Correct selection of skis. What should be the length of skis? Cross-country ski length

In the winter season, skiing is a favorite sport for many. In addition to the fact that skiing is associated with a long stay in the fresh air, it also provides physical activity, strengthen muscles and develop endurance. Yes, it’s just fun and great to go to the winter forest with the whole family for an unforgettable experience. In order for your child to love such trips, you need to choose the right ski kit for him.

At what age should you buy skis?

The age at which a child can start skiing is, of course, not strictly defined. It depends on the desire of the child himself and the patience and perseverance of the parents. A child who has barely learned to balance on his feet is unlikely to enjoy riding.

Set for a small skier

Some parents teach their children to active species sports since 2 years and 5 months. At this age, you can already take your baby on his first ski trips, but be prepared that you will often have to take his skis off, ride him, entertain him with games, etc.

A 3-year-old child already has much more developed concentration, perseverance and focus on results. Children 4–5 years old can easily spend about half an hour on the ski track and enjoy skiing down small slides.

Mountain or cross-country

It is recommended to start skiing with cross-country skiing. They make it easier and safer to learn to maintain balance and master sliding skills. However, parents who actively ski from the mountains often put their children straight into downhill skiing. On ski slopes Today you can often see nimble skiers gliding quickly down the slope, while they are barely knee-high to an adult. Constantly striving to learn and master a new space, a child often shows perseverance that is enviable for an adult. Therefore, when choosing the type of skis, you need to be guided not only by your own preferences and safety issues, but also by the child’s inclinations.

If the terrain allows you to choose between two types of skiing, perhaps you should not rush into purchasing skis at first, but invite your child to try both types of loads by renting equipment.

Selection of skis for children of different ages

Up to three years

At this age, skis are chosen to be short and wide. The child does not yet need to develop speed, hone technique or fit into turns. He must learn to maintain balance and master sliding. Long skis will only make pushing and cornering more difficult.

The first ones to use are short (40 cm) wide (8 cm) plastic skis with rounded ends. Once you gain confidence, you can switch to wooden or plastic skis equal in length to the child’s height. Plastic is a more versatile material, as it is equally suitable for wet and dry snow.

Skis for the little ones

At an early age, purchasing special boots is hardly advisable. The size of a child's feet changes quickly. In addition, it will have time to grow from the first skis in one or two seasons. That's why the best option Metal fastenings with rubber straps are considered. This design can easily be attached to a child’s comfortable, familiar winter shoes.

Keep in mind that there is no need to purchase poles at this age, since the main goal at this age is to gain balance when skiing and mastering the principles of sliding.

From 4 to 10 years

If you are buying skis for a child who by this age has already learned to ski on a simple model, it makes sense to purchase a more sports version. Narrower (5 cm wide) and longer skis are selected. Ski length is calculated using the formula: height + 15 cm.

Children's skis with semi-rigid binding

Age 11–15 years

For children adolescence skis are selected not only based on weight and height, but also depending on the preferred style.

There are three types of cross-country skis:


High-quality skis do not differ from each other in weight, length and width. Make sure that the sliding side has a smooth groove and is free of scratches and cracks.

Important! Children's skis must be soft. Hard skis will not allow you to make comfortable pushes and can turn being on the ski track into torture.

A typical mistake is buying skis “for growth.” Please note that skis longer They also have greater rigidity. This means they will be difficult to operate for a small child.

When choosing materials, plastic is preferred. Firstly, it is more durable, stronger and more resistant to changing weather conditions than wood. Secondly, wooden skis are gradually leaving the market, and it will soon be impossible to find them at all.

Table of the correct ski length depending on the height and weight of the child

Child's height, cm Child's weight, cm Ski length, cm
100–110 20–25 105–115
110–125 25–30 115–135
125–140 30–35 135–165
140–150 35–45 165–180
150–160 45–55 180–195
160–170 55–65 195–200

Fastenings

Types of bindings for children's skis:



Boots and bindings of the old type are much cheaper than modern ones, but are only suitable for classic move.

