How long should skate skis be? How to choose alpine skis based on height and weight? How to choose the right ski poles

This article will give you answers to the following questions: how to choose skis, how to make the right choice of cross-country skis, how to choose cross-country skis, the optimal selection of cross-country skis, how to choose cross-country skis, how to choose the right cross-country skis, which cross-country skis to choose, etc.

Many people think that choosing skis is as easy as shelling pears. It’s really not difficult, but there are some subtleties here too. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you need to determine which target group skis you need. So, if you are quite active on the ski slopes and intend to set a couple of records in the near future, then you need equipment for the pros - Sport group skis.

Amateur skiing (Fitness group) will help strengthen your immune system and stay in shape. Models in this category are bestsellers, and their availability plays an important role in this. In terms of their geometry, amateur skis are no different from sports skis, but due to the use of cheaper materials, their price is lower.

Those who want to escape from their problems and immerse themselves in new experiences while skiing away from the beaten tracks can opt for tourist skis (Touring group). Skis of this group are wider than models of other classes, which means you will feel confident on virgin snow. Prices for skis in this group are quite affordable.

The Junior group stands apart - skis for children and teenagers. Modern models successfully combine an attractive appearance, as well as a safe and reliable design. Children's skis have several distinctive features. For example, the increased width and rounded tips give the ski stability, and the side cutouts make turning easier.

How to choose cross-country ski poles

Selection of cross-country ski poles for children and adults.

The length of running poles is selected separately for “classic” and “skate” individually for each person, depending on his height. The length of the sticks is usually determined as follows. For “classics” - height minus 25-30 cm, and for “skate” - minus 15-20 cm. When you stand, “classic” poles should rest against your armpits, and “skate” poles should be just above the shoulder.

Skier's height	Classic skis	All-round skis	Skating skis	Classic walking poles	Skating poles
150	170/180	170	165	120	130
155	180	170/180	170	125	135
160	185	180	175	130	140
165	190	185	180	135	145
170	195	190	185	140	150
175	200	195/200	190	145	155
180	205	200/205	190/195	150	160
185	205/210	205	195	155	165
190	210	205	195	160	170
195	210	205	195	165	175

Skis are selected according to the following scheme: height +20-30 cm for classic skiing, height +10-15 cm for skating skiing. The more a skier weighs, the harder and longer he needs skis.

The poles are selected according to the following scheme: height -30 cm for the classic stroke, -20 cm for the skating stroke.

How to choose cross-country ski boots

Modern ski boots are a complex technological product that takes into account such parameters as their use in difficult weather conditions, the active impact of mechanical loads on them, the anatomical features of the structure of the human foot, the requirements of hygiene and comfort, protection from cold and precipitation.

Sports ski boots. They usually use the highest technological innovations, develop new fastening systems, and install modern insulation.

The sports direction divides boots according to their intended purpose into classic (for classic skiing), skating (for skating) and combined boots with a removable cuff (the same boots are used in classic and skating - “pursuit” competitions). By purchasing such boots, you will acquire expensive, highly reliable, high-quality shoes, get tremendous pleasure from skiing, they will serve you for a long time and faithfully, like any professional thing.

Ski boots for sports tourism. These shoes work in difficult off-road conditions, are often switched from skis to mountaineering crampons, or are used simply for walking to the intended path.

Ski boots for recreational walks. Here are presented various models of comfort from simple to complex. The materials used are very different: from complex components to simple and proven ones.

Ski boots for children. The main task of such boots is: warmth, coziness, comfort, hygiene. A reliable sole should ensure safe movement of the child before and after skiing.

How to choose cross-country ski bindings

Currently, three types of bindings are most widespread throughout the world - these are ROTTEFELLA (NNN system), SALOMON (SNS system) and NORDIC 75. The first two types of bindings are mainly intended for ski athletes, and the cheaper NORDIC 75 (or 75 mm ) - for amateur skiers. The boot fastening system of SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA bindings does not have any fundamental external differences. In both types of bindings, the boot is firmly secured to a toe clip.

