Skiing is a great way to spend time in outdoor activities in winter, which does not require long-term preparation and is available 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 appropriately.

How cross-country skis differ from other types of skis

Experts divide them into cross-country and mountain - they have their own specific structure and differences. Considering the main differences, 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 cross-country ones. They think more High Quality, professional, and it is worth starting from this.

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

3. There are also different types bindings and shoes- whether it will be automatic or mechanical fastening, ordinary shoes or special boots.

4. Cross-country racers are designed to be “walked” on a flat track, well-compacted snow crust. Mountain - these are rather sports models, where skiing goes 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 for height:

1. If this skating style- 15 cm are added to the height of the skier, and so their optimal length is calculated.

2. Classic provide for the application 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 are added to the height of the athlete.

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

• If this is a skating type of skiing, the gap between the surface of the snow crust and the sliding surface should be 1 mm, while the skier himself stands on both legs. An additional check is that a sheet of paper under the heels must freely walk 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, a sheet of paper moves freely to the sides by 10–15 cm.
• With regard to the calculation of proportions and their ratios for combined models, they are carried out according to the rules for those 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, it is worth focusing on the age of the young skier.

1. Up to 3 years old. At this age, preference should be given to short models, with a wide canvas - the baby does not yet need to learn to develop speed, hone the technique. Optimum would be skis up to 40 cm, with a web width of up to 8 cm, made of plastic, with a rounded end.

When the baby will confidently stand on the ski track, you can give preference to ski products equal to the height of the child. 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 skiing shoes, it makes no sense to purchase special equipment for the baby’s feet, but it’s best to choose special metal mounts on rubber straps for everyday shoes. You don’t have to buy sticks for a baby - for him, the task at the very beginning is to learn how to balance, learn to glide.

2. Ages 4 to 10 it makes sense to purchase a more sporty, professional kit - narrower, up to 5 cm wide skis will do. The length is selected based on the height of the child plus 15 cm.

3. Ages 11 to 15- 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:

• classical- they ride on a parallel track, they are distinguished by a large length and a pointed nose, 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 classic ones and have a sharp edge for better glide.
• combined- suitable for classic and skating type of skating.

Table how to choose cross-country skiing according to the height and weight of the child:

High-quality skis from leading manufacturers will not differ in weight and length, width - the main thing is to check if there are any cracks or cracks on them. Everything else is entirely up to you.

Cross-country ski equipment

Where does the equipment of each skier begin - With . It can be either ordinary socks, warm, made of wool, or special, synthetic, produced for ski boots- all of them should not let in cold and moisture, retain heat well. It is important to remember that they should not crumple and resist excessive abrasion in the heel area.

After choosing a sock - choose a boot. They are chosen when you pick up a sock in which you will ride - they measure the selected shoes on it. The main thing to remember - do not pick up shoes on the Internet, but only in the store, after you personally try them on.

Experienced skiers know that the manufacturer is not as important in shoes as the perfect fit on the foot. Ideal - it does not press and does not dangle on the leg, when bending the fingers, folds do not form on their inner surface. Stiffness is checked by bending it in the sole - stop your choice on the model where the angle at the fold is straight.

The equipment is necessarily provided for and - when choosing them, the height of the skier is taken into account. In this case, the principle applies - the longer their length, the more physical preparation the skating process itself requires. It is optimal if their length reaches you to the level of the earlobe, the minimum - to the level of the shoulder.

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 in that it is enough to insert the 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 unfastened spontaneously.

See also a video tutorial on how to choose cross-country skis and equipment:

Also interesting

Choosing ski poles is easier than choosing skis or boots. But ski poles also have their own characteristics, which we will discuss in this article: what material, what length, which handles and lanyards are better to choose.

