Hard cross-country skis. How to choose cross-country skis. What types of cross-country skis are there?

Before you start choosing the quality characteristics of the skis themselves, you need to decide what style you will ski. There are two types of skis: skate and classic. Skating is more complex in terms of coordination and requires more time to master than the classic one.

Ski length

Once you have determined your style of movement, you should consider that ski boots There are also several types: skating, classic and duathlon (for movement with a skate and classic). The same goes for the size of ski poles.

Length of poles for skating = height - 20cm, for classic skating = height - 30cm.

Ski length for skating = height + 10-15cm, for classic skiing = height + 25-30cm.

Ski stiffness

Skis have an important factor that determines 60% of their sliding properties: stiffness. Classic skis are softer than skate skis due to the fact that full contact of the entire ski with the snow is required for pushing off. Stiffness works like a spring that returns your effort and turns it into inertial skiing. If we consider the pressure of the skier on the ski during repulsion, then on classic skis the main pressure falls on the central part of the ski under the block, but on skate skis the picture is different, the pressure under the block is minimal and the main load falls on the toe and heel of the ski. The remaining 40% comes from the quality of the sliding surface plastic, matte polish and paraffins. In stores there are special machines for determining the stiffness of skis and selecting them directly for your weight.

How to choose skis for your weight?

There are several other ways to determine the stiffness of skis for your weight. It is necessary to place the skis on a flat floor and stand on them with both feet so that the toe of the boot coincides with the center of gravity of the ski. Then shift your body weight to one leg. To check, take a piece of paper and place it under the block. For classic skis, when you are fully on your push foot, the sheet should be pressed firmly to the floor. For skaters, move a little in the toe area of ​​the boot. If the sheet of paper moves freely, then the skis are too hard for you.

If you choose skis for walking or for a child for physical education, then you are on the right way. From the article you will learn how to choose the right skis based on height, material and other characteristics, what to pay special attention to, and what can be ignored.

• what do you need skis for (recreational skis, cross-country skis for competitions, downhill skiing, hunting, etc.);
• your level of skating (beginner amateur or professional);
• yours physical parameters(weight and height).

How to choose cross-country skis

Cross-country skiing is chosen depending on your preferred skiing style. There are three styles:

1. classical,
2. ridge,
3. combined.

Classic skis

Our grandfathers and grandmothers rode the classic style, sliding along two parallel tracks, but it has not lost its relevance. The classic style is best suited for the beginner skier.

Length

Skis for classic skiing should be 20-30 cm longer than your own height. For beginners, you can choose a slightly shorter length, then it will be easier to control them.

Rigidity

If you have seen skis, then you know that they have an arched shape and if you put them on the floor, their middle will not touch it. The more difficult it is to push the ski to the floor, the stiffer they are.

The stiffness must be selected depending on your weight. The heavier the skier, the greater the stiffness should be.

You can check the correct selection of skis in terms of stiffness in the following way:

1. put your skis on the floor;
2. place a sheet of paper under the middle;
3. stand with both feet on both skis, there should be a gap to the floor and the sheet of paper will move freely;
4. stand with both feet on one ski, it should completely touch the floor, and the piece of paper will be pressed to the floor and you will not be able to pull it out.

Following the above example choose the hardness of your skis. Some manufacturers indicate what weight they are intended for.

With and without notch

Skis for classic skiing can be with or without notches on the sliding surface.

Skis without notches are suitable for any weather, for long walks and fast riding.

They are more difficult to ride as they can slip backwards. To eliminate this deficiency, special ointments are used.

This is a new style of skiing, also called free style. The skier makes skate-like movements, pushing off with the inner surface of the skis. With its help you can develop the highest speed.

For the skating style, a compacted wide track is ideal, but you can do without it; then you won’t have to count on high speed.

Skis for skating are selected a little shorter and stiffer than for the classic style.

Length

For skating, the length of the skis should be 10-15 cm greater than the height of the skier.

Rigidity

The rigidity should be approximately twice as high as for the classics. If you press the ski with your hand to the floor, there should be a gap of 1.5-2 mm.

All-mountain skis

As the name suggests all-mountain skis This is something between classic and skate. This applies to both the parameters of choosing skis (average length and stiffness) and the style of mixed skiing.

Length

All-mountain skis should be 15-20 cm larger than the skier's height.

Summarize: cross-country skiing suitable for flat terrain; for beginners it is better to choose classic ones with notches, and for advanced ones universal ones.