The boot fastening can be automatic or mechanical. If the mount has an automatic fastener, you just need to insert the boot bracket into the groove and the mount snaps into place. This type of binding is mainly intended for recreational skiers. Fastenings with mechanical fasteners that close manually provide a more secure fit for the boot. That is, the likelihood that the fastening will accidentally come unfastened (for example, if a stick gets on the fastening) is reduced. Therefore, most professional fasteners have just such fasteners.

Both types of bindings are universal in the sense that they can be “adjusted” to any boot size. Exceptions include mounts for small children (up to seven years old) and teenagers. SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA produce special bindings for children and youth. They differ from “adult” ones by having a large latch handle, so that it is convenient to grasp it with mittens. In addition, children's bindings have a softer fastening mechanism so that a small child can easily put on and take off skis.

Also important points: clothes for cross-country skiing, equipment for cross-country skiing, skis for skating, ski boots for skating.

Choosing skis and poles that would completely suit a person is not easy. Especially for those who have not encountered this before. After all, there are many factors that influence the choice of ski equipment: weight, height, skiing style and others.

As for the length of the skis, they should correspond to your height, and the stiffness should correspond to your weight. The methods for selecting skis for skating and classic styles are different.

Skating skis should be 10-15 cm longer than the athlete’s height. In the classic style - 20-25 cm. Pleasure skis should be chosen 15-25 cm longer than your height.

When choosing recreational skis, people with a large weight are advised to stick to the upper limit (20-25 cm) of the range, and those with a small weight – to the lower limit (15-20 cm). Also, do not forget that short skis are better in handling, but worse in gliding.

To determine the optimal stiffness of cross-country skis, you need to stand on both skis and slip a newspaper folded in half (four thin sheets of paper) under the ski pads.

The newspaper should pass under the load pads of the skis at a distance of 30-40 cm and should be pressed against the floor when standing on one ski. When you stand on two skis, the gap between the floor and the sliding surfaces under the ski pads should be one millimeter for hard skis, and 0.6-0.8 mm for soft skis. For skiing on soft tracks, it is better to choose softer skis and slip a sheet of paper, not a newspaper folded in half, under the ski pads.

Running poles must be selected individually for each person and based on their height. Their length must be selected separately for “ridge” and “classic”. The length of sticks often needs to be determined this way. For the “skate” - with a minus of 15-20 centimeters, and for the “classics” - height with a minus of 25-30 centimeters. At the moment when you are standing, skating poles must be chosen so that they are higher than the shoulder. “Classic” poles must be selected based on how a person stands, so that they rest against the armpits.

Rules for selecting boots for cross-country skiing

Ski boots are quite a complex product. They must be durable, meet hygiene requirements, comfortable, and resistant to cold and precipitation. Sports ski boots. They often use the latest technology, add additional fastening systems, and install high-quality and new insulation.

The sports orientation allows you to divide the boots according to their purpose into: classic (for the usual skiing), skating (skating) and combined boots, which have a removable cuff (one type of boot is also used for skating and classic skiing during competitions - “pursuit” "). When purchasing these boots, you get reliable and high-quality expensive shoes, and skiing is a real pleasure. This professional thing will tell you for quite a long time.

Sports tourism and ski boots. These shoes work great in unpredictable off-road conditions; they can be strapped onto mountaineering crampons from skis, or simply used while hiking to the intended goal.

Healthy walks and skiing for them. Here you can see a variety of models, distinguished by both comfort and simplicity of design and functionality. In the manufacture of such shoes, a variety of materials are used - from simple and already tested in practice to complex component ones.

Children's ski boots. The main purpose of these boots is warmth, coziness, comfort, and hygiene. They have a high-quality and reliable sole that helps the child move safely during and after skiing.

