How to choose ski poles according to your height. How to choose the right ski poles

From this article you will learn how a beginner skier can choose cross-country skis and poles according to his 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 for you several options for skis from the Russian manufacturer STC (Sports Technology Center). You can choose skis with or without serration. Includes 75mm or NNN/SNS bindings, matching ski boots, some ski kits include additional accessories- ski bag and 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 skiing in winter.

Despite the seemingly insignificant importance of sticks, they existed in alpine skiing ah always. At the very beginning of the history of alpine skiing, skiers descended from the mountains with an alpenstock, which served to control balance and change the trajectory of the descent. Over time, the long pole was transformed into two shorter ski poles.

Sticks have their own functions and purposes. They are needed to facilitate turns, maintain and maintain balance during descent. Ski poles will help when moving on flat areas or when maneuvering near the ski lift. When passing sports tracks, sticks are used for starting acceleration and blocking goal poles. They help maintain balance and give additional confidence in difficult situations on a steep slope, hillocks, and are indispensable for off-piste skiing. With their help, it is easier to unfasten the fastenings, get up after a fall, etc.

You don't have to worry too much about ski poles and pinning technique when you rent poles, but when you buy your own poles, the problem of choice arises. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right poles for skiing.

Anatomy of ski poles

A ski pole consists of a handle to hold, a tip to stab, a ring to keep the pole from sinking into soft snow, a lanyard and a shaft to hold everything together. Although nothing fundamentally new can be expected in the design of ski poles, the development of design and technology in this area continues.

Sticks are available in different lengths, elasticity and strength, with different bends and different ring diameters.

First of all, you need to choose the right length of poles; this is the key to safe riding and correct technique skating.

Ski pole length

The length of the pole is selected according to the skier’s height and is usually a little less than 3/4 of his own height. For children, the length of the sticks ranges from 70 to 105 cm, for adults - from 110 cm to 145 cm, in increments of 5 cm.

Although the optimal length of the poles also depends on the proportions of a particular person, on the ratio of the sizes of the torso and legs, and on the length of the arms.

How to choose the length of poles in the store

For a more accurate choice of poles, put on ski boots (or take into account the height of their soles) and, standing on a flat, hard surface, turn the pole over with the point up. The stick must be rested on the floor, moving it slightly forward.

Stand straight with your knees slightly bent. If you grab the stick with your hand under the ring (your hand is parallel to the floor), The angle between the shoulder and forearm should be about 90°.

The safe skiing technique allows for variation - the length of the poles can be three to five centimeters more or less than the selected value. Experienced skiers recommend taking poles a little (5-7 centimeters) longer. This approach is explained by the fact that when riding, the stick sinks a few centimeters into the snow. Next, you can begin adjusting the poles by shortening them by 1-1.5 cm.

With the correct length of ski poles, the skier should have no problem bringing the pole forward for an injection, while feeling how the pole “catches” the slope and helps the body move forward over the skis. When choosing ski poles for children, the spread is only permissible in a larger direction if you do not plan to change the poles every season.

For ski touring, ski tourism, and ski mountaineering, special telescopic poles are produced that can change their length. Telescopic poles can also be used in some ski disciplines.

Ski pole shape

After choosing the length, you should pay attention to the shape of the stick. The bend of the stick under the handle serves to anticipate the injection and to create effective support on the stick during sharp turns on the descent. The advanced bend relieves tension in the forearms, makes skating safer and minimizes the likelihood of hand injury. There is another option for ensuring the safe use of poles: some manufacturers put a bend in the shape of the handle.

In high-speed ski disciplines, preference is given to curved poles. Straight poles significantly increase air resistance. The curved shape serves to retract the rings behind the body and, as a result, reduces aerodynamic drag. Some modern poles bend in two or three planes at once. In addition, in slalom, a special protection, with which the slalomist hits the gate poles while passing the course.

Don't buy curved poles unless you're doing downhill racing.. When skating arbitrarily on the slopes, such nuances will be unnecessary and will lead to discomfort while skating (and even unnecessary expenses).

