Ski Fit Requirements
1) Skier's weight: This is the first and most important thing when sizing or fitting a cross country ski because skis have different stiffnesses. The stiffness of a ski will determine how the ski behaves under the skier.
2) Skiers Height: Longer skis are naturally stiff because of the amount of material used in their construction. So often the skier's weight will dictate the length of the ski, but if given the choice of two lengths the skier's ability should be considered.
3) Skier's ability level: Longer skis are generally faster but can be difficult to control or maneuver for beginning skiers.
Skiing Location
"Where do you plan on skiing?" This is an important question when determining the correct ski. Do you plan on skiing on frozen lakes, snow-covered golf courses, or in the woods through fresh ungroomed snow (waxless classic is your best option), are you planning on skiing on machined groomed trails at a ski area or local park? (skate or classic)
Cross-Country Ski Styles
Skating: "skiing in which the skis are pointed outward and the skier alternately pushes off one and glides on the other in a motion similar to ice skating."
Skate Skiing must be done on machined groomed trails.
Classic: "skiing in which the skis are alternately pushed forward parallel to each other in a motion similar to walking or running."
Classic skiing can be done on both groomed and ungroomed snow, but different types of skis will be performed better in each condition. A racing classic ski, which is long and narrow will be faster in machined groomed "tracks" but may sink under fresh snow and be slow and difficult. While a touring or waxless classic ski that is wider and short will be more efficient in fresh ungroomed snow but may be slow and cumbersome in machined groomed tracks.
Classic and touring skis are fit at a different stiffness than skate skis because a classic or touring ski needs to have both good glide and kick.
Adult Ski Sizing
| Skier Weight | Skate Ski Length | Classic Ski Length | Waxless Classic Ski Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 - 110 lbs | 170 - 180 cm | 180 - 190 cm | S |
| 110 - 120 lbs | 172 - 182 cm | 182 - 192 cm | S |
| 120 - 130 lbs | 175 - 185 cm | 185 - 195 cm | S |
| 130 - 140 lbs | 177 - 187 cm | 187 - 200 cm | M |
| 140 - 150 lbs | 180 - 190 cm | 190 - 205 cm | M |
| 150 - 160 lbs | 185 - 195 cm | 195 - 210 cm | L |
| 160 - 180 lbs | 190+ cm | 200 - 210 cm | L |
| >180 lbs | 190 + cm | 200 - 210 cm | XL |
Kids Ski Sizing
| Skier Height (inches) | Skate Ski Length | Classic Ski Lenght |
|---|---|---|
| 30" | N/A | 90 - 100 cm |
| 30 - 35" | N/A | 100 - 110 cm |
| 35 - 40" | N/A | 110 - 120 cm |
| 40 - 45" | N/A | 120 - 130 cm |
| 45 - 50" | 120 - 130 cm | 130 - 140 cm |
| 50 - 55" | 130 - 140 cm | 140 - 150 cm |
| 55 - 60" | 140 - 150 cm | 150 - 160 cm |
| 60 - 65" | 150 - 160 cm | 160 - 170 cm |
| 65 - 70" | 160 - 170 cm | 170 - 180 cm |
Wax and Waxless Classic Skis
Waxable Classic Skis
A Waxable Classic ski can be used in all types of snow conditions and when waxed properly will be the fastest and most efficient option. Waxable Classic skis use kick or "grip" wax on the base of the ski under and in front of the skier's foot (kick zone) and glide wax on the tips and tails. Most Nordic ski racers prefer to use waxable skis because it gives when the ability to make an adjustment based on snow conditions and temperature.
Waxless Classic Skis
A Waxless Classic ski is a popular option because they do not require a lot of maintenance to perform efficiently. A waxless classic ski may use a fish scale or crown pattern or skin material in the "kick zone" which allows the skier to grip the snow and glide the other ski forward. Waxless Classic skis provide grip in a variety of snow conditions, making them the best option for the skier who wants to "grab and go" and not worry about waxing.
Note: You can still wax the glide zones of your waxless classic ski with glide wax, this will allow the ski to glide faster and further.
Finding the Perfect Fit
