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 maintenance 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.

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. 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 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 classical 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.

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 length ski poles 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 sets of skis are perfect for PE classes at school, as well as just for ski trips and activities. skiing in winter.

Every novice skier faces the difficulties of choosing cross-country skis. How to choose cross-country skis? Skate or classic? Or maybe universal? More expensive or cheaper? The correct answer to these questions will determine whether you love this sport or hate it.

In this article, we will tell you how to choose cross-country skis and not turn the buying process into headache. How to choose skating and classic skis, how they differ and what to look for.

First you need to understand a few important points. Buy sports equipment maximum quality which your family budget can afford. Even for occasional family outings do not choose the cheapest skis. This principle is similar to or another sports equipment. The miser pays twice - this has long been known to everyone.

You can often hear from beginners: "I ride 5 times a year, I need the cheapest." Such an installation will spoil the impression of skiing for you and your loved ones. Moreover, if you ride 5 times a year, then it is better to spend this time with pleasure, and not in torment. Of course, the financial condition imposes a framework on this principle, but this is a personal matter for everyone.

One thing is for sure, it's better to buy inventory, proven brands. They have appropriate quality control and reputation care. Here are the brands we trust and recommend for purchase:

• Salomon
• Fischer
• Atomic
• Rossignol
• Tisa (owned by Fischer)
• Peltonen

What is the difference between classic skis and skate skis?

First of all, they differ construction or, as skiers say, diagram. The work of skis depends on this, but for a skate and a classic it is completely different. Also, for the classics, the skis are selected longer, and for the skate, shorter. This is explained by the fact that in the skate you need to swing the skis to the sides and do it more conveniently short. In the classics, it is better to take longer skis. According to the laws of physics, the longer the ski, the less pressure it creates on the snow, the less friction and the better the glide.

How skate skiing should work

As can be seen from the figure, skating never completely crushed. It works like a spring and has maximum pressure points in the toe and heel. In the foreground, the diagram reflects the pressure when the athlete is positioned on 2 legs. In the background - the transfer of weight to 1 leg during the rental. The pressure increases significantly on the toe and heel, and almost does not change under the last.

How a classic ski (classic) should work

image from the magazine "Skiing"

Classic, on the other hand, completely crushed under the block. It is understandable - under the block there is a holding ointment that does not allow the ski to slide back when repulsed. In the foreground of the scheme, the skier stands on 2 legs, in the background, the weight is transferred to 1 leg and repulsion occurs.

The diagrams clearly show why it is almost impossible to skate on classic skis and vice versa.

What is combined skiing (combi)?

Combined skis or just combi are classic with increased rigidity. Roughly speaking, these are skis for the classics, with the opportunity to skate sometimes. True, there is one minus - for a classic move under the block, it is necessary to apply holding ointments, and this ointment will only interfere with skating. That is, the combi needs to be constantly re-greased, which causes inconvenience and takes time.

Advantages of combination skis:

• savings (no need to spend money on 2 sets)
• a good option for the first skis (in the future you can decide which move you like more)

Cons of combined skis:

• you need to constantly apply and wash off the holding ointment
• do not fully reveal the features of riding styles

How to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner?

First you need to decide what move you want to ride, where you will ride and what goals you set. There is not always a prepared wide track for skating, but a ski track can be trodden in every park, even in the center of a big city. If there is no good track nearby, which is looked after, then definitely take classic skis. If the track is nearby or there is an opportunity to drive to it, then the choice is more difficult. To simplify, we conditionally divide skating into several categories:

• walks with family and friends

Walking is all about having fun. Fresh air, communication, hot tea from a thermos. For such riding it is better to choose classical. We advise you to pay attention to oil-free skis- with notches or mohair modules (Skintech, Twinskin and the like). They do not need to be smeared so that they do not roll back, you can comfortably stand on them and drink tea, and it is much easier to climb a mountain without serious physical preparation.

Skating is not suitable for these purposes. Skating is an energy-intensive type of skating; walking with a skate will not work. Without proper preparation, it will not be possible to communicate during skating, someone from the company will definitely fall behind, and skating will not last long.