Which boots to buy

If the child is no more than 6 years old and does not show a persistent desire to turn ski race during your favorite pastime, you don’t have to raise the question of purchasing boots. Sliding semi-rigid bindings will allow you to use skis for several seasons, even taking into account the constant growth of your feet and changes in shoe size. If in ski lessons If the child shows enviable constancy and perseverance, then you can buy special shoes.

Boots designed for old-style bindings range from size 28. Notable for their relatively low cost, they cannot boast of versatility: for skating These shoes won't fit.

Modern shoes equipped SNS mounts and NNN are much more expensive. Keep in mind that your child’s shoes and bindings will last for one or two seasons.

How to choose ski poles

We have already decided that the youngest children taking their first steps on the ski track do not need poles. When the child masters the principle of sliding, pushing off and alternating steps, then we can talk about poles, which will give additional speed and confidence on the track.

For children 3–7 years old, choose sticks that reach the armpits. The model should be equipped with rubberized handles and straps so that the poles do not drop or get lost when walking. The tip of the stick should not be sharp. The tip is in the shape of a ring or an asterisk.

For older children, poles are selected taking into account their riding style. In skating and classic styles, poles of fundamentally different lengths are used. If for classics you need to choose poles no higher than your armpits, then for skating they should reach shoulder height.

Table for calculating the length of poles

Height, cm Length of poles for classic walking, cm Length of skating poles
100 80 90
110 85 95
115 90 100
120 95 105
125 100 110
130 105 115
140 115 125
150 125 135
160 135 145
170 145 155

Video: how to choose skis for a child

Choosing skis for a child is a simple and enjoyable task. The diversity of the modern market will allow you to choose something that is not only suitable in height and size, but also to your liking. Before you go shopping for skis for your child, evaluate how often he intends to use them. If winter walks occur in your family from time to time, it may be more advisable to abandon the purchase altogether and use rental services.

With the arrival of the most fabulous and magical time of the year, it would be worth thinking about what you can do with yourself in winter? Just think about playing snowballs, sledding, ice skating and, of course, skiing. Why not bring it to life? best moments of the past? Today, the shelves of ski stores are filled with various products, so the question is more pressing than ever: how to choose skis, mountain or cross-country?

How to choose the right skis: deciding on your riding style

Before you go shopping at a specialized store, you should decide what style of riding you have.

If you are new to skiing and want to buy a pair of skis for walks in the winter forest, then most likely your skiing style is classic. This style is inherent in almost all people who start skiing.

The second style is skating. A skier in this style resembles a speed skater, pushing off internal part ski tracks from snow. This type requires a wide track and dense snow.

Having set yourself the goal of how to choose skis for a beginner, do not try to adopt the riding style of a pro, since it will be problematic to move around a snow-covered forest on skating skis.

We're going to the mountains: which skis to choose?

Skis for skiing on mountainous terrain are called mountain skis. Depending on the target audience, they come in several types:

  • professional- the name speaks for itself, this type designed for professionals. They are marked with the English word “Sport”. For buyers of such skis, there is no question of how to choose the right skis. These are people who have been riding for many years and have professional riding skills. Professional alpine skis are very light in weight, but the most expensive in price;

  • amateur skiing- this type of ski is also sports and is labeled “Fitness”. These skis should be chosen by people who have been skiing for a short time and do not consider themselves skiing professionals. They are much heavier in weight than professional skis, but also more affordable;
  • tourist or "Touring"- this type is intended for long and complex tourist trips. The width of touring skis is much larger than others, as is the weight, which sometimes reaches 1.5 kg. They are more rigid in their structure and often come with notches to avoid slipping;

  • recreational- they are a little similar in appearance appearance with touring skis, but are lighter in weight. Pleasure skis are intended for short skiing over short distances on snowy plains; beginners can choose them;
  • children's or teenagers- this type is marked with the word “Junior”. They are often made of plastic; skis of this type have fasteners for a regular boot. These skis are light and comfortable for a child to ride; choosing from the range of this series of skis is a pleasure.

How to choose alpine skis according to a person's height

Before choosing alpine skis, pay attention to their length or, as they also say, size. If a person is a beginner and is not confident in his abilities in skiing, then it is better to take skis at the rate of minus 20 cm from the person’s height.

