How to choose cross-country skis, we make the right choice of all types of cross-country skis

In order to choose cross-country skis, first you need to decide on the types of cross-country skis. If you have not yet decided on this, then read on, I hope after my explanations, it will become clearer to you which type of cross-country skiing you have decided to choose. Be sure to read the entire article, then, to consolidate the material - watch the video at the end of the article.

Types of cross-country skiing

All cross-country skis are divided into several types by their nature and surface of movement, they are intended mainly for movement on the plain by using the forces of the skier, let's look at what types of skis there are:

• There are skis for classic running
• There are skis for skating
• There are skis that combine all the characteristics at once (combined)

Skating

Skating skis are designed for running on a flat and well-groomed track without a ski track, this type of skiing resembles speed skating, with this style of skiing, the whole body works very well in the combination of legs and arms.

These skis are generally shorter than conventional cross country skis, reaching a maximum length of 190 centimeters. The design of such a ski is very rigid, especially in the middle of the base, when starting and the pressure of the foot on the ski, the base does not bend and does not reach the snow, this gives a good push at the start.

Classic cross-country skiing

Designed for groomed ski tracks, on cross-country skiing you need to get under way with both feet at the same time, pushing off with sticks. The length of cross-country skis in comparison with skates reaches up to 207 centimeters. According to their characteristics, such skis are softer, have a pointed toe. On the reverse side they have serifs or are smeared with ointments for adhesion to snow.

Combo skis

As I said, these skis combine all the characteristics of the previous types. They have a maximum length of 200 centimeters, which makes them suitable for both skating and cross-country skiing.

It is also worth mentioning about a rare type of ski called Backcountry. When choosing such cross-country skis, it is worth knowing that they are designed for extreme running and walking. Such skis are used in mountainous areas that are not passable.

As a rule, in Backcountry skis, the entire support is reinforced with a metal edging, if you cut such a ski, you will see a multi-layered variety of materials, this type of cross-country ski is very expensive and they are rarely sold.

If you have already decided on the types, then move on to the choice of cross-country skis. To choose cross-country skis, you should take into account your weight and height. For a beginner, it is worth noting only one thing, if your weight is much more than normal weight, then you should choose longer skis, if your weight is less than normal and you are thin, then you need to choose cross-country skis a little shorter.

This method is for beginners who do not want to fool their heads with a choice, but now we will consider ways to choose cross-country skis for advanced athletes.

Selection of cross-country skis by length

• Skating skis in length should be chosen 15 centimeters longer than the height of the athlete.
• Classic skis should be chosen 20-30 centimeters longer than the athlete's height.
• We choose combined skis 15 - 20 centimeters longer than the height of the athlete.

Cross-country ski selection by weight

Now let's look at the choice of cross-country skis by weight, on the Internet there are many clever ways to check the weight of cross-country skis that you can break your head and lose interest in skiing, so I propose the usual way to determine the stiffness of a ski by weight.

For skating skis, the gap between the floor and the ski should be about 1 millimeter when you stand evenly on both skis, and a piece of plain paper under the heel should “walk” 30-40 centimeters under your foot.

If you transfer all the weight to one ski, then the distance from the ski to the floor should be halved and the piece of paper should already walk under your foot by a maximum of 20-30 centimeters. If everything is as I said, your weight is proportional to the selected cross-country skis,

For classic skis, the distance from the floor to the skis is 0.5 millimeters and a piece of paper under the foot must walk in different directions by 10-15 centimeters, this type of ski, as we already know, is softer, therefore the distance is very small.

As for the selection of cross-country skis of the combined type, then adhere to the selection rules for classic cross-country skiing.

Cross-country ski selection table by height and length

Well, that's all, you know how to choose cross-country skis, if you decide to choose alpine skis for yourself, then I already talked about this in detail, be sure to read it before buying. I wish you an excellent choice, smooth tracks and good weather conducive to active rest.

Video tips for choosing skis for sports

Where to buy cross-country skis and equipment at low prices?

Where to buy cross-country skis at low prices? I recently bought myself a running pair for 4400 rubles, to be honest, I'm happy as an elephant with this store. If you really decided to buy yourself a ticket to a healthy lifestyle, then I advise you to look into the "Planet Sport" store, here you will find not only a huge selection of skis, but also the equipment you need.

Do not forget to look into the Sportmaster store, there are many useful things you can buy inexpensively >>

Do not forget to subscribe to the latest fascinating materials about tourism and travel from travel-picture.ru