Table for selecting cross-country skis by weight. How to choose cross-country skis

The onset of the cold season does not mean at all that you need to hide at home under cozy blankets, since winter provides many opportunities for active recreation. And it is precisely this kind of rest that should accompany your leisure time in order to keep you in normal physical shape and help improve your health. Skiing is a full-fledged workout of all major muscle groups with maximum effort, and even in the fresh air. For example, you can go skiing, familiar to us since childhood. Despite the fact that in recent years more and more fans of alpine skiing have begun to appear, there are also lovers of more relaxed cross-country skiing. However, before choosing skis for skating, you need to decide what types of these products there are.

Main varieties

According to their intended purpose, cross-country skis are usually divided into two main types: for classic and skating. With the classic style of skiing, the skier moves the skis parallel to each other, and with the skating stroke, the athlete steps in the same way as speed skaters walk, that is, he uses the inside of the ski to push off the snow. That is why it is worth knowing how to choose skis for skating, so that when you visit an online store or a regular sports equipment store, you can navigate your needs.

Material of manufacture

If we talk about what these products can be made of, then there are only two options - plastic and different types of wood. The former have a whole range of advantages over the latter, as they are characterized by strength, durability and the ability to develop significant speeds. They do not delaminate, which cannot be said about wooden ones, which are prone to changing their properties as a result of repeated contact with water. However, the main advantage of wooden skis is their cost, making them an excellent option for beginners who are just starting to take their first difficult steps on the snow.

Skating ski parameters

Knowing the basic parameters will help answer the question of how to choose skis for skating. What to choose will ultimately depend on their stiffness and length. The selection process should be as thorough as possible, since the comfort of the skier depends on this, but considerable importance in this situation is also given to the personal preferences of the athletes. It is important to understand that skis that are intended for skating are shorter and more rigid than classic skis, but it should be remembered that hard skis are much more difficult to control. If you answer the question of how to choose skis for skating based on height, then you need to take into account that their length should be 10 cm greater than the athlete’s height.

Subtleties of choice

Skating skis differ from classic models in the absence of curved tips, and their height, as already mentioned, should be only 10 cm greater than the skier’s height. When purchasing this option, it is very important to choose the right stiffness. Ideally, it should be calculated as follows: the skis need to be placed on a flat surface, after which a person stands on them, evenly distributing his weight on both skis. Next, you need to take a feeler gauge, it can even be a sheet of paper, to measure the clearance area between the floor and the ski in front and behind in relation to the boot. It should be approximately 35-40 and 10-15 cm, respectively. After the skier transfers his entire body weight onto one ski, the clearance area should become 10 cm or less smaller at the back and front, and the gap should end earlier than the heel of the boot.

However, not every store will allow you to do such a check, so you can use another method. If you are deciding how to choose skis for skating, then there is another option for checking them. You need to install the skis vertically, fold them together with their sliding surfaces, put your hands on the pads, and then squeeze them with force. If the clearance between the skis is approximately 3-4 mm, then they are quite suitable for you, but if the clearance is 1-2 mm, you can draw conclusions that they are too soft for you.

So, now you understand how to choose skating skis based on their stiffness. Now it’s worth saying that it is not recommended to buy these products in a hypermarket. The best thing to do would be to go to a sports store, where you can, with the help of a consultant, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Typically, such specialists are well versed in how to choose skis for skating. Fisher is a popular brand worth checking out as it produces high quality products at a reasonable price. Each manufacturer has its own line for each category of skis, with different characteristics and prices. In this case, the choice of one option or another depends primarily on how much you are willing to spend.

Ski boots

If we talk about how to choose skis for skating, then one of the important attributes in this case is ski boots. They should be hard, high, and secure the ankle. For these purposes, it is completely inappropriate to use classic boots, since they are low, and your feet in them will get tired very quickly during such skating. As a result, you will not get any pleasure. The size should correspond to the size of the foot, and there is no need to leave extra for wool socks. Modern boots are characterized by density, softness, and their thermal parameters are designed for use with one sock, but quite dense.

The correct selection of boots is an additional answer to the question of how to choose skis for skating. There are many things that distinguish them from the classics, so in the store you should immediately discard all unsuitable options. Boots may well become the most expensive part of the “skis - bindings - boots - poles” set, but you shouldn’t skimp on them, because poles and skis can be replaced next season, and the boots will serve you for another 10-15 years, no less.

