Guide for Sizing Classic* Cross Country Ski Equipment

*  Classic cross country skiing uses the diagonal stride technique while moving in a set track

•    Start out by trying on boots

Try on boots while wearing the socks that you will be skiing in. You want to have a good fit where the boots are snug but not too tight (this may cut off circulation which may make your feet colder).  You don't want your heal lifting up in the boot as this may lead to a blister.

•   Next, select your skis

Measure the ski length from the floor to your wrist as you stand with your arm extended straight up in the air.  This is your maximum ski length.  Select a ski at or below this length.  Novice skiers may find skiing easier with a ski length closer to the middle of the forearm.  Check the base of the ski to see that they are Waxless - these skis have fish scales.  If they don’t have fish scales, they will need some kick wax applied to the base under the binding, between the heel of the boot and 10” in front of the toe. 

• Next, try your ski binding

Before you head onto the trails, practice putting the boot into the binding at the Chalet.  The binding is Automatic.  Push the toe of the boot into the slot in the binding and you will hear a click as the binding engages.  To remove the boot, push the depressed area at the front of the binding with the tip of your pole and lift your boot up.

• Finally, select your poles

Poles are measured from the floor to your armpit, as you stand erect (no skis on), with your arm held straight out to the side.  Check the poles for missing parts  (i.e. straps, basket, bottom metal tip), and/or for cracks in the shaft or other damage.

Adapted from http://www.campusrec.uiuc.edu/outdoor/PAC/ski_sizing.html 

Guide for Sizing Skate* Cross Country Ski Equipment

*  Skate cross country skiing uses the stride technique similar to ice skating

• Start out by trying on boots

See the classis ski selection guide as the rental boots are the same.
 

• Next, select your skis

Measure the ski length from the floor to the top of your head.  This is your recommended ski length by the manufacturers.  Select a ski at or below this length.  Novice skiers may find skiing easier with a ski length closer to the forehead (if the ski is too soft, you will have no glide and not be able to move over the snow).  Check the base of the ski to see that they don’t have fish scales or kick wax on them.  You can use a ski with kick wax (this is a classic ski) if you scrape off the kick wax. 

• Next, try your ski binding

Before you head onto the trails, practice putting the boot into the binding at the Chalet.  If the binding is automatic, see section 3 of the classic section.  If the binding is not automatic, lift the lever at the front of the binding, push the toe of the boot into the slot in the binding and push the lever back down.  To remove the boot, reverse the process.

• Finally, select your poles

Poles are measured from the floor to your lips, as you stand erect (no skis on).  Check the poles for missing parts  (i.e. straps, basket, bottom metal tip), and/or for cracks in the shaft or other damage.

Adapted from http://www.campusrec.uiuc.edu/outdoor/PAC/ski_sizing.html