• regular exercise to keep fit and healthy

Simply put, exercise for health 2-3 times a week. Here you can already connect the skating and alternate it with the classic - combined skis are suitable for these purposes. If you are not afraid of the disadvantages of this type of ski, which we have listed above. Or buy skis for every move from the middle price segment.

• improving the technique of skiing, the desire to improve in skiing

If you want to learn how to ski technically, then you need to think about buying 2 pairs - one for each style of skiing. Combined will not allow you to put equipment

• participation in competitions, the desire to improve the sports category

To fight for the result in competitions, of course, you need several pairs. At least 1 for each style, ideally 2-3 for each style. Moreover, the skis must be the most high level. Here it is already worth starting from how much you are willing to invest in your hobby. It is always better to take 2 good pairs than 4 mediocre ones. To the selection of professional skis you need special approach. About, how to choose professional skis, read in our separate article.

• Geometry. Skis should not be curved in the longitudinal direction (it is convenient to look at the groove), there should not be a helical bend

image from the magazine "Skiing"

• sliding surface should be flat, plastic without waves, bumps and pits
• The laminate should not be damage. Moisture can get inside through them, then the core will swell and become unusable.
• Must shrink the same and evenly. It should not be that one ski compresses lighter than the other harder

How to choose skis for classic skiing?

By height

Classics are selected based on the formula: skier height + 20-30 cm. If your height is 180 cm, choose skis 200 - 210 cm long.

By weight

Skis for the classic course are selected based on surface weight markings. Such designations are even on some inexpensive skis from well-known manufacturers, such as Salomon. In the photo, the skis are designed for a weight of 65-78 kg.

If there are no markings, then you can pick them up by weight popular among skiers paper dough:

1. Find a balance point. This can be done by placing the ski on a thin ruler or a knife. If there is nothing at hand, then you can take the ski with 2 fingers by the sidewalls and find the balance point.
2. Put your skis on a flat floor and stand on them so that the toes of your boots are on the line of balance
3. Have someone run a piece of paper under the skis. You need to stand straight, distributing the weight on 2 legs. A sheet of A4 paper should come out about 20-25 cm ahead of the boot and reach the heel. When transferring weight to one foot, the ski should almost press down on the sheet. If you take a narrower sheet of paper, then it should walk a little under the ski.

There are rougher ways to select skis by weight if the store does not allow a paper test. Such methods are only suitable for the cheapest ones, which do not have weight markings.

Please note that the strength of the brush is different for each person and this selection method cannot be used as the main one.

The first way - squeezing with one hand:

1. Find a point of balance
2. 5 cm below the balance point, squeeze a pair of skis with one hand. There should be a gap of about 1 mm

Another way our fathers and grandfathers checked the stiffness of skis:

1. Find a point of balance
2. Squeeze a pair of skis with 2 hands below the balance point. Thus, you need to find a pair that you barely squeeze, if squeezed too lightly, then they are soft. If you can't squeeze it, then it's hard.

Last and the easiest selection method if you don't want to bother at all. When the skier's weight is above the norm, it is better to take the upper limit of the length, that is, the skier's height is + 25-30 cm. When the weight is normal, the average value is selected (height + 20-25 cm), weight below the norm - height + 20 cm) . Also, for overweight people, we recommend paying attention to the combined ones and picking them up according to the height according to the classic scheme. They differ from the classic ones only in increased rigidity.

How to choose skis for skating?

By height

For skating, they are selected according to their height as follows: skier height + 10-15 cm. Short skis are more maneuverable and easier to manage. Therefore, it is better for beginners to take shorter lengths, if body weight allows. For experienced skiers, we recommend longer skis (closer to +15 cm).

By weight

On some models, as in the case of classic ones, it is indicated skier weight range for a specific couple. If there are no such markings, then you can use the same methods as in the selection of classic ones, except for squeezing with 1 hand. But there are a few features:

1. On a paper test, when transferring the mass of the skier to one leg, the paper should move freely under the ski in the binding area
2. When squeezing with 2 hands, there should be a gap of about 2mm

Many specialized stores have special devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis.

How to choose combination skis?

Combi are selected as a cross between a skate and a classic: skier height + 15-20 cm. As we wrote above, combi skis are classic skis with increased rigidity. Therefore, the selection of combined skis is identical to the selection of classic ones with a slight bias in skating. The selection methods have been described in detail above.

