How to choose skis for beginner adults. How to buy the right skis: selection by height and weight

The choice of the length (height) of skis depends on several factors: the height of the person, the goal pursued by the person involved, weight, age, the way of skiing. Consider all these criteria for a more correct choice.

How to choose skis for a child. We choose the size of the skis according to the height of the children, the table.

From correct selection children's skis, their length and material, the health of the child depends! Therefore, this part of the article is given special attention.

How to choose skis for a child based on the material of the skis.

Determining the length (size) of skis for a child, you can start with the fact that skis are wooden, semi-plastic and plastic. So what is the best choice for a child? Skis of the first two types are now rare, even among children's ski options, but in vain, these are the skis that are suitable for beginners, especially for young children who even learned to walk a few years ago.

Many parents underestimate the importance of choosing the right skis for their children. They strive to immediately make a champion out of their child, thereby harming his health. And meanwhile, the most correct would be to choose wooden skis for your child. The thing is that the children's body is not yet properly formed, the necessary muscle groups are not developed in children, bones and ligaments are vulnerable. And only by choosing wooden skis for a child can you protect him.
Let the young athlete first gain confidence, develop balance, his ligaments will get stronger. This may take several months or years. After that, you can already pick up plastic skis for the child.

When choosing children's plastic skis for a child, it must be remembered that these skis are light - this is a plus, but at the same time they are "slippery", which in turn often causes injuries among children. Such skis can develop not correct technique movement.

Children's health is in your hands!

How to choose skis for the height of the child. The size of children's skis.

If your child is just taking their first steps in skiing When choosing skis for him, do not forget that this must be done taking into account the growth of children. If you do not seek to force the success of your child, first choose skis for him, the size of which is 20-40 centimeters higher than the height of the child. Skis of this length will give stability and confidence to the baby, especially on the descents.

For more prepared children, for those who are already mastering skating, you need to choose less long skis, where the length (height) of the skis is a little more than the height of the child, by 5-10 centimeters. This will allow him to confidently skate on loose and deep snow, as well as on slopes, where often excessive length leads to the fact that the backs of the skis begin to cling to each other, and the children fall.

Another point that I want to focus on is the noses of the skis. When choosing skis for a child, opt for those skis that have sharp, long, well-curved toes. Choosing such children's skis, the child will not encounter the problem of “stumbling” when moving in deep snow, when the nose of the ski is in a snowdrift and scoops up snow when the leg is lifted. Skis with small rounded noses are only suitable for well-trodden slopes.

How to choose skis for the height of the child table.

This table clearly demonstrates how to choose the right skis for the height of the child:

Table for choosing the length of skis for children.

We select the correct length of skis for an adult or how to choose skis by height and weight using the table.

Ski size sizing is the most popular way to choose ski length. At the same time, you can choose the required length of skis yourself, without anyone's help. To do this, you only need to know your height.

Table of selection of skis by height.


If there is a need to select skis by weight, usually starting from a more advanced level ski training, you need to know your weight, and choose skis according to the markings indicated on the skis yourself, or by contacting the seller.

Further in the choice of skis depends on how you are going to move on skis, skating or classic. We will talk about this further.

How to choose skis for skating.

Choosing skis for skating, in other words, for a skate, you should pay attention to the length of the skis, the material and the manufacturer.

Height and size of skate skis.

The choice of the length of skating skis comes down to a simple formula: a person's height plus 5-25 cm. Why is there such a large variation in height? And how to accurately determine your ski size? The fact is that the selection of the length of skating skis depends both on the individual characteristics of the skier, and on the terrain on which the person will ski (plain, mountains), on the conditions (rolled track or not), on the weather.

The individual characteristics of each skier can only be determined empirically. But with the weather and the track, everything is clear. When choosing skis for skating on a good track, you can take longer skis, especially if you have a good skating technique. This will allow you to move with a long step, the rental will be greater, respectively, and the speed.

If, however, most often you move on loose snow, on a poorly rolled or narrow track, then you should not choose very long skis, as the ski toes will constantly cling to the snow along the edges of the track. In addition, the smaller the size of the skis, the lighter they are. The same is true with the terrain, it is easier to climb uphill on shorter and lighter skis, but for flat skating you should choose longer skis.

Choosing skis for skating.

How to choose skis for skating by material.

To date, there are two types of skis, plastic and, already more rare, semi-plastic. I must say right away that semi-plastic skis are heavier, their sliding surface is worse, but they are cheaper. Beginners and children should choose such skis.

Plastic skis for skating are lighter, choosing such skis for skating you will achieve the greatest results, but they are also more expensive, the price is good skis can reach several tens of thousands, not everyone can buy such skis. On wooden skis it is almost impossible to move by skating, except perhaps on ice or crust, so you should not choose such skis for skating.

The choice of manufacturer of skis for skating.

