It would seem that the answer lies on the surface - contact a consultant in the store. However, it is far from a fact that in pursuit of profit they will not sell you expensive and, of course, high-quality skis that will be so fast and uncontrollable that a trip to the emergency room after a winter holiday is guaranteed.

How to avoid becoming a victim of marketing traps? How to choose the right skis? What parameters should you pay attention to first? Our article will answer all questions.

Main types of skis

If a person skis only during short winter weekends, then it is quite difficult to navigate and choose the right sports equipment among the huge assortment. Therefore, you need to know what types of skis exist and understand what kind of riding and skill level they are intended for.

All skis can be divided into several categories. Let's look at them in more detail.

Depending on the skill level, skis are divided into the following types:

• Professional;
• Amateur;
• Tourist;
• For children and teenagers.

Depending on your riding style:

• Mountain;
• Running.

The last two categories of skis have a broader classification, as they are suitable for various disciplines. Therefore, we will determine which skis are better – alpine skiing or cross-country skiing – using a comparative review.

Alpine skiing has the following classification:

• Skis for ski cross. Designed for professionals and extreme riding enthusiasts. They are maneuverable, but unstable. An athlete must be able not only to stand well on skis, but also to quickly respond to changes in the situation. These skis are made from the most durable material.
• Carving skis. Maneuverable, easy to control. Slightly tapered in the center. Allow the skier to easily take turns. Requires special riding skills.
• Fun carving skis. Designed for experienced skiers who like to ski without poles. The speed of such skis is low. They are controllable because there is a lifting plate between the boot and the ski itself.
• Freestyle skis. Suitable for snowboarding enthusiasts. These skis have a curved tip and heel. This shape allows the skier not to fall, but to move on if he lands with his back to the track.
• Skis for ski touring. Stable, non-slip, well controlled. Designed for areas where there is no lift. Riding such skis is as safe as possible if the athlete has the skills to ski on level B slopes.
• Skis for freestyle backcountry. Thisfairly wide skis that are designed for riding on snowy and uncleared terrain. The controllability of such skis is as high as possible. They are stable and strong.
• Skis for freeride or with thin waist. The width of these skis is 80 mm. Suitable only for professionals, as they are very fast, poorly controlled and require special skills for driving on the highway.
• Wide skis. They have a wide middle, nose and heel. Designed for riding during a thaw. They don't sink in the snow and are maneuverable.

Based on the above classifications, we can conclude that alpine skiing is aimed at professional athletes or for those amateurs who have already mastered the basics of skiing on entry-level slopes.

Cross-country skiing is divided into only two groups:

• For a classic move. These are long skis with a smooth surface, which are covered with a special protective layer. This layer prevents the track from slipping backwards.
• For skating. Short skis that have a slight elevation in the center. This design contributes to the athlete’s stability when climbing a mountain.This type of ski is suitable for tourists who love winter walks in the forest or mountain slopes. They require basic riding skills.

Also a separate category are hunting skis, which are divided into camus and boot skis. These products are designed for driving in forested areas where there are no cleared trails and there is a risk of falling through the snow. They are stable, not too fast and controllable. Not suitable for classic mountain skiing.

Key ski characteristics

The physical parameters of the skis determine how they behave while riding. Therefore, if you don’t know which skis to choose – fast or more obedient – ​​you should familiarize yourself with the parameters that affect the speed of movement:

• Ski length. This is the main characteristic that affects the speed of the skier on the track. Therefore, it is worth remembering that the taller and heavier the person, the longer the skis he needs. Long skis don't sink in the snow, they go fast and are more aggressive. The shorter the skis, the more manageable and easier they are to control.
• Rigidity. This is a criterion that indicates the degree of flexibility of the ski. Each equipment manufacturer has different stiffness ratings. And the higher this indicator, the more aggressive the skis behave. Soft skis turn smoother, but only if the person’s weight is not too heavy. Hard skis turn more sharply, but their stability is higher. For beginners, buying skis with a high degree of rigidity is not recommended. Such skis will ride poorly and constantly “throw” the athlete a little forward.
• Turning radius. Often on skis you can find numerical markings (from 10 to 20 m), which indicate the speed of the ski's turn. The smaller it is, the faster a pair of skis will turn. For beginner skiers, it is worth choosing equipment with an indicator of 14-16 meters. Teenagers take skis with a turning radius of up to 20 m. Professionals can choose the most agile pair.
• Geometry of equipment. Such a characteristic as the shape of the ski often misleads even experienced athletes. Therefore, many novice skiers often wonder how to choose skis according to their shape. Skis with a wide tip are more stable and easily turn. Products with a narrow toe make edging easier. A narrow heel forgives mistakes, a wide heel requires skill. The middle or waist of the ski affects the flotation ability. For beginner skiers, you should choose a waist from 68 to 75 mm, for professionals - up to 70 mm.