Selection of ski poles by material

Cross-country ski poles are made from several materials:

• Aluminum. Aluminum ski poles are strong, cheap, but heavy. They have one big plus - they are almost impossible to break. Bent, straightened and moved on. Cons - weight and insufficient rigidity for sports riding. If you like to walk through the forest outside of prepared trails, then choose lightweight ones. aluminum sticks .
• fiberglass(plastic and fiberglass) - light, cheap, but soft and fragile. Fiberglass is similar in softness and vibration to aluminum, but is much inferior in strength. fiberglass sticks will not withstand powerful repulsions, therefore they are only suitable for skiing on prepared tracks.
• Carbon(carbon fiber) or a mixture thereof - carbon fiber(plastic and carbon). Carbon ski poles are rigid, light and strong. Carbon is easy to break only with a side impact on the stick. There are options in 100% carbon and a mixture of carbon with plastic or fiberglass. Buy poles with at least 60% carbon content. carbon sticks withstand powerful repulsions, so they are suitable for training and competition.

The price of carbon sticks starts from 2500 rubles. For example, carbon sticks Nordway Carbon or STC Avanti. These sticks have a good carbon shaft, but the handles and lanyards are of poor quality.

Better models of carbon sticks will cost from 6000 r, for example KV+ Viking or KV+ Tempesta– durable handles and lanyards, more than 70% carbon fiber, quick release system for straps.

The lightest and toughest racing carbon sticks cost from 10,000 rubles. For example, models KV+ Elite, Tornado, Bora or Swix Quantum, Team and Triac– 100% high quality carbon, durable lanyards and handles, convenient lanyard release system.

Handles, lanyards and paws for ski poles

Source: www.flgr.ru

Table of selection of ski poles by height

Ski poles by height: FIS table for classic skiing

Play sports, move and travel! If you find an error or want to discuss the article - write in the comments. We are always happy to communicate. 🙂

Winter is a wonderful time of the year, despite the cold and despite, or rather, thanks to the snow. It is in winter that you can, forgetting about your age and status, jump down a steep descent on a sled, ski through the forest, practice slalom or downhill, while saturating your lungs with crystal clear mountain air, and your muscles with health, which, as you know, is beyond what money can't buy. But so that the pleasure is not spoiled by the wrong selection of equipment, we advise you to familiarize yourself with useful tips.

How to choose skis for skating and classic skiing

First of all, you need to understand that you will not be able to ride classic style on skating skis, due to their specific design, therefore, if you want to combine both styles of gliding, it is better to give preference to combined skis (Combi), or purchase shorter classic skis - on they can be quite confidently practiced in skating. A simple rule for choosing skate skis is to add 10 - 15 cm to your own height. Accordingly, to choose classic skis, you need to add 25 - 30 cm to your height, and for walking skis - 15 - 25 cm (the average value between skating and classic).

The rigidity of classic and walking skis directly depends on the weight of the skier (the heavier the athlete, the stiffer the skis should be. To select the optimal rigidity, test: stand on the skis, evenly distributing your weight on both legs and ask the assistant to insert between the sole of the ski and the floor surface a sheet of office paper (approximately 0.2 mm thick).The paper should move freely 10 - 15 cm forward from the toe and approximately to the middle of the foot in the opposite direction. A thicker sheet (two sheets) should no longer pass under the skis, but when repulsed , transferring the center of gravity to the toe of one foot, the sheet should be firmly pressed against the floor surface.For skating skis, the stiffness value should be higher and is selected individually for each athlete.

Table of ski and pole lengths in relation to height

How to choose skis for height and weight

The parameters for the selection of alpine skis differ from those listed above, because for the descent you need shorter equipment, and this applies to both skis and poles. For beginner skiers, the length is calculated according to the formula “GROWTH minus 20 cm”, and with the acquisition of experience, it will be possible to gradually increase their length to the indicator of their height (however, for slalom the maximum length is limited to 165 centimeters, therefore, if you are at least 2 meters tall - that’s all Equally, skis longer than 165 centimeters do not “shine” for you). For women, skis are usually chosen according to the formula "GROWTH minus 25 cm" to facilitate handling.