How to choose skis by stiffness: video instruction from Fischer

Many specialized shops have devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis. In the video, the selection of skis is made on a special stand, but on a flat floor with a piece of paper, you can conduct a similar test.

With the advent of winter, goods for winter sports. Ski equipment is especially popular. Below we will consider what the length of skis should be for various types of skiing.

Rules for selecting inventory for a classic move

The first point is the correct length. There are two ways to find out which skis are the right size. The oldest and most common way is to stretch your hand up. The tip of the ski should reach the palm of your hand.

You can add 30 cm to your own height. This is another way to choose the length of skis for a classic move.

Beginners should stop at models with notches in the middle. They hold the ski and prevent it from slipping backwards. Skiing will be much easier. If you have some riding experience, then the presence of notches can interfere, since they also do not allow you to accelerate much, they slow you down.

Rules for selecting skis for skating

If another type of skating is used, then the rules for selecting equipment change. The length of skis for skating is slightly less. This is due to the fact that the heels can overlap or cling to one another, thereby interfering with the movement.

The length of the skis for is determined by next rule: own height + 10-15 cm. Beginners can purchase more short models. The maximum size of skating skis is 200 cm. They differ from the classic ones in appearance: a blunt toe and the absence of notches on the sliding side.

Skis "combi" or recreational

There is some intermediate option for those who have not yet decided how they will skate: classic or skate. Combi skis combine the features of equipment for both types of movement. They have a reduced length (maximum 195 cm), but may have notches, and are also softer. In this case, the length of the skis is also determined by height. To choose the size of this type of ski, you need to add 15-20 cm to your height.

By the way, in many sports stores there are usually special tables where the length of skis and poles for classic or skate is already calculated.

Stick selection rules

A necessary piece of equipment is ski poles. Their length will depend on the chosen type of skiing. For the classic move, shorter sticks are used. Their value is calculated by the formula: height minus 25-30 cm. As a result, they are obtained at the level of the armpit or shoulder. Sticks used for skating are usually 10 cm longer. Their maximum height is up to the ears.

How to choose the length of skis for children

In general terms, all these rules for selecting the length of the inventory are applicable to the child. However, it should be borne in mind that children's skis are softer, since the repulsive force and weight of the baby are significantly inferior to those of adults.

You should not buy equipment “for growth”, the stock should not exceed 5 cm, because it will be difficult and uncomfortable for the child to ski in too long skis, and excessively high sticks will interfere with repulsion. In addition, the risk of injury increases significantly. As a result, the child will not receive pleasure, and his interest may disappear.

in the shop

Before going for equipment, you need to decide what kind of skis you need: skating or classic. If there are no preferences yet, then you can choose walking ones, on them, albeit with difficulty, you can master the skate. If you buy suitable ones for the last move, then it is impossible to master the classics on them, because, due to their rigidity, they will not allow you to perform a push on the track. So, the main points when choosing skis:

How to choose skis

For some reason, when choosing skis, they are guided by the height of the skier, as for cross-country skis. Some even use the same calculation formulas. However, this approach is wrong, because downhill and a walk in the forest are completely different things. And when choosing inventory, you need to take this into account.

First of all, you need to remember that skiing provide high-speed descent, so good control is necessary. As a rule, their length reaches the nose or equal to the height of the rider, and maybe even less. The growth rate is not the main thing here. First of all, you should pay attention to the type of skiing and the track.

Professional slalom skiers use 165 cm skis (the minimum size allowed). This is due to the fact that there are many sharp turns on the track, entering them is quite difficult. Good maneuverability is necessary for the successful execution of figures, which is provided by a small turning radius. And it is determined by the length of skis: the shorter they are, the smaller the radius, the more maneuverable the skis. If the rules allowed the use of shorter equipment, then the athletes would use it. The turning radius is indicated on each pair (it is indicated by the Latin letter "R"). The smaller it is, the shorter and steeper the turns can be.

On the other hand, on short skis with constant sharp turns you can’t accelerate much. Therefore, for downhill in a straight line or with wide turns on the track, you will need a longer pair.