Ski material

All skis are made of wood or plastic.

Earlier plastic skis were rare and expensive. Now, on the contrary, most people ride on plastic.

Advantages of plastic skis:

• they are stronger and therefore more durable than wooden ones;
• snow sticks to them less during the thaw;
• more speedy.

The most reputable companies producing plastic skis are Atomic and Fischer. You can buy equipment from them, both for beginners and for beginners. professional sports. You can also highlight domestic ski manufacturers “Karelia” and “Tisa”.

How to choose the right skis

Alpine skiing is very different from cross-country skiing, both in design and in the method of selection. Their main purpose is to descend from mountains, developing high speeds.

Remember right away, if you are new to skiing, then choose professional skiing it is forbidden. They are designed to develop very high speeds, which you as a beginner may not be able to handle, which will lead to injury.

Length

The size of alpine skis is selected not only depending on the height of the skier, but also his professional skills. The shorter the skis, the easier they are to control.

If you are a beginner skier, then the length of your skis should be 20 cm less than your height.

If you have been skiing downhill for several years now and have achieved good results, then you should have skis that are 10 cm shorter than your height.

For a professional, skis as long as his own height are suitable.

For women, it is better to reduce the above length by another 5 cm, and for people with above average weight, on the contrary, increase it by 5 cm.

Rigidity

The basic rule for choosing the stiffness of alpine skis is that the higher the professional skills and weight of the skier, the stiffer they should be.

The one with the least rigidity is suitable for a beginner, as they are easier to control.

Hard and medium-hard skis are suitable for professionals and people who have been skiing confidently from the mountains for several years. Since they are designed for sharp turns and high speeds.

Another parameter that is worth paying attention to when choosing alpine skis is their structure:

• carving;
• classic.

Carving skis differ from classic skis in that they look like they are fitted, i.e. the ends are wider than the central part. They are more stable than classic ones, so they are recommended for beginners.

1. Externally, both skis should be absolutely identical and not differ in width, length and weight.
2. Look at the skis from the side; the curve of the sliding surface should be smooth.
3. The longitudinal groove on the sliding surface should be straight, without any wobble.
4. There should be no scratches, cracks or other defects on the sliding surface.
5. Put your skis on sliding surface to each other and squeeze them as tightly as possible with your hands. The rigidity should be the same. The socks should remain closed.
6. Find the center of gravity of the skis, it must coincide, deviation of no more than 1.5 cm is allowed.

How to choose ski poles

After choosing your skis, you may be faced with the question of choosing ski poles. This is an important part of ski equipment that you cannot do without.

Ski poles must be:

• durable;
• hard;
• lungs.

Poles, like skis, are selected depending on the height of the athlete. For lovers of skating, the poles should be 15-20 cm less than the owner’s height, and for classic skaters, 25-30 cm less than the owner’s height.

You cannot buy poles for a child to grow into, as he will get tangled in them and it will be uncomfortable to ride.

For an amateur, aluminum ski poles are quite suitable.

It is better to choose handles from a non-slip material such as cork or leather with anatomical grooves for the fingers.

It is better to choose support for poles with a reverse cone (the safest) rather than with legs (the most inconvenient when riding).

For children under 7 years old, choose the length of sticks up to the armpits, with a blunt tip.

How to choose hunting skis

Hunting skis are designed for movement on loose snow by hunters or fishermen with additional load. Therefore, unlike running ones, they should not be long and narrow, but short and wide.

The average length of hunting skis, regardless of the height of the skier, should be about 175 cm.

The best hunting skis are made from maple or birch; they are more wear-resistant than spruce.

Preparing skis before use

After you have bought skis in a store, you need to prepare them before using them for the first time.

Plastic

1. Wipe the treated surface with a rag soaked in turpentine.
2. Apply melted paraffin using movements from toe to heel, only on the area under the shoe.
3. Warm up with an iron preheated to 200 degrees. And let dry for several hours.
4. Excess cooled paraffin must be carefully removed.
5. Upon completion of all processes, wipe the sliding surface with a synthetic cloth.

The above procedure must be carried out at least once a year.

Wooden

1. Sand the sliding surface with fine sandpaper.
2. Apply special resin from a sports store to the sliding surface and heat it with a blowtorch or a special burner.
3. Wait until the resin is absorbed and repeat the previous step 3-4 more times. The skis should darken, but do not overheat or the wood will begin to char.

For maximum comfort when skiing, it is better to choose skis and poles according to height and weight.

