What size cross-country skis do I need?
In cross-country skiing, ski size is determined primarily by your weight, not your height (as opposed to alpine skiing or ski touring, for example).
Whether you’re looking for cross-country skis for skate skiing, classic cross-country or even Nordic touring, ski manufacturers will provide you with a size chart based on the weight of the skier. Be sure to follow it to make sure you get the right size skis!
Check out what are the differences between classic and skate skiing.
Note that a skier should get skate skis that are 10 to 15cm shorter than classic cross-country skis.
How to choose classic cross-country ski or skate ski ?
If two ski sizes correspond to your weight, decide which size to choose based on your skill level and goals:
- Do you want a ski that’s, above all, easy to ski and safe? If so, choose the smaller size because it will be more manageable.
- Are you a strong skier who is looking for performance and wants to improve? Choose the longer size because those are the ones that will provide better glide.
- If you’re also wondering what size poles to get for cross-country skiing, the general formula for skating is your height x 0.89 (the height of your nose or ears). For classic, it’s your height x 0.83 (under your armpits). To find out more, read our article How to choose cross-country ski poles.
Find all our articles on cross-country skiing on our Stories & Guides page.