Cross-country skiing is divided into racing, amateur and touring. As a rule, the purpose is indicated in the product card.
- Racing (marked Racing and Racing PRO). These skis are designed for athletes and amateurs who want to improve their speed. This is an option for specially prepared trails.
- Amateur or recreational (Active, Fitness). This is an option for those who sometimes go for a ride in the park, do it for fun and do not strive for records. Skis are slightly wider than racing skis; expensive materials and technologies are rarely used in their production.
- Tourist (Back Country). These are skis for hunters, tourists and fishermen, people who need to move around, without pistes or ski tracks. Such skis are much wider than recreational skis in order to support a person’s weight on loose snow.
Skis
Classic skis (designated Classic or Cl) are longer than skate skis, have a sharp toe and a soft last. There may be notches under the block (designated TR) that prevent slipping during repulsion. On the left is a ski with notches, on the right - without.
andrewskurka.com If the ski does not have notches (designation WAX), a special ointment provides an anti-slip effect. However, it will be quite difficult for beginners to apply it correctly, so a ski with serrations will be the best option.
To choose the size of classic skis, add 20 cm to your height or simply raise your hand: the lowered palm of your outstretched arm should touch the top of the ski.
It is also worth paying attention to the stiffness of the skis. First, determine the center of gravity: place the ski on your hand so that both ends are in balance. Then fold the skis with the sliding side towards each other and squeeze with one hand 3 cm below the found center of balance. There will be a distance of 1–1.5 mm between skis of suitable stiffness.
What to buy
Boots
Boots for classic skis are low and soft, without special inserts to secure the foot.
You shouldn't buy boots back to back. If thumb will rest against the toe of the boot, the foot will quickly freeze. Better take boots half a size larger.
What to buy
Sticks
When choosing poles for classical skating pay attention to their length. With short ones, it will be uncomfortable for you to walk on flat terrain, with long ones, it will be uncomfortable to climb slopes. Select poles according to your height: the lanyard exit (the place where the strap is attached to the pole) should be at the level of your shoulder.
Poles are made from aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Aluminum ones can bend under load. So, if you weigh a lot, choose glass and carbon fiber. The latter provides the greatest rigidity and lightness of the poles. These poles are used by professional athletes.
marax.ru Also pay attention to the material of the handle. Poles with cork handles are well suited for walking in cold weather: cork does not get cold on the hand, unlike plastic.
Skis
Skis for skating (designated Skate or Sk) are shorter and have a smooth last, since with this type of skiing the notches only get in the way, clinging to the snow and reducing speed.
To find the perfect length skating skis, add 5–10 cm to your height.
It is also worth checking the stiffness of the skis. The gap between skis compressed with one hand should be 1.5–2 mm.
What to buy
Boots
To prevent injury and excessive stress on the foot during skating, additional support is needed. That's why skate boots higher and stiffer than classic ones and supplemented with a special plastic cuff.
What to buy
Sticks
Skating poles are longer than classic poles. The lanyard should be at the level of the skier's chin or lips.
How to choose all-mountain skis, boots and poles
If you plan to master both classic and skating, you can purchase universal equipment.
Skis
All-mountain skis (designated Combi) are longer than skate skis, but shorter than classic skis. To determine the required length, add 15 cm to your height.
As for knurling, some all-mountain skis have a replaceable center: if you want to ski in classic style, use notches; if in a ridge, remove the nozzle with notches.
What to buy
Boots
Boots for all-mountain skis are almost no different from classic ones. They are just as soft and flexible, but have a plastic cuff that supports the ankle.
What to buy
Sticks
For universal skis, poles are suitable for both classic and skating.
What types of fastenings are there?
Three types of mounts are now common: the legacy NN 75, NNN (with or without NIS platform) and SNS.
sprint5.ru Surely many remember this mount from childhood. This is an ordinary metal brace that fixes the leg, but it does it rather poorly.
With the NN 75 it is almost impossible to skate. In addition, they don’t make good boots for this mount. The only advantage is the low price.