For ski lovers and beginners, shorter skis are suitable, as they are easier to control and accelerate less. Longer models are suitable for experienced riders: they quickly develop high speed, make wider and smoother turns. They are also good for wide snowy slopes. You will have to maneuver on narrow or icy ones, which means that short ones will come in handy.

Alpine skiing is also divided into men's, women's and children's. And the difference is not just in color. The category affects the rigidity and the ability to carry a certain weight.

for a child

To properly equip a child, first of all, you need to take into account his weight and age. This will affect how long the skis should be. Also an important factor is the experience of skiing both downhill and cross-country skiing. If there is one, then the preferred method of descent must be taken into account. All this will affect the length.

Alpine skiing for children is selected based on the following correspondence tables:

• with a weight of up to 20 kg, the length of the skis is up to 80 cm;
• up to 30 kg - up to 90 cm;
• up to 40 kg - up to 100 cm;
• from 40 kg - the ski is no longer than from the floor to the nose or even the chin, if there is no skiing experience.

Otherwise, the same rules are followed as for the selection of equipment for adult riders.

Tourist skis

They are not intended for Sunday walks, but for winter hikes in places untouched by civilization. On them you can go through the virgin lands, deep snow, where there are no specially equipped tracks. They are quite rigid and wide (more than 6 cm), often have a reinforced base.

To determine what the length of the skis should be, you need to know the weight of the tourist along with the backpack: up to 80 kg - 160 cm, up to 100 kg - 190 cm, 120 kg or more - 200 cm. If the trip is light, then the skis should be equal to height or even be 5 cm shorter. Also, their socks are longer and higher than those of the running ones. This is necessary so that the skis do not bury themselves in the snow. Another difference is that in many of them the notch is applied almost to the entire length in order to ensure the most reliable grip on the snow.

After you have decided on the type and model of skis on which you will run, you can proceed to the choice of the length of cross-country skis.

Properly selected ski length for classic skiing must ensure full deflection of the ski during the push phase, and no friction between the ski block and the snow during the sliding phase.
Correct ski length for skating, does not allow the skis to fully push through during the push phase.

On correctly selected skis for skating, it is almost impossible to run in a classic course, due to the fact that during the push phase the skating skis do not come into contact with the block with snow and the ski slips.

For your convenience, we have indicated the recommended weight of the skier in the product card of the Cross-country ski catalog opposite each size of the ski (see the picture on the left). When choosing a cross-country ski model, you should consider the level of your sports training, especially for classic skis. Models of skis of a higher level of skier training are designed for a more powerful push and, accordingly, will be more rigid at the same recommended weight parameters.

Note that skiers weighing more than 100 kg will not be easy to find a pair of skis that fully meet the above requirements, since skis, especially entry level, as a rule, are designed for weights up to 100 kg. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the most rigid pair of skis available. If you cannot find a pair of skis that are stiff enough, choose skis designed for a higher level of training.

Ways to select the length of cross-country skis

There are two ways to select the length of skis:

By skier's weight
- according to the height of the skier

The selection of skis according to the height of the skier is suitable for a person who has normal weight. This method of selection is fast, but not always accurate.

The correct way to select the length of the ski is to select by the weight of the skier

Below we consider both methods for selecting the length of cross-country skis:

Selection of skis according to the weight of the skier

The stiffness of skis can be measured in several ways: a) using a special stiffness meter - a flex tester, b) on a flat surface or a special board for measuring the stiffness of skis, c) with sufficient experience, you can preliminarily estimate the stiffness simply by squeezing a pair of skis with your hands, d) use a table for selecting the length of a ski by weight, sometimes offered by manufacturers. As we wrote above, for your convenience, we indicated in the product card opposite each ski size on the Option Selection tab, the recommended weight of the skier.

When choosing cross-country skis for a classic course, special care is required, since it depends on how comfortable you can ride on the selected pair. When choosing skis for a classic course, one must take into account own weight(for athletes additionally: the power of the push with the foot, the weather conditions under which the skis are supposed to be used, and of course personal preferences). Skis for cold weather tend to be softer and more elastic than plus weather skis. In cold weather, as a rule, it is not necessary to apply thick layers of ointment and this allows you to take a softer pair, and at positive temperatures or at a slight minus, the thickness of the applied ointment layer is much larger and the stiffness of the ski should be greater so that the deflection can compensate for the difference in the thickness of the ointment layer, especially when using liquid and ground lubricants.
High-level athletes with a powerful push are advised to choose skis that are somewhat stiffer. On such a pair, an athlete can do a long ride without contact of the holding area with snow. For people less trained, it is recommended to choose softer skis, on which it is easier to get a reliable "hold" of the ointment. In addition, on a soft elastic pair, it is easier to maintain balance during the rental.