A person with an average level of training should pay attention to skis whose length is 10 cm less than his height. Professionals choose alpine skis according to their height or 10-15 cm less.

Choosing cross-country and skating skis correctly

Buy ski equipment only in specialized stores, check for certificates of product compliance with European standards.

Before you start giving advice, how to choose skis running and skating, you need to clarify what kind of riding they are suitable for. Cross-country skis are designed for fast skiing. short distances, they are light, smooth, sliding.

Skate skis are the hardest; their main visual difference is that they do not have an upward-curved corner.

How to choose cross-country skis

  • Choose cross-country skiing follows individual parameters, such as height, weight, professional skills and, of course, financial capabilities.
  • Cross-country skis are selected based on +15, 20, 25 cm to a person’s height.

  • The weight of skis and poles should not be too heavy. Cross-country skiing involves a fast pace of skiing, pay attention to these parameters, as they are very important.

How to choose skate skis

  • Skating skis must be rigid, because when moving, the ski block must spring back and push the skier forward. This type has a blunt, not curved toe, and the length of the ski track should exceed a person’s height by 17-20 cm.
  • Determine hardness. Place two ski tracks vertically sliding surface to each other and, squeezing the pads with all your might, look at the gap between them. If the clearance is 3-4 mm, then these skis will suit you. If it is only 1-2 mm, then it is better to refuse the purchase due to insufficient rigidity.

How to choose skis by height? The table will help you determine the length of skis and poles for an adult.

How to choose skis and poles according to your child’s height

Children's and teenagers' skis should first of all be soft, which will allow the child to quickly learn how to ski and get maximum pleasure from riding. Many parents, in an effort to save money, buy skis for their children to grow into.

Longer skis are harder to control; a child may not be able to handle it, and this will discourage him from wanting to ski. When choosing skis for a child who is just learning to ski, you need to calculate the size of the skis according to the child’s weight: if the weight is about 20 kg, then the length of the skis should be 70 cm, 20-30 kg - it is better for the child to buy 90 cm skis.

« How to choose skis child so that he does not get injured while riding them? - This question worries many parents. If skis and equipment are selected correctly, the child will feel comfortable on ski slope, and the likelihood of injury will be significantly reduced.

It should be noted that it is not at all necessary to buy expensive skis for a child to ride. Children grow up and are often not advanced skiing professionals; what is more important to them is the feeling that close people are nearby and doing something together.

This table will help you choose the right length of skis and poles for your child:

Making the right choice: wood or plastic

Wooden e is a classic and ecological type of ski, proven over the years. The disadvantages of wooden skis include the fact that they are not as slippery as plastic. In addition, their weight is significantly greater.

Plastic skis more practical and modern. They excel in operation under different weather conditions and snow conditions. If in positive temperature snow will make it difficult to ski on wooden skis, then plastic will pass this test with a bang.

In addition, plastic skis are durable; they do not deform like wooden skis from moisture and dampness.


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The nuances of choosing ski lengths for children and adults. Tables and recommendations.

Winter is an amazing time of year. In addition to the beauty of the landscapes shimmering with snow, we enjoy active recreation in the fresh air.

Fortunately, a lot of activities have been invented for such a purpose. One of them is skiing.

For ordinary people who are far from serious sports, the task of choosing skis sometimes seems simple. However, in this matter there are a number of significant points that require attention. Especially for children's models.

Let's dwell on the nuances correct selection skis ski poles more details.

How to choose skis and ski poles according to the height and weight of a child and an adult: table

types of skiing and the scheme for their correct selection for men, women and children

Before you start selecting skis for your child or yourself, think about whether you will practice regularly. It may be enough to stop at a one-time pleasure and rent them where you plan to ride.

If this option is not for you and you want to introduce your child to healthy winter activities, then take note of a number of parameters:

  • Type of terrain for skiing. For hills you need mountain models, for plains - running or classic ones.
  • Children's weight. If he is above 40 kg, be guided by the selection of skis as for an adult,
  • The height and age of the child.
  • Skating skills.
  • Ski stiffness. “Soft” models are ideal for the beginner athlete. The lower it is, the cheaper and easier the skis to use.
  • Material. Wooden skis They don’t travel well in warm weather, and the plastic ones are very slippery and without a sufficient number of anti-slip notches are unacceptable for a child to buy.