Anatomy of ski poles

Ring ski pole prevents the stick from falling deep into the snow. The rings have different diameters and are selected depending on the type of slope. Rings large diameter More suitable for skiing on soft snow or virgin snow, so that the poles do not fall into the loose snow. When skiing on prepared trails, in a park or halfpipe, choose poles with small diameter rings; such rings will not interfere with or cling to ski boots. Sports poles, as a rule, have a cone instead of a ring (the exception is poles for special slalom). Some manufacturers equip ski poles with interchangeable rings for different skiing conditions.

tip called the lower part of the stick that is in contact with the slope. Typically, tips are made of stainless alloys of varying hardness. Depending on the shape, they are cone-shaped, “toothed crown” and reverse cone. Under normal conditions, the most common and safest tip is the reverse cone tip. For an icy slope, it is preferable to choose a “toothed crown”. Cone-shaped ones are less common.

Kernel- the basis of a ski pole. Rods can be made from materials of varying strength. The most commonly used are various aluminum alloys, titanium-based alloys, carbon (carbon fiber), and fiberglass (fiberglass). The highest quality poles are made from complex combinations of metal and composite plastics.

The strength of the rod is measured in conventional units of rigidity. The higher the stiffness index, the higher the quality of the aluminum and, accordingly, the strength of the ski pole. Sticks for amateurs have a stiffness of 4 to 4.5 units. Expert ski poles - 5-5.5 units. Athletes use poles with a stiffness higher than six units.

Most ski poles are made from aluminum in varying strengths. Carbon fiber poles are lighter, but also more fragile and expensive. Athletes usually use aluminum poles with the highest strength material. Composite poles are not used by athletes due to their fragility and low moment of inertia when blocking poles. Some skiers prefer the stiffness of aluminum, while others like the shock-absorbing ability of composite poles.

If you are still on initial stage skiing, you don’t have to think too much about what and how the poles are made. It is enough that they are structurally strong and of high quality. In this case, the simplest straight sticks made of aluminum with a regular handle and tip (sting) are suitable.

Lanyard- a strap attached to the handle of the stick. The strap is needed so as not to lose the stick if it slips out of your hand. The lanyards have a length adjustment function to adjust the loop to fit the fullness of the forearm. The lanyard should be adjusted so that the hand feels supported from below. This position allows you to get additional support, and therefore greater acceleration at start. In addition, if you open your hand, the stick will hang on your hand in the safest position. Sports ski poles are equipped with lanyards with a quilting function, which increases the safety of using poles on steep slopes and high speeds. So, as an alternative to the lanyard, LEKI has developed the “Trigger” system, which includes not only the handle and strap of the ski pole, but also the skier’s glove. The strap is permanently secured to the glove using Velcro and snaps. The system can be activated by pressing the switch cover. There is also the possibility of unfastening automatically if the skier hits an obstacle or the pole bounces off the skier.

With a pen they call the part of the stick by which it is held when skiing or skiing. Handles can be made from various artificial materials - plastic, rubber, cork, neoprene, polyurethane foam or EVA. Each of the materials has its own level of grip for comfortable holding of the pole. different conditions, despite sweat or precipitation. The cork and neoprene are comfortable to hold on to even when wet. Handles made of porous materials remain “warm”, which is very important in cold, windy conditions.

Experts consider the most optimal handles to be made of frost-resistant rubber, which do not slip in the hands and do not “tan” at subzero temperatures.

Some manufacturers include a leading bend in the shape of the handle. Other companies strive to make the handle as grippy as possible by incorporating a leading bend into the shape of the rod. Some models of handles can be equipped with a hand guard. Most sports ski poles allow the installation of guards to protect the hands. Remember that sticks are still consumables . Try it, find yours perfect couple

If you choose skis for walking or for your child for physical education, then you are on the right track. From the article you will learn how to choose the right skis based on height, material and other characteristics, what to look for Special attention, and what can be neglected.

• what do you need skis for (recreational skis, cross-country skis for competitions, downhill skiing, hunting, etc.);
• your level of skating (beginner amateur or professional);
• yours physical parameters(weight and height).

How to choose cross-country skis

Cross-country skiing is chosen depending on your preferred skiing style. There are three styles:

1. classical,
2. ridge,
3. combined.

Classic skis

Our grandfathers and grandmothers rode the classic style, sliding along two parallel tracks, but it has not lost its relevance. The classic style is best suited for the beginner skier.

