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How long should Nordic skis be?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 12, 2026

To calculate the length of your classic cross-country skis you should add 15 to 20cm to your height. Your weight and skiing ability should also be taken into account.

Is it better to have longer or shorter cross country skis?

If several lengths are given, the longer length always applies to the more experienced skier while the shorter length is better for a less experienced skier.

How do you size Nordic skate skis?

CHOOSE A SKI ACCORDING TO YOUR BODY

The skating skis are generally shorter than "classic" skis. The best size depends on the morphology of the skier, his or her strength and his or her skiing style. However, in general: the size of the ski is 15 cm more than the size of the skier.

How long should my cross-country ski poles be?

For classic cross-country skiing they should come up to shoulder height or you can use this formula: your height in cm x 0.83. If your ideal pole length is between two sizes, we advise you to choose the longer of the two.

How do you determine ski size?

The length of your ski depends on your height, weight, skiing style & ability. There isn't an exact formula for determining the right size but in general the proper ski length should be between your chin and the top of your head. For example, a skier that is 6' tall will want to look for a skis between 170 - 190 cm.

15 related questions found

Are skate skis shorter than classic?

Often the first thing you think about when buying skate skis is their length. Skate skis are 10 to 15cm shorter than classic skis. A misconception is that people use their height to choose the size of their skis (as you do for downhill skiing).

Can you skate ski on ungroomed trails?

Classic skiing can be done on the groomed trails or in the backcountry, making your own tracks. You can travel on narrow hiking trials or in wide-open fields. You can travel through shallow or deep snow, though deep snow may be more of an effort, but that's why you bring friends to share the effort of breaking trail.

How much do Nordic skis cost?

How Much Money Are We Talking? Top-end gear in any cross-country discipline will cost you between $700 to $1,000, but you can get a package of boots, bindings, and waxless touring skis for $350.

Can you downhill ski with cross country skis?

Skiing downhill on cross country skis is challenging. New skiers are intimidated and concerned. Even experienced skiers may struggle to ski the downhills to the best of their ability.

What are nordic touring skis?

Nordic touring skis share many features with classic track cross-country skis, having a nordic camber for efficient glide on the flat and being long enough to give a stable platform in all conditions. Compared to the track skis, nordic touring skis are wider to allow them to stay on the surface in off piste conditions.

Can I use shorter cross-country skis?

If you get skis that are too short, you won't glide like you should. Get skis that are too long and you'll struggle to get good grip. Because flex, materials and other design characteristics vary, each pair of skis has a specific recommended weight range for each available ski length (ski size).

What length of downhill skis do I need?

The general rule is for your skis to measure somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. With expert level skiers often choosing skis slightly above their head. SIZE SHORTER, CLOSER TO CHEST IF: Child's weight is less than average for their height.

Does weight matter for skate skis?

Weight is the most important because you have to be heavy enough to get grip on the snow when you transfer your weight, but light enough for the grip area of the ski to stay mostly off the snow when you glide.

How should Nordic skate boots fit?

Once laced up, stand up and the boot should be snug, but still comfortable around the widest part of your foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes which means you'll be able to access and activate your foot muscles for skiing.

Why is skate skiing so hard?

Arguably the toughest outdoor sport in the world, it requires a unique combination of strength, speed, and endurance. The lateral movements of skate skiing are at once unnatural and exhausting, while the technique for proper classic skiing leaves most untrained participants feeling like they're just shuffling around.

Is skate skiing faster than classic?

Skate skiing is faster, generally, than classic skiing. It's best done on groomed trails: Mt. Bachelor and Meissner are our local areas in Bend with the most groomed skating trails.

What happens if my skis are too short?

Having skis that are too short to support your weight will have a lack of control, lack of response or rebound, and will not absorb the vibration when at a higher speed.

What size skis do I need 5 7?

In general, the proper ski length is somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. For example, a skier that is 6' tall will want to look for skis between 170cm and 190cm. The exact right size for you will depend on your skiing ability and style.

How long should kids skis be?

For sizing kids' skis, a good rule of thumb is youth skis should come somewhere between the child's chest and nose. If your child is a newbie skier, lightweight for their height, and prefers turning over being speedy, then you'll likely want to size skis around chest or chin level.