Ski poles are not needed at all for preschool children, since the latter’s task is to learn how to stay on skis. If the child is older, take sticks that reach his armpits or, at most, his shoulders.

Be sure to consider:

  • the presence of straps on the handle to secure the hands
  • no sharp tip at the bottom to prevent the baby from getting hurt while riding

When choosing skis and ski poles for adults, consider the following points:

  • Ski length depends on your height. On average, it should exceed it by 20-25 cm.
  • The type of ski depends on the terrain, the conditions on it and your skiing skills. If you want to enjoy the scenery at an easy pace, the classic is your choice. But if you drive and master the maneuvers of sharp turns - only sports models.
  • Length of poles. Again, when choosing, the guideline is your height. Feel free to buy poles that are 25-30 cm shorter than you.

Below are tables to help with this issue:



table for selecting skis for adults and children depending on weight and height, example 1

Scheme for selecting skis for a child and an adult depending on weight and height, example 2

recommendations and table for selecting ski poles

table for selecting skis and ski poles depending on weight and height, example 3

How to choose the correct length of cross-country skis and ski poles for children and adults?



a child skis on properly selected cross-country skis
  • Age. The younger the child masters the snowy expanses, the easier it is to take on skis. For example, if he doesn’t have the skills yet, short soft skis are suitable, they are also called “fitted”. Greater speed they do not develop, but they will help the child hone his skills in taking turns and developing correct position knees.
  • Weight. The starting point is 40 kg. If your little one has not reached it yet, choose children's models; if he has crossed the threshold, choose adult models.
  • Skating skills. The higher their level, the more differences in choice. In general, there are 3 types of skis: for beginners, intermediate levels and advanced athletes. This gradation continues for adult models.
  • Ski length. Take the table data from the previous section as a basis. General rule- skis in vertical position should reach the chin or nose for a beginner skier, and rise 20 cm above the head. The second option is acceptable from an intermediate level. If your child skis well, feel free to choose skis that are 15-20 cm taller than his height.

Ski poles are needed from the age of schoolchildren. Before this, the baby hones his skating skills without them. For cross-country skiing, the ideal pole length is shoulder length.



selection of cross-country skis and ski poles for them for adults and children, table

How to choose the correct length of skis and skating ski poles for children and adults?



a group of adults skate skiing on a flat surface

Those who have perfectly mastered the technique of sliding on classic skiing, can safely buy skates for themselves. This applies to both adults and children.

As for the length of skate skis, take them 10 centimeters more than your height. And the poles, on the contrary, are 10-15 cm shorter. In other words, the latter will rise slightly above shoulder level.

For clarity, we add a table:



selection of skating skis for children and adults by height, table

How to choose the correct length of classic skis and ski poles for children and adults?



mother and baby skiing classic skiing without ski poles at a ski resort

For classic skiing, it will be more convenient for both children and adults if:

  • the length of the poles is 25-30 cm shorter and they rest against the skier’s armpits
  • ski length exceeds height by 20-30 cm

We add a table below for orientation:



table for selecting skis and ski poles for classic skiing for adults and teenagers

table for selecting skis and ski poles for classic skiing for adults and children

So, we looked at the features of choosing skis and ski poles for children and adults for different levels riding experience and skills. We also added a number of tables for orientation in this matter.

If you are buying skis for your child or yourself for the first time, listen to the recommendations of a consultant in a specialized store. And remember that buying skis and poles for children for future use is a bad idea and just a waste of money.

Enjoy your holiday and skiing!

Video: how to choose the right skis for a child?

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aSkiing is a great way to spend time in active recreation in winter, does not require lengthy preparation and is accessible to everyone, regardless of age and level of training. The benefits of such an event are enormous, but in this case it is important to equip yourself accordingly.

