How to choose cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing: types and options for selection

Probably from this article it will turn out something like: Tips from experienced skiers. With a wealth of personal skiing experience, you can certainly consider yourself an expert in cross-country skiing.

To understand which skis you need, answer yourself a number of questions.

1. Political issues:

1.1. What style of skiing do you prefer (skating or classic)?

1.2. Where are you going to ski on a well-groomed track or on a soft loose forest track?

1.3. What are the goals of your skiing (elite sports, grassroots sports, fitness, occasional family outings)?

2. Economic issues:

How much money are you willing to spend on purchasing skis?

1. Technical issues:

Are you ready to objectively assess your professional ski training and special strength?

Are you ready to honestly look at the scales and admit your honestly acquired luggage?

Are you ready to measure your height without standing on your toes?

I will not give you specific advice answering each question for you. The choice of skis will be yours, but the expert's recommendations should help you with this.

So! Modern cross-country skis are plastic skis. Their advantages over wooden skis are undeniable in almost any parameter (if plastic skis are chosen correctly). As the ancient skiers used to say: "Riding on plastic is a pleasure, but on pieces of wood - overstrain!" And you can't argue with that. Yes, on cheap wooden skis, there is practically no recoil on the backside, as well as advancement. Maybe someone, in terribly cramped circumstances, had children's skis on the balcony. For a toddler, up to two years old, who is skiing (without a sliding phase), this may be enough. But, we are with you, we try to love ourselves and not deny ourselves anything. That means plastic.

Plastic cross-country skis are available in classic, skate and combi skis (for mixed movement). Speaking professionally, frankly, combi skis are usually classic skis with a shortened nose and a slightly greater stiffness of the weight deflection. Because cross-country skiing simply cannot be half-skate. One of the most important differences between skating skis and classic skis is that skating skis do not fully compress in the area of ​​weight deflection. But, do not despair, if you need universal cross-country skis, buy classic skis or combi skis (regardless of the name), skating skis will always ride on them, and on a soft ski track (due to less weight deflection, socks and heels sink less in the snow) it can turn out even better. This means that for the correct choice of classic skis, the following must be taken into account. Choose skis according to the table that every sports store probably has, but:

You can individually choose cross-country skis according to the rule: the skis are higher, the higher your height, the more your weight, the better your physical fitness and the wider your stride. Don't be tempted to buy short skis, even if they are easier to fit into your car. The nature of ski sliding on the snow is such that the longer the ski, the more straightforward it travels (for this, there is a groove in the middle of the sliding surface of the ski, dividing it into two parts for stability and better straightness of movement). Less chattering, wobbling - higher speed.

Well, I think about the choice of the width of the ski is also clear. The more your weight and the softer the track, the wider you need skis.

The length and width are understandable. How to choose cross-country skis by weight? Well, firstly, professional skis (such as Fischer RCS Carbonlite skis) are tested at the factory and are already sold with weight markings, and amateur skis (such as Fischer LS skis) are produced for an "average" person, that is, the higher the skis, the more rigidity weight deflection. To understand how important it is to choose skis by weight, let us turn to the nature of ski sliding on the snow. And the purpose of the weight deflection of cross-country skis. So, the aforementioned weight deflection in classic cross-country skis serves to ensure that the correctly selected ski holding ointment applied under the weight deflection (hereinafter referred to as the LOCK) does not interfere with ski sliding. When we evenly lean on both legs when moving down a hill or pushing with both hands at the same time. The ski block, smeared with holding ointment, due to the weight deflection of the ski, should not touch the snow. As soon as we put the weight on one ski, the weight deflection is compressed, the grip grease sticks to the snow and allows us to push off from it and take a gliding step with the other foot. There is an old grandfather's method. Place the pair of skis under test on a flat surface. Place a piece of paper between the floor and the surface. If you stand on one ski, then under your weight the piece of paper should not move between the surface of the ski and the surface of the floor. If you stand on two skis at the same time, the piece of paper under the shoe should move approximately at a distance of two of your feet. Mark the extreme points on the ski with marks. This is the block, or weight deflection, of your skis. Riding the classics, you must smear this cross-country ski area with holding ointment (now there is also a special self-adhesive tape from recoil), unless, of course, you bought skis with a notch under the shoe. Often manufacturers call these ski notches STEP or CROWN.