How to choose skis taking into account the athlete’s weight and height?

Each manufacturer of winter sports equipment has its own table of the relationship between the length of skis and the weight and height of a person. You can learn how to select skis and poles from the universal table.

It is worth noting that it is worth adding 5 cm to the length of classic skis. For skating skis, it is recommended to add 10 cm. Skis for walking should be 15 cm longer than indicated in the table.

When selecting poles for classic style skiing, it is worth considering the fact that their length should be 25 cm less height athlete, and the length of the poles for skating style is 20 cm less.

Children's skis are selected not only taking into account the weight and height of the baby, but also age. The detailed parameter table is as follows:

However, in addition to the length of the skis, it is also worth taking into account such an indicator as the width. For children aged 3 to 6 years, it is recommended to buy wide skis with a round toe. They are more stable and manageable.

At school age, a child already acquires the skills of caution. Therefore, skis for schoolchildren are a little narrower - about 5-7 cm.

Teenagers buy skis based on their skiing style. Therefore, if a student likes to ride faster and can handle the controls, the width of the skis can be less than 5 cm. If a teenager is not confident in his abilities and is skiing for the first time, then the width of the skis should be up to 10 cm.

When choosing skis for extreme skiing, you should consider the following recommendations:

• The length of freeride skis should be 15 cm higher than a person’s height.
• The length of skis for scrapping is calculated by the formula: skier’s height minus 15-20 cm.
• The formula for determining the length of skis for a ski tour is as follows: a person’s height minus 15 cm. If the person is heavyset, then 10 cm is added to the height.
• Freestyle length or all-mountain skis: athlete’s height minus 15 cm.

Therefore, if you still don’t know how to choose skis, the data table will help you solve this problem and purchase the right equipment.

What material is the best for skis?

It is impossible to figure out how to choose the right skis without reviewing the materials from which they are made. All alpine skis are divided into wooden and plastic according to the type of material.

• Wooden ones are made from birch, ash, beech, pine and elm. It is these types of wood that are suitable for the production of skis. Wooden ones are cheaper than plastic ones.
• Plastic ones are produced using two technologies: cap and sandwich. The first technology involves the use of a foam core and a plastic coating. The sandwich technology is based on the use of a wooden base and a plastic coating.

The choice of wooden or plastic skis is everyone's business. However, it is worth considering some nuances that will help you not make a mistake with the choice of material.

• Wooden skis are subject to deformation when exposed to moisture. They cannot be used during a thaw. In severe frosts, they do not slide back like plastic ones. Wooden skis are stable, manageable and suitable for both beginners and professionals.
• Plastic skis are more flexible, less likely to break, and are not subject to deformation. They are faster and more maneuverable. The only drawback is that in severe frost they travel back.

Recommendation for athletes who have previously ridden wooden skis.If you decide to buy plastic skis, don't rush. Rent equipment. After wooden skis, plastic skis will seem unruly. Therefore, in order not to regret the purchase later, make sure whether plastic products are suitable for you.

How to choose skis for a beginner athlete? First, you should find out whether you will be riding on a cleared track or on snow-capped mountains. For classic slopes, skis without notches, that is, smooth, are quite suitable. However, they need to be coated with special mixtures, without which the skis will not glide normally. If you want to conquer a snowy peak, then knurled skis are best suited. They do not need to be lubricated and are more stable in the snow. However, you need to take into account that notches in warm weather can play a cruel joke. Snow will stick to them and the ski will simply stop sliding.

It is also worth paying attention to the level of rigidity. You need to lean the smooth side of the ski against another ski and see how much it bends under the influence of force. The gap between the skis should be no more than 1 cm. If you cannot compress the skis, then it is better to take softer products. Beginners are not recommended to take skis with a high level of rigidity.

TOP 10 best ski manufacturers

There are a lot of ski manufacturers. Therefore, when buying winter sports equipment, beginners and even experienced athletes are faced with the problem of choice. But if you highlight the TOP 10 best ski manufacturers, the circle of “candidates” for purchase will be significantly reduced.