Experts divide them into cross-country and mountain - they have their own specific structure and differences. If we consider the main differences, then It is worth highlighting the following points:

1. Alpine skiing stronger and more durable, respectively, and their cost will be much higher than that of running ones. They consider them to be of higher quality, more professional, and this is what we should build on.

2. If speak about cross-country skiing- they are longer. Moreover, their canvas will be much narrower than that of mountain models. Read our special article about three types of cross-country skis.

3. The types also vary bindings and shoes- whether it will be automatic or mechanical fastening, regular shoes or special boots.

4. Cross-country shoes are designed to be used for “walking” on a flat track, well-compacted snow crust. Mountain skis are more likely sports models, where skiing takes place on special ski slopes, where there is a slope and solid, not compacted snow.

Selection of skis by height and weight

How to choose the right length of cross-country skis according to your height:

1. If this skating style- add 15 cm to the skier’s height and thus calculate their optimal length.

2. Classic provide for the use of the following calculation - the height of the skier plus 20 cm.

3. If this combined, then the calculations are carried out according to the principle - 15 cm is added to the athlete’s height.

When choosing taking into account the weight of the skier himself - in this case, calculations are carried out taking into account the following points:

  • If this is a skating type of skiing, the gap distance between the surface of the snow crust and the sliding surface should be 1 mm, while the skier himself stands on both legs. Additional check - the sheet of paper under the heels must move freely 30–40 cm to the sides and, accordingly, the weight is selected proportionally.
  • For classic ones, the distance between the floor and the sliding surface is 0.5 mm, the sheet of paper moves freely to the sides by 10–15 cm.
  • With regard to the calculation of proportions and their relationships for combined models, they are carried out according to the rules described in the second paragraph.

How to choose cross-country skis for a child

Equipment for a child deserves special attention and in this case, you should focus on the age of the young skier.

1. Up to 3 years old. At this age, it is worth giving preference to short models with a wide canvas - the baby does not yet need to learn to develop speed or hone his technique. The optimal skis would be up to 40 cm, with a blade width of up to 8 cm, made of plastic, with a rounded end.

When your child can confidently stand on the ski slope, you can give preference to ski products that are equal to the child’s height. At the same time, experienced skiers note that it is best to give preference to those made of plastic rather than wooden ones - they are suitable for skiing on dry and wet snow.

When it comes to shoes for skating, there is no point in purchasing special equipment for your baby’s feet, and it is best to choose special metal fastenings with rubber straps for everyday shoes. You don’t have to buy sticks for your baby - the task for him at the very beginning is to learn how to maintain balance and learn to slide.

2. Between the ages of 4 and 10 years It makes sense to purchase a more sporty, professional set - narrower skis, up to 5 cm wide, will do. The length is selected based on the child’s height plus 15 cm.

3. Between the ages of 11 and 15 years- ski equipment is selected for the child, taking into account their height and weight category. In this case, it is important to consider that the choice can be made among the following ski models:

  • classic- they are ridden on a parallel track, they are distinguished by their long length and pointed nose, and there are special notches on the sliding surface. Suitable for beginner skiers.
  • skating- if your baby loves speed, then it is optimal for him to choose them. They are shorter than the classic ones and have a sharp edge for better glide.
  • combined- suitable for classic and ridge type skating.

Table on how to choose cross-country skis based on your child’s height and weight:

High-quality skis from leading manufacturers will not differ in weight, length, or width - the main thing is to check if there are any ties or cracks on them. In all other respects, it is entirely your choice.

Cross-country ski equipment

Where does every skier's equipment begin? With . These can be regular socks, warm ones, made of wool, or special, synthetic ones, produced for ski boots- all of them should not allow cold and moisture to pass through, and retain heat well. The important thing to remember is that they should not bunch up and resist excessive abrasion in the heel area.

After choosing a sock - choose a shoe. They are chosen when you choose a sock in which you will ride - they measure the chosen shoes specifically for it. The main thing to remember is not to pick up shoes on the Internet, but only in a store, after trying them on in person.

Experienced skiers know that the manufacturer of shoes is not as important as the perfect fit of the boot on the foot. Ideal - it does not pinch or dangle on the leg, and when bending the toes, folds do not form on their inner surface. The rigidity is checked by bending it in the sole - choose the model where the angle at the bend will be straight.