The length of ski poles for alpine skiing is selected so that when they are installed perpendicular to the floor, and with the elbows pressed parallel to the body, the arm in the elbow bend should form an angle of 90 °.

Bindings should be selected according to the weight of the skier, but in addition to weight, when choosing bindings, experience and riding style are also taken into account, and predisposition to falls is taken into account. Skis should be securely fixed on the legs, but unfastened when falling, therefore it is better that an experienced person calculates the load that the mount can withstand for you, because the health and integrity of your limbs may depend on this.

How to choose skis for height, table

Take up winter sports and you will see that winter is not a "depressing season", but a wonderful time, providing a lot of fun and opportunities.

To understand how to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner skier, you must first decide what style of skiing you prefer. For the skating style, when, like a skater, they move along a wide prepared track, or the classic style, when the movement is made on a ski track, different skis are made. It is not recommended to buy skating skis, implying the possibility of skating also on the track or vice versa. It will be hard and it is unlikely that such a ride can be enjoyed.

When you set out to choose cross-country skis for a classic run, remember that there are models with and without notches. If you are a beginner and have no desire to figure out how to properly apply ski wax depending on the temperature of the snow, then choose classic notched skis for skiing. If you bought smooth skis without a notch, then be aware that they are used only in conjunction with holding ointment, otherwise they will slip.

When driving on a ski track, the middle part of the ski flexes during repulsion and comes into contact with the surface of the track. Notches are made in such a way that they do not allow the ski to slip back, holding it, but allow it to slide forward almost unhindered. It should be noted that the speed of riding will always be slightly lower than on smooth skis. In difficult conditions, such as above zero temperatures or icy snow, the notches cannot cope with recoil and the skis begin to slip backwards. For these reasons, notched models are not used in skiing, but are very convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as well as for children.

Lubricants for holding and sliding

Ski wax for plastic skis comes in two varieties: gliding and holding.

Ski lubricants are designed to improve gliding properties. They are applied only to the front and back of classic skis, whether they are notched or not. And for ridge skates, the entire sliding surface is lubricated.

The holding ointment is applied only to smooth skis intended for the classic move, and only to their central part (block). Such ski lubricant comes in solid or liquid form and is selected according to the temperature of the snow. Serves the same purpose as the notches - it does not allow you to slip back when pushing off.

It is not necessary to apply grip lubricant to notched skis, but glide lubricant is applied to any ski.

Selection of skis by stiffness

If you want to know how to choose the right skis, remember that the most important thing is to choose the right stiffness. Each ski has a deflection that determines driving performance by more than half. The stiffness of a ski is determined by how much force must be applied from above in order to push it through.

One of simple ways the definition of stiffness for the classics is to push the ski with both hands until the sliding surface under the block completely touches the floor. If you can’t push through, then choose with less rigidity. As for skis for skating, when compressed with one hand, the gap should be 1-2 mm. By the way, some models indicate the weight range of the skier for which they are designed.

Beginners and non-professionals are best suited for low and medium hard skis. If classic skis do not push through completely during repulsion, then the stiffness is not chosen correctly.

As for how to choose skis for skating, they are almost twice as stiff as classic ones, and should not be completely pressed through when pushing off. Moreover, they are usually shorter than the classic ones by 15-20 cm.

If you are planning walks on virgin lands, without skiing, then choose special walking or tourist (touring) skis. They are wider than the usual classic ones and on them you will lay your own track anywhere.

Ski length selection

The length of the skis are selected as follows:

• for a classic style, add 25-30 cm to your height;
• for ridge - add 10-15 cm to the height.

The question of how to choose the right skis for height is less important than choosing the stiffness. Generally, the longer the ski, the stiffer it is. Therefore, if the skis chosen for the length are soft, take longer ones.

Choice of ski boots

Before choosing your ski boots, it's a good idea to buy thermal socks for cross-country skiing and wear them when you try on your boots.