According to Snow magazine, the top ten ski manufacturers are as follows:

• Fischer;
• Rossignol;
• Head;
• Atomic;
• Blizzard;
• Salomon;
• Volki;
• Elan;
• Nordica.

The average cost of quality racing skis is from $200 to $400. Inexpensive domestic skis from brands such as STC or Sorsu can be purchased for $50. Amateur models of well-known brands cost from 80 to 100 dollars.

Recommendation.If you are a beginner skier, buy domestically produced products. You can fit within a small budget and get quite decent quality. And when you gain experience and sports training, you yourself will understand which skis of what stiffness, width and length you need to choose in the future. The only exception in this case concerns weight. It is quite difficult to guess the stiffness of Russian skis if your weight is more than 70 kg. Domestic skis are often an order of magnitude tougher than foreign ones.

What is the difference between domestic and foreign-made skis? The quality of top models from world brands is still unattainable for the Russian manufacturer. Expensive brand skis are mainly intended for high-end competitive skiers. They are manufactured in specialized factories, usually in the countries where the manufacturing company is located. The design of such skis is quite complex and is simulated on a computer. All developments are carefully tested by qualified athletes. In manufacturing, only high-quality, expensive materials are used, often taken from the aerospace industries, where they have received high praise. That is why domestic skis cannot currently compete with foreign ones. But if you are not a professional skier, but a simple lover of winter skiing, choose domestic products - of sufficient quality, but at the same time affordable. Good luck on the ski track!

You might be interested

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

Table for selecting skis and poles for classic skiing

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 for high speeds, but require maintenance to maintain 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. Need good coordination, 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.

How to choose skis for skating and not make a mistake? Choosing skis is not the easiest task, especially for beginners. Purchasing this sports equipment requires a competent, responsible and balanced approach.

How to choose skis for skating for a beginner?

The first difficulties may arise directly when determining products that fall into the running category. Often this type includes models that differ in structure from alpine skiing. At the same time, a beginner has absolutely no need for professional skating skis, at least based on their high cost.

A person who is just starting to ski, first of all needs to decide on an affordable price category. The cost of individual models of skating skis can range from $30 to $350. And even with a special wallet size, the most expensive models from reputable global manufacturers are not always the ideal solution.

Which skis are best for skating? The optimal solution for beginners can be cross-country skis for skating, produced in Russia. Firstly, the average quality of such models allows you to feel the whole range of positive emotions from skiing, and secondly, their cost is so affordable that you can use such skis sparingly, in almost any conditions.

Another important issue for a beginner is the selection of cross-country skis based on technical parameters: length, level of rigidity, structural strength. It is these characteristics that are decisive when choosing any models.

The optimal length of skis for skating can be determined according to the classic calculation formula. To do this, you need to add 25-30 cm to the skier’s height, which will be an indicator of the appropriate length.

As for the stiffness of the skis, here it is necessary to focus on the weight of the skier. Under a too heavy rider, soft models will certainly sag, causing a whole lot of inconvenience. If the skier's weight is low, equipment that is too rigid will slip with a rather unpleasant recoil. To determine the optimal level of rigidity, just stand on your skis with your full weight, after placing a thick sheet of paper under the binding area. A sufficient rigidity indicator is considered if the sheet can be moved under the sliding surface over a distance of about 30-40 cm in both directions without much difficulty.

The majority of buyers prefer to immediately purchase expensive skating skis for entry-level skiing, hoping for a comfortable feeling while riding based on the authority of a recognizable manufacturer. However, the reliability and high quality of expensive skis are justified by the need to achieve maximum speeds on the track. It is unlikely that a novice amateur will immediately be able to ride at such speeds using correct technique ride. Therefore, there is no point in spending money on buying a professional ski model for a person without much experience.

Manufacturing materials

When carrying out such a procedure as choosing skis for skating, an important issue for most beginners remains the selection of suitable material. Many of us have not yet forgotten the good old wooden models of Soviet-made cross-country skis, for which there was practically no alternative at one time. Therefore, some sports fans find it extremely difficult to accept the need to switch to modern plastic models. The main reason here is not the ossification of perception, but rather the lack of information about the features of using such equipment.

Plastic skis for skating are not as simple as they might seem at first glance. Using such a model without proper preparation and maintenance, you can feel discomfort, convincing yourself of a bad purchase already in the first meters of the track.

