Body height, weight, individual skills and type of skiing: All these aspects are determining factors in finding correctly sized cross-country skis.
Read on to find the correct length for you!
Finding the ideal size for cross-country skis
For optimal performance on the cross-country trails, it’s important to have the right ski length. One of the determining factors in finding the correct size for you is your body height. Depending on which cross-country style you prefer, you have to add a certain number of centimetres to your height.
Talking about the correct length
Size also matters when it comes to cross-country ski poles. Have a look at our magazine article to find out about different cross-country styles and the formula for calculating the ideal pole length.
The correct ski length for classic cross-country skiing
First of all, there is no one formula for calculating the correct length of cross-country skis. For classic-style cross-country skiing, you can follow this guideline: body height in cm + 20 to 30 centimetres.
The precise number of centimetres you need to add depends on your individual experience. The more experienced a cross-country skier you are, the longer your skis can be. For uphill sections, your body weight also plays an important role as every additional gram is useful for applying more pressure to the snow.
A tip from our RENTertainers
Many manufacturers have useful online product finders, which help you to find the right length for your skis depending on your body height and weight.
Skate skis and their optimal length
The skating technique is probably the most popular style when it comes to cross-country skiing. It is physically more demanding than classic cross-country skiing, which also affects the ski length you should choose.
A general guideline for choosing the right length of skate skis: body height in cm + 10 to 15 cm
If you’re new to the sport, you can also add only 8 instead of 10 centimetres, which makes it easier to get started.
Other determining factors for finding the optimal length of cross-country skis
To get even more precise results, you can add your body weight and preferred type of skiing into the equation.
Taking your body weight into account
There are three different categories which require you to add a certain number of centimetres to your body weight:
- Normal weight: The ski length corresponds to the value calculated using your body height.
- More lightweight skiers: – 5 cm
- Heavier skiers: + 5 cm
Type of skiing as a decisive factor
- Allround skis: The ski length corresponds to the value calculated using your body height.
- Cross-country skis for racing: + 5 cm
How to find the correct cross-country ski length for children
Lots of kids love cross-country skiing just as much as the grown-ups. For the little ones to be able to truly enjoy their cross-country skiing experience, it’s important to choose the right ski length, which depends on their preferred skiing style as well as on their skill level.
- Beginners: body height minus 5 to 10 cm for skate skis and plus 10 cm for classic cross-country skis respectively
- Advanced skiers: body height plus 5 to 10 cm for skate skis and plus 10 to 20 cm for classic cross-country skis respectively
Rent your skis with INTERSPORT Rent
convenient rental options
As we said earlier, there is no one formula to calculate the exact ski length by – there are only general guidelines and reference values. If you feel that your cross-country skis should be a bit shorter or longer – go with your intuition!
INTERSPORT Rent tip
The best way to find the perfect length for your cross-country skis is to try several different models – it’s easy with the rental options of INTERSPORT Rent! Simply try different sizes before settling for a certain product.
