You want to start classic cross-country skiing or just update your equipment.
Check out our advice to choose the pair of classic cross-country skis that meets your needs and body type.
Classic cross-country skiing is easy to learn as a movement similar to a sliding walk is at the origins of the sport;nevertheless, be aware that mastering the classic technique perfectly will require lots of discipline and perseverance!
Before choosing a classic cross-country ski, it's important to take certain things into account:your fitness and your practice level, choice of anti-reverse system, the compatibility of the binding standards with your boots and your body type.
This will help you to choose the ski to meet your needs, the stiffness of its camber and the right size ski.
A few articles ahead to help understand classic cross-country skiing as well as the technical terms used in this sport.
Depending on your targets, your physical ability and endurance or even your technical control,
classic cross-country skiing can be practised for "fun"or "sport" just as much as "performance".
That's why it is important to evaluate these criteria to determine your level
and therefore the equipment that meets your needs!
Just for fun?
You want to start or
you practice classic cross-country skiing occasionally
and/or
at low intensity.
Ski runs less than 10 km.
↓↓
Choose solid skis with a soft camber and really good grip to avoid going backwards on the climb.
These are accessible and comfortable skis to get you started so you can easily and quickly enjoy
the slopes without too many technical basics.
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To help with your choice, some suppliers categorise skis according to level. In this case, go for skis labelled:"just for fun" or "beginner"
Sport?
You are sporty and you practice
classic cross-country skiing regularly
and/or
at medium intensity
on ski runs of maximum 20 km.
↓↓
Choose manageable skis with a medium camber for a
good grip/slide ratio.
These are more sporty and technical skis, to support
your progress.
They give slide and
greater speed.
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To help with your choice, some suppliers categorise skis according to level. In this case, go for skis labelled: intermediate or "sport"
Performance?
You practice cross-country skiing
frequently
and/or
at high intensity
on ski runs
over 20 km.
↓↓
Choose dynamic skis,
light with hard camber, for slide and optimal grip.
These are very technical skis
that are precise, technically
and physically demanding so you can
reach
ambitious objectives.
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To help with your choice, some suppliers categorise skis according to level. In this case, choose the skis labelled: expert or "performance / race"
Classic skis are made from a 2/3 smooth base and a central anti-reverse system for grip and propulsion.
There are 3 grip systems
Scales
This system gives
excellent hold at the expense of slide quality.
The quality of the scales encourages
grip on different types of snow, particularly on trails
with climbs.
This system is aimed more at beginners or for skiing in "stroll"
mode------
This system doesn’t
need kick wax.
Skins
This system gives excellent grip/slide, perfect for making progress.
It is more forgiving than a ski than needs waxing.
This system is aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers, particularly on long distance trails or runs.
------
This system doesn’t
need kick wax.
Wax
This system gives excellent slide with optimal grip thanks to the liquid or solid kick wax.
The choice of kick wax depends on the snow conditions and temperature.Therefore, a certain amount of waxing knowledge and assessment of snow conditions is needed
----
It is aimed at experienced skiers.
This is the system most used in competition.
Choose a classic skiing binding, each brand offers different options:adjustable with or without tools / skis on or off.
Choose the option that suits you best.
An important point when it comes to choosing bindings is ski/boot compatibility
There are 3 types of binding standards according to the brand.
These different standards are not always compatible and don’t let you attach skis and boots together.
Sns profil®
It is the oldest of the current binding standards, developed by Salomon, this binding standard is increasingly uncommon. It is till used on some skis by Salomon, One Way and Atomic (skating).
▼
This binding standard is only compatible with SNS Profile boots
Sns pilot®
Also developed by Salomon, it is used on some skis by Salomon, One Way and Atomic (skating).
▼
This binding standard is only compatible with SNS Pilot boots
Nnn®
It is the most common standard, owned by Rottefela. It is used on all Inovik, Fischer, Madshus, Peltonen and Rossignol skis.
▼
This standard is compatible with NNN, PROLINK and TURNAMIC boots
Prolink®
This binding system developed by Salomon is compatible with all boot brands (except Salomon SNS Pilot)
▼
This binding standard is compatible with NNN, PROLINK and TURNAMIC boots
Turnamic®
It is a recent binding standard, it remains compatible with the older NNN system standards.
▼
This standard is compatible with NNN, PROLINK and TURNAMIC boots
To choose your classic cross-country ski, its size, camber and flex should be adapted to your weight and practice level.
Choosing the right size
Choosing the size of your cross-country skate skis
depends on your weight.
Check the supplier’s recommendations to find the ski size for your weight.
....
If you are between sizes, you can refine your choice according to your practice level and progress targets:
- a smaller ski will be more accessible and
better suited for beginners.
- a bigger ski will be more technical,
and better suited if you are looking for performance.
Choosing the right camber
The choice of camber of a cross-country skate ski is also made according to weight and size.
The ski camber refers to the height between the ski and the snow when the ski is flat on the snow without your weight or the weight of bindings.
The “harder” the camber, the more energy is required for the ski to come into contact with the snow.
Check the supplier’s recommendations to find the ski camber suited to your weight/size and practice level
----
- "Soft" camber / weak flex:for light, beginner and intermediate skiers
and/or skiers on soft snow.
- "Medium" camber / medium flex:for "sporty / intermediate" skiers with a low weight/height ratio
- Hard camber:for advanced or heavier skiers and/or skiers on hard and cold snow.
Now you know the main criteria for choosing a pair of classic cross-country skis for your objectives, practice level and body shape.If you haven't already done so, check out our "how to choose" you cross-country ski poles and skate skiing boots to complete your equipment.
Don't forget that choosing the correct equipment is crucial to enjoy your time on the slopes to the full.