Table for selecting skis and poles for classic skiing

For beginner skiers, they are suitable with notches or camus. They require almost no maintenance and are wider for better stability.

For experienced skiers, models with a skin or a smooth sliding surface are suitable. They are narrower, which allows for high speeds, but require maintenance to maintain speed.

Selection table for combined skis and poles

In terms of properties, these are somewhere between classic and skating, and allow you to ski in two ski styles. The sliding surface is smooth and has no notches or camus.

Selection table for skis and poles for skating

Models are suitable for beginner skiers, since there is a high probability of breaking skis and poles while improving their movement techniques.

Models suitable for experienced skiers famous brands, which have low weight and high speed qualities.

Skating move

The skating style of skiing was invented in the early 80s; before that, skiing was carried out exclusively classic move. Skating is the fastest style of cross-country skiing. For skiing you need a wide, prepared track. More suitable for active people, lovers of speed.

It will take at least one season to master the skating technique.

You need to prepare your body physically: when skating in the skating style, all the muscles of the body are involved in the work - neck, shoulders, arms, abs, back, legs. With every kilometer you walk, your body will become stronger. And most importantly - without strong muscles can't be learned correct technique skating, which can lead to injury. Special attention You should pay attention to strengthening your knees and lumbar back. And be sure to stretch all muscle groups before and after training.

Mastering skating technique is not an easy task. Need good coordination, strong back, Strong arms and legs. This will give you a good ride and high speed when riding. To develop your legs, back and coordination, ride without poles. To develop your arms, abs and back, ski on the ski track at a stepless pace (doublepoling).

To begin with, you should master the two-step skating stroke. Learn how to do a long ski on one ski and how to push with your hands correctly. Gradually move to a skating, simultaneous one-step move.

Equipment for skating

To get started, buy inexpensive but high-quality skis and poles. When buying boots, focus on comfort, not cost.

When you feel like you're lacking speed, switch to more expensive skis.

Classic move

The classic move is the very first move that was used to move on skis. It is slower than skating and not as difficult to master. For skiing you only need a ski track, which you can lay yourself in any convenient place near your house. Suitable for calm people for a family holiday who want to strengthen their body and immune system.

Recommendations for those who want to ride classic style

Mastering technology

The classic move is mastered almost immediately; it is similar to normal walking. At first, your speed and endurance will be noticeably lower than that of experienced skiers, but over time, if you learn the technique and strengthen your muscles, you can easily ski 10-20 km without stopping at high speed.

Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the legs and lumbar back; classic skating without poles will help with this. And be sure to warm up your muscles before and after skating to avoid injuries.

Inventory

For maximum comfort when skiing, you need to choose the right classic skis, especially the version with notches. The difficulty is that classic skis There are 2 functions - to roll forward well, and not to roll back when going uphill. Each ski size has an individual stiffness that can be checked. Skis that are too soft will always sag - touching the snow with their notches (this reduces the speed), and skis that are too hard will always maintain their bend - preventing the notches from catching on the snow (the skis will shoot when climbing uphill).

If you are a beginner skier and ski rarely, buy inexpensive, high-quality skis. If you are an experienced skier and like to ski often, buy more expensive and high-quality skis from well-known brands. It is better to buy boots that you feel comfortable in, regardless of the price.

The quality of winter holidays directly depends on skiing. We will talk about how to choose cross-country skis and skis for skating in our article, and you will be able to put the acquired knowledge into practice.

There is an opinion that summer provides more opportunities in the field of entertainment and sports. This is far from true. In winter, snowboards, skis and ice skates are popular. What's better than a walk through the winter forest on good skis?

Skiing provides a pleasant pastime, improves heart function and tones your figure.

Choosing cross-country skis

As you know, skiing is a popular means of winter recreation. Many people enjoy using them for a walk in the forest or mountains. Your vacation leaves behind a pleasant experience if you choose the right cross-country skis.

The modern market offers the following types of skis: alpine, cross-country, sports, amateur, extreme and hunting.

Riding styles

1. Classic style. Provides parallel movement along the ski track. Use soft models with a long and sharp end.
2. Free or skate. It consists of pushing skis off the snow like skates. Provides for the use of hard varieties.
3. Universal style. It is popular among people who like to skate in classic and skating styles.

