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Cross Country Ski
Size Chart & Ski Sizing Tips

Bert Hinkley, ski guru at Webcyclery

Author: Bert Hinkley, nordic ski expert at Webcyclery & Webskis

Last updated: September 2022

In this article, we take a look at some general guidelines for how to size cross country skis so you can get a pair that's perfect for you. A lot of factors go into proper nordic ski sizing, so you’ll need to consider more than just your height and weight. Read on to start learning, and when you’re done, check out all our cross country skis for sale to find your new pair.

Don’t get discouraged if it feels overwhelming; we’re here to help! Just give our expert team a call if you have any questions about nordic ski sizing, because we want you to have the best experience possible.

What size cross country skis do I need?

In a nutshell, you need to settle on a pair of skis that are the appropriate length for the style of skiing you do most often, as well as your individual abilities and goals.

Check out the cross country ski size chart below to get a ballpark idea of what size ski you need, then keep reading to understand how to hone in on the right length (and flex) within your ballpark range. 

Cross country ski size chart

This Fischer cross country ski size chart can be a good place to start if you aren't sure where to begin.  Remember, this is a ballpark range to get you going in the right direction, not a definitive guide.

 
Body
Weight
(lbs)
Length (cm) / Stiffness
171176181186191
MEMESTMESTMESTMESTX-ST
< 110









110-119









120-130









131-141









142-152









153-163









164-174









175-185









186-198









> 198









220-287









You'll notice that there are multiple lengths that can work for a single skier height. For cross country skiing, ski flex is actually more important than length. 

The folks at Fischer recommend skate skis with a FA number (or stiffness index) from 110% to 130% of the weight of the skier. 110% would be for the beginner or a person who is not aggressive on the skis. 130% would be for an advanced skier who likes to drive the ski. There's more info on stiffness at end of the article.

This Salomon ski sizing chart is based on weight. Because of the construction method of the Salomon S-Lab skate skis, the FA number may be a little lower than the Fischer FA number.

Skate ski sizing tips

1. Here's the deal: the flex (stiffness of the camber of the ski) is of greater importance than the length of the ski in determining if a specific ski will be well suited for an individual's goals.

2. For most people, skis between 3 and 6 inches taller than you are can work for skate skiing.

Reasons to choose a shorter skate ski

Beginners generally may want to choose the shorter of two pairs of the same flex. Skiers who avoid skiing fast downhills might pick the shorter pair of skis. Strong skiers who ski with a high cadence, especially when climbing, might choose a shorter ski.

Reasons to choose a longer skate ski

Skilled skiers who are used to long skis and are comfortable at speed may want the longer pair of the same flex.

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Classic cross country ski sizing tips

1. As to length, generally pick a pair of skis the is 10 - 15 cm longer than your skate skis. So, if I ski on 191-192 length skaters, I ski on 202cm length classic skis.

2. Here too, there is no length rule written in stone, the flex of the skis is more important.

3. While skate skis with a wide range of flex stiffness can work for you, classic skis should be measured carefully and the flex needs to be within a tighter range. Not sure which style is best for you? Explore the different types of cross country skiing.

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How to choose cross country ski flex

Let’s start with waxable classic skis for skiing in the groomed track. These skis are asked to do two very different things. In the “kick phase” you want the grip wax to grip the snow without slipping. In the glide phase you want the ski to glide forward without drag. Of course choosing the right kick wax is critical. But here we are looking for skis that will work with the right wax.

Checking the Fischer chart for length we see that for my weight two lengths are suggested with 197cm stiff at one end and 202cm medium at the other. In terms of the flex of the skis, start looking at skis with a FA number about 1/2 the weight of the skier. So at my 71kg weight I would start looking at skis around 36 flex. 

The brief explanation of the FA number is that it is the force needed to close the ski to .2mm when pressed a the mid point of the ski. Since none of us ski up on the toe of the boot like a ballet dancer, and we push the camber down with weight focused on the ball fo the foot, we measure the downward force or closing weight at that point. 

We generally look for a ski that will close at 55% of the skier weight. The means I will look for a ski that closes at the ball of the foot at 39 -40 kg force. Stronger skiers with good technique might want a slightly stiffer ski. Skiers who are less technically proficient might look for a ski that is softer, closes with a lower FA number. One of the beauties of a waxable ski is that you can adjust the thickness of the grip wax on the ski to accommodate your weight and for the type of snow. 

If you are selecting skin skis look for the FA number to be 58 - 68% of body weight. The little hairs on the skin skis require a ski slightly stiffer than a waxable. Crown skis are more like skin skis than waxable. Crown skis that are stiffer will be faster, and skis that are softer will allow the skier to access the kick zone easier. 

If you want to learn even more about ski flex and how it affects your skiing, head over to our comprehensive Understanding Ski Flex guide.

Example scenario for how to choose cross country ski length

There are very hard and fast rules for picking a skate ski. No two people, of the very same height and weight, are exactly alike. These two similar people might be very happy on different skis. 

Take the following example: I know a woman who has been skiing, both alpine and cross country, for over 60 years. She is just over 5’ tall (154cm). Her skate skis are 176cm. That is 8 1/4 inches taller than she is. (measured in stocking feet) Now, that is far longer than any of the charts recommend. So, why does she ski on that length? First, she grew up on, and then taught skiing on, long skis. She is not afraid of downhill speed. As a matter of fact, she seeks downhill speed. The 176cm skis offer more stability at speed. She can turn them, sideslip if needed, snow plow if needed, hockey stop if needed. Skis that are shorter do not give her the platform she wants. The 176cm skis are the right flex for her weight and that is the most critical factor. She skis with a friend who is slightly taller. But this skier is less comfortable on skis in general and does not like speed. This skier prefers shorter skis (171cm) that are easier to handle, don’t glide so fast on the downhills, but provide her with greater security. Again, the stiffness of her skis are matched to her weight. 

I find myself in a similar place. I measure 176cm tall. Most charts recommend that I ski on a 186cm length skate ski. But I prefer the 191cm or 192cm length. I, too , like the feel of the platform of a longer ski. Being 73 years old, I do not have a fast stride cadence and I like to get the longest glide possible from each stride. On the few occasions when I do push hard, the 186 cm length skis just feel less secure.

Shop Cross Country Skis

Now that you've got plenty of info to help you decide on the right size, check out all our cross country skis for sale.

Shop Cross Country Skis

If you want to learn more about cross country skiing and check out our favorite gear, head over to our main Cross Country Skiing Guide.

Cross Country Sizing FAQs

Why does weight matter for cross country skis?

Because you are pushing into the snow to gain momentum, your weight is an important factor in determining the right amount of flex you'll need in your skis, which is every bit as important as getting the right length.

Can cross country skis be too long?

If you choose a cross country ski that's too long for you, you'll likely feel slower and less in control than you would on a properly sized ski due to the extra weight.

Can you use regular skis for cross-country?

No, alpine skis are designed for an entirely different purpose. Alpine boots and bindings do not allow your heel to lift off the ski, so you won't be able to move. Official nordic tracks won't let you in if you have alpine skis.

Are shorter skis easier?

Shorter skis may be easier for some skiers to maneuver, but go too short and you'll lose speed and stability.