In fact, plastic has improved sliding properties compared to wood. Therefore, when choosing plastic cross-country skis, you need to be prepared for the need to regularly lubricate the sliding surface of the product, selecting suitable compounds based on weather conditions and the nature of the terrain.

Plastic models of cross-country skis are much stronger than wooden ones and, accordingly, have an increased level of reliability. And if the owners of the former begin to cover their favorite equipment with the appearance of positive indicators on the thermometer, then the happy owners of plastic analogues usually enjoy the continuation of the season for some time.

How to choose skating skis for your riding style?

One of the determining factors when selecting skis is whether the chosen model matches your skiing style. It is recommended to consider individual features and configuration of skis based on the nature of the future use of the purchased pair.

The selection of skis for skating should be carried out based on the characteristics of the riding style itself, which is characterized by the need to perform sweeping movements in the so-called “herringbone”.

The main difference between classic skis and skating models is their lubrication features. To achieve the most uniform gliding, the surface of skate skis is treated with primers in the form of holding ointments, lubricated with paraffin along the entire length, and additionally treated with special gliding lubricants. At the same time, such processing is unacceptable for classic ski models, the sliding surface of which, on the contrary, is sanded to achieve greater grip, after which it is coated with a holding lubricant.

To choose skating skis that will be used for cross-country riding, you need to pay attention to the most durable products that can withstand significant loads.

In general, experts recommend purchasing several sets of skis for traditional, skating and cross-country skiing. It is this solution that will allow you to avoid difficulties and discomfort, having the opportunity to switch from one move to another.

Ski boots

The most important process, along with the direct choice of cross-country skis, is the selection of a whole range of necessary accessories: bindings, boots, poles, etc. Innovative models of ski boots are not just special shoes for comfortable connection with skis, but also products that can protect feet from certain stresses and maintain heat balance.

In the production of modern ski boots, the anatomical features of skiers' feet and natural hygiene requirements are taken into account. Selecting high-quality, reliable boots is the key to a comfortable, successful ride. A responsible approach to the selection of boots eliminates the need to be distracted by all sorts of inconveniences in the form of pinched toes or wet feet.

Currently, there are several main categories of ski boots:

1. Classic models - traditionally used on ski models that are used for classic skiing.
2. Skating boots - the structure and functionality of this equipment corresponds to the characteristics of skating.
3. Combined models - can be used for riding in different styles, thanks to the presence of a convenient removable cuff.

Fastenings

When choosing skis for skating, you need to think about choosing suitable bindings. Today there are standard and profile types of fastenings.

Standard fastenings involve connection to boots using holes for which there are connectors on the sole of special boots. Such fastenings also have protrusions, due to which, in fact, the ski boots are securely fixed.

Profile systems have rubber elements of varying hardness, which ensures high repulsion efficiency when running. There are several separate fastening options for profile boots - NNN and SNS. The difference between these types of profile fastenings lies in the number of recesses. There are two of them in NNN format mounts, but only one in SNS format mounts.

Ski poles

Picking up best skis for skating, you should pay attention to the choice of the most comfortable, effective poles. The choice of poles largely depends on your riding style. The classic riding style is best suited to choosing poles whose length reaches the armpits, and for “skating” it is recommended to choose poles up to shoulder height.

The ideal solution can be considered the selection of poles with an anatomically adjusted lanyard and large paws. The presence of these characteristics makes it possible to ride for a long time, practically without feeling fatigue or discomfort in the hands.

How to prepare skis for skating?

Preparing skis for skating involves first of all creating a sliding surface structure that best matches the nature of the snow. To do this, the outer surface of the skis is treated with special substances in the form of ointments and paraffin, which are selected based on weather conditions.

First of all, a solid grip ointment is applied to the sliding surface of the skis. The procedure is carried out in the following order:

• the outer plane of the skis is treated with sandpaper, which improves traction due to raising the pile;
• a heated primer ointment is applied with a consistency that best suits the weather conditions;
• the ointment is smoothed with an iron at medium temperature;
• After hardening, subsequent layers of ointment are applied in the holding area and leveled with synthetic cork.

Applying paraffin to the surface of skis

If sufficiently soft paraffin is available, lubrication of skating skis can be done by applying it cold to the sliding surface. If skis are processed using hard paraffin, then they resort to heating the lubricant with an iron. Alternatively, lubrication of skating skis can be done by briefly heating a block of paraffin wax and then applying smooth strokes to the skis.