Right choice

1. Skis are made from natural wood or plastic. The cost of wooden specimens is much lower, but they are very rarely found on the shelves of sports stores.
2. Plastic ones do not need lubrication and ride better on snowy surfaces. They are more reliable, lighter and last longer.
3. It's not difficult to choose the size. IN sports stores There are special tables for height and size.
4. Be sure to pay attention to stiffness. Before purchasing, stand on your skis and try to slide a piece of paper underneath them. If it passed unhindered - tough. If not, soft.

Video tips

Finally, I’ll pay a little attention to the choice of boots. If you are a fan of classic style, buy low boots with soft soles. The skating style requires hard and high boots.

Choosing skis for skating

Let's imagine that you decide to learn skiing. First of all, choose your riding style. The skating style began to gain popularity at the end of the last century.

In skating style, they push off from the snowy track inside skiing, the track itself is wide and compacted.

Skate skis differ from their classic counterparts in that they are shorter and have a blunter tip. The center of gravity is slightly shifted.

1. If you like skiing, pay attention to models of medium and low hardness. Rigid models have two significant disadvantages - they slip and spring when pushed.
2. The stiffness must match the weight of the skier. If a person is heavy, you need to buy stiffer skis or lose weight slightly.
3. It is necessary to strive to skating skis and the sticks corresponded to the height.
4. It is extremely important to choose your boots. Skating shoes have some special features. Modern skating boots are high-tech footwear, the development of which takes into account high mechanical loads, extreme weather conditions, and the anatomical features of the human foot.
5. The final touch is the selection of fasteners, which are automatic and mechanical. It is better to buy automatic bindings, as they make preparing for riding faster and more comfortable.

If you have already mastered classical skating, you can safely switch to skating style. It's more exciting and complete.

Video tips

Choosing the right skis

Modern people spend the New Year holidays in different ways. Some go to the sea, others prefer the forest, others like a trip to the country, and others like winter skiing.

1. After visiting a specialty store, tell the consultant about your skill level. Otherwise, he will select skis based on your preferences and anthropometric data.
2. If you are a beginner or an amateur, pay attention to the standard models. They are aimed at driving small and average speed.
3. Remember right choice depends not only on the level and style of riding, but also on the athlete’s physique. If you have average weight, buy alpine skis whose length is 10 cm shorter than your height.
4. If you have extensive experience in the field mountain skiing, however, the weight exceeds the norm, the best solution will become skis with longitudinal rigidity.
5. Before purchasing, decide on where to ride. Skiing on regular slopes is significantly different from skiing on big mountains.
6. If you want to ride on different slopes and mountains, buy universal models.
7. People with high level It’s much easier to choose a ride. The range of choice in this case is much wider.
8. If you want to take turns with a large slope, buy shorter skis. If you expect to ride on virgin soil, you can safely purchase a longer model.

During development, advanced technologies are used that are aimed at improving controllability. However, if you are a beginner, learn to ride with a trainer. Always put health and safety first.

How to choose roller skis

Roller skiing is similar to cross-country skiing. It is not surprising that this species physical activity perfect for fans winter species sports In addition, roller skiing brings more benefits than walking with poles or riding a bicycle.

Modern market sports equipment offers the widest selection of roller skis. If a professional can choose the optimal model without any problems, it is much more difficult for a novice athlete.

This division cannot be called absolute, since the market is full of combined models. However, the development of the fundamental characteristics of roller skis comes from the listed subspecies.

Let's talk about choice.

1. Training rollers must provide maximum compliance skiing. Such units in most cases have moderators. These devices reduce the speed to match the speed of skis.
2. It is better if roller skis are equipped with wheels made of soft material. They provide good traction and reduce vibrations. The frame of the training model imitates the deflection of skis.
3. Racing roller skates have different requirements. They must have minimal weight and provide maximum speed. Other characteristics play a secondary role. Such models are equipped with large polyurethane wheels and a short rigid frame.
4. Classic roller skis must have a ratchet that is responsible for blocking the reverse rotation of the wheels. Such models are distinguished by an elongated frame and more wide wheels.
5. It consists of three components - mounts, wheels and frame. The last element is responsible for transmitting force from the legs to the wheels. The main characteristics of the frame are length, weight and rigidity. The longer the frame, the more stable the skates.

Choosing skis for a child

Some parents think skiing is a waste of time. This opinion is superficial and erroneous. skiing strengthens the cardiovascular system, develops the vestibular apparatus, and strengthens the child’s body.