SKI BINDINGS

The three most common types of ski mounts in the world are the system NNN - "ROTTEFELLA", SNS system - "SALOMON" and NORDIC 75.

The first two types are used by professional athletes, and the last one, called “NORDIC 75” or 75 mm, is used by amateur skiers. The system designed for fastening boots called “ROTTEFELLA” and “SALOMON” are no different in appearance. Both types of boots are firmly secured with a clip on the toe.

There are two types of boot fastening: mechanical or automatic. In the case when the boot has an automatic fastener, you only need to insert the boot bracket into the groove, the fastener will close with a click. This type of binding is mainly used by amateur skiers.

Mechanical fasteners, which must be closed manually, allow you to secure the boot to the ski much more securely. In this case, the likelihood that it will accidentally come unfastened while driving, for example, when a stick falls on it, completely disappears. Therefore, this fastener is used not only by skiing enthusiasts, but also by professional athletes who travel quite a long distance, and a lot can happen along the way. This type of ski mount will reduce the likelihood of unforeseen incidents on the way to victory.

These 2 types of ski bindings are completely universal, meaning they fit literally all boot sizes. But there are still exceptions - these are fastenings for children under 7 years of age and teenagers. "ROTTEFELLA" and "SALOMON" have started producing children's and youth shoes. Their main difference is that they have a large latch handle so that they can be closed with mittens. In addition to all of the above, children's fasteners have a softer fastening mechanism, so that it is easy for the child to both remove and put on skis.

Don’t forget about other important details that will make skiing much easier. These are specially designed clothing for skis, equipment, skis for skating, boots for skating.

HOW TO CHOOSE MOUNTAIN SKIS

By type, all alpine skis are divided into classic and carving. Alpine skiing Old Believers, of course, prefer skis of the old “classical” geometry, but we know that the broad masses have joined this type of active recreation not only out of curiosity, not only at the behest of fashion trends, but also thanks to skis of a new profile - carvings . Their shape resembles an hourglass; this geometry makes skating easier, more versatile, and therefore more accessible.

The length of the skis should be 5-10 cm below your own height. Less is possible - for beginners, minus 20 cm will be comfortable, but more is not advisable. However, recently the most important criterion is considered to be the weight of the skier, and not his height, but a reasonable combination of both is the best option.

As for hardness, the rule is this: soft skis are more suitable for beginners, since they behave correctly at lower speeds, absorb uneven terrain better and forgive the technical mistakes of beginners.

By the way, about depreciation. Vibration damping- here is another important characteristic of alpine skiing. The better vibration is absorbed, the better and more accurately the ski moves along an arc, the better it holds on a hard, icy slope, the better and more stable the ski behaves at high speeds. In general, this is worth paying attention to when choosing alpine skis.

Of course, you will have to work hard with the selection of skis, but no more than with the selection of boots. This position deserves more careful fittings and a more picky approach - a lot depends on their convenience. The main components of a ski boot- this is the outer boot itself - its plastic shell, the inner boot, which is naturally inserted inside, thermoplastic - a kind of cushion between the outer and inner boot, and clips - fasteners. The latter are more reliable metal or less reliable plastic. The choice of boots is extremely important in the process of choosing skis.

Of course, beginners should take soft boots for one simple reason - they are comfortable, you will not experience the effect of shackles, which means you will make the main learning process easier for yourself.

Everything about boots is important - the angle of the boot, anatomical features, and even the time of day and temperature of the room in which they are tried on. Therefore, if you are planning to purchase your own riding kit, it is not a sin to turn into a bore for a while and properly distract the sports store consultant with your questions and the number of fittings.