Notched skis are a separate topic. PER, the fact that they do not need to be smeared. AGAINST, the fact that the notch does not always work. Leading ski manufacturers such as Fischer produce the same series of skis with and without a notch. (For example, the Fischer LS classic skis are without a notch, and the Fischer LS CROWN with a notch.) Skis with a notch are good on an evenly rolled, ironed track. There are such ski tracks in Europe and in those places in Russia where ski tracks are prepared with the help of special retracks. Retracks, before laying, mill the track and only after that they are laid. The result is a ski run without a hitch. In our provinces, more often than not, there are all sorts of irregularities, pits and bumps on the track, which will create problems with both push and slide for notched skis.

Watching how fast professional skiers and biathletes on TV seem to be flying, you naturally want to skate and try this style of skiing yourself. A beautiful skiing style requires not only certain technical skills, but also special skating skis. These skis have high torsional rigidity and uncompressible weight deflection. In skating, the dynamic qualities of the ski are used to the maximum. The table will help you choose skis by size: (although everything said above about the individual choice of ski length applies to skate skiing.)

The economic tips are simple:

Choose classic skis according to your professional level (professional, workshop, recreational, hiking). If you get up on professional skis without special training, I think the recoil will torture you;

Choose skate skis for as long as there is money, there is no recoil on skate skis, and you will get great pleasure.

p / s. Cross-country ski selection table by height.

Fedor Tikhonov, journalist and master of sports in cross-country skiing, talks about all the subtleties and nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing the perfect pair of cross-country skis.

Cross-country skiing is not only the perfect weekend getaway, but it's also a powerful cardio workout that targets every muscle group. In just one hour of skiing, you will burn whole 700 calories(for comparison, you will only burn 540 calories per hour of running). And for skiing to be a pleasure, it is important to choose the right equipment - we will tell you about this now.

Skis are of two types: for skating and classic skiing. In the sections, children are usually taught the classic move first - the skis are directed straight forward when moving, the main emphasis is on the arms, so the load on the legs is minimal. It is still easier for an amateur to start with a skating course, which requires the participation of not only arms, but also legs. With this move, the skier kicks off the track at an angle to the direction of movement, which from the side resembles ice skating.

Skis also differ from each other depending on their quality and purpose - there are top models, there are a little simpler ones, and there are samples, in principle, intended exclusively for tourism. The difference is primarily in materials, weight, performance and external characteristics. Meanwhile, it is on these indicators that the quality of gliding and the amount of calories burned largely depend. But here, of course, it is important to be aware of - if the last time you were skiing at school, then choosing a top model, you are unlikely to go faster than if you preferred a simpler option.

Ski Rostovka

So, you've come to the store, and the first thing to look for when choosing cross-country skis is the size. The correct length for skating skis is calculated according to the principle: your height plus 10-15 centimeters, for classic skis - your height plus 20-30 centimeters. At the same time, keep in mind that the longer the skis (even within the indicated ranges), the more technical skills will be required from you when skiing. People with a height of 190 centimeters and above can safely take maximum sizes: for skating skis it is about 190 centimeters, and for classic skis - 207-210 centimeters.

Stiffness of skis

The second most important indicator is toughness. To determine it, there is special equipment - a flexester. But since it is not available in all stores, you can get by in these two ways:

1. Gently place the skis against each other with the sliding surface and squeeze them with one hand in the center (under the shoe). If you have enough strength in your wrist to squeeze them almost to the contact of the sliding surfaces (almost - this is with a gap of 1.5 millimeters for classic skis and 2 millimeters for skating skis), then these skis are ideal for you (it is believed that the strength of the wrist is proportional to kick-off force). In this case, the skis should be compressed smoothly along the entire compression stroke and all the way to the stop at the end. It is worth noting that this method is only suitable for classic skis, and in order to determine the stiffness of a skate pair, you need to squeeze them with both hands so that the gap between the skis does not exceed 2-4 millimeters. Happened? So they fit.
2. Lay the skis symmetrically on the floor (for example, on a thin hard carpet so as not to damage their surface) and stand on them (you can wear normal shoes), evenly distributing your body weight on both legs. In this position, the last should not touch the floor from three centimeters below the heel of the boot and up to 20 centimeters above the toe of the boot. If you hold a sheet of paper under the block, then it is within these limits that the sheet will move freely under you, and above and below the indicated boundaries, on the contrary, it will get stuck. If you shift your body weight to one leg (this is called "crushing the ski"), then the last should almost completely touch the floor (there will be a gap of about 0.5 millimeters).

