People who start skiing are faced with the problem of choosing a pair of skis. When buying skating skis, you need to consider: the method of use, the experience of the athlete. And also, you should not forget about what surfaces you are going to ride on: prepared tracks or undeveloped virgin lands. When choosing a ski pair, you need to pay attention to the rigidity and length of the product.

Skis

Such skis are designated by the letters SK or the word Skate. They are shorter than running models. In addition, there are no notches on them. When skating, notches only slow down the skier's movements. Products must be selected depending on the athlete.

Boots

To ride safely, you need to choose the right shoes. Ordinary boots are not suitable for skiing. For reliability, comfort and better control, you need to buy special ski shoes.

ski poles

When buying skis for skating, you need to pick up. Their height should be 15 cm less than the skier. For a beginner, there is no need to buy expensive pure carbon fiber products. models made from an alloy of carbon fiber and fiberglass are suitable.

In order for the skis to last as long as possible, they need to be properly looked after: treated with various impregnations and lubricants. When the skiing season is over, they need to be properly prepared for storage. Before putting the equipment in the case, the remaining grease is removed from the products and covered with a new layer of paraffin.

High-quality equipment will serve the skier for several seasons, retaining its characteristics in its original condition. When choosing ski equipment, take into account the way the product is used and the experience of the athlete. Skating skis are not suitable for performing tricks and jumps.

To understand which skis to choose 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.

What are notches for?

Having set out to figure out how to choose skis for classic move, remember that there are models with and without a notch. 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, choose classic notched skis for cross-country skiing. If you bought smooth skis without a notch, then know that they are used only in conjunction with a 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. AT difficult conditions, such as above zero temperatures or icy snow, the notches cannot cope with the kickback and the skis begin to slip backwards. For these reasons, notched models are not used in skiing, but very convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as well as for children.

Lubricants for holding and sliding

Ski wax for plastic skis There are two varieties: sliding 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 more than half determines driving performance. 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, then they are almost twice as stiff as the classic ones, and should not be completely pressed through when repulsed. 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. Usually than longer skis the tougher they are. Therefore, if the skis chosen for the length are soft, take longer ones.

Choice of ski boots

Before choosing ski boots, the right decision is to buy thermal socks for cross-country skiing and wear them to try on 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, use them to ride skate style not recommended because they will not provide the necessary ankle support.

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.

To understand how to choose cross-country skiing As a beginner skier, you first need to 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.

What are notches for?

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 easy way to determine stiffness for a classic is to push the ski with both hands until the skid under the last fully 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.

For maximum comfort when skiing, it is better to choose skis and poles according to height and weight.

Selection table for skis and poles for classic skiing

Skier weight	Ski length	Skier Height	Stick length
<45	170-175	150	125
45-49	175-180	155	130
50-54	180-184	160	135
55-59	185-189	165	140
60-69	190-195	170	145
70-79	195-200	175	150
79-89	200-205	180	155
90>	205	185	160
90>	205	190	165
90>	210	195	165

For beginner skiers, they are suitable with notches or skins. They are almost maintenance-free and wider for better stability.

For experienced skiers, models with skins, or with a flat sliding surface, are suitable. They are narrower, which allows you to develop high speed, but require care to maintain high-speed qualities.

Selection table for combined skis and poles

In terms of properties, these are something in between classic and skating, and allow you to ski in two ski styles. The sliding surface is even - it has no notches and camus.

Selection table for skis and poles for skating

Models are suitable for beginner skiers, as there is a high probability of breaking skis and poles while improving the technique of movement.

Models suitable for experienced skiers famous brands, which have low weight and high speed qualities.

skating

The skating style of skiing was invented in the early 80s, before that they moved exclusively by the classic course. Skating is the most fast style cross-country skiing. For skiing, you need a wide, prepared track. More suitable for active people, lovers of speed.

It will take at least one season to master the technique of skating.

It is necessary to prepare the body physically: when skating, all the muscles of the body are involved in the work - the neck, shoulders, arms, abs, back, legs. With every kilometer you walk, your body will get stronger. And most importantly, without strong muscles can't be learned correct technique skating, which can lead to injury. Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the knees and lumbar back. And be sure to stretch all muscle groups before and after training.