Length

Skis for classic skiing should be 20-30 cm longer than your own height. For beginners, you can choose a slightly shorter length, then it will be easier to control them.

Rigidity

If you have seen skis, then you know that they have an arched shape and if you put them on the floor, then their middle will not touch it. The more difficult it is to push the ski to the floor, the stiffer it is.

The stiffness must be selected depending on your weight. The heavier the skier, the greater the stiffness should be.

You can check the correct selection of skis in terms of stiffness in the following way:

1. put your skis on the floor;
2. place a sheet of paper under the middle;
3. stand with both feet on both skis, there should be a gap to the floor and the sheet of paper will move freely;
4. stand with both feet on one ski, it should completely touch the floor, and the piece of paper will be pressed to the floor and you will not be able to pull it out.

Following the above example, choose the stiffness of the skis. Some manufacturers indicate what weight they are intended for.

With and without notch

Skis for classic skiing can be with or without notches on the sliding surface.

Skis without notches are suitable for any weather, for long walks and fast riding.

They are more difficult to ride as they can slip backwards. To eliminate this deficiency, special ointments are used.

This a new style skiing is also called free style. The skier makes skate-like movements, pushing off with the inner surface of the skis. With its help you can develop the highest speed.

For skating style, a compacted wide track is ideal, but you can do it without it, on high speed then you won't have to count.

Skis for skating are selected a little shorter and stiffer than for the classic style.

Length

For skating, the length of the skis should be 10-15 cm greater than the height of the skier.

Rigidity

The rigidity should be approximately twice as high as for the classics. If you press the ski with your hand to the floor, there should be a gap of 1.5-2 mm.

All-mountain skis

As the name suggests, all-mountain skis are something between classic and skate skis. This applies to both ski selection parameters ( average length and rigidity) and the style of mixed skating.

Length

All-mountain skis should be 15-20 cm larger than the skier's height.

Let's summarize: cross-country skis are suitable for flat terrain, for beginners it is better to choose classic ones with notches, and for advanced ones, universal ones.

Table on how to choose ski length according to height

Skier's height	Classic skis	All-round skis		Classic walking poles	Skating poles
150	170/180	170	165	120	130
155	180	170/180	170	125	135
160	185	180	175	130	140
165	190	185	180	135	145
170	195	190	185	140	150
175	200	195/200	190	145	155
180	205	200/205	190/195	150	160
185	205/210	205	195	155	165
190	210	205	195	160	170
195	210	205	195	165	175

Ski material

All skis are made of wood or plastic.

In the past, plastic skis were rare and expensive. Now, on the contrary, most people ride on plastic.

Advantages of plastic skis:

• they are stronger and therefore more durable than wooden ones;
• snow sticks to them less during the thaw;
• more speedy.

The most reputable companies producing plastic skis are Atomic and Fischer. You can buy equipment from them for both beginners and professional sports. You can also highlight domestic ski manufacturers “Karelia” and “Tisa”.

How to choose the right skis

Alpine skiing is very different from cross-country skiing, both in design and in the method of selection. Their main purpose is to descend from mountains, developing high speeds.

Remember right away, if you are new to alpine skiing, then you cannot choose professional alpine skis. They are designed to develop very high speed, which you, as a beginner, may not be able to handle, which will lead to injury.

Length

The size of alpine skis is selected not only depending on the height of the skier, but also on his professional skills. The shorter the skis, the easier they are to control.

If you are a beginner skier, then the length of your skis should be 20 cm less than your height.

If you have been skiing downhill for several years now and have achieved good results, then you should have skis that are 10 cm shorter than your height.

For a professional, skis as long as his own height are suitable.

For women, it is better to reduce the above length by another 5 cm, and for people with above average weight, on the contrary, increase it by 5 cm.

Rigidity

The basic rule for choosing the stiffness of alpine skis is that the higher the professional skills and weight of the skier, the stiffer they should be.

The one with the least rigidity is suitable for a beginner, as they are easier to control.

Hard and medium-hard skis are suitable for professionals and people who have been skiing confidently from the mountains for several years. Since they are designed for sharp turns and high speeds.

