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What size cross country skis do I need?

Classic cross country skis are sized by your height and weight. Longer skis glide better; shorter skis are easier to control and turn.

Enter your height to see your recommended size.

Cross country skis size chart

Your heightRecommended size
under 155 cm (about 5 ft 1 in)185 cm skis Youth or petite sizing.
155 to 165 cm (about 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 5 in)195 cm skis
165 to 172 cm (about 5 ft 5 in to 5 ft 8 in)200 cm skis
172 to 180 cm (about 5 ft 8 in to 5 ft 11 in)205 cm skis
180 to 188 cm (about 5 ft 11 in to 6 ft 2 in)210 cm skis
188 cm and up (about 6 ft 2 in and up)215 cm skis Heavier skiers size up.

How to measure

  1. Stand against a wall with skis off, heels together.
  2. Measure floor to the top of your head for height.
  3. Note your weight — heavier skiers size up within the range.

What changes your size

Heavier than averageSize up 5 to 10 cm for float and glide.
Beginner / control firstSize down 5 cm for easier handling.
Skate skiing instead of classicSkate skis run shorter than classic — check that chart.
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FAQ

Are classic and skate skis the same length?
No. Skate skis are shorter than classic skis for the same height.
Does weight matter for ski length?
Yes — at the same height a heavier skier should pick a longer ski.