And finally, what connects the boot and the ski is the bindings. Their quality is sometimes vital. The fasteners consist of a front and rear head and vary in their ability to operate in different directions. The front head will unfasten the ski from you if you fall backward, and the rear head, of course, will move forward. Both, as you understand, are important, because performing somersaults with an unfastened ski is doubly dangerous. When choosing bindings, you need to take into account your weight and your riding style, however, it is unlikely that it will be aggressive from the first steps. And when installing fasteners, of course, it is worth using the skills of professionals.

aSkiing is a great way to spend time in active recreation in the winter, which does not require long preparation and is accessible to everyone, regardless of age and level of training. The benefits of such an event are enormous, but in this case it is important to equip yourself accordingly.

Experts divide them into cross-country and mountain - they have their own specific structure and differences. If we consider the main differences, then It is worth highlighting the following points:

1. Alpine skiing stronger and more durable, respectively, and their cost will be much higher than that of running ones. They consider them to be of higher quality, more professional, and this is what we should build on.

2. If speak about cross-country skiing- they are longer. Moreover, their canvas will be much narrower than that of mountain models. Read our special article about three types of cross-country skis.

3. The types also vary bindings and shoes- whether it will be automatic or mechanical fastening, regular shoes or special boots.

4. Cross-country shoes are designed to be used for “walking” on a flat track, well-compacted snow crust. Mountain skis are more likely sports models, where skiing takes place on special ski slopes, where there is a slope and solid, not compacted snow.

Selection of skis by height and weight

How to choose the right length of cross-country skis according to your height:

1. If this skating style- add 15 cm to the skier’s height and thus calculate their optimal length.

2. Classic provide for the use of the following calculation - the height of the skier plus 20 cm.

3. If this combined, then the calculations are carried out according to the principle - 15 cm is added to the athlete’s height.

When choosing taking into account the weight of the skier himself - in this case, calculations are carried out taking into account the following points:

• If this is a skating type of skiing, the gap distance between the surface of the snow crust and the sliding surface should be 1 mm, while the skier himself stands on both legs. Additional check - the sheet of paper under the heels must move freely 30–40 cm to the sides and, accordingly, the weight is selected proportionally.
• For classic ones, the distance between the floor and the sliding surface is 0.5 mm, the sheet of paper moves freely to the sides by 10–15 cm.
• With regard to the calculation of proportions and their relationships for combined models, they are carried out according to the rules described in the second paragraph.

How to choose cross-country skis for a child

Equipment for a child deserves special attention, and in this case you should focus on the age of the young skier.

1. Up to 3 years old. At this age, it is worth giving preference to short models with a wide canvas - the baby does not yet need to learn to develop speed or hone his technique. The optimal skis would be up to 40 cm, with a blade width of up to 8 cm, made of plastic, with a rounded end.

When your child can confidently stand on the ski slope, you can give preference to ski products that are equal to the child’s height. At the same time, experienced skiers note that it is best to give preference to those made of plastic rather than wooden ones - they are suitable for skiing on dry and wet snow.

When it comes to shoes for skating, there is no point in purchasing special equipment for your baby’s feet, and it is best to choose special metal fastenings with rubber straps for everyday shoes. You don’t have to buy sticks for your baby - the task for him at the very beginning is to learn how to maintain balance and learn to slide.

2. Between the ages of 4 and 10 years It makes sense to purchase a more sporty, professional set - narrower skis, up to 5 cm wide, will do. The length is selected based on the child’s height plus 15 cm.

3. Between the ages of 11 and 15 years- ski equipment is selected for the child, taking into account their height and weight category. In this case, it is important to consider that the choice can be made among the following ski models:

• classic- they are ridden on a parallel track, they are distinguished by their long length and pointed nose, and there are special notches on the sliding surface. Suitable for beginner skiers.
• skating- if your baby loves speed, then it is optimal for him to choose them. They are shorter than the classic ones and have a sharp edge for better glide.
• combined- suitable for classic and skating.

Table on how to choose cross-country skis based on your child’s height and weight:

High-quality skis from leading manufacturers will not differ in weight, length, width - the main thing is to check if there are any ties or cracks on them. In all other respects, it is entirely your choice.