Skating boots have a rigid cuff to support the ankle and a rigid sole. For classics, they should not be used, as the sole will not bend enough when pushing off. For a classic style, lower boots with soft soles are designed. In turn, it is not recommended to use them for skating style, because they will not provide the necessary support for the ankle.

Combined boots can be a good choice for amateurs, allowing you to ride both classic style and skating. They feature a mid-soled sole and, on select models, a removable cuff.

When choosing, be sure to consider the comfort of the boot. If possible, choose boots that have a zipper in addition to lacing to keep snow out.

Choosing fasteners

To date, three main types of mounts are produced:

• NNN (and its new version NIS),
• Nordic 75 (the so-called "75 mm", the old standard from the times of the USSR).

The first two are practically the same, and the last one can be ignored at all. The main thing is to choose comfortable boots, and then choose the appropriate bindings and install them on your skis.

Choosing sticks

Now let's figure out how to choose ski poles. They are made in the following types:

• Carbon fiber. The most expensive. Lightweight and very tough.
• Fiberglass. The cheapest. Less rigid and less durable. Heavier and easier to bend. Suitable for kids and beginners.
• Aluminum. Affordable. A good choice for beginners, amateurs, as well as for those who have a lot of weight.
• Composite fiberglass and carbon fiber. The price and strength will greatly depend on the carbon content.

It is recommended to choose sticks whose hand loops are securely fastened with Velcro. It is not recommended to buy sticks with small support rings (paws). They will fall into the snow, because they are designed for specially prepared tracks.

Ski poles are selected according to the height of the skier. Their length can be calculated with a simple formula:

• for a classic style, subtract 25-30 cm from your height;
• for ridge - subtract 15-20 cm from height.

Or you can use the standard selection tables.

Skis are a universal type of equipment for sports, suitable for both extreme sportsmen who prefer steep slopes and lovers of quiet walks in the park. Sports equipment stores offer a huge range of models for different purposes. This article will tell you how to choose skis according to height and weight, not to get confused when choosing a cherished pair and take into account all the criteria - from riding style to the physical parameters of the skier.

In this sport, the following areas are distinguished:

1. Speed ​​skating on the track (professional sports).
2. Skiing on prepared slopes (carving).
3. Trail riding and all of them (universal).
4. Riding on virgin soil and off-piste (freeride).

For each type of skiing, there is a certain sports equipment, the rules for choosing which must be studied before going to the store.

First, you need to decide on the type of activity. Will it be cross-country running or mountain riding. Sports ammunition for each of the ways ski run its. Basically, these are classic, walking or skating methods.

Secondly, it is necessary to understand the methodology correct selection inventory according to such parameters of the body, .

How to choose skis for height?

When choosing a ski pair, you must remember: the shorter the product, the easier it is to manage. Therefore, it is better for beginners to look at shorter models that can provide maneuverability and easy control. Experienced skiers who love speed can afford a longer pair, especially since it is these models that provide the most glide.

Those who intend to take skiing seriously should pay attention to models and. When buying, you should rely on the following rule: they must be 20-30 centimeters longer than a person’s height; for the ridge method - by 10-15 centimeters; for walking - 15-20 centimeters. Walking or combined options are the most popular.

How to choose a grower?

Rostovka is the length of the product. For clarity, when choosing a pair for yourself, it is convenient to use a special table to determine the size and ski equipment. It is advisable to print this table for determining the length by height and take it with you to the sports equipment store. In the case when the weight of the skier exceeds the norm for his height, it is necessary to add an additional 2 or 3 centimeters to the length.

Important! The universal rule when buying a pair of skis is to subtract 10 centimeters from your height.

So you can choose a product in a sports store that is suitable for almost all types of skiing, will provide maneuverability, comfort and safety.

Adult length selection table

For women, to determine the optimal length of "snowshoes", you need to subtract 10-18 centimeters from the height indicator. With average preparation and optimal conditions, a woman with a height of 170 centimeters will fit a size of 158-160 centimeters.