Ski poles

With how to choose ski poles, everything is much easier - they are also divided into top, medium and low models and have different grades of quality. The more expensive and professional the stick is, the lighter and stronger it is. But despite the strength and absence of vibrations when repulsed, it is easy to break it with a blow of a sharp object. This often happens in races, where a side and often accidental kick from the ski actually cuts off a piece of the pole. However, cheap amateur sticks can be broken by any professional simply by pushing hard at the start. The size of skate poles is selected as follows: your height is minus 20 centimeters for skating skis and your height is minus 30 centimeters for classic skis. At the same time, the size of the sticks can vary slightly depending on your readiness - for example, professionals such as Petter Nortug often choose the highest possible images (of course, within reasonable limits).

Every novice skier faces the difficulties of finding cross-country skis. How to choose cross-country skiing? Skating 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.

This article will show you how to choose cross-country skis and not turn the shopping process into a headache. How to choose skating and classic skis, how they differ and what to look for.

There are a few important points to understand first. Buying sports equipment is better the highest quality that your family budget can afford. Even for occasional outings with the family don't choose the cheapest skis... This principle is similar to that of 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 attitude will ruin the experience of skiing 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, the financial condition imposes a framework on this principle, but this is everyone's personal business.

One thing is clear for sure, it is better to buy inventory, proven brands... They have adequate quality control and reputation care. Here are the brands we trust and recommend for purchase:

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

What is the difference between classic skis and skating skis?

First of all, differ design or, as skiers say, diagram... The work of skis depends on this, and for a skate and a classic it is completely different. Also, for classics, skis are selected longer, and for a skate - shorter. This is explained by the fact that in a skate you need to swing skis to the sides and do it more conveniently with short ones. In the classics, it is better to take longer skis. According to the laws of physics, the longer the ski, the less it creates pressure on the snow, the less friction and better glide.

How skate skiing should work

As you can see from the picture, skating ski never completely crushed... It works like a spring and has maximum pressure points in the toe and heel. In the foreground, the diagram reflects the pressure when the athlete is positioned on two legs. In the background - weight transfer by 1 leg during rolling. The pressure increases significantly on the toe and heel, and hardly changes under the last.

How a classic ski should work (classic)

image from the magazine "Skiing"

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

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

What are combo skis (combi)?

Combined skis or just combi skis are classic with increased rigidity... Roughly speaking, this is a ski for the classics, with the ability to sometimes skate. True, there is one drawback - for the classic course, it is necessary to apply holding ointments under the block, and this ointment will only interfere with the ridge movement. That is, the combi needs to be constantly re-greased, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Pros of combined skis:

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

Cons of combined skis:

• you need to constantly apply and wash off the holding ointment
• do not fully disclose the peculiarities of riding styles

How to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner?

First you need to decide what move you want to ride, where you will ride and what goals you set. There is not always a prepared wide track for skating, but the track can be trampled in every park, even in the center of a big city. If there is no good track nearby, which is looked after, then definitely take classic skis. If the track is nearby or there is an opportunity to drive up to it, then the choice is more difficult. For simplicity, let's conditionally divide skiing into several categories:

• walks with family and friends

On walks, the main thing is to have fun, fresh air, communication, hot tea from a thermos. For such riding, it is better to select classic... We advise you to pay attention to oil-free skis- with notches or mohair modules (Skintech, Twinskin and the like). They do not need to be smeared so that they do not roll back, you can stand on them comfortably and drink tea, and it is much easier to climb the mountain without serious physical training.

Skating skates are not suitable for these purposes. A skate is an energy-consuming type of skating; you won't be able to skate on foot. Without proper preparation, when skating, you will not be able to communicate, someone from the company will surely lag behind, and 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 connect the skating course and alternate it with the classic one - combined skis are suitable for these purposes. If you are not afraid of the disadvantages of this type of ski, which we have listed above. Or buy skis for each move from the middle price segment.

• improving the technique of skiing, the 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 will not allow you to supply equipment

• participation in competitions, the desire to increase the sports category

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

• Geometry... Skis should not be bent in the longitudinal direction (it is convenient to look along the groove), there should be no screw bend

image from the magazine "Skiing"

• Sliding surface should be flat, plastic without waves, bumps and dimples
• The laminate should not have damage... Moisture can get inside through them, then the core will swell and become unusable
• Must shrink equally and exactly. It should not be such that one ski is compressed more easily, the other is heavier.

How to choose skis for a classic ride?

By height

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

By weight

Skis for the classic move are selected based on surface weight markings... Such designations are even on some inexpensive skis of well-known manufacturers, for example Salomon. The skis in the photo are designed for a weight of 65-78 kg.