Cross-country ski equipment

Where does every skier's equipment begin? With . These can be ordinary socks, warm ones, made of wool, or special, synthetic ones, produced for ski boots - all of them should not allow cold and moisture to pass through, and retain heat well. The important thing to remember is that they should not bunch up and resist excessive abrasion in the heel area.

After choosing a sock - choose a shoe. They are chosen when you choose a sock in which you will ride - they measure the chosen shoes specifically for it. The main thing to remember is not to pick up shoes on the Internet, but only in a store, after trying them on in person.

Experienced skiers know that the manufacturer of shoes is not as important as the perfect fit of the boot on the foot. Ideal - it does not pinch or dangle on the leg, and when bending the toes, folds do not form on their inner surface. The rigidity is checked by bending it in the sole - choose the model where the angle at the bend will be straight.

The equipment must include and - when choosing them, the height of the skier is taken into account. In this case, the principle applies - the greater their length, the more physical training the skating process itself requires. It is optimal if their length reaches your earlobe level, the minimum - to shoulder level.

Fastening- an important piece of equipment, it can be either automatic or mechanical. At the same time, experienced skiers note that the first ones are convenient because you just need to insert your foot into the grooves, and the boot is already fixed. But the latter are better - they hold the structure itself more securely and practically do not come off spontaneously.

Interesting too

Skiing is fresh air, creaking snow, mesmerizing speed, pleasure and entertainment. The loads associated with this sport help strengthen muscles and the immune system, and have a positive effect on the general condition of the body. To ensure that your vacation is not overshadowed by discomfort and unpleasant moments, it is important to know how to choose the necessary equipment. After all, the right equipment is the key to a quality vacation. But first of all, when choosing equipment, your riding style is taken into account. Classic skis are usually used by beginners. Skating skis are becoming increasingly popular today. How they differ from classic models, and how to choose equipment for yourself, can be found in this article.

Classic and skating moves are the main methods of skiing used by athletes and ski enthusiasts. “Classic” involves sliding along two parallel tracks, used by beginners and experienced skiers. Skating (free) style is a new way of skiing, based on movements borrowed from speed skating. Pushing with the inside of the structure allows you to develop greater speed when running. For each type of movement there is a special type of ski.

Equipment for skating

Skating models are designed to constantly glide while running long distances. To do this, the sole of the structure is coated with paraffins and accelerators that improve gliding.

Externally, products for skating differ from classic models in their shorter length (up to 192 cm). Such designs have less curved noses. Many models are produced with cropped toes. This allows you to reduce weight and improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the equipment.

Stiffness is one of the main properties of skate skis. This feature allows you to push and develop speed on a prepared, dense track. As evidenced by the operation of the pad. In the “classic”, when sliding on both legs, it does not touch the snow surface, but bends and adheres to the ski track only when pushing with one leg. In skating products that are characterized by rigidity, the gap between the block and the snow cover is maintained even when weight is transferred to one leg.

Important! Skate skis are used exclusively on hard surfaces. Since even a slight snow mound can become a serious obstacle and cause a skier to fall.

Classic skis

Classic models are designed for alternate movement. For this reason, they are partially treated with ointment that holds the block. A raised toe ensures gliding and better movement. The equipment is distinguished by its softness and elasticity, which is not typical for it. Thanks to these characteristics, the greatest contact of the ski platform with the snow surface is ensured. Which, under acceptable conditions, allows you to achieve the required speed. However, due to less rigidity, cornering control is reduced, making it more difficult to step over corners. The length of the structure is 205-207 cm, which helps keep the athlete on the ski track.