The equipment must include and - when choosing them, the height of the skier is taken into account. In this case, the principle applies - the longer their length, the greater physical training the riding process itself requires. It is optimal if their length reaches your earlobe level, the minimum - to shoulder level.

Fastening- an important piece of equipment, it can be either automatic or mechanical. At the same time, experienced skiers note that the first ones are convenient because you just need to insert your foot into the grooves, and the boot is already fixed. But the latter are better - they hold the structure itself more securely and practically do not come off spontaneously.

Watch also a video tutorial on how to choose cross-country skis and equipment:

Interesting too

Greetings, readers of the blog about healthy lifestyle! Winter this season is changeable, some are pleased with the abundance of snow, while others are not so happy. If your region is always full of snow, you should think about this physical activity like skiing.

Buying a good set is not as easy as it seems. In this article I will tell you how to choose skis so that they will delight you throughout the entire season. We'll talk about running and mountain models, as well as about hunting and children's. It would seem that it would be easier - come to the store and the consultant will select the right option. But, as practice shows, you don’t always know how to answer sellers’ questions. Therefore, before going to the store or when buying online, you need to know the basic parameters by which skis are selected for walking.

Most often, lovers of a healthy lifestyle opt for cross-country and walking skis. They are inexpensive and suitable even for those who are taking their first steps in winter sports. Let's first talk about how to choose the right skis for an adult, and then look at how to choose them for a child.

By the way, do regular blog readers remember about our health marathon? Let me remind you a little about him. Thanks to him, last spring my children and I spent the entire month covering skiing distances around the lake every day, which is almost five kilometers, cutting several laps a day.

Now you can get out of holiday celebration mode and take care of your health again. Try to master skiing or remember your physical education lessons at school! I promise you will love it!

For a beginner, professional options are of no use. Why overpay if you are going to ride mainly on weekends?

Cross-country skiing for beginners is usually selected according to the following parameters:

  • Material.
  • Rigidity.
  • Riding style.
  • Weight and height of a person.

Fully wooden crafts are becoming less and less common today. More often, plastic models with a wooden core are on sale. All-plastic products usually cost more. For a novice lover of an active lifestyle, the standard options are suitable - plastic + wood. They are light, durable, and glide well.

Manufacturers also today offer products with notches under the block. This addition is more often found on children's sets. Why are notches needed? First of all, such models are designed for a classic move so that the foot does not slip back. Such equipment does not need to be lubricated. What are the disadvantages? The notches are not suitable for skating, the riding speed will be lower, and you will get more tired.


But if you are not chasing records and are not going to master skating, solutions with notches are quite suitable for you.

What is your riding style?

Second important point The thing you should decide on before purchasing is your riding style. On sale today you can find the following options:

  • For a classic move.
  • For skating style.
  • Combined.

If you only run “classics”, then choose the appropriate sets. If you sometimes skate or plan to master it, take a closer look at the universal options. Of course, it is difficult to achieve sports records on combi models, but they are quite suitable for walking.

If you only skate with a “skate” and don’t like the traditional move at all, then choose skating skis. If finances allow, you can buy two sets. Then the pleasure from riding will be greater. For amateurs and beginners, I advise you to watch training lessons on skating:

How are the skate and classic models visually and technically different?

  • Skate skis are shorter and stiffer.
  • Skate toes are shorter and rounder.
  • Skate models are more durable.

The edging for classic models is also different for skating. Combined options combine the characteristics of both modifications. A beginner can take a closer look at such products.

Once you have decided on your riding style, select a kit based on weight and height. It’s easiest for people of average weight. But athletes with a larger physique will have to choose more carefully. For “heroes”, products must be of high quality, inexpensive and durable.

For a classic move, the length of skis is usually calculated as follows: add 20-25 cm to your own height. For a “skate”, products that are equal to or slightly taller are suitable. The easiest way to navigate is using tables. For example, there is such a table for height:


Using these tables it’s easy to choose skis. But as practice shows, sometimes these recommended parameters can be violated. Focus on yourself. If you have the opportunity to try out different sets at a rental or borrow them from friends, take advantage of this. Remember the length that provides the most comfortable ride and choose such sets. For example, short skis are sometimes easier to control, especially on the slopes.

