should be. For children, only soft skis should be selected. With their help, the process of mastering skiing will be much easier. Buying skis "for growth" is the most significant mistake of parents. This is with regard to the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight.

The length is selected according to the formula already indicated earlier: height plus 10-15 cm. For sticks, the formula is a bit similar - height minus 20 cm. How to choose shoes has already been said earlier.

Mounts

Another important point that concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating. It is associated with the choice of mounts for them. For amateur skiers, experts usually recommend stopping at NORDIK 75 bindings. In general, these devices can be mechanical or automatic. The first option involves manual latching, and their reliability is quite high. Automatic bindings have a peculiarity in that they work after the boot bracket is placed in the groove. This type for amateurs will be the best choice.

Fisher skis

How to choose skis for skating "Fischer"? There is something to say here. Why do people prefer this particular brand? These are high quality skis with excellent performance. The main advantage of Fischer skating skis is their highest strength and a special hollow core, which makes the body as light as possible. In addition, many models are produced using advanced technologies, for example, in the carrier material there are special carbon fibers that take on the task of providing maximum flexibility with extreme strength. Perfect skating comfort is ensured by the use of a patented profile. Reducing the mass of skis became possible due to the use of a holey toe.

Another advantage of these products is the maximum removal of reference points. This allows the athlete to gain the maximum stability that can be required in biathlon training and competition. We continue to figure out how to choose skis for skating. Reviews of the products of this brand speak of their wide temperature range. For example, in their lineup there are representatives focused on riding on dirty snow or during a thaw. However, practice shows that they are well suited for training in cold weather, and you don’t even need to use any special lubricants. This versatility is quite captivating.

The only disadvantages of Fisher skis are their high cost, which is beyond the reach of most domestic consumers. For professional products, the price is 30 thousand rubles or more, which is quite expensive for amateurs. But the brand also presents standard modifications that have good characteristics.

conclusions

Now you understand how to choose skis for skating. Photos of these products and pictures of skiers demonstrate that this is a very important task, because they not only provide the convenience of skiing, but also the safety of the athlete. It is not necessary to immediately buy these products for yourself, you can limit yourself to renting skis. This will allow you to feel in practice which option will be most convenient for you. And if you don’t have such an opportunity, then all the indicated recommendations should be useful to you. Good luck with your choice and happy riding!

Skiing is one of the most popular sports and also a favorite hobby of many people. Someone prefers extreme driving, others are not averse to calmly ride in the park. In any case, when buying modern skis, it is important to take into account not only the riding style and terrain features, but also indicators such as the height and weight of the skier. It is difficult to make a choice today, as hundreds of models are presented in sports equipment stores, both for skating and for walking. Let's try to figure out the main indicators that you need to pay attention to when choosing skis.

Selection of skis based on the height and weight of the skier

The selection of skis for height differs depending on the type of product. It is also worth considering the length and stiffness of the ski. For example, beginner athletes are advised to choose shorter models. On such products, you will be able to move around with any convenient technique, but if a beginner acquires skating skis, then he will not be able to ride them in a classic style. Therefore, consider the most popular types of skis.

Ski selection for classic skiing

Classic type skis are distinguished by their configuration, as they must always be parallel to each other when moving along the track. As a rule, such products are longer than skating ones, but the maximum value does not exceed 207 cm. In addition, they are distinguished by their softness, this is necessary so that when repulsed, the ski block touches the snow surface, in which case the products will not slip back during the push. But such skis should not be too soft either, otherwise, during sliding, the block will bend too much, deepening into the snow, as a result of which they will slow down.

When choosing the stiffness of a suitable ski model, weather conditions should be taken into account. For example, soft and elastic products are more suitable for cold winters, since in this case you do not need to apply a large layer of ointment. But for positive temperatures it is better to choose rigid models.

Professional skiers differ in their riding style, as a rule, they push off the snow surface with a powerful push, so for the “pros” hard products are suitable, on which athletes can do a long ride.

