Cross Country Ski Sizing
Cross Country Skis are sized and fit on three things, 1). Skiers weight: This is the first and most important thing when sizing or fitting a cross country ski, because skis have different stiffness's. The stiffness of a ski will determine how the ski behaves under the skier. 2) Skiers Height: Longer skis are naturally stiff because of the amount of material used in their construction. So often the skiers weight will dictate the length of the ski, but if give the choice of two lengths the skiers ability should be considered. 3) Skiers ability level: Longer skis are generally faster, but can be difficult to control or maneuver for beginning skiers.
| Skier Weight | Classic Ski Length | Skate Ski Length |
| 100 - 110 lbs | 180 - 190 cm | 170-180 cm |
| 110 - 120 lbs | 182 - 192 cm | 172-182 cm |
| 120 - 130 lbs | 185 - 195 cm | 175-185 cm |
| 130 - 140 lbs | 187 - 200 cm | 177-187 cm |
| 140 - 150 lbs | 190 - 205 cm | 180-190 cm |
| 150 - 160 lbs | 195 - 210 cm | 185-195 cm |
| 160 - 180 lbs | 200 - 210 cm | 190-200 cm |
| >180 lbs | 205 - 210 cm | 190-200 cm |
Where do you plan on skiing?
Is the first and most important question when determining the correct size ski.
Are you planning on skiing on frozen lakes, snow covered golf courses, or in the woods through fresh ungroomed snow?
or
Are you planning on skiing on machined groomed trails at a ski area or local park?
What style of skiing do you plan on using?
Skating: "skiing in which the skis are pointed outward and the skier alternately pushes off one and glides on the other in a motion similar to ice skating."
Skate Skiing must be done on machined groomed trails.
Classic: "skiing in which the skis are alternately pushed forward parallel to each other in a motion similar to walking or running."
Classic skiing can be done on both groomed and ungroomed snow, but different types of skis will performed better in each condition. A racing classic ski, which is long and narrow will be faster in machined groomed "tracks" but may sink under fresh snow and be slow and difficult. While a touring classic ski which is wider and short will be more efficient in fresh ungroomed snow but may be slow and cumbersome in machined groomed tracks.
Classic and touring ski are fit at a different stiffness than skate skis because a classic or touring ski needs to both glide and kick.
Wax and Waxless Classic Skis
Waxable Classic Skis
A Waxable Classic ski can be used in all types of snow conditions and when wax properly will be the fastest and most efficient option. Waxable Classic skis use kick or "grip" wax on the base of the ski under and in front of the skiers foot (kick zone) and glide wax on the tips and tails. Most nordic ski racer prefer to use waxable skis because it gives when the ability to make adjustment based on snow condition and temperature. 
Waxless Classic Skis
A Waxless Classic skis is a popular options because they do not require a lot of maintenance to perform efficiently. A waxless classic ski may use a fish scale or crown pattern or skin material in the "kick zone" which allows the skier to grip the snow and glide the other ski forward. Waxless Classic skis provide grip in a variety of snow conditions, making them the best option for skier who want to "grab and go" and no worry about waxing.
Note: You can still wax the glide zones of your waxless classic ski with glide wax, this will allow the ski glide faster and further.