Another parameter that is worth paying attention to when choosing alpine skis is their structure:

• carving;
• classic.

Carving skis differ from classic skis in that they look like they are fitted, i.e. ends wider than central part. They are more stable than classic ones, so they are recommended for beginners.

1. Externally, both skis should be absolutely identical and not differ in width, length and weight.
2. Look at the skis from the side; the curve of the sliding surface should be smooth.
3. The longitudinal groove on the sliding surface should be straight, without any wobble.
4. There should be no scratches, cracks or other defects on the sliding surface.
5. Place the skis with the sliding surface facing each other and squeeze them as tightly as possible with your hands. The rigidity should be the same. The socks should remain closed.
6. Find the center of gravity of the skis, it must coincide, deviation of no more than 1.5 cm is allowed.

How to choose ski poles

After choosing your skis, you may be faced with the question of choosing ski poles. This is an important part of ski equipment that you cannot do without.

Ski poles must be:

• durable;
• hard;
• lungs.

Poles, like skis, are selected depending on the height of the athlete. For lovers of skating, the poles should be 15-20 cm less height owner, and for classics 25-30 cm less height.

You can’t buy poles for a child “to grow into,” as he will get tangled in them and it will be uncomfortable to ride.

For an amateur, aluminum ski poles are quite suitable.

It is better to choose handles from a non-slip material such as cork or leather with anatomical grooves for the fingers.

It is better to choose support for poles with a reverse cone (the safest) rather than with legs (the most inconvenient when riding).

For children under 7 years old, choose the length of sticks up to the armpits, with a blunt tip.

How to choose hunting skis

Hunting skis are designed for movement on loose snow by hunters or fishermen with additional load. Therefore, unlike running ones, they should not be long and narrow, but short and wide.

The average length of hunting skis, regardless of the height of the skier, should be about 175 cm.

The best hunting skis are made from maple or birch; they are more wear-resistant than spruce.

Preparing skis before use

After you have bought skis in a store, you need to prepare them before using them for the first time.

Plastic

1. Wipe the treated surface with a rag soaked in turpentine.
2. Apply melted paraffin using movements from toe to heel, only on the area under the shoe.
3. Warm up with an iron preheated to 200 degrees. And let dry for several hours.
4. Excess cooled paraffin must be carefully removed.
5. Upon completion of all processes, wipe the sliding surface with a synthetic cloth.

The above procedure must be carried out at least once a year.

Wooden

1. Sand the sliding surface with fine sandpaper.
2. Apply special resin from a sports store to the sliding surface and warm it up blowtorch or a special burner.
3. Wait until the resin is absorbed and repeat the previous step 3-4 more times. The skis should darken, but do not overheat or the wood will begin to char.

The height of an athlete is one of the main factors, which must be taken into account when choosing skis. The ideal length of this sports equipment, as well as ski poles, depends on this parameter.

It is important to take into account that modern models, which are made from new materials, are shorter than those used in previous decades.

Therefore, in the case if you want to buy skis for yourself or your child, you should not rely on figures that were previously considered generally accepted.

How to choose the right skis and poles for your height?

Usually, classic skis must exceed the athlete’s height by 20-30 cm. Skate models much shorter, here the excess is no more than 15 cm.

The ideal ski length for two different skiers of the same height can vary significantly- it depends on the weight, stiffness of the material and riding style.

The higher the weight, the longer and stiffer the skis should be.

Ski types

In order for skiing to be successful, it is important not only to choose the right size skis and poles.

The first thing you need to decide is which skis to choose, what type of sports equipment you need, and for this you need to know where and how are you going to ride?.

For a classic move

Classic skis - the best choice for those who often go skiing. In the middle part of these models there are special notches that provide excellent grip on snow.

For skating

These skis are designed for skating style., when an athlete walks along a wide snowy road, and his movement technique is similar to the movements of a speed skater.

Skating this way is somewhat more difficult than the classic style.

Mountain

Alpine skis are designed for downhill skiing from the slopes and for alpine skiing. They come in several types, each of which is designed for a specific riding style:

• carving skis;
• for freeride;
• freestyle;
• ski touring and ski mountaineering.

Cross-country

Cross-country skiing is perfect for country walks and easy hikes over short distances.