What to buy
NNN (New Nordic Norm)
Automatic fastening NNN / spine.ru This mount consists of two guides (flexors) located at some distance
from each other, and the rubber stop.
There are two options for such fastenings: automatic and mechanical. The automatic NNN mount snaps into place by simply pressing your boot onto the shackle. In the case of a mechanical one, you will have to open the lid with your hands, and after installing the boot, close it.
Mechanical fastenings NNN / manaraga.ru However, the mechanical fastening is more reliable: it cannot accidentally come loose, for example, during a fall. Additionally, if you plan to ski in warm weather, water that gets into the automatic binding may freeze and cause a permanent blockage.
Also, the fastenings differ in the degree of rigidity. If the rubber stop is NNN white, the mount is intended for hard skating, if green - for softer skating. Black stops are suitable for standard skating, and red ones for soft skating.
If you prefer skating, choose bindings with white or green rubber bands. If classic - with black or red.
To install NNN on skis, you need to find the center of gravity and drill a hole for the mounts. However, there is a simpler and more convenient installation method: special NIS platforms.
Mount NNN NIS / dostupny-sport.ru The Nordic Integrated System (NIS) was developed in 2005 for NNN mounts. Skis adapted for NIS are equipped with a special plate on which the binding is installed. There is no need to drill the skis, just slide the mount along the guide plates and click into place.
The mount is easy to install and remove, eliminates the search for the center of gravity of the ski and can be used with in different pairs skis
What to buy
This is a mount with one wide guide and two brackets. SNS fasteners are also divided into automatic and mechanical.
shamov-russia.ru Unlike NNN, SNS has only three levels of severity. They are marked with numerical value and colors. For a classic move, you should choose bindings with a flexor stiffness of 85 (yellow), for a skate - 115 (red), and for universal use - 95 (pink).
In terms of comfort, stability and lateral stability, there is little difference between SNS and NNN mounts.
Most cross-country ski boots are designed to fit a specific type of binding. Therefore, first choose boots that fit perfectly on your feet, and only then choose the bindings that fit them.
Due to NIS, NNN fasteners are more convenient to install, but SNS are more stable: due to the NNN platform, they are higher than SNS screwed on with screws. On the other hand, a higher position increases the force of the push. In general, both mounts are used by both amateur and professional athletes.
What to buy
What materials to choose
Skis made from solid timber or glued layers of wood are becoming a thing of the past. Modern models also use wood, but, as a rule, the core consists of it, and the sliding surface is made of plastic.
If you're used to skiing on wood skis, plastic may feel uncomfortable due to kickback. Plastic is more slippery and, unlike wood, does not “ruffle” when rubbing against snow.
However, with proper lubrication of plastic skis, it is quite possible to avoid kickback. As for the advantages, plastic skis are more durable and, unlike wooden skis, allow you to ski at above-zero temperatures.
According to the manufacturing method, skis are divided into Sandwich and Cap. The former are several layers of plastic and wood glued together, the latter are a wooden core with a monolithic plastic cover.
For cheaper skis, the core is made of wood with air channels. In professional and more expensive ones, it is a wooden honeycomb or made on the basis of acrylic foam with a mesh of carbon and fiberglass, lightweight polyurethane foam with carbon and fiberglass inserts (Polycell technology), Densolite foam or other lightweight synthetic materials.
The sliding surface is made of different types plastic. For cheaper options, extruded plastic is used, for more expensive options, high molecular weight universal plastic is used.
Nowadays, many new technologies and materials are being used that keep skis light and at the same time provide strength. However, all this affects the price.
So if you're a beginner, it's worth trying a regular ski with a wood or Densolite foam core and an extruded or high molecular weight plastic skid surface. The price of such skis depends on the specific brand and ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles.
What brands to pay attention to
Among the well-known Russian manufacturers is the STC factory. It makes both racing and recreational skis, the Sable, fiberglass ski poles.