Ski poles

There is one general principle here: the lighter the poles, the better. The same principle applies to skis and boots. Lighter poles are made from carbon or carbon fiber, but their cost is quite high, so it is recommended to take fiberglass products. They are characterized by rigidity, lightness and relative cheapness. If we talk about how to choose skis for skating according to height, then it is important to know that poles should also be selected according to height. On average, their length should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete himself. But even here it is possible that the skier will select poles according to his own criteria, because everyone is comfortable using them in different ways.

Ski lubrication

If we have already talked about how to choose skis for skating, now you need to decide on preparing the skis for use, and this is impossible without lubricating them. In professional circles, at least ten layers of different lubricants and accelerator powders are applied to the sliding surface using a special iron, scrapers and brushes. Skating enthusiasts do not need to resort to such tricks, but they should not completely abandon the use of lubricant. It’s all about the composition of the sliding surface of the skis, because it consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, and it begins to gradually wear out from constant contact with snow. If you do not lubricate your skis, then this surface will gradually turn into completely unsuitable for skiing, which is why you will need to take your skis to a professional for sanding. After every 2-3 skiing, it is recommended to rub your skis with special-purpose paraffin, and then rub it with a stiff brush. Manufacturers have also taken care of the laziest ones; for these purposes they produce aerosols that must be used before each ride.

Skating move

If your decision to learn to ski is quite firm, then you should first decide what style of skiing you will use. In accordance with this, you need to purchase skis. Not so long ago, people started skating - in the eighties of the twentieth century. The founder of this style is considered to be Gunde Svan, a legendary skier from Sweden who became an Olympic champion four times.

The peculiarity of this type of skiing is that the athlete pushes off the track with the inner side of the ski. In this case, the route should have a large width and also be well compacted. The emergence of the skating style led to a change in the familiar appearance of traditional classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the fact that these are shorter skis with blunt tips, they are also products with a center of gravity shifted by 25 cm. In this case, to answer the question of how to choose skis for skating based on weight and height, you need to understand that not only the type of snow is important, but also your personal preferences.

If you just love Sunday walks on the snow on skis, then it is best for you to opt for models of medium and low hardness. Very rigid products have quite significant disadvantages - they spring and slip at the moment of impact. But here it is important to understand that their rigidity is proportional to their own weight - the greater this indicator, the greater the rigidity should be. For children, only soft skis should be selected. With their help, the process of mastering skiing will be much easier. Buying skis “for growth” is the most significant mistake parents make. This concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating based on weight.

The selection of length is made according to the formula already indicated earlier: height plus 10-15 cm. For poles, the formula is a little similar - height minus 20 cm. How to choose boots has already been said earlier.

Fastenings

Another important point that concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating. It comes with a choice of fastenings for them. For amateur skiers, experts usually recommend using NORDIK 75 bindings. In general, these devices can be mechanical or automatic. The first option involves manual latching, and their reliability is quite high. The peculiarity of automatic fastenings is that they are activated after placing the boot bracket in the groove. This type will be the best choice for amateurs.

Fisher skis

How to choose skis for skating "Fischer"? There's a lot to be said here. Why do many people prefer this brand? These are high quality skis with excellent performance characteristics. The main advantage of Fisher skate skis is their highest strength and a special hollow core, which makes the body as light as possible. In addition, many models are produced using advanced technologies, for example, the supporting material contains special carbon fibers, which take on the task of providing maximum flexibility with particular strength. Ideal skating comfort is ensured through the use of a patented profile. Reducing the weight of the skis was also possible due to the use of a holey toe.

Another advantage of these products is the maximum removal of reference points. This allows the athlete to gain maximum stability, which may be required during training and biathlon competitions. We continue to figure out how to choose skis for skating. Reviews of products from this brand indicate their wide temperature range. For example, in their model range there are representatives aimed at riding on dirty snow or during a thaw. However, practice shows that they are also well suited for training in cold weather, without even requiring the use of any special lubricants. This versatility is quite impressive.

The only disadvantage of Fisher skis is their high cost, which is beyond the means of most domestic consumers. For professional products the price is 30 thousand rubles or more, which is quite expensive for amateurs. But the brand also presents standard modifications that have good characteristics.