What is the difference

The following differences between skate and classic skis can be distinguished:

1. Movement technique: for “classics” - alternating glide, for skating skis - constant.
2. The main load in the ridge model is distributed to the front and rear parts of the structure. In the “classics” it falls on the middle zone (waist) of the ski.
3. To improve gliding, the sole of skate skis is lubricated along its entire length with paraffin; in classic models, only the nose and toe part. To treat the middle zone, a special ointment holding the block is used.
4. Classic skis are longer than skating skis and have a curved toe.
5. The stiffness in skating skis is approximately 2 times greater than in “classic” skis. The first option differs in elasticity. You can verify this by pressing the ski with your hand to the floor. In the middle part of the product a gap of up to 2 mm will remain visible.
6. Skate models are used to move along a prepared compacted track; “classic” models are also allowed to move off the track.

Beginner skiers are often puzzled by the question of how to choose skis for skating. However, “skating” is a way of skating that requires a lot of energy. And you won't be able to walk in it. To overcome the route, you need proper preparation and knowledge of the following nuances.

Material

Wooden products have been popular in skiing for a long time. The situation changed with the appearance of plastic structures on the tourism goods market. Products made from high-quality plastic are practical and easy to use; they are capable of reaching high speeds. Snow sticks to them less during the thaw and they can look decent longer. Compared to plastic products, wooden ones are less durable and require special care and storage. However, for training beginners, this budget option is the best solution.

Subtleties of choice

When purchasing ski equipment for skating, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Straight longitudinal groove. No curvature or helical bend in the longitudinal direction.
2. Smooth sliding platform. Lumps, pits, cracks, wavy plastic or wood are a sign of poor quality.
3. Hardness level. When you squeeze the skis folded together with the sliding platform with your hands, you should feel the same rigidity. The nose parts of the products must close together.
4. Strength. Especially durable equipment is required for people with heavy weights.
5. Identical location of the center of gravity (permissible displacement no more than 1.5 cm).

What does weight and height influence when choosing skate models?

The selection of skis for skating is based on weight and height:

1. By weight. Many models indicate minimum and maximum skier weights. In the absence of such markings, you can determine the size of ski equipment in a store using a device for measuring stiffness. You can choose the option that suits the weight of the skier yourself. Having folded the skis with the sliding surface inward, they are squeezed by hand 3 cm from the center of balance. When performing such an action, the ideal pair would be one in which there would be a gap of 1.5 mm.
2. By height. To do this, you need to apply the following formula: skier height + 10-15 cm. This is the maximum length of skis for a “skate”. Otherwise, it will be difficult to control your heels while walking. Compliance with this condition will ensure a comfortable ride. The size chart below will help you choose the correct length of the structure.

Skier's height

Ski length

Stick length 1,0 1,10 0,90 1,05 1,20 0,90 1,10 1,20 0,95 1,15 1,30 1,00 1,20 1,35 1,05 1,25 1,40 1,10 1,30 1,45 1,15 1,35 1,50 1,20 1,40 1,55 1,25 1,45 1,60 1,30 1,50 1,65 1,35 1,55 1,70 1,40 1,60 1,75 1,45 1,65 1,80 1,50 1,70 1,85 1,55 1,75 1,90 1,60 1,80 1,95 1,65 1,85 2,00 1,70 1,90 2,05 1,75 Ski equipment for children is selected in a similar way. For preschoolers, children's short skis are suitable, the length of which corresponds to the child's height or exceeds it by 5 cm. Such models will help little skiers master walking techniques more easily. Important! You cannot buy ski equipment for children to grow into. Incorrect equipment will create discomfort for the child, discourage skiing and can cause injury. Ski equipment should not be too heavy. This also applies to boots and poles. To support the ankle joint, which is under heavy load, boots are chosen that are relatively rigid and high. To move in a skating style, your hands actively work, so you need the lightest and most durable poles. Their height should reach the skier's earlobe. Review of manufacturers Today there are many offers on the ski equipment market. The ranking of the most popular manufacturers of skating skis includes Russian and foreign companies. Professional models are produced by Atomic, Salomon, Fischer. Inexpensive models for beginners are produced by Karjala, STC, Tisa - the best option for beginner athletes. Brands Nordway, Atomic, Tisa are the best manufacturers of models for small skiers. The main thing is to know how to choose the right equipment. And then the ski trip will leave you with a good mood, pleasant impressions and memories.

