Cross-Country Ski Size Charts report
Cross-country skiing is a sport that uses skate skis and ski poles to complete basic skills such as mountaineering, downhill, turning, sliding on the hills and snowfields. Cross-country skiing originated in northern Europe and is one of the oldest sports in the history of world sports. It was first included in the Winter Olympics in 1924.
In the 1850s, the sport grew faster than any other endurance training, such as running or swimming, as top skiers promoted. There are two technical rules involved in cross-country skiing: classic and free. There is no doubt that the best skate ski can take a player's performance to the next level.
It is worth noting that skate skis are not designed for striding as you do while classic skiing. The skis for cross-country skiing are light, skinny, and stiff, and they are generally about 10cm shorter than skis for classic skiing. You will learn more about choosing the right cross-country ski size by reading the following post.
Cross-Country Ski Size Guide
According to regulations, the skis worn by cross-country skiers when they reach the finish line must bear the marks drawn by the referee at the start, preventing athletes from changing skis in the middle. Different skiing skills have different requirements for skis. The difference between classic skis and skate skis is mainly in camber and length. Classic cross-country skiing, also called diagonal stride, requires 10-15 cm longer skis than skate skiing.
Because Skis vary in flexibility, materials, and other design features, there is a recommended weight range for each pair of available ski lengths (ski sizes). You can generally find this information on the specific product page or the manufacturer's size chart. Remember that ski sizing is not the same between brands, and those different models of skis within the same brand will have different sizes.
Cross-Country Ski Size Chart
Cross-country skis are sized and fit on two things: skiers' weight and skiers' skill level.
- The skiers' weight will dictate the length of the ski because skis have different stiffness.
- If you have to choose between two sizes, you should consider the skier's ability. Longer skis are generally faster but difficult to control or maneuver for beginning skiers.
Skier Weight | Classic Ski Length | Skate Ski Length |
---|---|---|
100 - 110 lbs | 180 - 190 cm | 170 - 180 cm |
110 - 120 lbs | 182 - 192 cm | 172 - 182 cm |
120 - 130 lbs | 185 - 195 cm | 175 - 185 cm |
130 - 140 lbs | 187 - 200 cm | 177 - 187 cm |
140 - 150 lbs | 190 - 205 cm | 180 - 190 cm |
150 - 160 lbs | 195 - 210 cm | 185 - 195 cm |
160 - 180 lbs | 200 - 210 cm | 190 - 200 cm |
>180 lbs | 205 - 210 cm | 190 - 200 cm |
Cross-Country Ski Types
- Cross-Country Race and Performance Classic Skis
The Nordic ski tracks are never wide than 68 mm, so you will find most classic skis are not wider than about 60mm at the widest point and that some are much skinnier. The sidecut of these skis should be minimal, so the skis glide straight and efficiently.
- Metal-Edge Touring Skis
Metal-edge touring skis with more width and a moderate sidecut will facilitate better flotation and easier turning. Many of these skis are 60mm wide at the widest point. Some can be as wide as 100mm or more.
- Skate Skis
The narrower a ski is, generally, the faster it moves. Skating skis are quite narrow compared to classic skis, typically ranging from 41mm to 45mm wide. They glide swiftly over packed or groomed ski tracks.
Tips for the right Cross-Country Ski Size
- Choose the length of your skis based on your weight.
When your weight is appropriately matched to the ski length, the skis will support your weight and deliver the optimum combination of grip and glide. Get skis too long, and you will struggle to get a good grip, which can be dangerous. - Adjusting ski length based on skill level.
Longer skis tend to be faster than shorter ones. If you find your weight between sizes, think about your skiing ability. The shorter skis give you better control and keep your speed down a bit if you are a beginner. Experienced skiers usually prefer the longer, faster ski size.
The correct sizing of cross-country skis is crucial to your skiing experience. The above factors you should consider when purchasing and the size chart will make your decision easier.