Professional models have a honeycomb core and a PTEX 2000 (carbon fiber) sliding surface, and amateur models have a wooden core and a plastic coating. Skis are made using Cap technology and are sold at very affordable prices.
Among foreign brands (whose products are often produced in Russian factories, including STC), the Austrian ski and equipment manufacturer Fischer is quite popular.
Fischer produces men's, women's and children's professional and amateur skis, using combined materials such as a wooden core with Air Tec Basalight basalt fibers. Fischer skis can be purchased at prices starting from 5,000 rubles.
No less famous is the French ski brand Rossignol, whose production is located in Spain and Ukraine. The cheapest amateur skis with a light wood core and a plastic sliding surface can be bought for 5,500–6,000 rubles. Almost all skis of this brand are equipped with the NIS platform.
The third brand from the rating is the Norwegian company Madshus. Amateur skis of this brand are made using Cap technology with a wood core with channels, glass and carbon fiber braiding and a plastic sliding surface. The cost of the cheapest skis of this brand is 3,000–5,000 rubles.
Around the same price category, the cheapest amateur skis are from the Austrian brand Atomic and the French company Salomon. Cheaper Salomon models have a core made of dry Densolite foam and a sliding surface with the addition of graphite; more expensive, professional models have honeycomb cores and a sliding surface with the addition of zeolite.
Each brand develops its own technologies: lighter cores, adding various minerals to improve gliding, changing ski geometry. Therefore, it is best to focus on the purpose of the skis (for what purpose, recreational or sports) and the availability of a suitable length and stiffness for you.
Skiing improves health, improves overall body tone and improves mood. But this only happens if the equipment is chosen correctly. One of essential elements ski equipment are ski boots.
Like any other shoes, such boots, being uncomfortable, can bring a lot of problems, the least of which will be rubbed calluses. Therefore, the choice of ski shoes must be approached especially carefully so that sports activities bring pleasure and do not turn into torture.
Kinds
Ski boots can be classified according to two criteria: by type of use and by type of fastening.
Type of operation
According to the type of use, boots are:
- For skating. These shoes are characterized by rigid ankle support and a rigid sole. The main purpose of such boots is to remove the load from the ankle and fix it. This is necessary so that the athlete has better control of the skis.
- For a classic move. These, in their appearance and characteristics, are more reminiscent of ordinary sports sneakers. The classic move is more familiar to a person, and therefore the legs can be given more freedom. These shoes are characterized by a soft sole and a loose upper part.
- Combined. Suitable for both techniques, but, like everything combined, they are not particularly versatile. Distinctive features combination boots have a soft sole and rigid ankle support. Having chosen such equipment, you should carefully examine the model you like. Some commercially available products that are claimed to be combination products actually are not. Instead of ankle support, they have an imitation that fixes the leg without the necessary rigidity.
Mounting type
There are only 5 types of ski boot fastenings:
- NN 75. This option was used back in Soviet times. On this moment it is no longer relevant. A distinctive feature of this type of fastening is the metal bracket that secures the boot. The advantage of the shoes is their low cost. The disadvantages include the fact that such fastenings are not suitable for skating, the materials are not of high quality and it is very difficult to choose a suitable option.
- NNN (New Nordic Norm). This is a Norwegian fastening system, represented by two guides, which are located at a certain distance from each other. The distance is determined by the shoe size. The mount also has a rubber stop, the rigidity of which is determined by the selected travel style. The advantages of shoes include a huge range, additional stability when riding, versatility and the possibility of both automatic and mechanical fastening.
- NIS (Nordic Integrated System). This mount is an improved descendant of the previous type. It is a special board built into the ski. This board easily accepts boot mounts. At the same time, boots with such fastenings are compatible with the NNN type, have all its advantages and the ability to choose the position for fastenings.
- SNS (Salomon Nordic System). Fastening system developed in France. It is divided into two types: SNS Profil and SNS Pilot. The first is characterized by a guide and a rubber stop with adjustable stiffness. The second contains one guide and two brackets, one of which acts as a flexor and regulates rigidity. For classic walking, a stiffness of 85-95 is recommended, for combined shoes - 95-115, and for skating - 115-125. The second option has additional benefit– the ability to control rigidity, thanks to the presence of a second bracket.
