Beginner’s Guide to Skate Skis
Before we jump into skate ski selection and what you should or shouldn’t be looking for when starting your grand foray into the world of high paced snow ballet, let’s start with some basics on what skate skiing is.
Skate skiing is the relatively newer technique of the two primary techniques that make up cross country skiing (the other being classic skiing). While skate skiing, the skier positions themselves on the wide section of the groomed trail and uses a shorter, springier ski, to push side to side in an ice skating motion that propels them down the trail. The skier’s weight transfers from ski to ski and helps accelerate the ski down the trail. A decent amount of ankle flexion, knee bend, and curved upper body help with balance and coordinated power application through both the skis and poles. It’s a delicate ballet that can be tricky to learn but is also much more versatile, faster, and less of a waxing headache than classic skiing.
Selecting the right size skate skis is essential for maximizing your performance and enjoyment in learning and becoming proficient in skate skiing. Properly sized skis offer better glide, control, and stability, allowing you to ski efficiently across various terrains. Skis that fit will also make learning to skate ski much easier! However, skate skis are also not an easy thing to size when you’re new to the sport. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you size skate skis effectively.
It’s important to note that while selecting skis online is tempting, there is no substitute for going to your local ski shop to get the best fitting ski. Every shop (that’s not REI or Backcountry) typically employs seasoned ski veterans with plenty of knowledge to help you pick great entry level skis. I also have some suggestions below.
Consider Your Weight and Height
Skate skis are generally sized based on a combination of weight and height, with weight being more important than height. This ensures the ski flexes correctly under your weight for optimal performance. Ski manufacturers typically provide sizing charts indicating the recommended ski length for different weight ranges.
Below are links to sizing provided by the most popular ski brands:
Fischer Skate Ski Sizing - Fischer also recommends: “Body height plus 5-10 cm”
Generally, if you’re a newer skier, you’ll want to select the ski that’s on the shorter end of your weight range. This will allow you to have better ski control while also working with a ski that flexes correctly with your weight. Ski flex is important because a ski that’s too stiff will act as a knife and cut into the snow. It will fail to flow with the terrain and be difficult for you to control. A ski that’s too soft will create a feeling a messy feeling in the ski to snow connection that’s neither responsive nor easy to control.
Note that some manufacturers make, or previously made, “women’s specific” skis. This purely a marketing play. These are the same skis as the general version, just with a different color and produced only in the shorter lengths.
Understand Ski Flex and Camber
All cross country skis feature "camber," or an arch, in the middle. For classic skis, the camber is critical to the ski’s wax pocket closing when you load a single ski with your full weight. This enables the kick wax to do its job and give you traction for a split second. For skate skis, the camber helps with control, power application, and ski rebound. A ski that’s too soft isn’t going to provide you a spring to push off from. Think of the ski like a leaf spring, if it’s flat, the power return is lost. If it’s too stiff, you won’t physically be able to apply enough power to allow the spring to push back. Choosing skis with the right flex ensures you can transfer power efficiently.
Ski flex can also be a factor when matching skis to the snow conditions for that day. For example:
Soft Flex: Assuming the ski isn’t too soft for you but just on the “softer” side of a true fit, it can be used for softer snow conditions.
Stiff Flex: Making the same assumption here, a stiff ski within your fit profile is a great choice for hard packed conditions, manmade snow, or ice.
If you’re a more advanced skier, you will typically possess multiple pairs of skis with varying flexes to match the snow conditions of that day. For example, fresh snow that’s dry will pack down into a soft layer that would predicate the selection of a cold ground ski with a softer flex.
Ski flex should generally be 110%-130% of the skier’s body weight, depending on skill level and desired use of the ski. Depending on the manufacturer, they may list the intended skier weight on the skis or they will list the ski flex (if flex is listed, you’ll need to use ~120% of your weight to back into which flex will work.).
Match Ski Length to Skill Level
Ski length plays a role in how easy it is to control the skis.
Beginners: Shorter skis provide better control and are easier to maneuver. However, do not sacrifice ski flex in the name of length.
Intermediate/Advanced: Appropriately flexed longer skis offer better glide and speed for more experienced skiers.
A good rule of thumb is to choose skis that are about 5-10 cm longer than your height, but always prioritize weight-based sizing. When in doubt, find a shop and go talk to someone.
Suggested Beginner Skate Skis
Rossignol Delta Sport - Can’t go wrong with a pair of Deltas! Rossignol are stable and budget-friendly. I think these are probably not made in China too. Once you go below a certain cost-point, some brands will source their cheap skis from random factories in China. You don’t want those skis.
Fischer SCS - Similar to the Delta, just a stable ski that’s a great bang for you buck. People love Fischer.
Madshus Active - I could be wrong but I believe this is the artist formerly known as the Hypersonic, or maybe Megasonic. Either way, these should be the skis that are made in Norway (I could be wrong here). Madshus does make cheap skis in China, so watch out. Madshus are typically a gentler ride that might be better suited for a less stompy, more ice skating knowledgable, beginner.
Salmon RS7 - I have never skied a Salomon but Jessie Diggins likes them?
You can go find some other brands that might be cheaper. If you do that, stick with Atomic or maybe Peltonen. Ski Trab might be fine but good luck finding them if you’re in the U.S.. If someone tries to sell you a bright orange skis that says YOKO, hard pass.
Selecting the right skate skis involves balancing weight, height, skill level, and snow conditions. Always refer to manufacturer sizing charts and, if possible, test skis before purchasing. With the right size, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more efficient skiing experience.