Conclusions

Now you understand how to choose skis for skating. Photos of these products and photographs of skiers demonstrate that this is a very important task, because they not only provide the convenience of skiing, but also the safety of the athlete. It is not necessary to immediately buy these products for yourself; you can limit yourself to renting skis. This will allow you to experience in practice which option will be most convenient for you. And if you do not have such an opportunity, then all the recommendations indicated should be useful to you. Good luck with your choice and happy riding!

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

The following areas are distinguished in this sport:

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

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

First, you need to decide on the type of activity. Will it be cross-country running or mountain riding? Each type of skiing has its own sports equipment. These are mainly classic, walking or skating methods.

Secondly, it is necessary to understand the methodology for correctly selecting equipment according to such body parameters.

How to choose skis according to your height?

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

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

How to choose a size?

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

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

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

Adult length selection table

Skating moveHeightClassic move
155 150 160
160 155 165
172 160 178
177 165 178
178 170 187
187 175 187
190 180 195
195 185 202
195 190 205
200 195 205
202 200 210
205 205 210
210 210 220
210 215 220

To determine the optimal length of “snowshoes,” women need to subtract 10-18 centimeters from their height. With average training and optimal conditions, a woman 170 centimeters tall will fit a size of 158-160 centimeters.

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

It is necessary to take into account the fact that for children there are separate conditions for selecting a ski pair. Don't rush to buy it for. If it is quite small, it means it is growing quickly, and it is better to rent equipment for skating. There is also no point in buying equipment just for one trip to the mountains. If such trips are regular or the child plans to engage in skiing, the purchase should be taken very seriously. When purchasing, you should rely on the child’s physical fitness, height and weight, as well as the type of skiing (or). The main difference between products and adults is their lightness and size.

Inexperienced little skiers should buy models 5-10 centimeters less than the height indicator, approximately up to the child’s chin. As you gain experience, skis can lengthen by 5-10 centimeters.

How to choose skis by weight?

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

Selecting length depending on weight

Pay attention! An important factor when selecting skis is their stiffness.

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

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

Weight, kg10-20 20-30 30-40
Size, cm70-80 90 100

For skating, they are selected taking into account the child’s height and, as a rule, are 25-30 centimeters smaller than him.

How to choose the right poles for your skis and height?

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

  • poles must strictly correspond to height; you cannot purchase equipment “for growth”;
  • The support on the poles must be appropriate in size and length.

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

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

  1. Carving skis (convenient for maneuvering and making sharp turns on prepared slopes).
  2. Freeride skis (designed for experienced cross-country skiing).
  3. Universal (the most popular due to their widespread use on any slope, regardless of the skier’s training and physical characteristics).

Another important parameter that should be taken into account when choosing skis is the presence of notches. The notches are applied to prevent strong sliding, in particular, sliding back. Models with notches do not require lubrication, but at the same time they do not allow high speeds and are inconvenient to use on icy surfaces. Notches are convenient when you have no riding experience.

If there are no notches, the skis must be lubricated with a special product - lubricant. This lubrication allows you to increase sliding speed and reduce recoil. It must be applied along the entire length, periodically removing and renewing the application.

Which ski hardness is better to choose?

Rigidity can be easily determined by the gap between the block and the floor surface. If the gap is 0.5 millimeters (the thickness of a sheet of paper), it is a medium-hard ski. Such skating. When skating, skis with increased rigidity are preferable. When checked, the gap between the floor and the skis is about 2 millimeters.

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

How to choose skis for professional skiing?

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

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

Studying the available range of ski equipment, we can conclude that the majority of manufacturers produce a model range of 4 pairs of skis of different lengths. For the highest accuracy, before purchasing skis, you need to calculate the size based on your weight and height. For the highest accuracy, before purchasing skis, you need to calculate the size based on your weight and height. It is preferable to purchase your first pair of skis with the help of a specialist or an experienced skier.

  • Boots
  • Fastenings
  • Accessories

Welcome!

We are pleased to welcome you to the website of the KARJALA brand, better known as KARELIA - one of the most famous brands of cross-country skis and accessories, which has been helping your family lead an active and healthy lifestyle for more than half a century.

The 2014-2015 season begins with an updated collection. It is safe to say that the KARJALA (KARELIA) brand, a famous trademark with more than fifty years of history, is experiencing its rebirth, re-winning the market, respect and love of consumers.