- Turnamic is a high technology product running on the IFP platform. There are three options: children's, racing, automatic. They are fixed using metal brackets, which do not affect the features of the skis in any way. The basis of the fastening is a rotating mechanism, thanks to which it will not be difficult to unfasten the skis even with gloves or mittens. Fully compatible with the NNN system.
Design and operation
Ski boots are not just shoes, but a complex device consisting of several parts and mechanisms:
- The outer boot is visible part. In hard boots it is made of polyester or polyester, and in soft boots it is made of polypropylene.
- The shaft or cuff is the movable part of the ski shoe, which is connected to the lower, fixed part by hinges. Depending on the type of boot, it may have different rigidity, which is determined by the type of plastic.
- A mechanism that allows you to change the rigidity of the boot's inclination in the front or rear directions. Switched by the athlete depending on the condition of the track and type of skiing.
- Mechanism that regulates the forward tilt angle. It is installed by skiers depending on the individual characteristics of the leg, as well as on performance characteristics.
- Canting is a device that allows you to adjust the angle of inclination of the boot in the lateral directions, depending on anatomical features athlete's legs.
- Clip – a fastener for a shoe. It serves to secure the foot in the shoe. Modern ski boots are most often equipped with 4 clasps made of plastic, metal or combined materials.
- The power belt serves for additional fixation of the boot. It can have a width from 2.5 to 4 cm, as well as varying degrees of coverage of the lower leg - full or partial.
- The inner part is a boot embedded in a shell. Its functions are to provide maximum comfort to the skier’s foot. It has heat-insulating, vibration-damping, protective and reinforcing inserts.
How to chooseski boots
When you have decided on the type of boots, the type of fastening (the advantages and disadvantages of which were discussed above) and the area of application, the question will arise about selecting shoes by size. Majority modern models They have insulation inside, which allows you to wear them without thick woolen socks. When you go to the store to try on boots, you should take with you socks of the thickness with which you plan to use them.
Ski boots for skating must firmly fix the foot, and therefore they must be taken strictly according to size. In addition, when trying on, keep in mind that the insulation inside will wrinkle and the shoes will become a little wider. In skating technique, it is unacceptable for the foot to “walk” on the boot.
When choosing boots for a classic walk, the foot can be free, because it is constantly moving. It is very unpleasant if, when pushing off, your toes rest against the toe. Therefore, when trying on, give preference to looser shoe options. By the way, it’s easy to check how comfortable it will be for you to use your shoes - bend your leg as if pushing off. Your fingers should only lightly touch the toe.
When choosing a cost, keep in mind that the ratio - heat = price does not work. The thermal insulation properties of shoes are determined by their purpose. Racing ski boots are not as insulated as walking boots. For sports, shoes should be light. If you like racing boots, you can either buy an insulating cover or buy good thermal underwear.
In summary, the ideal ski boots should be:
- Light.
- Comfortable.
- Not getting wet.
- Warm.
- Allowing good control of the ski.
The closer your shoes are to perfection, the more fun you will have skiing.
From this article you will learn how to choose a beginner skier cross-country skiing and poles according to height, as well as how to choose the right size of ski boots. Below are tables for selecting ski sizes and boot sizes.
Selection of cross-country skis and poles
In order to choose correctly cross-country ski length, you need to decide what style you are going to ski - classic (on the ski track) or skating:
- For a classic move, add to your height 20-25 cm
- For skating, add to your height 10-15 cm
There are two types:
- Notched (step): The notch is the ribbed sliding surface of the ski in the binding area. The notch allows the skis not to slip and not to use grip ointments. Excellent for recreational skiing on the classic track.
- With smooth sliding surface (wax): These are skis without a notch system, the sliding surface is smooth, the use of holding ointments is required. Unlike knurled skis, these skis are suitable for any style of skiing and are better suited for combination skiing, skating, and sport skiing.