There are quite a few ski companies. Today it is possible to purchase skis from all well-known manufacturers. The most popular of them are Fischer, Atomic, Rossignol, Madshus, Salomon, Nordway, Tisa, Elan, Sable, Karjala, Nordica, Swix. The first five ski manufacturers are the most popular among athletes, but they are also more expensive than the rest. Therefore, a beginner may not immediately choose expensive skis for himself, but hone his skating skills on cheaper options.

Only an athlete can understand the difference among the top ski manufacturers, someone likes and fits Fischer skis, and another Atomic or Rossignol. Therefore, at the moment, the choice of a manufacturer of skis for skating for a person who does not set himself serious tasks comes down more to aesthetics, appearance and color design of a particular ski model.

The length of the skis with classic moves.

Choosing the length of skis for classic move it is necessary to be guided by a simple formula: ski size \u003d human height + 15-40cm. As we can see, the length of the skis for the classics is slightly longer than for the skate. This is due to the fact that with classic moves, the skier, most often, moves along the knurled track.

How to choose the right skis for classic skiing.


A large ski size gives a more straightforward movement, the skis do not “walk” from side to side. Also, the length of the skis affects the speed. But you should not choose very long skis, you can “get confused” in them, and besides, such skis are more difficult to manage, especially when cornering.

Classic ski width.

When choosing classic skis, one should not forget about their width. For example, if you are skiing in snowdrifts, then the width of the ski should be larger.

The choice of the sliding surface of the skis for the movement of the classic move.

The sliding surface of skis for classics may differ from skating. In the middle of the ski, under the block, there may be a scaly volumetric pattern that will prevent the skis from sliding back.

Selection of skis by temperature.

When choosing skis, you should not drop such important factor how is the weather, especially if you want to achieve good results in skiing. The quality of sliding is influenced by factors of temperature, humidity and even the structure of the snow itself.

Now there are skis for both cold and warm weather. We will not go into technical details, just note that cold skis will “feel” worse in warm weather than special ones. warm skis. Therefore, it is recommended that in order to achieve best results, purchase and have in your arsenal both “warm” and “cold” skis. Fortunately, buying such skis is not a problem now.

What are the differences when choosing walking and cross-country (cross-country) skis.

The choice of skis depends on the goals that you set for yourself. It can be just walks for health and relaxation, pastime with family or friends, or maybe classes in sports school and performance in competitions.

When choosing walking skis, both for skating and for classics, it is necessary to be guided by reliability and comfort. Therefore, walking skis can be heavier, stronger, longer than racing skis. It all depends on the individual characteristics and financial possibilities to buy certain skis.

Skis of which manufacturer's company is more correct to choose.

Above, in the part of the article where we talked about how to choose skis for skating, the main ski manufacturers have already been listed. It was also said that at the moment such firms as Fischer, Atomic, Madshus and Rossignol are at about the same level. The rest of the ski manufacturers are lagging behind or not yet up to the desired level.

If you are an amateur, not an athlete skier, or even just starting to take your first steps in skiing, then you should not immediately buy expensive skis. Start by choosing simple, inexpensive models. And then it will be seen whether it is worth buying better and more expensive skis, because often the price of skis is due to technologies and materials that you may not need, in addition, of course, well-known ski brands have a price markup simply for their fame and popularity.

Summing up on the topic of how to choose the right skis for yourself.

Choose your skis and hit the road.


Skiing has long been confidently holding a leading position among popular types sports, including in Russia, thanks to our climate. The benefits of skiing cannot be underestimated. On skis, you can take walks for health and pastime, you can practice on your own or in a sports school, compete in competitions.

For walks, by and large, any skis are suitable, the main thing is Fresh air and company, getting the joy of walking. To achieve good results in skiing, it is necessary to choose high-quality, sometimes expensive, ski models, and preferably not one pair, but several. Athletes may have ten or twenty.

Therefore, make your choice, buy skis and get joy, health and achieve your goals.

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

It seems to many that choosing skis is easy. It's really not difficult, but there are some subtleties here. In order not to make a mistake in choosing, you need to determine which target group of skis you need. So, if you are quite active on the track and intend to set a couple of records in the near future, then you need equipment for the pro skis of the Sport group.

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

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

The Junior group stands apart - skis for children and teenagers. Modern models successfully combine an attractive appearance, as well as safety and reliability of the design. Children's skis have several distinctive features. So, for example, the increased width and rounded toes give the ski stability, and the side cutouts make cornering easier.

How to choose cross country ski poles

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

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

Skier Height Skis for classic skiing Skis are universal Skating skis Sticks for the classic move Skating poles
150 170/180 170 165 120 130
155 180 170/180 170 125 135
160 185 180 175 130 140
165 190 185 180 135 145
170 195 190 185 140 150
175 200 195/200 190 145 155
180 205 200/205 190/195 150 160
185 205/210 205 195 155 165
190 210 205 195 160 170
195 210 205 195 165 175

Skis are selected according to the scheme: height + 20-30 cm for the classic course, height + 10-15 cm for the skating course. How more weight the skier the harder and longer he needs skis.