If you choose classic type skis, then their length should exceed your height by 25-30 cm. Sticks, unlike Nordic walking poles, on the contrary, it is better to choose 25-30 cm less height, although if you have excellent physical fitness and strive to increase the load, you can also purchase longer products.

To choose skis by weight, you need to check how stiff they are for your body weight. To do this, just use the flex tester. First you need to find the center of gravity of each ski and put a mark on this place with a marker. After that, you need to put the products on a flat surface and stand on them. In this case, the toes of the boots should be located on the line marked earlier. Try to relax and evenly distribute your weight on both legs. Have someone take a thin sheet of paper or a feeler gauge no thicker than 0.2 mm and pass it under one ski. In this case, the tester must move freely at a distance of 20 to 40 cm forward and backward from the marked center of gravity. If a sheet of paper or a probe does not go further than 5 cm, you need to take softer skis.

There is a similar method for determining the rigidity of products. To do this, all the weight must be transferred to one leg. Next, you also need to use paper or a probe, which should move freely 10-15 cm from the control point.

Selection of skis for skating

Skating skis are called so because during the movement the skier uses the same running technique as the skater. To do this, he pushes off the snow surface with the inside of the ski, transferring at that moment all his weight to the sliding ski and vice versa. It is worth noting that skating is more suitable for those who have well-trained arms and body.

In terms of length, this type of ski is shorter than classic skis, their maximum length is no more than 192 cm. While skating, the athlete should not come into contact with the middle part of the ski with the surface. Therefore, such models should be tougher than classic ones. And if you plan to use them only for walking, then it is better to choose products that are more elastic and soft, on which it is easier to maintain balance.

In order to decide how to choose skis for skating by height, it is enough to remember the following: such models should be 15 cm larger than the athlete’s height, and poles 15 cm smaller. Thus, the size of the skis for height will be optimal.

In order to determine the weight, on skating skis it is also necessary to determine the center of gravity, put a mark on it and stand on the products, distributing the weight. The probe or paper in this case should move freely 40 cm to the nose of the products and 10 cm from the heel of the boot to the back of the ski. If you stand on one ski, then 10 cm must be subtracted from these values.

Selection of combined skis

This type of ski can be used for both skating and classic skiing. The maximum length of the combined models is 200 cm. But to use different riding styles, it is better to choose skis no longer than 192 cm, in which case the “heels” will not touch each other during skating. The design of the Combi skis is more reminiscent of the classic models, but their length should be determined a little differently. Combination skis should be 20 cm longer than the height of the skier, and as usual, it is better to choose poles 20 cm shorter, unless you plan to train with increased loads.

The selection of skis by height and weight, the table of indicators of which is presented below, will not take much time. Most importantly, do not forget to take into account other characteristics. If we talk about mini-skis for children, then there is another story, which we will consider in more detail.

Skier's height, cm	Length of walking (combined) skis, cm
190	205-210
185	205-210
180	200-205
175	195-200
170	190-195
165	185-190
160	180-185
155	175-180
150	170-175
145	160-170
140	150-160
130	140-150
120	130-140
110	120-130

Selection of children's skis

When choosing sports equipment for young skiers, it is necessary first of all to assess the level of preparation of the child for such training. For children, it is better to choose products that do not develop high speed, manageable and reliable. If we talk about growth, then:

• Skis for children 3 years old should be 100 cm long, provided that the height of the baby is also 1 m. If less, then it is better to choose shorter models;
• Children's skis from 4 years old should be no more than 110 cm long, with a similar height;
• It is better to purchase children's skis from 5 years old with a length of 120 cm, while the height of the child should be about 115 cm.

The remaining indicators (for children from 6 to 11 years old) can be found in the table.