It should be borne in mind that they are intended primarily for moving on already trampled snow, while tourist models are better suited for virgin snow.

For a child

If you want to introduce children to skiing, the choice of children's skis and poles needs to be approached even more carefully.

After all, the child doesn’t have much strength, and if the model is chosen incorrectly, he probably won’t like skating.

Choosing ski boots and bindings

For newbies Systems with automatic boot fastening work well. Advanced skiers prefer to use manual fastening.

First you need to find comfortable shoes, and then choose bindings that fit them. In order not to make a mistake with the size, you need to purchase thermal socks for skating in advance and try on your shoes while wearing them.

It should be borne in mind that there are boots for classics, boots for skating and combined shoes that will suit both styles of skating.

The choice of skis is completely different simple task , as it might seem at first glance.

However, if you arm yourself with knowledge in advance and approach the matter with all seriousness, accept correct solution won't be a big deal.

Zermatt, St. Moritz and others: for everyone!

With skis correctly selected by type and length your skating or your children's skating will take place with maximum comfort and safety and will definitely bring a lot of positive emotions.

The video explains how to choose the right skis, boots and bindings:

Skiing is one of the most popular sports activities in winter. But for those who have just decided to try skiing, a logical question arises - how to choose skis and poles? You need to select them according to your height.

To begin with, let's still decide what exactly you want to do - cross-country running or learn to go down the mountains? Sports are far from the same, they differ greatly from each other, and the parameters for choosing sports equipment in them are also, accordingly, different.

In skiing, there are several methods of skiing, each of which has separate types of racing skis. First of all, these are the classic icon methods. Also in sports stores you can find touring skis for ordinary lovers active rest. Now, let's figure out how to select them according to your height.

If you are serious about this sport, then classic and skating skis are at your service. The main rule for choosing them is approximately this: if the main method of skiing is classic, then the skis should be 20-30 centimeters higher than your height. For the ridge method, this figure is approximately two times less. As for recreational skis, their size should be 15-20 centimeters larger than your height. However, so that you don’t get too confused in the measurements, we provide a table with all the necessary values.

Table for selecting ski lengths

What about the sticks? For them, too, there is a separate classification according to which they should be selected. Poles for the classic move should be 25-30 centimeters shorter than your height. For skating skis, poles are chosen that are 15-20 centimeters smaller than the athlete.

Table for selecting the length of poles

Skier's height
(cm) Length of poles for
classic stroke (cm) Length of poles for
ridge travel (cm)150 120-125 130-135 155 125-130 135-140 160 130-135 140-145 165 135-140 145-150 170 140-145 150-155 175 145-150 155-160 180 150-155 160-165 185 155-160 165-170 190 160-165 170-175 195 165 175

If you are planning to put your child on skis, then it is worth remembering that the method of selecting skis in this case is somewhat different from the standard one. The determining role in the choice of sports equipment for children weighing up to 40 kilograms is not height, as in adults, but weight. If your child weighs from 10 to 20 kilograms, then skis 70-80 centimeters tall are suitable for him. For guys in the weight category from 20 to 30 kilograms, skis with a length of 90 centimeters are optimal. For children weighing from 30 to 40 kilograms, you should buy meter skis. As for the sticks, everything is the same as for adults - they should be 25-30 centimeters less than the child’s height.

Speaking of mountain skis, we note that their selection depends not only on your height and weight, but also on the conditions in which you are going to use them. For non-professionals, manufacturers divide skis into three categories: carving, which is divided into fan carving (allowing you to turn almost lying down) and autocarving (have a lightweight steering system), freeride and universal. Carving ones are intended for those who ride on prepared slopes. For those who like to travel over rough mountainous terrain, we advise you to take freeride skis. However, skiing on them is almost inaccessible for beginners due to their complexity. So-called universal skis are suitable for them, which can be ridden almost anywhere.

Table for selecting alpine skis according to your needs

Recently, wide opportunities for children to engage in skiing have appeared in our country. Naturally, a child also needs to carefully select equipment according to his height and weight. Note that children's skis range in size from 70 to 120 centimeters. As a rule, unlike adults, they have a simplified design, without control amplifiers and other things. Below we provide an approximate table of selection of alpine skis for children.