When selecting ski pole lengths also focus on your riding style:
- Poles for the classic move should be approximately 25 cm less than your height. In this case, when you stand on skis in boots, the poles will go up to your feet in the snow, and the handle of the poles will reach your armpits. This particular length of ski poles is optimal for classic skiing.
- For skating, ski poles must be longer - approximately 15 cm less than your height.
Table for selecting cross-country skis and poles by height:
| Skate style | Height | Classic style | ||
| skis | sticks | cm | skis | sticks |
| 200 | 175 | 195 | 210 | 165 |
| 200 | 175 | 190 | 205 | 165 |
| 200 | 170 | 185 | 205 | 160 |
| 195 | 165 | 180 | 200-205 | 155 |
| 190 | 160 | 175 | 195-200 | 150 |
| 185 | 155 | 170 | 190-195 | 145 |
| 180 | 150 | 165 | 185-190 | 140 |
| 175 | 145 | 160 | 180-185 | 135 |
| 170 | 140 | 155 | 180 | 130 |
| 165 | 135 | 150 | 170 | 125 |
| 160 | 130 | 145 | 170 | 120 |
| 155 | 125 | 140 | 160 | 115 |
| 150 | 120 | 135 | 160 | 110 |
| 145 | 115 | 130 | 150 | 105 |
| 140 | 110 | 125 | 150 | 100 |
| 135 | 105 | 120 | 140 | 95 |
| 130 | 100 | 115 | 140 | 90 |
| 120 | 95 | 110 | 130 | 85 |
| 120 | 90 | 105 | 130 | 80 |
| 110 | 90 | 100 | 120 | 80 |
Choosing cross-country ski bindings
The most popular types are:
- 75 mm (NN75)- classic steel fasteners (three-pin system), familiar to everyone since Soviet times, are still very popular due to their simplicity, reliability and low cost. These bindings are perfect for recreational riding.
- NNN and SNS - modern systems fastenings, differing from each other by guide protrusions for boots along the fastenings. Such bindings are better suited for more active and sporty riding.
Choosing ski boots
All are made from modern frost-resistant synthetic materials, less often from genuine leather.
All ski boots are insulated, which allows you to choose boots of your size without reserve and wear them without a wool sock. We recommend using thermal socks.
The sole of the ski boots fits a specific binding system: 75 mm, NNN or SNS:
- Boots for 75 mm bindings are available in standard Russian sizes. The size of the boots can be chosen entirely according to your foot size.
- Boots for NNN/SNS bindings are available in Euro sizes, which are approximately 1.5-2 sizes smaller than Russian ones, i.e. If you wear Russian size 39, then you should take size 41 boots.
Most easy way choose your boot size- measure with a ruler shoe insole length that you are wearing.If it is not possible to remove the insole from the shoe, then it is necessary to measure the length of the foot. How to do this correctly - see the table below.
Table for selecting the size of ski boots according to the insole length:
| Insole length, cm | Size Russia | Euro size |
| 19 | - | 30 |
| 19,5 | - | 31 |
| 20 | 30 | - |
| 20,5 | 31 | 32 |
| 21,5 | 32 | 33 |
| 22 | 33 | 34 |
| 22,5 | 34 | 35 |
| 23 | 35 | 36 |
| 24 | 36 | 37 |
| 24,5 | 37 | 38 |
| 25 | - | 39 |
| 25,5 | 38 | 40 |
| 26 | 39 | 41 |
| 26,5 | 40 | - |
| 27 | 41 | 42 |
| 27,5 | - | 43 |
| 28 | 42 | 44 |
| 28,5 | 43 | - |
| 29 | 44 | 45 |
| 29,5 | - | 46 |
| 30 | 45 | 47 |
| 30,5 | 46 | - |
| 31 | 47 | - |
How to measure your foot length correctly:
Stand on a piece of paper with your heels only lightly touched the wall behind (door, cabinet side, etc.). If you press your heel hard against the wall, the measurement will be wrong.