Sticks are selected according to the scheme: height -30 cm for a classic course, -20 cm for a skate course.

How to choose cross country ski boots

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

Ski boots of the sports direction. They usually use the highest technological innovations, work out new fastener systems, put modern heaters.

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

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

Ski boots for wellness walks. Here are various comfort models from simple to complex. The materials used are very different: from complex to simple and tested.

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

How to choose cross-country ski bindings

Currently all over the world most widespread received three types of mounts - these are ROTTEFELLA (NNN system), SALOMON ( SNS system) and NORDIC 75. The first two types of bindings are mainly intended for sports skiers, and the cheaper NORDIC 75 (or 75 mm) for recreational skiers. Boot fastening system SALOMON mounts and ROTTEFELLA has no cardinal external differences. In both types of bindings, the boots are firmly secured to the toe brace.

Boot fasteners can be automatic or mechanical. If the mount is self-locking, just insert the boot brace into the slot and the mount clicks into place. This type of binding is mainly intended for recreational skiers. Bindings with mechanical fasteners, manually closed, provide a more secure fit of the boot. That is, it reduces the likelihood that the mount will accidentally come unfastened (for example, if a stick falls on the mount). Therefore, most professional fasteners have just such fasteners.

Both types of bindings are versatile in the sense that they can be "fitted" to any boot size. Exceptions are mounts for small children (up to seven years old) and teenagers. SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA produce special bindings for children and youth. They differ from "adults" in a large latch handle, so that it is convenient to take it in mittens. In addition, child mounts have a softer mount mechanism to Small child could freely put on and take off skis.

Also important points: cross-country ski clothing, cross-country ski equipment, skating skis, skating ski boots.

IN winter period skiing is not only an ideal option for fun, but also a great opportunity to work out, getting a load on all groups. It is important to know how to choose skis for skating in order to find the perfect equipment for yourself.

A feature of skating is that repulsion from the ground occurs inside ski tracks. The track is also important, which should be well-packed and wide. From classic skating differ in that they are about 15 cm shorter, have a blunt toe, and the center of gravity is shifted by 2.5 cm.

How to choose the right skis for skating?

Experts recommend approaching the choice of equipment responsibly, based on individual indicators. To begin with, I would like to say about the price, since many people believe that the more expensive the skis, the better. In fact, this is not the case and experts advise beginners to purchase budget options, among which you can find good equipment. Another helpful advice- if the athlete's weight is more than 70 kg, then it is better to choose skis from the middle price category, which are more durable.

If you are interested in which ones to choose for skating, then pay attention to the following indicators:

  1. Length. To calculate this value, you need to make a simple calculation, namely, you need to add 10-12 cm to your height.
  2. Rigidity. This parameter should be chosen depending on the weight of the skier. For example, if a person with a low weight chooses hard skis for himself, then they will not cling to the ground and the ride will be uncomfortable. Those who just want to go skiing should choose options with medium hardness. It is important to say that hard skis often slip, and they also bounce when pushed. There is one piece of advice on how to choose skating skis according to stiffness - you need to put skis on a flat surface, put on your boots and stand on them. After the weight is evenly distributed, using a sheet of paper, you should measure the length of the gap that has formed between the ski track and the floor. You need to do this both in front and behind the boot. The ideal option is when the distance in front is 30-40 cm, and in the back - 10-15 cm. If you transfer the weight to one leg, then the clearance value should be no more than 10 cm. Not all stores have the opportunity to measure skis, so you can use another advice - fold the skis vertically, sliding surfaces towards each other. After that, put your hands on the pads and press them well. Skis are considered suitable if there is a gap of 1-2 mm between them.
  3. Strength. This indicator also depends on the weight of the person, and the larger it is, the stronger the equipment is needed.

Speaking about which skis for skating a beginner needs to choose, it is worth talking about the choice of sticks. It is worth giving preference to options that touch the shoulder.

With the onset of the most fabulous and magical time of the year, it would be worth considering what you can do with yourself in winter? What is only worth playing snowballs, sledding, skating and, of course, skiing. Why not implement best moments of the past? Today, the shelves of shops with ski equipment are clogged with various products, so the question is more acute than ever: how to choose skis, mountain or cross-country?

How to choose the right skis: we decide on the style of riding

Before you go shopping in a specialized store, you should decide what style of riding you own.

If you're new to skiing and want to get a pair of skis to explore the winter forest, then most likely your skiing style is classic. This style is inherent in almost all people who start skiing.

The second style is skating. A skier in this style resembles a skater, pushing off inside ski tracks from snow. This view implies a wide track and dense snow.