Apply such an amount of paraffin to the ski that the molten lubricant spreads evenly over the entire sliding surface, and the layer of the substance should be no more than 1 mm. It is leveled with the same hot iron.

Preparing skis for skating by applying lubricant in the form of paraffin heated with an iron is the most dangerous procedure. If the operation is not carried out carefully, there is a high probability of overheating, deformation and burning of high molecular weight plastic. Therefore, when applying paraffin, it is strongly recommended to set the iron temperature to the lowest possible temperature at which the existing paraffin can melt.

It is necessary to move the iron along the sliding surface of the skis smoothly and without delay. In this case, there must be a layer of paraffin between the plastic and the sole of the iron, because plastic quickly combusts if there is direct contact with the heated surface of the iron. Based on this, you should not save on paraffin consumption, as this often leads to more serious material losses in the form of damage to equipment.

Cleaning the ski surface with special brushes

In cases where the entire length of skating skis is machined on special grinding machines, the formation of a complex large or small surface microstructure becomes possible. This treatment promotes optimal removal of liquid and air when the ski comes into contact with snow, which ensures the best glide.

After removing the remnants of old paraffin using scrapers, with the arrival of the new season, quite a few small grooves remain filled with lubricant. To restore the original structure of the ski surface, paraffin residues should be removed with rotary or hand brushes. The most effective may be the use of hard metal or nylon brushes, which have fine bristles.

When cleaning paraffin from a sliding surface with brushes, it is not recommended to be too zealous, using sudden movements or excessive pressure, so as not to damage the structure of the plastic. The bristles of metal and nylon brushes most effectively remove paraffin residues when they are placed at right angles to the surface being treated.

1. To apply the base layer in the form of a priming ointment, it is better to use a special iron, since most irons for ironing clothes do not allow you to set the optimal temperature.
2. Holding the heated sole of the iron on one point on the ski surface, unfortunately, often leads to burning and deformation of the plastic.
3. Before applying gliding ointment when preparing skis for skiing, you should activate the surface by brushing it once again with a brush.
4. When preparing skis for skiing in cold weather, it is better to resort to creating a fine structure of the sliding surface, and in warm weather, use a large surface texture.
5. When preparing a sliding surface, the use of the trial and error method is of great importance. In other words, it's worth trying personal experience different combinations of lubricants under different weather conditions.
6. Before you need to store skis for a long time, you should not clean off the old paraffin, which will act as protection for the sliding surface in the off-season.
7. It is recommended to initially take extreme care of your skis, because only in this case can you hope for their long service life and maximum enjoyment while skiing.

Every beginner skier faces difficulties in 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 purchasing process into headache. How to choose skate and classic skis, how they differ and what to pay attention to.

First you need to understand a few important points. Buying sports equipment is better highest quality, which your family budget can afford. Even for rare outings with the family you shouldn’t choose the cheapest skis. This principle is similar to or other sports equipment. The miser pays twice - everyone has known this for a long time.

You can often hear from beginners: “I ride 5 times a year, I need the cheapest ones.” Such an installation will ruin the riding experience 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 agony. Of course, financial status imposes a framework on this principle, but this is everyone’s personal matter.

One thing is clear, it’s better to buy equipment, reputable brands. They have appropriate quality control and care about reputation. Here are the brands we trust and recommend for purchase:

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

What is the difference between classic skis and skate skis?

First of all, they differ design or, as skiers say, diagram. The performance of skis depends on this, but for skates and classics it is completely different. Also, for classics, skis are selected longer, and for skating - shorter. This is explained by the fact that in skating the skis need to be swung to the sides and it is more convenient to do this with short skis. 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 a skate ski should work

As can be seen from the figure, the skate ski never completely crushed. It acts like a spring and has maximum pressure points at the toe and heel. In the foreground, the diagram reflects the pressure when an athlete stands on 2 legs. In the background is the transfer of weight to 1 leg when rolling. The pressure increases significantly at the toe and heel, and remains almost unchanged under the shoe.

How a classic ski should work

image from Skiing magazine

Classical, on the contrary, completely crushed under the block. This is understandable - under the block there is a holding ointment that does not allow the ski to slide back when pushing off. In the foreground of the diagram, the skier stands on 2 legs, in the background the weight is transferred to 1 leg and push-off occurs.

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

What are combined skis (combi)?

