Sizing Nordic, or cross-country, skis is determined by the skier's height and preferred skiing technique. Other considerations, such as bindings, flexibility of the ski, wax or waxless and experience also will play critical roles in ultimately selecting the right ski. This is why serious amateur and professional Nordic skiers have several ski sets in their collections. However, the most critical part of the ski-selection process is picking the right size.
Step 1
Measure your height, in bare feet, in inches. Record this number.
Step 2
Calculate the ski size using your height in the following formula: height x 2.6 + 15 for skate technique skis or height x 2.6 + 25 for classic technique skis.
For example, a 5-foot-7 skier would be 67 inches tall. For classic skis, the skier would multiply 67 by 2.6, then add 25, resulting in a total of 199.2. This would be rounded to the nearest five or 10, equaling a 200 cm classic ski.
A skate skier would multiply 67 by 2.6, then add 15, resulting in a total of 189.2. This would be rounded to 190 cm.
Step 3
Double-check the ski size with the manufacturer's chart that matches the skier's height to a particular model of ski. Although the calculation completed in the previous step will work, it should be considered a guideline and not a firm rule. If the calculation and the chart result in two different sizes, field test both sizes to see which one is more responsive to your needs and the conditions upon which you ski.
Tips and Warnings
- Novice skiers may purchase the incorrect ski if purchased without assistance at a large retail store that does not specialize in Nordic ski equipment. Find a qualified professional at the local ski shop or ski resort to make sure you are getting the right ski for your abilities and interests.
- Nordic skis are thin and unstable on dry ground. Exercise caution when trying them on in a store to avoid falling over and injuring yourself or damaging the ski's bottom surface.
Things You'll Need
- Nordic skis
- Tape measure or ruler
References
- "The Essential Cross-Country Skier"; Rick Lovett, Paul Petersen, John Morton; 1999
- xcskiworld.com: New Skis: How To Pick and Season A Good Pair
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