Child's height, (cm)	Ski size, (cm)	Approximate age, years
120	130	6
125	140	7
130	150	8
135	150/160	9
140	165	10
145	170	11

As with the choice of adult skis, purchasing products for a child must take into account its weight. The shortest skis with a length of 70 cm are ideal for children weighing up to 20 kg. Further, the division proceeds as follows:

• If the baby's weight is 20-32 kg, then choose models with a length of 90 cm;
• For children weighing 32-42 kg, products with a length of 100 cm are more suitable;
• If your child weighs more than 41 kg, then when choosing skis, you need to build on the height of the young skier (while the skis should reach the nose).

The choice of children's skis based on the height and weight of the child is very important, since only with the right ratio of these indicators will children be able to train correctly. If your child has not yet practiced winter riding, then choose skis for him that will reach his chin, that is, shorter models.

In custody

When choosing skis, also consider the manufacturer of sports equipment. Cheap analogues will have the worst grip on the snow surface, so it is better to give preference to companies that have proven themselves in this industry. Before buying, it is better to try to ride on the model you like, since in this matter everything is very individual and depends on your weight, height, fitness level and physical activity.

What skis to choose for a beginner

Cross-country, walking and "SUVs" - what you need if you are on a ski track for the first time.

How to choose the right skis for a beginner, what types of skis are available, and what to look for - a guide to the main winter sports purchase from Soviet Sport Life & Style.

What skis are

Skiing is varied. Before buying, you need to understand exactly how and where you are going to ride: in the nearest park with children, in the mountains or on special race tracks. Depending on this, you should choose the type of skis.

Race or competition skis. They are divided into skis for skating and for classic skiing. The first ones are more rigid and shorter (the maximum length rarely reaches 190 cm), which allows the athlete to push off and spring along the rolled snow flooring without a ski track. The second ones are longer (often over 200 cm), softer, with pointed toes. The average width of racing skis is 44-48 mm.

Skis for tourism (Back Country). Wide (average width 75 mm) and long (up to 200 cm). These parameters help to overcome impassability, crust and not “fall through” into the snow.

Skiing. Designed for various types of skiing in the mountains. As a rule, they are shorter (less than 170 cm in length) and wider than cross-country skis.

Walking skis. Cross-country skiing for recreation and fitness. They can be used in parks and on special tracks. They are suitable for both classic and (slightly less) skating, so this type of ski is also called combined. In sports shops, this type is usually the most common. Can be wider than racing skis (over 48 mm): it is believed that the wider the skis, the easier it is to stand on them.

Summary: Pleasure skis are best suited for a beginner who is going to ride in city parks or suburban forests.

Which skis to choose: with a notch or without

If you are going to ski in a classic way, you should choose skis with a notch on the sliding surface. The notch “holds” the skis, helps them not to slip back. Such skis do not need to be lubricated with ointments. But they have disadvantages: notches (often made of plastic) do not allow to develop high speed and can slip on icy surfaces and on a hard track.

Smooth skis without notches will require special lubrication. Lubrication improves gliding properties, allows you to gain maximum speed or reduces kickback and slipping back. Holding ointments are applied under the ski block - from the heel of the boot to 10-25 centimeters up from the mount on the sliding side. Glide ointments - along the entire length of the ski. Lubrication must be removed and changed depending on the temperature outside, soft or hard snow

Summary: it is better for a beginner to purchase skis with notches. They are versatile and easy to use. To ride such skis, you do not need to learn the technique of lubrication.

Which skis to choose according to stiffness

For normal skiing in a classic style on a ski track, soft and medium (soft-medium) degrees of hardness are used. If you stand on such skis, they should almost completely touch the floor under the block (boot and mount) - the allowable gap will be about 0.5 mm. When transferring body weight to one leg, a small (0.2-0.3 mm) gap should also remain. You can check this if you put a regular sheet of paper under the sliding surface of the skis - the sheet should move under your foot.

Hard skis are used for skating: the gap between the floor and the block when you are on skis should be 1-2 mm (sometimes more).

Summary: choose skis of medium hardness - with a gap of about 0.5-0.7 mm between the surface and the block. If you find it difficult to independently determine the stiffness of skis, contact the seller. The shops have special equipment for determining the stiffness of skis - the so-called. flex testers.