Available statistics provide relevant figures. Most pairs bought by men are 167-177 centimeters long, for women this figure is 152-158 centimeters.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that for children there are separate conditions for the selection of a ski pair. Do not rush to buy it for. If it is rather small, then it is growing rapidly, and it is better to rent equipment for skiing. It also makes no sense to buy equipment for the sake of one trip to the mountains. If such trips are regular or the child plans to go skiing, the acquisition should be taken very seriously. When buying, you should rely on physical training, height and weight of the child, as well as the type of riding ( or ). The main difference between products from adults is their lightness and size.

Inexperienced little skiers should buy models 5-10 centimeters smaller than the growth rate, approximately up to the child's chin. As you gain experience, skis can lengthen by 5-10 centimeters.

How to choose skis by weight?

To buy ski equipment by weight, it is enough to know your weight and be guided by the table below for selecting skis by weight:

Choice of length according to weight

Note! An important factor in the selection of skis is also their rigidity.

There is a direct relationship between the stiffness of skis and the weight of their owner: the heavier it is, the higher the stiffness index of the products should be. To measure the stiffness, you can squeeze the product in your hands or use a flex tester. A flex tester is a device with which, when installing skis on a flat surface or a special board, you can determine their stiffness.

As for determining this indicator in children, it is necessary to focus only on the weight of the child if it weighs less than 40 kilograms:

For skiing, they are selected taking into account the growth of the child and, as a rule, 25-30 centimeters less than him.

How to choose the right skis and poles for height?

Above is given by height and weight. But when buying ski equipment is also very important to do it right. Approximate - shoulder level. The better a skier skis, the longer sticks he can afford. It is also worth remembering the following rules:

• sticks must strictly correspond to growth, you can not purchase equipment "for growth";
• support on sticks must be of appropriate size and length.

What else you need to know when choosing a ski pair?

When buying, it is not always possible to limit yourself to such characteristics as the height and weight of a person. A successful acquisition will also depend on the conditions of subsequent skiing. For non-professional use there are:

1. Carving skis (convenient for maneuvering, entering into a sharp turn on prepared slopes).
2. Freeride skis (designed for experienced cross-country skiing).
3. Universal (the most popular due to their wide use on any tracks, regardless of the preparation and physical characteristics of the skier).

Another important parameter to consider when choosing skis is the presence of notches. Notches are applied to prevent strong slipping, in particular sliding backwards. Models with notches do not need lubrication, however, they do not allow to develop high speed and are inconvenient to use on icy surfaces. Notches are convenient when there is no riding experience.

In the absence of notches, the skis must be lubricated with a special agent - grease. This lubrication allows you to increase the speed when sliding and reduce recoil. It must be applied along the entire length, periodically removing and updating the application.

What is the best ski stiffness to choose?

Rigidity is easy to determine by the gap between the block and the floor surface. If the gap is 0.5 millimeters (the thickness of a sheet of paper), these are skis of medium hardness. Such skating. When skating, skis of increased rigidity are preferable. When checking, the gap between the floor and the skis is about 2 millimeters.

Skis of medium hardness are more versatile, that is, they are models for recreation. In any case, it is better to determine the stiffness on flex testers in specialized stores.

How to choose skis for professional skiing?

This information will be of interest not only to professionals, but also to those who, like athletes, want to try their hand at the slalom track. Skis for professional use are regulated by strict rules:

• ski size (for men - 163-167 centimeters; for women - 154-158 centimeters);
• size for giant slalom: 182-190 centimeters for men; 175-182 centimeters for women. In this case, you should focus on the preparedness of the skier, his physical parameters and conditions for skiing.

Studying the available range of ski equipment, we can conclude that the majority of manufacturers produce the lineup of 4 pairs of skis of different lengths. For the highest accuracy, before buying skis, you must calculate the size according to your weight and height. For the highest accuracy, before buying skis, you must calculate the size according to your weight and height. It is preferable to buy a pair of skis for the first time with the help of a specialist or an experienced skier.