Ski selection. How to choose skis: the best recommendations and tips. Notches under the block

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

Selection table for skis and poles classic move

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 ride 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.

For experienced skiers, models of well-known brands are suitable, 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 fastest style of cross-country skiing. For skiing, you need a wide, prepared track. More suitable for active people, lovers of speed.

To master technology skating at least one season is required.

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. Special attention should be given to strengthening the knees and lumbar part of the back. And be sure to stretch all muscle groups before and after training.

Mastering the technique of skating is not an easy task. You need good coordination, a strong back, strong arms 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 the classic ski has 2 functions - to roll forward well, and not to roll back when climbing uphill. Each ski size has an individual stiffness that can be checked. Too much soft skis they 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.

Skating is much younger than the classic and is already ahead of it in popularity. The horse is beautiful, fast, dynamic, creates a feeling of flight. However, it requires more physical effort and a different set of equipment. Many try to learn how to skate on classic or combined skiing it's like playing basketball soccer ball. What exactly is the difference between skating skis and classic and combined ones, read in the article. In the article we will tell you how to choose the right skis for a skate by height and weight, what to look for.

How to choose skate skis by height

General recommendation everyone knows: height + 10/15 cm = approximate length of skis for skating. For example, for a height of 180 cm, skis are 192, for 170 cm - 182-187. For anyone over 180 cm, there is no choice in size, because the maximum length skating- 192-195 cm. Moreover, different manufacturers have their own approach to measuring the length of skis, so do not be surprised if 187 and 192 different brands are the same length. There are deviations from the formula, but this is rare.

Other factors also influence the choice of size of skating skis:

  • Rigidity. All skis, except for professional racing models, have a standard stiffness for each length. For example, when overweight get longer skis. Ski stiffness is more important than length.
  • track type. Long skis are good for gentle wide slopes (height +15 cm, sometimes even up to +20 cm). If the path is narrow, big amount climbs and turns, it is better to choose shorter skis (height +10 cm or less). For example, skis less growth skier is used in orienteering, where you need to quickly turn, turn around and run a narrow distance.
  • Ownership of technology skating. It is difficult for a beginner to cope with long skis, and it will be harder to learn the technique of the move. For the same reason, do not take skis "for growth" for children.
  • race distance. For sprints, short skis may be the best option - in sprints, the frequency of takeoffs is more important than the length of the roll. For distance races, it is better to choose longer skis - long rental, average frequency of movements.

Mistakes when choosing the length of skating skis:

  • “I want shorter skis because I hit my heels on the instep” is a frequent wish of ski buyers. In most cases, the reason lies in the technique of skating, and specifically, the lack of a step forward. Even with growth under 2 m, you can touch the heels of skis 192 cm long. The second reason is the steepness of the climb. The greater the angle of elevation, the greater the angle of spreading the skis - this is normal on steep slopes.
  • “I saw on TV that biathletes ski less than their height” is a common misconception among beginners. Often, advertising skis are raised on a pedestal, and the athlete runs on others of the same brand.

It happens that professionals run races on skis that are equal to their height or even 20 cm higher than their height, but this is an exception to the rule. The choice of such skis is determined by many factors that we may not know about. A professional racer has 20-30 pairs of skis at his disposal, from which he chooses the best. If you want 1-2 pairs of skis on different conditions follow our recommendations.

Source: bergzeit.de

How to choose skate skis by weight

The stiffness of skating skis is the most important parameter for their proper operation and good glide. If the skis are not suitable for stiffness, then they will not go well, no matter what the structure and lubrication. That is why in the ratio of size-stiffness, stiffness should be preferred. The error in the length of the skis is not as important as the rigidity.

For most recreational skis, stiffness changes with length. Longer skis - more rigidity. Professional racing models can have different stiffness at the same length.

What affects the rigidity of skating skis:

  • Ski work. Skating skis should work like a spring and help push off.
  • Sustainability. On too soft skating skis, it is difficult to stand on one leg at the box office, they will spin under your foot. Skis of the correct stiffness do not glide on the entire surface, on 2 contact patches - in front and behind.

What determines the choice of stiffness of skating skis:

  • Level of training. For beginners and amateurs, it is better to choose softer skis, but within the recommended range. In order for hard skis to work correctly, they need to be crushed, and this is impossible without mastering the technique and physical training. Professional riders can run even harder skis than recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Track stiffness. On a hard track, choose skis harder, on a soft track - softer. Hard skis on soft terrain will burrow, and soft skis on hard terrain will be unstable.
  • Type of race. For distance races, it is better to choose soft or medium hard skis, because it will be difficult to push the skis against the background of fatigue. On the sprint, on the contrary, the advantage is behind hard skis. At the same time, do not forget to take into account the density of the route.

