HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS?
Do you want to enjoy long outings in the snowy mountains and combine sport and leisure? Then classic cross-country skiing is what you need! But before putting on your equipment, here are our tips for choosing your classic cross-country skis.
Key criteria for choosing your classic cross-country skis
Classic cross-country skiing is part of the cross-country ski sports family and is practiced on groomed trails with parallel tracks. To fully enjoy the pleasure of this sporty yet gentle glide, it is essential to properly choose your classic cross-country skis by taking the following criteria into account:
- The weight of the skier;
- The height of the skier;
- The level of the skier;
- The anti-backwards system;
- The binding norm.
Because of their camber and length, weight is the main criterion that comes into play when choosing the size of your classic cross-country skis. The other criteria mentioned are secondary, although it is important not to neglect them to ensure an unhindered glide.
GOOD TO KNOW: CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY, THE ORIGINAL SKI
Very popular in Scandinavia and the polar regions, classic cross-country skiing originated for practical reasons: to get around and hunt on snow-covered terrain for many months of the year. It is now an increasingly popular leisure activity that allows you to discover the mountains in a different light.
The specifics of classic cross-country skiing
When we talk about skiing, we immediately think of downhill skiing. If the practice of cross-country skiing has nothing to do with the latter apart from the concept of gliding over the snow, the equipment also differs enormously, particularly in terms of length. Thus, classic cross-country skis will be much longer and thinner than alpine skis. Furthermore, they do not have metal edges.
As for the sole of the classic cross-country ski, it must allow the skier to propel himself forward with one foot while preventing him from going backward with the other. This is why classic cross-country skis do not have smooth soles and have an anti-backwards system under the foot over a more or less long area. This can consist of scales, a space for skins, or a chamber for grip wax. Finally, if you're new to classic cross-country skiing, don't be surprised, your foot will only be held to your skis by the tip of your boot.
What classic cross-country ski size should I get?
To find the right length for your classic cross-country skis, the main thing to consider is your weight. That's because, in order to take full advantage of the anti-backwards system, the skier must be able to put enough weight on the skis while still having enough sole surface area dedicated to gliding. Here is a chart that may help you find the right size of classic cross-country skis:
| Skier's weight | LENGTH OF CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKI |
|---|---|
| Less than 45 kg | 177 cm |
| From 45 to 49 kg | Between 177 cm and 182 cm |
| From 50 to 59 kg | Between 182 cm and 192 cm |
| From 60 to 74 kg | Between 192 cm and 202 cm |
| From 75 to 89 kg | 202 cm |
| Over 90 kg | More than 202 cm |
This classic cross-country ski weight/size chart is only a first indication in order to choose your equipment. Indeed, the size of the skier must also be taken into account. For example, for a smooth ride, two skiers of the same weight but noticeably different sizes will not choose the same size of classic cross-country skis.
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