The body weight should be transferred to the leg being measured.
Hold a pencil strictly vertical, don’t get him under your fingers!
Mark lines near the thumb and second finger, draw a line along the wall. Use a ruler to measure the maximum distance between the marks. Measure both legs, because... size may vary.
Ready-made ski kits
In our online store you can choose and buy, consisting of cross-country skis, poles, bindings, boots and ski bundles.
We have prepared several skiing options for you Russian manufacturer STC (Sports Technology Center). You can choose skis with or without serration. The kit includes 75mm or NNN/SNS bindings, matching ski boots, some ski kits include additional accessories - a ski bag and a set of ski waxes.
Especially for parents of schoolchildren, we have 2 inexpensive options ski kit Schoolboy: a simple and budget kit with 75 mm mounts and a kit with NNN / SNS mounts. Both ski sets are perfect for physical education classes at school, as well as just for skiing and activities skiing in winter.
10.07.2013
| Experts recommend choosing boots with Rotefell NNN or Salomon SNS soles. This is many times more convenient than the old systems (75 mm) with welts. These boots are easy to put on and take out of the bindings; the entire ski set with such boots and bindings becomes lighter and more compact. Consequently, you will be able to ski longer distances and transport your ski kit easier. Attachments to NNN or SNS systems will cost more, but their price is justified. In addition, system ski boots are more durable because they do not have a constantly bending rubber welt (like 75 mm boots), which cracks and loses its properties over time. |
Prices for ski boots range from 1,500 rubles. (tourist), up to 9000 rub. (racing). The first ones are universal, i.e. Suitable for both skate and classic styles and made from simple and inexpensive materials. If you are not an athlete, then it is not necessary to purchase the most expensive models, since for you such ski boots will not greatly affect speed and controllability. But if you decide to skate in the skating style, then you need to choose special boots that have a high cuff that covers the ankle. This cuff supports and strengthens the ankle, which allows you to push off more effectively and maintain your trajectory when skating. There are also universal models of ski boots, called combined or “combi”, in which you can remove the cuff and ski in a classic style.
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When choosing boots, you need to pay attention to their convenience and comfort. Ski boots should be moderately rigid and insulated, while sports models should “breathe”. Different manufacturers use different lasts - you need to find one that fits your feet perfectly. If you're looking for a touring ski boot, a well-proven pair of boots is a great choice running shoes Spine, and for more professional skiing and for athletes we can offer Madshus ski boots. Don’t be afraid to take boots from previous seasons, they are cheaper and almost as good as new ones.
For forest riding, pay attention to tourist-class boots. Ski bindings must be selected for the appropriate sole (NNN or SNS). Keep in mind that the soles of ski boots wear out quite quickly when walking on asphalt, so use a change of shoes when traveling to the ski area.
Latest publications
If you leisurely ski on a ski track in winter or are even an amateur athlete, then you are very likely to use additional funds for improvement ride quality your skis, such as waxes, grip ointments, accelerators and emulsions. These tools can significantly improve the glide of your skis, thereby increasing your motivation if you are an amateur or improving speed characteristics and time to complete the distance if you are training for results.
04.02.2018
To achieve a given cross-country skiing standard, it is necessary not only to train long and hard, but also to use professional ski equipment and accessories. First of all, pay attention to skis for skating or classic skiing, because their weight, dynamic characteristics and quality of the sliding surface determine how long you can maintain a high pace.
02.02.2018
Before using skis, they need to be treated. Skis are prepared according to weather conditions. In order to classic course there was no kickback, the skis under the block were lubricated with holding ointments. For recreational skis, the block on which holding ointments are applied starts from the heel of the boot and continues forty to fifty centimeters towards the toe of the ski. In cold weather, the ointment is applied in a very thin layer to a large surface - fifty to fifty-five centimeters. For skiing in warm weather, the ointment should be applied in a thick layer, or more correctly in several layers at a distance of thirty-five to forty centimeters.
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