Mistakes when choosing the stiffness of skating skis:

  • “I want stiffer skis” is a common misconception. We have no idea where this belief came from, but it is erroneous. Rigid skis are needed for trained athletes and hard tracks, in other cases they will be worse than properly selected skis. Choose skis within the recommended range.
  • “We used to ride and there was no rigidity.” Wasn't there before plastic skis, skating and much more. Stiffness is the main parameter for choosing skis and this is already an indisputable fact.

The choice of skis for heavy weight

If the body weight exceeds 100 kg, the selection of skis becomes a problem. But even heavy skiers can choose skis by weight, and the author of the Skate & Classic channel proved this.

Skating skis by brand

The choice of skis by brand is more of a subjective preference for everyone. Good racing skis Every Big Five brand has one: Fischer, Salomon, Atomic, Rossignol, Madshus. The same quality skis are made by Yoko, Peltonen, SkiTrab. All these brands produce the entire line of cross-country skis from recreational to professional racing.

Of the brands that specialize only in recreational skiing (Tisa, Nordway, Innovate, Sable, Spine), only Tisa makes skating skis. Models Tisa Race Сap Skating And Tisa Top Skate- the only worthy skating skis up to 5000 rubles. Race differs from Top in better sliding surface and applied structure for different types of snow. They are selected only by height, the rigidity is standard for each length.

How to choose Fischer skis for skating

On Fischer skiing the weight range of the skier is not written, the FA index is used to determine the stiffness. According to the index, using the table, you can accurately select skis for the weight of the skier, the features of the track and the level of training. Amateur and walking models are selected only by height - for each length of skis, standard stiffness. Read more about numbers on Fisher skis in the article, and short review Total model range Fischer - in the article.

Skate skis Salomon and Atomic

Rossignol skis for skating

Madshus Skate Skis

On Madshus skis, the skier's weight range is written on the NIS platform, a more accurate selection is carried out through the End Flex indicator. , structures and technologies, read our article.

Skis Peltonen and Yoko for skating

We have combined Peltonen and Yoko into one chapter, because both brands are accurately selected only on a flex tester. In our articles there are only indicative stiffness tables.

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. 🙂

An amazing time of the year is summer. In summer, people want to relax after winter with its frosts, snows, long cold evenings and short daylight hours. With the onset of warm days, many go to the sea to soak up the warm rays of the gentle sun and feel the coolness of sea water. But, summer passes, again giving way to autumn and winter, which they missed by this time. After all, winter is a wonderful time. Only in winter we are given the opportunity to go skating and skiing, which are chosen very carefully so as not to spoil the mood. To do this, you need to decide on the style of riding.

A beginner skier should know what styles are:

  • skating style - the skier advances like a skater along a prepared track of a sufficiently large width;
  • classic - skiing.

Each style requires “their” skis, which are not interchangeable, or rather, you can’t buy skating skis if you plan to ski them on the track. From such an undertaking, nothing good will come of it, and vice versa - it is unlikely that skiing in the classical way will bring pleasure if their purpose is skating style.

If you prefer skis for the classic course, remember that models are produced without a notch and with one. Notched skis are suitable for a beginner who does not want to figure out how to apply correctly. ski wax how her choice depends on the ambient temperature and snow.

Skis without a notch are not used without holding ointment, this should not be forgotten when going to the store for skis.

The middle part of the skis, while driving on the track, bends when repulsed, therefore it comes into contact with the surface. Notches serve to prevent the ski from slipping backwards, i.e. to hold her. Forward, the ski rides unhindered - the notch does not interfere with it. But, the speed of riding in comparison with a smooth ski will be somewhat less. In addition, in difficult conditions (when there is icy snow or there is a positive temperature), the skis will slip back, because the notches cannot cope with the recoil. This disadvantage does not allow the use of notched skis in skiing, but they are suitable for children and beginner skiers.

What you need to know about lubricants

There are two types of ointments for plastic skis.- holding and sliding. The first ointment is applied to the central part of smooth skis (block), which are designed for a classic course. This ointment is available in liquid and solid form. It is selected depending on the temperature of the snow. The functions of such a lubricant are similar to those that perform notches - to prevent the skis from slipping back when pushing away, so it is not necessary to apply it to skis with a notch, unlike slip lubricant, which is applied to any type of ski.