1. It is necessary to take into account the height, weight and age of the child. First, it is enough to purchase a regular children's model.
2. It is better to buy skis made of natural wood for your baby. Products domestic production cheaper than European analogues, but the quality is lower.
3. When choosing, make sure that the model you like has notches. They prevent rollback.
4. At first, do not give your child poles, as they will harm the comfort of riding. If you decide to buy them, make sure that the tip is of high quality; the reliability of the support depends on it.
5. With age, a child's views and tastes change. Consult with him and find out his opinion.

How to choose skis by height

When choosing, the main thing is not to make a mistake. First of all, it is recommended to select based on height. Afterwards, the level of training is taken into account.

1. If you can't boast strong physical training, subtract about 20 centimeters from your height. As a result, you will get the optimal ski length.
2. If you constantly train and your level of training is high, subtract about 10 centimeters from your height.
3. If this is not your first time riding and you are confident in your abilities, purchase a model whose length matches your height.
4. It is better if you try skis of different lengths in practice. This will allow you to choose the optimal model.
5. In addition to length, you need to pay attention to width. If you intend to ski on flat trails, buy wide skis that are highly stable.
6. If you have to ski on ice or on a hard trail, narrow skis are the best solution. They are more maneuverable and lighter than their wide counterparts.
7. Regarding rigidity, I would like to say that when choosing, you need to be guided by your level of training. If it is high, you can safely buy hard skis.

Complete beginner choose good skis It’s not that easy on your own. Without knowing the subtleties, he will simply buy the first model he likes, which will not please with a comfortable ride.

Why do we love winter? For the pre-holiday bustle, New Year holidays, home gatherings with a cup of tea. And also for the opportunity to run several kilometers through creaking snow, slide down a steep hill in the nearest copse, and breathe in the frosty air. But lest bad equipment spoil you winter walk, choose your skis correctly.

Choosing ski equipment requires a competent approach. You can, of course, consult with the seller, but it’s better to delve into the issue yourself and buy skis that won’t let you down on a difficult trail.

What types of cross-country skis are there?

According to their intended purpose, skis are divided into elite racing, training, walking, children's, junior, and hunting. By style of skating – classic, skating, universal.

• Classic style - skis move parallel to each other. For walking in this way, soft skis with a long and sharp toe are more suitable.
• Skating style - the rider moves on the crust, as if on skates or rollers, pushing off from the snow internal part skis. In this case, take hard skis.
• Gathering for sports equipment, decide what you prefer: leisurely walks classic style or speed skating?

If you like to change styles, buy a combi - a universal model.

How to choose cross-country skis according to height

When choosing skis, the material from which they are made is of no small importance. Buy plastic skis, unlike wooden ones, they don’t need to be resined, they are lighter, glide well, and are durable. True, they cost more.

To make skiing comfortable, choose skis according to the rules.

• Stand up and raise one arm up. Take the ski, place it vertically outstretched arm. If the sharp end of the ski touches the middle of your palm, the ski is suitable for you.
• Measure your height and add 25 cm to the result. The resulting number will determine your ski size.
• Determine the size of skate skis using the formula: person’s height plus 10-15 cm, and all-purpose skis are taken 15 cm longer than a person’s height.
• Check the stiffness of the skis. Fold them with the sliding surface inward and squeeze them with your hand in the center. If there is a gap of 1.5 mm between the skis, the rigidity is normal.
• Don't forget about ski poles. For classics, they should rest against your armpits; for skates, they should touch your shoulder.
• Sports boots are also selected depending on the style of skating: classic - low models with soft soles, for skating - high ones with a hard cuff.
• Install the simplest fastenings - automatic ones.

Important: To glide, lubricate skate skis with paraffin; sand classic skis, and then coat them with a holding lubricant.

How to choose children's skis

For a child who is already skiing, buy plastic models with small notches. They will improve the glide of your skis, will not slow you down when running, and will help you hold on while descending the mountain.

• For children from 3 to 6 years old, choose skis equal to the height of the little champion. Don't buy sticks. Let the child first understand the principle of sliding and learn to move without falling without support.
• At the age of 6-12 years, the length of the skis is equal to the child’s height plus 15-20 cm.
• For teenagers, skis are selected based on the chosen style. For skating - short skis, height plus 10 cm, with poles up to shoulders. When purchasing a classic set, add 25 cm to the child’s height, and sticks up to the armpits.
• Only use child bindings on your skis. For kids - soft straps, for first-graders - semi-rigid, from 9 years old - hard.

Having picked up your ski kit, you can safely go on a ski trip. Such a walk will distract you from everyday worries, improve your mood, and help you stock up on health and positivity for the future.