If you want to buy a GAZelle 4x4 all-wheel drive vehicle at official dealer prices, please contact us.

High-quality materials and classic technologies take KARJALA cross-country ski models to a new level, and a rich history and good reputation indicate the reliability of ski equipment.

In the current season's KARJALA collection you will find cross-country and children's skis, modern KARELIA ski bindings of the NNN system and classic 75 mm ski bindings, KARELIA ski boots for two types of bindings (NNN and 75 mm), made of leather or moisture- and frost-resistant synthetic material with waterproof polyurethane coating.

We are also pleased to offer you ski poles, bright, warm gloves for skiing and reliable covers for cross-country skis KARJALA.

Addresses of stores where you can purchase KARJALA skis in the “Where to buy” section.
We invite wholesale buyers to cooperate.

News

This article should answer the basic questions that arise for a person who decides to buy skis for himself and his family, and does not have much skiing experience, with the exception of skiing in physical education classes at school.

On the eve of the new winter season, each of us is faced with a choice. Which skis to choose? Having decided on the brand of skis, difficulties begin with choosing characteristics. Which is better: smooth skis or notched skis? The advantages of both are assessed by an experienced skier with many years of skiing experience, the author of the article, Sergei Strannik.

Cross-country skiing is classified as a cyclic sport. This means that the skier repeats the same movements many times, and his body functions with sufficient oxygen supply, in an aerobic mode. This kind of cardio exercise is the best way to burn calories, train the cardiovascular system, lungs, spine, and also keep yourself in great shape...

Preparing for the winter season and active outdoor recreation, many are thinking about purchasing appropriate sports accessories for riding or leisurely walks. What they should be depends on the landscape, but the sizing table will tell you how to choose cross-country skis based on your height and weight.

According to the characteristics of the methods of movement, they can be divided into:

  • ridge;
  • tourist;
  • combined.

Another gradation divides them into groups for:

  • beginners;
  • skiers of intermediate skill level;
  • experienced amateur experts;
  • professional athletes.

Each line has its own design features, which somewhat complicates the selection without the manufacturer’s instructions. The sizes of cross-country skis by height are selected based on the chosen type of skiing and the height of the skier.

Skate skis

The skating motion provides speed of movement along a well-rolled track. Skis of this type are used in competitions by biathletes. A distinctive feature of the shells is the toe, which is almost not bent. Push poles are used to accelerate, and the skier's leg movements resemble those used by speed skaters.

Important! Skate skis are shorter in length than regular skis. To choose cross-country skis based on your height, you will need to add 5-10 cm to your own height. The resulting result will be equal to the required length of the projectile.

In order for the intended load to correspond to the weight of the athlete, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of this model from the manufacturer. A suitable ski should spring back when riding. At the same time, its bend should not bend under the weight of the athlete so that it forms a single plane. The distance between the lower part in the middle and the snow should remain. Despite this feature, paraffin is applied over the entire surface.

Classic type

Used for classic skating. The location of the skis is strictly parallel, regardless of whether the skier is riding on a well-trodden track or just laying it.

In appearance, the products in this category differ:

  • length (up to 207 cm);
  • high-curved toe;
  • less elasticity than skating ones.

When skating, the middle part should bend and touch the surface of the snow.

The material stiffness of classic running shoes is lower. Longitudinal notches in the lower part prevent slipping; they help maintain direction in the absence of a deep compacted ski track.

It is necessary to choose medium hardness; soft ones will slow down due to the athlete’s weight pressing them into the snow. In this situation, neither the correctly selected ointment nor the notches provided by the manufacturer will contribute to sliding.

Combined type

Universal, more similar in design to running ones. When choosing to move with both methods, length must be taken into account. It should be smaller than the classic ones, so that when skating, the rear parts do not intersect.

The classic structure of the projectile is explained by the possibility of using it for skating. It is impossible to hold the track on skates. The maximum permissible length of combined ones is 2 m.

Length Determination

Cross-country skis, designed for the classic style of skiing, are traditionally chosen 20-25 cm higher than the skier himself. The peculiarity of models with notches is that they do not slide back when climbing a hill, stopping on a hill, or overcoming a snowdrift. The kit wouldn't be complete without poles. They help you speed up. The height should reach the chin of the person for whom they are intended.