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

1. Find a balance point. This can be done by placing the ski on a thin ruler or knife. If there is nothing at hand, then you can take the ski with 2 fingers by the sidewalls and find a balance point.
2. Lay the skis on a flat floor and stand on them so that the toes of the boots are in line with the balance line
3. Ask someone to hold a piece of paper under the skis. You need to stand upright, distributing the weight over 2 feet. A sheet of A4 paper should come out about 20-25 cm in front of the boot and reach the heel. When transferring weight to one leg, the ski should almost press down on the sheet. If you take a narrower sheet of paper, then it should walk a little under the ski.

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

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

The first way is one-handed squeeze:

1. Find a balance point
2. Squeeze a pair of skis with one hand 5 cm below the balance point. A gap of about 1 mm should remain

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

1. Find a balance point
2. Squeeze a pair of skis with 2 hands below the balance point. Thus, you need to find a pair that you barely squeeze, if squeezed too easily, then they are soft. If you can't squeeze, then they are tough.

Last and the easiest selection method if you don't want to bother at all. When the weight of the skier is above the norm, it is better to take the upper limit of the length, that is, the height of the skier is + 25-30 cm.When the weight is normal, the average value is selected (height + 20-25 cm), the weight is below the norm - height + 20 cm) ... Also, for overweight people, we recommend paying attention to the combined ones and choosing them according to their height according to the classic scheme. They differ from the classic ones only in increased rigidity.

How to choose skis for skating?

By height

For skating, they are selected by height as follows: skier's height + 10-15 cm... Shorter skis are more maneuverable and easier to handle. Therefore, it is better for beginners to take a shorter length if body weight allows. For experienced skis, we recommend longer skis (closer to +15 cm).

By weight

On some models, as in the case of the classic ones, it is indicated skier weight range for a specific pair. If there are no such markings, then you can use the same methods as when selecting the classic ones, except for squeezing with 1 hand. But there are several features:

1. On a paper test, when the skier's weight is transferred to one leg, the piece of paper should walk freely under the ski in the bindings area
2. When squeezing with 2 hands, there should be a gap of about 2mm

Many specialist shops have special devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis.

How to choose combination skis?

Combis are chosen as a cross between a skate and a classic: skier's height + 15-20 cm... As we wrote above, combi are classic skis of increased rigidity. Therefore, the selection of combined skis is identical to the selection of classic skis with a slight bias in skating. We have described the selection methods in detail above.

How to choose skis for stiffness: video instruction from Fischer

Many specialist stores have cross-country ski stiffness tester. In the video, the selection of skis is made at a special stand, but a similar test can be carried out on a flat floor using a piece of paper.

How to choose the right skis for a beginner, what types of skis are available, and what to look for - a guide to the main sports purchase of winter from "Soviet Sport Life & Style".

What skis are

Skiing is varied. Before buying, you need to understand exactly how and where you are going to ride: in the nearest park with children, in the mountains or on special racing tracks. Depending on this, you should choose the type of ski.

Racing skis or competition skis. They are divided into skis for skating and for classic skiing. The first ones are stiffer and shorter (the maximum length rarely reaches 190 cm), which allows the athlete to push off and spring along the rolled snow floor without a ski track. The latter are longer (often over 200 cm), softer, with pointed toes. The average width of racing skis is 44-48 mm.

Skiing for tourism (Back Country). Wide (average width 75 mm) and long (up to 200 cm). These parameters help to overcome off-road, crust and not "fall" into the snow.

Skiing. Designed for various types of mountain skiing. They are generally shorter (less than 170 cm in length) and wider than cross-country skis.

Walking skis. Cross-country skiing for recreation and fitness. They can be used in parks and on special tracks. They are suitable for both classic skiing and (slightly less) for skating, therefore this type of ski is also called combined. In sports stores, this type is usually the most common. Can be wider than racing skis (over 48 mm): it is believed that the wider the ski is, the easier it is to stand on it.

Bottom Line: Cross-country skiing is best for a beginner who is going to ski in city parks or suburban forests.

Which skis to choose: with or without a notch

If you are going to ski on a track in a classic way, you should choose skis with a notch on a sliding surface. The notch "holds" the skis, helping them not to slip back. Such skis do not need to be lubricated with ointments. But they have drawbacks: the notches (often made of plastic) do not allow high speed and can slip on icy surfaces and on a hard track.

Smooth, non-serrated skis will require special lubrication. The grease improves sliding properties, allows for top speed, or reduces recoil and slipping back. Holding ointments are applied under the ski block - from the heel of the boot to 10-25 centimeters up from the attachment along the sliding side. Slip ointments - along the entire length of the ski. The grease needs to be removed and changed depending on the outside temperature, soft or hard snow.

Summary: For a beginner, it is better to purchase notched skis. They are versatile and easy to operate. You don't need to learn the lubrication technique to ski like this.