Choosing skis that would completely suit a person is not easy. Especially for a person who has never encountered this before. After all, there are many factors that influence the choice of skis, for example, the weight and height of the athlete, skiing style, and the area where they are planned to be used. This article was created to familiarize readers with the main nuances when selecting skis based on anthropometric data and to help with their selection and purchase.

Essentially, skis can be divided into sports (racing) and recreational.

Sports skis are used by athletes to participate in competitions or training in cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski orienteering and similar disciplines. This type is distinguished by its low weight and special dynamic characteristics. The sliding surface of racing skis provides the best glide in various weather conditions.

This type, in turn, is divided into skis for skating and classic skiing. The differences between these subtypes are so significant that each of them can be used for skating only in this style.

Sports skis can be used for skiing on specially prepared trails. They are completely unsuitable for skiing on loose snow. Madshus' racing skis include the following: Nanosonic - expensive skis used by professional athletes and Hypersonic - less expensive skis for amateur racers.

Touring skis are created primarily for lovers of active recreation. This type is in greatest demand, and therefore they are relatively inexpensive and versatile for most weather conditions. They are designed both for skiing on prepared trails and for loose snow and unprepared ski tracks. They are slightly wider and heavier than racing ones, but are more stable and are perfect for a beginner skier.

The series skis should be included as a special category. They are created for those people who do not intend to engage in sports professionally, but want to maintain good physical shape through various ski exercises. They are made from high-quality materials, and therefore their price is close to the price of racing skis.

Skis for tourism (Cruising and Touring series) are designed for those people who love hiking in conditions where there are no prepared trails, or even amateur ski tracks. They are wide enough, and therefore you can move on them on untouched virgin soil. Their cost is quite high, because they are made of durable materials and undergo many strength tests. After all, the success of a campaign, and sometimes a person’s life, depends on their quality.

Among children's and teenagers' skis you can find elite skis, close in quality to racing skis, and cheap recreational skis for those who are going skiing for the first time.
When choosing skis, be especially careful, because the comfort and pleasure of your skiing depends on their choice.

Selecting skis according to weight and height.

The length of your skis should match your height, and their stiffness should match your weight.
There are different selection conditions for skating and classic style skis. In skating style, skis should be 10-15 cm longer than the athlete’s height. In the classic style - 20-25 cm. Pleasure skis should be chosen 15-25 cm longer than your height. When choosing recreational skis, people with a large weight are advised to stick to the upper limit (20-25 cm) of the range, and those with a small weight - to the lower limit (15-20 cm).

Also, do not forget that short skis are better in handling, but worse in gliding. A short ski will have increased slip resistance. Long skis can be chosen by skiers who have some skiing experience. Long skis are good because they glide better.

A short ski will not be able to bend under your weight and will create increased sliding resistance.

If you want to ski in both styles, using one pair of skis, focus on combined models. If there are none, then it is best to purchase short classic skis. The design of skating skis does not allow you to move in a classic style, but you can ride in a skating style on short classic skis.

Selection of skis according to the weight of the athlete.

The stiffness of skis is determined using a special stiffness meter on a flat surface or on a special board. People experienced with skis can determine the stiffness by squeezing the skis with their hands.

Selection using a flex tester.

Flex tester is a device that allows you to select the stiffness of skis in accordance with the weight of the skier. Salespeople from specialized stores should help you select skis using this device.
Selection procedure:
First of all, you need to take a pair of skis, fix them in a clamp and reproduce a force equal to half your weight, taking into account your clothing, based on the readings of the dynamometer. Between the skis there should be a gap of one or two centimeters in height and about fifty centimeters in length. If the resulting gap is smaller, then you should choose another pair of skis, more rigid. When the compression force increases to a value equal to the weight of the athlete, the gap should decrease in length by ten to fifteen centimeters for racing skis, or completely disappear for pleasure skis. If the gap is too large, you should choose softer skis.