The optimal length of skates for both a child and an adult is the height of the skier plus 10-15 cm. Combined ones can be 5-10 cm longer than skates. The size of ski equipment is similar to the choice of universal equipment, if it is not intended for balancing act on a slope with a springboard. For inversion jumps, extreme sports skiers choose equipment that suits their personal training program and skill level.

Selection of cross-country skis by weight

Regardless of the size, when choosing a model for a beginner athlete who does not fully master the skating technique, you can buy shorter ones. They are easier to control, but the rigidity of the product must correspond to the weight of the athlete. The children's range features more rounded noses and softer material, which makes them easy to slide and resistant to breakage.

Attention! The rigidity of the material used in manufacturing and the height of the recess under the boot mount are commensurate with the weight of the athlete. Both stiffer and softer models will make riding difficult due to strong or insufficient shock absorption.

Masters of sports can afford to use soft and hard accessories on different slopes, but for amateur skiing the manufacturer’s recommendations should not be neglected.

Auxiliary table for determining projectile parameters

Options

classics,

universal

skating,

Feature of ski sets: standard poles are short, and skis are long. For a skate, the proportional ratio of the length of the equipment changes.

If the seller does not have a table at hand, then use the scheme for selecting sports equipment based on a person’s height. For skating, the poles must have a length equal to the height, minus 15-20 cm. The length of the projectile is equal to the height plus 10-15 cm. Classic poles should end (when placed vertically) between the shoulder and chin. The length of the skis corresponds to height plus 20-25 cm.

When purchasing sports equipment, you should always consider your own physiological characteristics. The length of cross-country skis is selected according to height. Each manufacturer has a developed grid where an athlete of a certain height will find the recommended length of products. If cross-country skis are selected on the basis that the tips of the fingers of an outstretched hand should come into contact with the tips of a vertically mounted ski, then for skating and combined skis this rule does not apply.

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

Table for selecting skis and poles for classic skiing

Skier weight Ski length Skier's height Length of poles
<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 camus. They require almost no maintenance and are wider for better stability.

For experienced skiers, models with a skin or a smooth sliding surface are suitable. They are narrower, which allows them to develop high speeds, but require maintenance to maintain their speed.

Selection table for combined skis and poles

In terms of properties, these are somewhere between classic and skating, and allow you to ski in two ski styles. The sliding surface is smooth and has no notches or camus.

Selection table for skis and poles for skating

Models are suitable for beginner skiers, since there is a high probability of breaking skis and poles while improving their movement techniques.

For experienced skiers, models from well-known brands that are lightweight and have high speed qualities are suitable.

Skating move

The skating style of skiing was invented in the early 80s; before that, skiing was done exclusively using classic skiing. 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.

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

You need to prepare your body physically: when skating in the skating style, all the muscles of the body are involved in the work - neck, shoulders, arms, abs, back, legs. With every kilometer you walk, your body will become stronger. And most importantly, without strong muscles you cannot learn the correct skating technique, 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 skating technique is not an easy task. You need good coordination, a strong back, strong arms and legs. This will give you a good ride and high speed when riding. To develop your legs, back and coordination, ride without poles. To develop your arms, abs and back, ski on the ski track at a stepless pace (doublepoling).

To begin with, you should master the two-step skating stroke. Learn how to do a long ski on one ski and how to push with your hands correctly. Gradually move to a skating, simultaneous one-step move.

Equipment for skating

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

When you feel like you're lacking speed, switch to more expensive skis.

Classic move

The classic move is the very first move that was used to move on skis. 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 your house. Suitable for calm people for a family holiday who want to strengthen their body and immune system.

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 ski 10-20 km without stopping at high speed.

Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the legs and lumbar back; classic skating without poles will help with this. And be sure to warm up your muscles before and after skating to avoid injuries.

Inventory

For maximum comfort when skiing, you need to choose the right classic skis, especially the version with notches. The difficulty is that a classic ski has 2 functions - to roll forward well, and not to roll back when going uphill. Each ski size has an individual stiffness that can be checked. Skis that are too soft will always sag - touching the snow with their notches (this reduces the speed), and skis that are too hard will always maintain their bend - preventing the notches from catching on the snow (the skis will shoot 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 that you feel comfortable in, regardless of the price.