Hardness and softness

An equally important parameter when buying skis is their stiffness. Here you need to focus on the athlete’s weight. Selecting the right model based on a person’s weight is as follows:

  • Stand on your skis with both feet in the pad area. If there is a distance between the floor and the block, then this model is not rigid enough.
  • Stand with both feet on one ski at some distance. If there is no clearance between the sliding surface and the floor, this will not work either. Choose a product with less rigidity.

Why pay attention to this parameter? The fact is that skis that are too soft will make it difficult to move on the track, and skis that are too hard will slip. And the return will obviously not please you. In short, being a beginner and choosing products with inappropriate rigidity, you are unlikely to love skiing.

Sports should be fun, so don't ignore this technical characteristic. For a classic ride, it is better to choose models with medium and low rigidity. And for the “ridge”, in any case, more rigid products are needed. If, when skiing “classic”, at the moment of repulsion the ski does not bend completely, then the equipment is not selected correctly.

Selecting sticks

It turns out that you also need to select poles according to your height. For the “classics”, sticks up to armpit length are suitable. But for the “ridge” it is better to choose longer models. For a free style, choose poles 15-20 cm shorter than your height. The handle and loop should also be comfortable. It is important to free your hand at any time. The risk of injury is especially high on descents in the forest, when a stick can get stuck in tree roots. Therefore, the stick should be fairly easy to remove from the hand.

The weight of the poles also affects the riding comfort. Modern sticks are light and durable, choose them.

Also, when purchasing, pay attention to boots and bindings. Shoes for skating and free skating are usually high. Modern boots are warm and comfortable. For a beginner, you can choose boots on a budget. It’s better to try them on in a woolen or other warm sock, so that even in light frost you don’t have to deny yourself walks.

Soviet-style mounts, 75 mm, can still be bought in hardware stores. They were replaced by more convenient options: NNN, SNS, NIS. For the classic style, you can still get by with more affordable 75 mm fasteners, but for “combi” and skate models it is better to opt for modern solutions. You will get more pleasure from riding. The mount will not touch the snow, which will have a positive effect on speed.


When choosing a ski set for a child, you also need to approach it responsibly, despite the fact that he will quickly outgrow it. When buying a kit for your child, pay attention to the following parameters:

  • For a preschooler, skis should be short.
  • After 7 years, follow the formula: height + 10-15 cm.
  • The height of the poles should be slightly above the chest.
  • For the smallest skiers, soft bindings based on belts and elastic bands and semi-rigid ones are suitable.
  • For schoolchildren, you can already buy rigid bindings with special boots.

Today in stores you can find ready-made equipment for little skiers. Fastenings can be for both regular shoes and special ones for boots.

How to choose a set of alpine skis

Alpine skis are even easier to choose than cross-country skis. Select kits for beginners based on your weight and height. Another important parameter: riding style. It is better for a beginner to opt for universal models of medium width. Universal models are marked all-mountain.

A novice mountain climber can choose inexpensive models, especially if you won’t be able to go to the ski resort often during the season.

Forest skis

Hunting and forest skis are suitable for those who like to walk on virgin soil, go on winter hikes, and go hunting and fishing.

These wide skis come in wood and plastic, with notches. The latter are not so sensitive to moisture, although they are more slippery than wooden products. Plastic skis are lighter than wood skis, but are more suitable for warm weather. In cold weather they roll back.

On wide skis you can go on an exciting hike through the taiga. Read about an amazing place -. You can only ride there on wide models.

You don’t have to pay much attention to the height of forest skis, but shorter models are better in maneuverability. When choosing hiking kits, you should pay more attention to the fastenings. Semi-rigid cable fastenings are better than with belts.

And finally, watch this educational video on how to choose skis:

I hope these simple tips helped you choose skis for winter walks. Get your whole family on skis, teach your children to healthy image life! We usually have a lot of snow in Siberia; you can ski for several months in a row, which is what we take advantage of. I will be glad to see your feedback and questions!