Mastering the technique of skating is not an easy task. Need good coordination, strong back, strong hands and legs. This will give you a good rolling and high speed when riding. For the development of legs, back and coordination, ride without poles. To develop your arms, abs, and back, go cross-country skiing (double poling).

To begin with, it is worth mastering the skating two-step course. Learn how to do a long roll on one ski and how to push with your hands correctly. Gradually move on to a skating, simultaneous one-step move.

Equipment for skating

To get started, buy inexpensive, but high-quality skis and poles. When shopping for boots, focus on comfort, not cost.

When you feel that you lack speed, switch to more expensive skis.

Classic move

The classic move is the very first move that was used for skiing. It is slower than skating and not as difficult to master. For skiing, you only need a ski track, which you can lay yourself in any convenient place near the house. Suitable for calm people for family holidays who want to strengthen the body and immunity.

Recommendations for those who want to ride classic style

Mastering technology

The classic move is mastered almost immediately, it is similar to normal walking. At first, your speed and endurance will be noticeably lower than that of experienced skiers, but over time, if you learn the technique and strengthen your muscles, you can easily cover 10-20 km without stopping at high speed.

Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the legs and the lumbar part of the back, this will help riding the classic move without sticks. And it is imperative that there are no injuries, before and after skiing, stretch your muscles.

Inventory

For maximum comfort when skiing, you need to choose the right classic skis, especially the version with notches. The difficulty is that classical skiing there are 2 functions - it is good to roll forward, and not to roll back when climbing uphill. Each ski size has an individual stiffness that can be checked. Too soft skis will always bend - touching the snow with notches (this reduces speed), and too hard skis will always keep their bend - preventing the notches from catching on the snow (the skis will shoot through when climbing uphill).

If you are a beginner skier and ski rarely, buy inexpensive high-quality skis. If you are an experienced skier and like to ski often, buy more expensive and high-quality skis from well-known brands. It is better to buy boots in which you are comfortable, regardless of the price.

In winter there are great opportunities for active rest and doing sports. One of the most popular activities at this time is skiing on snowy slopes and slopes. But before you go out on the track, you need to get comfortable and functional equipment, as well as equipment - a warm jacket, thermal underwear, boots.

For professional athletes, this is very easy to do, as they know all their parameters and the equipment they need. Beginners are usually lost in the store and do not know by what criteria to determine the purchase. In this article, we will tell you how to choose the right cross-country ski size for height and other important features - model, riding style, stiffness, etc.

Pros and cons of renting

In order to make a purchase for yourself or children, you first need to decide on the question “how often are you going to ride?”. If you are going to do this only a couple of times during the winter, then it is more rational to rent equipment. But at the same time, it is important to remember what disadvantages this option has:

• Depending on the place of rest, the issue point has a different quantity and quality of equipment. It is especially difficult to get the right size on weekends and holidays. If your plans include warm-ups in the park near the house or other specialized places, then you will not be able to take the skis outside the fenced area.
• Each time you have to re-adapt to the features of the model - its rigidity, bending, length, material, fastening.
• Minor breakdowns, which are not considered at the box office, can spoil the pleasure received from winter sports. Careless care, poor rubbing, loose foot lock, small chips - these shortcomings can greatly affect the style and speed of riding.

On the other hand, you can consider rental points in cases where you plan to go out on the track infrequently. Since it is much cheaper.

If “renting” is not your option, then you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• The terrain on which you are going to ride. For very hilly terrain, we recommend that you opt for sport or mountain models. And if the site is fairly flat, then buy classic or shortened ones, they do not have strong plasticity, but they are very strong and hard to somehow damage them.
• First of all, rely on your weight and height, physical training, since the width and length of the product will depend on this. If the purchase is intended for your child, then make sure that he can easily lift them and rearrange his leg while standing on the surface.
• Do you have skiing skills? A lot depends on this. Beginners will also need to purchase other pieces of equipment - special sticks, protection for knees, elbows.
• Pay attention to the stiffness of the skis, because the softer they are, the easier they are to operate. But on them you will not be able to develop a very high speed, as they will bend during the push. When choosing a density, be guided by your weight. If you are a man of dense physique, then you need a massive inventory.

Tip: to check this indicator, attach the sliding sides of the product to each other. In the place where the bend passes, squeeze them with one hand. If it turned out to be done with average effort, this is your option.