Having set yourself the goal of how to choose skis for a beginner, do not try to appropriate the riding style of a pro, as it will be problematic to move through a snowy forest on skis for skating.

Going to the mountains: what skis to choose?

Skis for skiing in mountainous areas are called mountain skis. According to the target audience, they are of several types:

  • professional- the name speaks for itself, this species designed for professionals. They are marked with the English word "Sport". For buyers of such skis, there is no question of how to choose skiing Right. These are people who have been riding for years and have professional riding skills. Professional alpine skis are very light in weight, but the most expensive in price;

  • amateur skiing- this type of ski is also sports and is marked "Fitness". Such skis should be chosen by people who ski not so long ago and do not consider themselves professionals in skiing. They are much heavier in weight than professional skis, but also more affordable;
  • tourist or "Touring"- this type is designed for long and difficult tourist trips. The width of tourist skis is much larger than the rest, as well as the weight, which sometimes reaches 1.5 kg. In their structure, they are more rigid, often come with notches to avoid slippage;

  • pleasure- they are slightly similar in appearance to tourist skis but are lighter in weight. Intended recreational skiing for short rides over short distances on snowy plains, beginners can choose them;
  • children or teenagers- this type is marked with the word "Junior". They are often made of plastic; skis of this type have fasteners for a regular boot. Such skis are light and comfortable for a child to ride, it is a pleasure to choose from the range of this series of skis.

How to choose skiing according to a person's height

Before choosing skis, pay attention to their length or, as they say, size. If a person is a beginner and is not confident in his abilities in skiing, then it is better to take skis at the rate of minus 20 cm from the person’s height.

A person with an average level of training should pay attention to skis, the length of which is 10 cm less than his height. Professionals choose alpine skiing according to their height or 10-15 cm less.

Choosing the right cross-country and skating skis

Purchase ski equipment only in specialized stores, check for certificates of conformity of goods to European standards.

Before proceeding with advice, how to choose skis cross-country and skating, it is necessary to clarify what kind of ride they are suitable for. Cross-country skiing designed for fast driving short distances, they are light, smooth, sliding.

Skating skis are the toughest, their main visual difference is that they do not have a corner bent up.

How to choose cross-country skis

  • Cross-country skiing should be chosen according to individual parameters, such as: height, weight, professional skills and, of course, financial capabilities.
  • Cross-country skis are selected at the rate of +15, 20, 25 cm to a person's height.

  • The weight of skis and poles should not be too large. Cross-country skiing involves a fast pace of skiing, pay attention to these parameters, as they are very important.

How to choose skate skis

  • Skis for skating must be rigid, since when moving, the block of the ski track must spring back and push the skier forward. This type has a blunt, not bent toe, and the length of the ski track should exceed the height of a person by 17-20 cm.
  • Determine hardness. Place two skis vertically sliding surface to each other and, squeezing the pads with all your might, look at the gap between them. If the clearance is 3-4 mm, then these skis will suit you. If only 1-2 mm, then it is better to refuse the purchase due to insufficient rigidity.

How to choose skis by height? The table will help determine the length of skis and sticks for skiing an adult.

How to choose skis and poles for the height of the child

Children's and teenage skis should first of all be soft, which will allow the child to quickly learn to ride and get the most out of riding. Many parents, in an effort to save money, purchase skis for their children for growth.

Longer skis are harder to manage, the child may not be able to cope, and this will push him away from the desire to ride. When choosing skis for a child who is just learning to ride, you need to calculate the size of the skis according to the weight of the child: if the weight is about 20 kg, then the length of the skis should be 70 cm, 20-30 kg - it is better for the child to buy 90 cm skis.

« How to choose skis child so that he does not get injured while riding them? This question worries many parents. If the skis and equipment are chosen correctly, then the child will feel comfortable on ski run and the chance of injury is greatly reduced.

It should be noted that it is not at all necessary to buy expensive skis for a child to ride. Children grow up and are often not advanced professionals in skiing, the feeling that loved ones are nearby and doing a joint activity is much more important for them.

This table will help you choose the right length of skis and sticks for skiing a child:

Making the right choice: wood or plastic

wooden e is a classic and ecological type of ski, proven over the years. The disadvantages of wooden skis include the fact that they are not as slippery as plastic ones. In addition, they weigh significantly more.

plastic skis more practical and modern. They benefit in operation under various weather conditions and snow conditions. If snow makes it difficult to ski on wooden skis at above zero temperatures, then plastic will pass this test with a bang.

In addition, plastic skis are durable, they do not deform like wooden ones from moisture and dampness.


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

Selection of ski poles by material

Cross-country ski poles are made from several materials:

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

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

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

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

Handles, lanyards and paws for ski poles

Source: www.flgr.ru

Table of selection of ski poles by height

Ski poles by height: FIS table for classic skiing

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