Ski ointment glide provides, as the name implies, good glide. It is applied to the back and front of the classic ski, regardless of whether the option is selected with or without a notch. For skating skis, lubricant is applied to the entire surface.

The choice of skis by stiffness

First of all, when choosing skis, you need to decide on their rigidity, which is very important for driving performance. Skis have a deflection: the greater the force required to apply in order for this part of the sliding surface of the skis to touch the snowy track, the more rigid the skis are considered. If the sliding surface under the block does not touch the floor, then you need skis of less rigidity. For skating-style skis, which are shorter than classic ones by 15-20 centimeters, but twice as stiff as them, let's allow a gap between the floor and the surface of the skis up to 1-2 mm. On individual models, the weight range of a person for which skis are designed is indicated.

For non-professionals, skis of low and medium hardness are more suitable. If skiing is planned on virgin lands, where there is no skiing, then you need to choose between touring (tourist) and recreational skiing, which are wider than the classic ones, therefore, it is easier to lay your own ski track on them.

How to choose ski poles

First of all, their length is important, which means that it is important to get information on how to correctly determine it:

  • for classic skis, the length of the stick is determined by the height of the skier plus 25-30 cm;
  • when choosing poles for skating, only 10-15 cm are added to the height.

What is important to know when choosing ski boots

Ski boot socks

In order not to be mistaken with the size of ski boots, you need to try them on special thermal socks. The boots for skating have a rigid sole and a rigid cuff that securely protects the ankle. But you can’t use them for classics, because the sole does not bend when repulsed. It is better to choose low boots with soft soles for classics. But they are also not recommended for skating, because they do not provide proper ankle support.

An excellent solution would be to buy combined boots that are suitable for skating and classic skating: they have a medium hard sole and a removable cuff.

If possible, give preference to boots that, in addition to lacing, have a zipper. This will prevent snow from getting inside.

What you need to know when choosing fasteners

The industry produces the following types of fasteners: SNS; NNN (new version - NIS)4 Nordic 75 (USSR standard). The last mount is practically not used, and the first two differ slightly. Therefore, the main thing is to choose the right shoes, and fixing them is not difficult.

Choice of sticks

Sticks are made of the following types:

  • Made of fiberglass - the cheapest, but have low rigidity and strength. They are recommended for beginners and children.
  • From aluminium. Price available. Suitable for amateurs and beginners. Suitable for heavy skiers
  • From a modern durable and lightweight material - carbon fiber. They are characterized by high rigidity, but at a cost they are the most expensive.
  • Composite ski poles- made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Strength and price can vary greatly depending on the proportion of carbon included in the composite.

Recommendations for choosing sticks: it is better to buy sticks with Velcro loops. And it is not recommended to opt for small support rings (legs) that fall into the snow. Their purpose is special routes. The length of the stick is determined based on the height of the skier, using the formulas: for skating - height minus 15-20 centimeters; for the classic - growth minus 25-30 centimeters. You can also choose ski poles using the tables below.

Table: choice of ski poles for adults

Height, cm Length of ski poles, cm
For the classic move For skating
150 120 130
155 125 135
160 130 140
165 135 145
170 140 150
175 145 155
180 150 160
185 155 165
190 160 170

Table: choosing the length of ski poles for children

Height, cm Stick length, cm Age, years
100 75 3
110 80 4
115 85 5
120 90 6
125 95 7
130 100 8
135 105 9
140 110 10
145 115 11

(videochart)73134.76753a8a9ace42f9e78be2f983a9?i=bS9v61BTqj8&index=0&index=0&version=2&bla (/videochart)

Video: How to choose skis and equipment.

From this article you will learn how to pick up a beginner skier cross-country skiing and poles for height, as well as how to choose the right size for ski boots. Below are tables for selecting ski sizes and boot sizes.

Choice of cross-country skis and poles

In order to choose the right cross-country ski length, you need to decide what style you are going to ride - classic (on the ski track) or skating:

  • For a classic move, add to your height 20-25 cm
  • For skating, add to your height 10-15 cm

There are two types:

  • Notched (step): the notch is a ribbed sliding surface of the ski in the binding area. The notch allows the skis not to slip and not to use holding ointments. Perfect for pleasure skiing with classic cross-country skiing.


  • With a smooth sliding surface (wax): these are skis without a system of notches, the sliding surface is smooth, the use of holding ointments is required. Unlike notched skis, these skis are suitable for any style of skiing and are better suited for combined skiing, skating, and sport skiing.