Combined skis or simply combi are classic with increased rigidity. Roughly speaking, these are skis for classics, with the opportunity to skate sometimes. True, there is one drawback - for a classic move, you need to apply grip ointment under the block, and this ointment will only interfere with skating. That is, the combi needs to be constantly smeared, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Advantages of combination skis:

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

Disadvantages of combined skis:

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

How to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner?

First you need to decide what kind of stroke you want to ride, where you will ride and what goals you set. There is not always a prepared wide track for skating, but ski tracks can be trampled in every park, even in the center of a big city. If there is no good piste nearby that is maintained, then definitely take classic skis. If the highway is nearby or there is an opportunity to drive to it, then the choice is more difficult. To simplify things, let’s roughly divide skating into several categories:

• walks with family and friends

When walking, the main thing is to have fun, fresh air, communication, hot tea from a thermos. For such skating it is better to choose classic. We advise you to pay attention to wax-free skis– with notches or mohair modules (Skintech, Twinskin and the like). You don’t need to smear them so they don’t roll back, you can comfortably stand on them and drink tea, and it’s much easier to climb a mountain without serious physical training.

Skates are not suitable for these purposes. Skating is an energy-consuming form of skating; walking on a skate will not work. Without proper preparation, you won’t be able to communicate while skating; someone in the group will definitely fall behind, and the 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 use skating and alternate it with the classic one - combination skis are suitable for these purposes. If you are not afraid of the disadvantages of this type of ski, which we listed above. Or buy skis for every move from the middle price segment.

• improvement of technology ski moves, 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 skiing style. Combined ones will not allow you to supply equipment

• participation in competitions, desire to improve sports level

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

• Geometry. Skis should not be curved in the longitudinal direction (it is convenient to look at the groove), there should be no helical bend

image from Skiing magazine

• Sliding surface should be smooth, plastic without waves, bumps and holes
• There should not be any on the laminate damage. Moisture can get inside through them, then the core will swell and become unusable.
• Must shrink equally and evenly. It should not be the case that one ski compresses easier, the other harder

How to choose skis for classic skiing?

By height

Classic ones are selected based on the formula: skier height + 20-30 cm. If your height is 180 cm, choose skis with a length of 200 - 210 cm.

By weight

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

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

1. Find your balance point. This can be done by placing the ski on a thin ruler or knife. If you don’t have anything at hand, you can grab the ski with 2 fingers by the sides and find the balance point.
2. Place your skis on a flat floor and stand on them so that the toes of your boots are on the balance line
3. Have someone run a piece of paper under the skis. You need to stand straight, distributing your weight on 2 legs. The A4 sheet of paper should extend approximately 20-25 cm in front of the shoe and reach the heel. When you shift your weight to one leg, the ski should almost press down on the sheet. If you take a narrower sheet of paper, it should move slightly under the ski.

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

Please note that each person’s hand strength is different and this selection method cannot be used as the main one.

The first way is one-handed squeezing:

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

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

1. Find your balance point
2. Grip a pair of skis with 2 hands below your balance point. So you need to find a pair that you can barely squeeze, if they squeeze too easily then they are soft. If you can’t squeeze it, then it’s hard.

Last and the simplest selection method, if you don’t want to bother at all. When the skier’s weight is above normal, it is better to take according to the upper limit of 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 normal - height + 20 cm) . Also, for overweight people, we recommend paying attention to combined ones and choosing them according to height according to the classic scheme. They differ from classic ones only in increased rigidity.

How to choose skis for skating?

By height

For skating, they are selected according to height as follows: skier height + 10-15 cm. Short skis are more maneuverable and easier to control. Therefore, it is better for beginners to take a shorter length, 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 when selecting classic ones, except for squeezing with 1 hand. But there are several features:

1. On the paper test, when the weight of the skier is transferred 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?

Combis are selected as something between a skate and a classic: skier height + 15-20 cm. As we already wrote above, combi are classic skis with increased rigidity. Therefore, the selection of combination skis is identical to the selection of classic skis with a slight bias towards skate skis. We described the selection methods in detail above.

How to choose skis by stiffness: video instructions from Fischer

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

To understand how to choose cross-country skis for a beginner skier, you must first decide which skiing style you prefer. For the skating style, when they move like a skater along a wide prepared track, or the classic style, when they move along a ski track, different skis are made. It is not recommended to buy skating skis, implying the possibility of skiing on the track or vice versa. It will be difficult and you will hardly get pleasure from such a ride.