• If the models are made of wood, then you should know: in spring time years or at positive temperatures, they practically cannot slide, but stick to the surface. And plastic ones go great in any weather, as many products are equipped with notches.

If you are buying for a child primary school, then it’s better not to buy sticks at all, since the beginner’s task is to learn to stand without support. And if for high school, then it is necessary to select support for growth from the armpits to shoulder level. For an adult, the rule is typical - the longer the support, the stronger the push, and hence the speed.

• On the handle must be present straps for fixation in the wrists. This is due to the driving technique - the hand should relax when the go-ahead is given. If there is no strap, then there is a high risk of losing the element or incorrect driving.
• There is a tip at the end. It is sharp, since its purpose is to enter the thickness of the snow even with little effort. But if your purchase is for a small child, then you can find a model without such a needle so that he does not inadvertently get hurt.

How to choose the right cross-country skis for height and weight - the nuances

• The type of model depends only on your preferences. If you want to walk very calmly and enjoy the beauties of nature, then you should buy classic ones. And if you want to overcome the track with sharp turns very quickly, then be sure to take the sports type option.
• The length must be chosen according to your height. The most common way is to add 15-20 cm to your own centimeters. But remember that this is not optimal for everyone. For example, women's, men's and children's models will be different, even if their owners are the same height. For fragile girls, there are special lightweight and shortened offers.
• With sticks it is much easier - they can be purchased provided that they are 20-25 cm higher than your shoulders.

Table: how to choose cross-country skis by weight and height

There are averages. They are developed by professionals on data obtained by experience. You can rely on them, but do not forget that there are always personal preferences and feelings. There are great athletes who break out of this framework, but this does not affect their skill and speed.

But beginners can safely start fitting in accordance with the recommendations:

For the weaker sex there is a small correction of 5 cm:

It is made because the legs of women are slightly shorter than those of men. These are natural proportions. human body. Accordingly, the step of the girls is less.

You can also choose your entire inventory, using only growth and nothing else. How to choose skis by height table:


Or use the following rule according to the inventory type:

Features of the classic move

Our grandparents still rode in this way, but so far this method has not lost its relevance. With this method, sliding occurs on two tracks, which must be parallel to each other. With this ride, you can work out the stability, which is great for beginners.

Correct stiffness

The product has a bend in the middle. If you put it on a flat surface, then the part will not touch the floor. The harder it is to press the wood to the surface, the harder the material.

Algorithm for determining the optimal value:

• Stand with your feet on all the equipment, put a strip of paper under it. It should move freely there and not get stuck.
• Now transfer all the weight to one part - the sheet should be tightly pressed, you will not be able to pull it out without damaging it.

Often, manufacturers indicate for what weight a particular model is intended.

The presence of notches

On skis, on the sliding side, there may be special notches.

Their use is intended for beginners, as they will not roll back. For those who are just getting used to this business, this feature will be a great plus. The only downside is that they will stick to wet snow.

Selection of skis for skating

This method has such a name, because when riding, athletes use the technique of speed skaters. To do this, they push off with the active leg and transfer their weight to the other, periodically changing them. With this manner, it is better to use the classic inventory, as it is more rigid. And for simple walks - choose soft and elastic models. They are easier to balance.

Equipment from the brand Stayer

The online store "Stayer" offers a wide range of jackets and overalls made of modern synthetic materials. Their advantages:

• Resistance to frost, temperature extremes.
• Moisture repellent feature.
• The filler does not roll down when washing.
• Strength - the fabric is not torn from a slight mechanical impact.

Stayer products are very warm, so you can do your favorite sport even in extreme cold.

The company offers products with a bright, memorable, but timeless design. It is suitable for both outdoor activities and for walks in the city in winter.

Finally

We looked at many options for used skis and poles that people need different levels and experience. We have presented tables for you, according to which you can independently determine which model you need to buy.

If you are visiting for the first time sporting goods store then heed the advice of a consultant. With it, you can pick up and try on exactly the inventory that you need. You also need to pay attention to the manufacturer - cheap ones are likely to glide poorly on snow, so you should not save on such a purchase, then it will remain intact for the next generation. It is better to give preference to those manufacturers who have proven themselves well. And then you will be provided with an excellent and exciting ride, you will definitely remember it for a long time. We wish you a wonderful winter holiday, good rest and skiing!