Cross-Country Ski Sizing
Cross-Country Ski Sizing
  • Cross-Country Ski Sizing

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.

Classic technique

Classic technique

Shop Classic Skis

Skate technique

Shop Skate Skis
Skate technique

More In-Depth Ski Types

Touring Skis

Touring is a type of classic skiing that is done on or off a groomed trail.  Traditional touring skis have been around for decades and are made with a mechanical climbing aid cut into the ski base (fish scale) or a mohair ‘skin’ to help with ski grip.  They have a length of somewhere between 195 and 210cm long. These skis are generally made with a foam or wood core, a fiberglass top sheet, and affordable polyethylene base material.  Over the last decade a shorter version of touring skis has developed.  These skis are anywhere between 170 to 195cm.  These skis are much wider to help with stability and provide a nimbler experience.  Touring skis are for those skiers who are looking to enjoy the outside in the winter, touring local trails, parks, fields and lakes. 

Fitting Skis

Fitting Skis

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)

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

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.

Fit Matters

Finding the Perfect Fit

In person ski fitting

online ski fitting

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