When selecting ski pole lengths also focus on the style of riding:

  • Sticks for the classic move should be about 25 cm smaller than your height. In this case, when you are skiing in boots, the sticks will go into the snow up to their feet, and the handle of the sticks will reach your armpits. It is this length of ski poles that is optimal for classic skiing.
  • For skating, ski poles must be longer - approximately 15 cm less than your height.

Table of selection of cross-country skis and poles by height:

Skate style Height Classic style
skis sticks cm skis sticks
200 175 195 210 165
200 175 190 205 165
200 170 185 205 160
195 165 180 200-205 155
190 160 175 195-200 150
185 155 170 190-195 145
180 150 165 185-190 140
175 145 160 180-185 135
170 140 155 180 130
165 135 150 170 125
160 130 145 170 120
155 125 140 160 115
150 120 135 160 110
145 115 130 150 105
140 110 125 150 100
135 105 120 140 95
130 100 115 140 90
120 95 110 130 85
120 90 105 130 80
110 90 100 120 80

Choice of cross-country ski bindings

The most popular types are:

  • 75 mm (NN75)- classic steel fasteners (three-pin system), familiar to everyone since Soviet times, are still very popular due to their simplicity, reliability and low cost. These mounts are perfect for touring.
  • NNN and SNS - modern systems bindings, differing from each other with guide ledges for boots along the bindings. Such mounts are better suited for more active and sporty riding.

Choice of ski boots

All are made from modern frost-resistant synthetic materials, less often - from genuine leather.

All ski boots are insulated, which allows you to pick up boots of your size without a stock and wear them without a woolen sock. We recommend using thermal socks.

The sole of the ski boots is suitable for a specific binding system: 75 mm, NNN or SNS:

  • Boots for bindings 75 mm are available in standard Russian sizes. The size of the boots can be chosen completely according to your foot size.
  • Boots for NNN / SNS bindings are produced in Euro sizes, which are approximately 1.5-2 sizes smaller than Russian ones, i.e. if you wear Russian size 39, then you should take size 41 boots.

The easiest way to choose your shoe size is to measure with a ruler shoe insole length that you are wearing.If it is not possible to get the insole out of the shoe, then it is necessary to measure the length of the foot. How to do it correctly - see under the table below.

Ski boot size selection table according to insole length:

Insole length, cm Russia size Euro size
19 - 30
19,5 - 31
20 30 -
20,5 31 32
21,5 32 33
22 33 34
22,5 34 35
23 35 36
24 36 37
24,5 37 38
25 - 39
25,5 38 40
26 39 41
26,5 40 -
27 41 42
27,5 - 43
28 42 44
28,5 43 -
29 44 45
29,5 - 46
30 45 47
30,5 46 -
31 47 -

How to measure your foot length correctly:

Stand on a piece of paper so that your heels only lightly touched behind the wall (doors, cabinet sides, etc.). If you press your heel hard against the wall, the measurement will be wrong.

The weight of the body should be transferred to the leg being measured.

Hold a pencil strictly vertical, do not get it under your fingers!

Mark lines near the thumb and second finger, draw a line along the wall. Measure the maximum distance between the marks with a ruler. Measure both feet as size may vary.

Ready ski sets

In our online store you can choose and buy, consisting of cross-country skis, poles, bindings, boots and ski bundles.

We have prepared for you several options on skis of the Russian manufacturer STC (Center sports technology). You can choose skis with or without notches. The kit includes 75 mm or NNN/SNS bindings, matching ski boots, some ski kits include additional accessories - a ski bag and a set of ski waxes.

Especially for parents of schoolchildren, we have 2 options for inexpensive Ski set Schoolboy: a simple and budget kit with 75 mm mounts and a kit with NNN mounts/ SNS. Both ski sets are perfect for physical education at school, as well as just for ski trips and activities skiing in winter.

The choice of cross-country skis is a very important and complex matter. Sometimes from quality choice depends on the safety of the athlete, the convenience and success of skating. If a person pays a minimum of attention to the selection of skis and bindings, he can immediately face injuries, and movement on the slopes will be difficult. That is why it is necessary to carefully study the issue, highlighting the main criteria by which the choice is usually made.

Cross-country ski types and materials

To begin with, a person needs to decide on type of cross-country skiing used on slopes of varying difficulty.

So, what types of skis can be called?

  • skis for skating;
  • skis for classic skiing;
  • combined models.