Selection of racing skis.

Classic skis.

When choosing classic-style skis, you need to be very careful, because the comfort of your skiing depends on the correct choice. When choosing such skis, you should take into account the weather conditions in which you intend to use the skis, your weight and the strength of your kick.

For cold weather, softer and more elastic skis are usually chosen, and in positive temperatures, on the contrary, harder ones are chosen. This is due to the fact that in cold weather it is not necessary to apply many layers of ointments, but in warm weather it is necessary, and the deflection of the ski must compensate for the difference in the thickness of the lubricant layer.

Well-prepared athletes with great strength are recommended to choose stiffer skis. An athlete can ski for a long time on such skis. For insufficiently prepared people, it is better to choose softer skis. On such skis, the ointment will stick more securely, and it will also be easier to maintain balance during skiing.

The choice of classic skis is to determine their stiffness and determine the area for applying grip ointments.

Having selected the skis that suit your stiffness, you need to find the center of gravity of each and mark it with a marker. Then, placing your skis on a flat surface, you need to stand on them so that the toes of your shoes are in line with the center of gravity. Having distributed your body weight evenly, ask your assistant to pass a thin sheet or feeler gauge 0.2 mm thick under the ski. If the skis are chosen correctly in terms of rigidity, then the sheet should move freely under the skis by twenty-five to forty centimeters towards the toe, and in the opposite direction - to the end of the boot. If the probe moves forward a smaller distance, then you should choose stiffer skis. If the probe moves back three to five centimeters beyond the end of the boot, then you should choose softer skis.

When the body weight is transferred to one of the skis, the probe or sheet of paper should move freely ten to fifteen centimeters forward from the center of gravity, and back - half the length of the foot. With your body weight on your toe, the feeler gauge or paper should be firmly clamped between the floor and the ski. If the skis meet the above requirements, then they are suitable for your stiffness.

Marking for applying ointments.

Find the center of gravity of each ski. Then, mark with a blue marker (on both skis) where the marker stopped moving as you moved forward. After this, perform a similar operation with a 0.8 mm thick probe. These lines will be the front boundaries of the holding zones. The blue mark is for solid ointments, the red mark is for liquid ointments.

Skate skis.

When choosing this type of ski, you do not need as much care as when choosing classic-style skis. Here, more attention should be paid to the personal preferences of the athlete. In general, skate skis should be stiffer than classic skis, but you need to keep your balance better when skiing. Therefore, for skating style walks or light training, it is better to choose softer skis. When checking the stiffness of skate skis, you need to use the thinnest feeler gauges.

Criteria for selecting skating skis.

When distributing the skier's weight on both legs, the probe should move forward from the center of gravity forty centimeters, and ten centimeters back from the heel of the boot. When transferring weight to one of the skis, the gap should decrease by no more than ten centimeters towards the tip of the ski. The gap should not end under the heel of the boot. When pushing off, there should be a gap of thirty to forty centimeters.
When choosing skate skis for competitions, it is important to consider weather conditions. For soft snow, soft skis are better; for hard slopes, stiffer skis.

Walking skis.

When choosing recreational skis, you should follow the same recommendations as when choosing skis for the classic style. It should be noted that it will be difficult for people with a large weight to choose recreational skis that would meet all the necessary requirements. Since recreational skis are inexpensive and do not have the same rigidity as racing skis. Therefore, people with a large weight are recommended to choose the stiffest skis available. It is necessary to take into account the fact that when transferring body weight to one or two skis, there must be at least a small gap under the ski. If you can't find skis that are stiff enough, try skis that are a little longer. Among long skis it is easier to find stiffer ones.