How to choose skis by height

The “average” rule for choosing skis by height: if you are going to ski in a classic style, the length of the skis should be your height + 25-30 cm. If you are looking for skis for skating, add 10-15 cm to your height. For skating, add to a height of 10-15 cm. If the skis chosen along the length turn out to be too “soft” (completely, without a gap, they will lie on the floor when you stand on them) - take a longer pair.

For detailed instructions on how to choose skis by length - with growth tables, see our website.

Articles | How to choose skis and poles for height

How to choose ski boots

The selection criteria are about the same as when buying skis. Boots for skating are more rigid: their soles practically do not bend, the boot holds the ankle well.

For a “classic move”, such a boot will not be very comfortable. If you are going to ride in this style, choose boots with soft soles, lower. Their flexibility will allow you to push off without discomfort. If you are going to alternate riding styles, look for combination boots with medium hard soles.

You need to try on ski boots with the sock in which you are going to ski. Otherwise, you can buy shoes that are tight. Socks for skiing should have a function of moisture removal: such socks will save you from chafing and blisters on your feet.

After you have decided on the type and model of skis on which you will run, you can proceed to the choice of the length of cross-country skis.

Properly selected ski length for classic skiing must ensure full deflection of the ski during the push phase, and no friction between the ski block and the snow during the sliding phase.
Correct ski length for skating, does not allow the skis to fully push through during the push phase.

On properly selected skis for skating, it is almost impossible to run in a classic course, due to the fact that during the push phase the skating skis do not touch the block with snow and the ski slips.

For your convenience, we have indicated the recommended weight of the skier in the product card of the Cross-country ski catalog opposite each size of the ski (see the picture on the left). When choosing a cross-country ski model, you should take into account the level of your sports training, especially for classic skis. Models of skis of a higher level of skier training are designed for a more powerful push and, accordingly, will be more rigid at the same recommended weight parameters.

Note that skiers weighing over 100 kg will not easily find a pair of skis that fully meet the above requirements, since skis, especially entry-level skis, are usually designed for weights up to 100 kg. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the most rigid pair of skis available. If you cannot find a pair of skis that are stiff enough, choose skis designed for a higher level of training.

Ways to select the length of cross-country skis

There are two ways to select the length of skis:

By skier's weight
- according to the height of the skier

The selection of skis for the height of the skier is suitable for a person who has a normal weight. This method of selection is fast, but not always accurate.

The correct way to select the length of the ski is to select by the weight of the skier

Below we consider both methods for selecting the length of cross-country skis:

Selection of skis according to the weight of the skier

The stiffness of skis can be measured in several ways: a) using a special stiffness meter - a flex tester, b) on a flat surface or a special board for measuring the stiffness of skis, c) with sufficient experience, you can preliminarily estimate the stiffness simply by squeezing a pair of skis with your hands, d) use a table for selecting the length of a ski by weight, sometimes offered by manufacturers. As we wrote above, for your convenience, we indicated in the product card opposite each ski size on the Option Selection tab, the recommended weight of the skier.

When choosing cross-country skis for a classic course, special care is required, since it depends on how comfortable you can ride on the selected pair. When choosing skis for a classic run, one must take into account one's own weight (for athletes, additionally: the power of the push with the foot, the weather conditions under which the skis are supposed to be used, and, of course, personal preferences). Cold weather skis tend to be softer and more elastic than plus weather skis. In cold weather, as a rule, it is not necessary to apply thick layers of ointment and this allows you to take a softer pair, and at positive temperatures or at a slight minus, the thickness of the applied ointment layer is much larger and the stiffness of the ski should be greater so that the deflection can compensate for the difference in the thickness of the ointment layer, especially when using liquid and ground lubricants.
High-level athletes with a powerful push are advised to choose skis that are somewhat stiffer. On such a pair, an athlete can do a long ride without contact of the holding area with snow. For people less trained, it is recommended to choose softer skis, on which it is easier to get a reliable "hold" of the ointment. In addition, on a soft elastic pair, it is easier to maintain balance during the rental.