What to choose skis for stiffness

For ordinary skiing in a classic style on a ski track, skis of soft and medium (soft-medium) degrees of hardness are used. If you stand on such skis, they should almost completely touch the floor under the last (boot and bindings) - the allowable gap will be about 0.5 mm. When transferring body weight to one leg, a small (0.2-0.3 mm) gap should also remain. You can check this if you put a regular sheet of paper under the sliding surface of the skis - the sheet should move under your foot.

For skating, hard skis are used: the gap between the floor and the block when you stand on skis should be 1-2 mm (sometimes more).

Summary: choose skis of medium stiffness - with a gap of about 0.5-0.7 mm between the surface and the last. If you find it difficult to independently determine the stiffness of the skis, contact your dealer. The shops have special equipment for determining the stiffness of skis - the so-called. Flex testers.

How to choose skis for height

The "average" rule for choosing skis by height: if you are going to ski in a classic style, the length of the skis should be your height + 25-30 cm. If you are looking for skis for skating, add 10-15 cm to your height; for skating, add to a height of 10-15 cm. If the skis chosen according to the length turn out to be too "soft" (completely, without a gap, will fall on the floor when you stand on them) - take a longer pair.

For detailed instructions on how to choose skis by length - with tables by height, see our website.

Articles | How to choose skis and poles by height

How to choose ski boots

The selection criteria are about the same as when buying skis. Skating boots are more rigid: their sole practically does not bend, the boot holds the ankle well.

For a "classic move" such a boot will not be very comfortable. If you are going to ride in this style, choose boots with soft soles, lower ones. Their flexibility will allow you to push off without discomfort. If you are going to alternate between riding styles, look for combination boots with a medium stiff sole.

You need to try on ski boots on the sock in which you are going to ski. Otherwise, you can buy boots that are tight. Ski socks should have a moisture-wicking function to help prevent chafing and calluses on your feet.

Instructions

Classic skis are made of wood and plastic, expensive and not so much. But the main criterion for selection is their rigidity. Usually manufacturers designate this indicator, linking it with the weight of the athlete: the heavier the owner of the skis, the harder they are. But sometimes you have to determine this parameter yourself. To do this, lay the skis on a flat surface (floor) and then stand on them. There should be a small distance between the floor and the holding side of the skis for a sheet of paper to pass through. If there is no gap, the steam is too soft for you. If it is too big, consider if you have enough skill to hold on to such skis.

Hard skis are suitable for those with a high level of skill in this sport. After all, only professionals will be able to move for a long time on such a pair, where there is no coupling of the holding zone with the snow cover. If you're a beginner, opt for softer skis that are easier to balance. Yes, and the ointment holds on to such.

The required rigidity depends not only on the weight of the skier and his skill. So, if you are going to ride in the cold, it is better to opt for a soft and elastic pair. The fact is that in cold weather it is not necessary to apply a lot of ointment. And with positive indicators or a very light frost, a thick layer is needed. Therefore, the skis must be stiff so that the difference in the thickness of the lubricant is compensated for by a small deflection.

Another important criterion when choosing skis is their length. According to the established standards for the classic ones, it should be 25-30 cm higher than the height of the skier himself. When choosing a pair, stand it upright, stand next to it and extend your hand up. The edges of the skis should reach down to the middle of your palm, but if you are a beginner, it is better to take the shorter skis: they are easier to control, therefore, learning to ride them is much easier. When you master the basics of the classic move, move to a longer pair to make it easier to slide.

When choosing cross-country skis, first of all, you need to focus on the intended skiing style. If you have firmly decided that you will run "classic", the following rules will help you in the selection of skis and ammunition.

Instructions

Start collecting your ski kit by purchasing boots. More precisely, with the selection of special socks in which you will ride. Try on boots with these socks, because ski shoes should fit perfectly and be absolutely comfortable. Boots for "classic" should be soft enough and low, not impede the movement of the leg above the ankle. The toe of such boots should bend easily, forming an angle of 90 degrees. Having chosen boots, proceed to the selection of bindings. Choose SNS or NNN bindings depending on which system your ski shoe is designed for.

When choosing your own ski poles, be guided by the parameters of your height and weight. The length of the skis should exceed your height by 20-30 cm (ideally 25). However, if your weight exceeds the norm (height minus 100), add a few more centimeters to this length. The ends of the skis should be more elongated and sharpened than those of skis intended for running. Sticks for "classic" should reach the armpits (as opposed to sticks for "skate", which should be just above the shoulder). On average, their length will be less than your height by 30 centimeters. People with higher weight are advised to choose stiffer and stronger sticks.