When you set out to choose cross-country skis for a classic ride, remember that there are models with and without notches. If you are a beginner and you don’t have the slightest desire to figure out how to properly apply ski wax depending on the snow temperature, then choose classic skis with notches for skiing. If you bought smooth skis without a notch, then be aware that they are used only in conjunction with holding ointment, otherwise they will slip.

When driving on a ski track, the middle part of the ski bends when pushing off and comes into contact with the surface of the track. The notches are made in such a way that they do not allow the ski to slip back while holding it, but allow it to slide forward almost unhindered. Please note that the riding speed will always be slightly lower than on smooth skis. In difficult conditions, such as above-zero temperatures or icy snow, the notches cannot cope with the recoil and the skis begin to slip back. For these reasons, notched models are not used in skiing, but are very convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as well as for children.

Ski wax for plastic skis comes in two varieties: glide and grip.

Ski glide lubricants are designed to improve sliding properties. They are applied only to the front and back of classic skis, no matter whether they are notched or not. And with skates, the entire sliding surface is lubricated.

Holding ointment is applied only to smooth skis intended for classic skiing, and only to their central part (block). This ski lubricant comes in solid or liquid form and is selected according to the temperature of the snow. Serves the same purpose as the notches - it prevents slipping back when pushing off.

There is no need to apply grip lubricant to knurled skis, but glide lubricant can be applied to any ski.

If you want to know how to choose the right skis, remember: the most important thing is to choose the right stiffness. Each ski has a deflection, which determines more than half ride quality. The stiffness of a ski is determined by how much force needs to be applied from above to push it down.

One simple way to determine the stiffness for a classic is to push the ski with both hands until the sliding surface under the block completely touches the floor. If you can’t push through, then choose one with less rigidity. For skate style skis, there should be a gap of 1-2mm when squeezing with one hand. By the way, some models indicate the weight range of the skier for which they are designed.

For beginners and non-professionals, low and medium hardness skis are best suited. If, when pushing off, classic skis do not push through completely, then the stiffness is chosen incorrectly.

As for how to choose skis for skating, they are almost twice as stiff as classic ones, and should not be completely pressed when pushing off. However, they are usually 15-20 cm shorter than the classic ones.

If you are planning walks in the virgin lands, without ski tracks, then choose special pleasure or tourist (touring) skis. They are wider than regular classic ones and you can use them to lay your own ski track anywhere you want.

The ski length is selected as follows:

• for a classic style, add 25-30 cm to your height;
• for skate - add 10-15 cm to height.

The question of how to choose the right skis based on your height is less important than choosing them based on stiffness. Typically, the longer the skis, the stiffer they are. Therefore, if the skis chosen by length turn out to be a little soft, take longer ones.

Before you choose ski boots, the right decision would be to buy thermal socks for cross-country skiing and wear them when trying on boots.

Skating boots have a rigid ankle support cuff and a rigid sole. For classics, they should not be used, since the sole will not bend enough when pushing off. For a classic style, lower boots with soft soles are intended. In turn, it is not recommended to use them for skating style, because they will not provide the necessary ankle support.

Combination boots that allow you to skate both classic style and skate style can be a good choice for amateurs. They have a medium-hard sole and, on some models, a removable cuff.

When choosing, be sure to consider the comfort of the boot. If possible, choose boots that, in addition to lace-ups, have a zipper to provide protection from snow.

Today, three main types of fasteners are produced:

• NNN (and its new version NIS),
• Nordic 75 (so-called “75 mm”, old standard from USSR times).

The first two are practically indistinguishable, but the last one can be completely ignored. The main thing is to choose comfortable boots, and then select the appropriate bindings and install them on the skis.

Now let's figure out how to choose ski poles. They are manufactured in the following types:

• Carbon fiber. The most expensive. Lightweight and very tough.
• Fiberglass. The cheapest. Less rigid and less durable. Heavier and easier to bend. Suitable for children and beginners.
• Aluminum. Affordable. A good choice for beginners, amateurs, and those with a lot of weight.
• Composite made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. Price and strength will greatly depend on the carbon content.

It is recommended to choose poles that have hand loops that are securely fastened with Velcro. It is not recommended to buy poles with small support rings (feet). They will fall through the snow because they are designed for specially prepared trails.

Ski poles are selected taking into account the height of the skier. Their length can be calculated with a simple formula:

• for the classic style, subtract 25-30 cm from your height;
• for the skate - subtract 15-20 cm from the height.

Or you can use standard selection tables.