If a person needs cross-country skiing for skating, then you should immediately take into account their size. The maximum length of such a model is 190-192 centimeters. The toe of such models is usually blunt, and their distinguishing feature lies in the fact that the middle part should not completely touch the snow, there must be a gap of 2-3 millimeters here.

Models for classic move have a maximum length of 205-207 centimeters. Compared to skate models, these skis have less rigidity and are a little easier to manage.

Since it is sometimes difficult for athletes to make a choice in favor of a particular model, now they are popular combined types of skis. The maximum length of such models for some manufacturers reaches 200 centimeters, and according to appearance they are more like classic skis.

Models may also vary. according to the level of preparedness of the athlete. For example, there are models for professional athletes, for beginner skiers and for people with an intermediate level. sports training. The only difference between skis for beginners is their large width (on average 47-59 millimeters) and decent weight.

If speak about materials Now plastic models are becoming more and more popular. They are easy to use, practical and reliable in terms of use. Wooden models also continue to appear on the market, but they are noticeably losing ground. Almost all professionals and experts middle class have long switched to skis made of high-quality plastic.

How to choose the length of cross-country skis and poles

When choosing cross-country skis, it is very important to consider their length and pole size. TO how to choose the length of cross-country skis?

The easiest way to find the ideal ski length for yourself - measure your height from the heel to the tip of the outstretched arm. Subtract 10 from this number, and the person will get the required length of skis.

Of course stick size for cross-country skiing plays a huge role, because thanks to them you can develop tremendous speeds on the track and learn how to slow down. For classic skis you need to pick up sticks that do not exceed shoulder height in length. For skating style, you should pick up long sticks. The loop on them should be comfortable so that a person can easily remove and put on the sticks themselves on the track.

Table for the selection of cross-country skis and poles:


How to choose the stiffness of cross-country skis

Another important characteristic that should not be forgotten when choosing skis is rigidity. If you put the skis on a flat surface, you can see that in the middle they do not reach the ground, they sag by 1-2 centimeters.

The longer the skis, the more the models sag, and the better such skis are suitable for tall and stout people. Therefore, people of average build should choose skis with medium stiffness, and thin athletes with minimal stiffness.

It is great if, after fixing the skis on the legs, special test. An assistant can hold a sheet of paper under the skis, and if they are selected correctly, the sheet will move freely, and the gap between the ground and the skis will be 1-2 millimeters.

Features of the choice of shoes

The choice of skis is not easy, but without good boots and bindings, it is impossible to guarantee successful skiing on the slopes. That is why it is worth knowing which shoes to choose for certain cross-country skis.

For skating style it is necessary to choose high boots with a special rigid cuff. It is this cuff that will prevent the development of injuries when riding and securely fix the leg in one position.

For classic riding fit low models with the most soft soles.
Universal models imply the presence of a removable cuff and soles with a medium level of rigidity.

There are also different models from the experience of an athlete. If boots are needed professional athlete, then you need to pay attention to the most modern models from the most durable materials with a minimum number of skin inserts.

How to choose mounts

What are fasteners, and how do they differ?

  • Front mounts NN 75, which are now considered obsolete and practically not used.
  • Fastening with rails with system NNN that are used for skating.
  • Mounts SNS used for traditional skating.

By choosing the right bindings, boots and skis, a person guarantees himself a successful skiing by 50%. Everything else will directly depend on his personal skills on the track.

Selection of children's cross-country skis, boots and bindings

When it comes to the selection of sports equipment for baby, then it is important to take into account all the little things. So, for example, for kids under 7 years old, it is better to choose the shortest possible skis, otherwise their movements will be very difficult. Also, children under 5 years old do not need sticks, because without them they will master the technique of walking and slow driving much better.

As soon as the kid turns 7, you need to start skiing choose according to height. From the height of the child, 10-15 centimeters should be taken away, this indicator will be considered the optimal length of the skis.

Parents often choose oversized ski boots and make a huge mistake. In such models, which are too large for a child, the leg will not be securely fastened, and the baby may be injured. Better pick shoes strictly in size completely suitable for the child.

Particular attention should be paid to fastening type. For the smallest athletes, soft bindings are used, consisting of straps and ties that can be used with any shoe. For children from five to seven years old, semi-rigid bindings are used, which are also used with any boots. But from the age of 7, you can start buying bindings already with ski boots.

How to choose the right cross-country skis - video

Now let's watch a video that will more clearly explain to you, how to choose the right skis so as not to be mistaken.



mob_info