The procedure for selecting classic skis

The procedure for selecting classic skis consists in assessing how they suit you in terms of stiffness, as well as determining the area for applying holding waxes.

Find the center of gravity (balance line) of each ski, mark it with a marker, place your skis on a flat surface and stand on them so that your shoe toes are on the balance line.
- Distribute body weight evenly on both legs and ask an assistant to pass a thin sheet of paper or a 0.2 mm thick probe under the ski. With the correct selection of skis for stiffness, the probe or paper should move freely under the ski at a distance of up to 25-40 cm (depending on the length of the ski) forward from the balance line, and also back from the balance line to the end of the boot (here, deviations of 1-2 see one way or the other).
- If the probe moves less forward, use a longer or stiffer pair of skis. If the probe moves back further than the heel of the boot by 3-5 cm or more, take a shorter or softer pair of skis.
- Transfer your body weight to one ski as a whole and ask an assistant to pass a thin sheet of paper or a 0.2 mm thick probe under the ski. The probe or paper should move freely forward from the balance line by 10 - 15 cm (depending on the length of the skis), as well as back from the balance line to about the middle of the foot.
- Transferring your body weight to one ski, rise on your toe, simulating repulsion. Have an assistant check that the probe or paper is fully clamped and cannot move freely.

If the skis meet all the requirements listed above, then they are suitable for you in terms of stiffness. Depending on the individual characteristics of your classic skiing technique, the skis may be slightly less stiff than recommended, especially if you do not have a sharp push or you do not strive for the highest performance in cross-country skiing, but prefer comfortable skiing with reliable "keeping" skis.

When choosing skating skis, such careful measurements are not required as when choosing classic ones. When choosing a skating pair of skis, the personal preferences of the skier are more important. Skating skis should be stiffer than classic ones. But keep in mind that hard skis are more demanding in terms of control and balance when rolling, so when choosing skis designed for walking or light training, it is better to consider more elastic and soft skis. When checking the stiffness of skating skis, use the thinnest feelers (0.1 or 0.2 mm) or a thin sheet of paper.

The main criteria for the correct selection of skating skis:
- When distributing body weight on two skis, the free movement zone of the probe must be at least 40 cm forward from the balance line (for short skis this distance can be 20-30 cm) and about 10 cm back from the heel of the boot.
- When loading one ski, this area should decrease, but not more than 10 cm in front, while the gap should not end under the heel of the boot.
- When simulating repulsion with the toe of the boot, a gap of a total length of 30 to 40 cm should be maintained, while the area directly under the boot should not be clamped.
- When choosing skate skis for competitions, it is desirable to take into account the weather conditions under which the skis will be used. For soft tracks with fresh snow, soft skis with elastic socks are better suited. For hard and icy skiing, it is advisable to use hard skis in which stiffness starts from the very socks. If skis are chosen for use in cold or dry weather, attention should be paid to the fact that the toes of the skis do not diverge to the sides when the pair is compressed. This will ensure even distribution of pressure over the entire sliding surface of the ski.

When choosing combined skis, you should follow the same recommendations as when choosing skis for a classic course.

Selection of skis according to the height of the skier

The rules for selecting skis by length for skating, classic skiing and walking skis are different. Below is a general recommendation for choosing the length of skis for height. If your weight is higher than normal, then you need to choose longer skis. If less than normal, then - shorter. This recommendation does not apply to racing skis, as they are available in several stiffness options for the same ski length. We remind you that this method is fast, but not always accurate. This method is suitable for skiers of normal weight.

Selection of the length of skis for skating

Skis for skating must be 10-15 cm longer than the height of the skier. The maximum length of the skating ski is 192 cm

Selection of ski length for classic skiing

Selection of the length of combined skis

Combined skis are selected in the range of 15-20 cm more than their own height. The maximum length of the combined ski is 192-200 cm