The procedure for selecting classic skis

The procedure for selecting classic skis consists in assessing how they suit you in terms of stiffness, as well as determining the area for applying holding waxes.

Find the center of gravity (balance line) of each ski, mark it with a marker, place your skis on a flat surface and stand on them so that your shoe toes are on the balance line.
- Distribute body weight evenly on both legs and ask an assistant to pass a thin sheet of paper or a 0.2 mm thick probe under the ski. At correct selection skis in terms of stiffness, the probe or paper should move freely under the ski at a distance of up to 25-40 cm (depending on the length of the ski) forward from the balance line, and also back from the balance line to the end of the boot (here deviations of 1-2 cm are allowed in that or the other side).
- If the probe moves less forward, use a longer or stiffer pair of skis. If the probe moves back further than the heel of the boot by 3-5 cm or more, take a shorter or softer pair of skis.
- Transfer your body weight to one ski as a whole and ask an assistant to pass a thin sheet of paper or a 0.2 mm thick probe under the ski. The probe or paper should move freely forward from the balance line by 10 - 15 cm (depending on the length of the skis), as well as back from the balance line to about the middle of the foot.
- Transferring your body weight to one ski, rise on your toe, simulating repulsion. Have an assistant check that the probe or paper is fully clamped and cannot move freely.

If the skis meet all the requirements listed above, then they are suitable for you in terms of stiffness. Depending on the individual characteristics of your classical technique, the skis may be a little less stiff than recommended, especially if you do not have a sharp push or you do not strive to achieve the highest result in cross-country skiing, but you prefer comfortable skiing with reliable "holding" of skis.

When choosing skating skis, such careful measurements are not required as when choosing classic ones. When choosing a skating pair of skis, the personal preferences of the skier are more important. Skating skis should be stiffer than classic ones. But keep in mind that hard skis are more demanding in terms of control and balance when rolling, so when choosing skis designed for walking or light training, it is better to consider more elastic and soft skis. When checking the stiffness of skating skis, use the thinnest feelers (0.1 or 0.2 mm) or a thin sheet of paper.

The main criteria for the correct selection of skating skis:
- When distributing body weight on two skis, the free movement zone of the probe must be at least 40 cm forward from the balance line (for short skis this distance can be 20-30 cm) and about 10 cm back from the heel of the boot.
- When loading one ski, this area should decrease, but not more than 10 cm in front, while the gap should not end under the heel of the boot.
- When simulating repulsion with the toe of the boot, a gap of a total length of 30 to 40 cm should be maintained, while the area directly under the boot should not be clamped.
- When choosing skate skis for competitions, it is desirable to take into account the weather conditions under which the skis will be used. For soft tracks with fresh snow, soft skis with elastic socks are better suited. For hard and icy skiing, it is advisable to use hard skis in which stiffness starts from the very socks. If skis are chosen for use in cold or dry weather, attention should be paid to the fact that the toes of the skis do not diverge to the sides when the pair is compressed. This will ensure that pressure is evenly distributed throughout the sliding surface skis.

When choosing combined skis, you should follow the same recommendations as when choosing skis for a classic course.

Selection of skis according to the height of the skier

Rules for selecting skis by length for skating, classic skiing and recreational skiing different. Below is a general recommendation for choosing the length of skis for height. If your weight is higher than normal, then you need to choose longer skis. If less than normal, then - shorter. This recommendation does not apply to racing skis, as they are available in several stiffness options for the same length skis. We remind you that this method is fast, but not always accurate. This method is suitable for skiers of normal weight.

Selection of the length of skis for skating

Skis for skating must be 10-15 cm longer than the height of the skier.Maximum length skating 192 cm

Selection of ski length for classic skiing

Selection of the length of combined skis

Combined skis are selected in the range of 15-20 cm more than their own height. Maximum length combination ski 192-200 cm