About Women's Classic Cross Country Skis

Classic cross-country skis use wax to stick and glide on the snow, as opposed to waxless skis. A good fit is based on weight, height and the strength of the skier, as well as the stiffness and softness of skis and boots.

  1. Type of Cross Country Skis

    • There are many types of classic cross-country skis depending on the preferred activity, such as racing, sport, adventure and backcountry. Most are available in women-specific fits.

    Size of Skis

    • In general, the longer a ski is, the smoother and faster it is. Shorter skis tend to be easier to maneuver around turns, trees, rocks and other terrain.

    Flex: Stiffness vs. Softness

    • The "flex" of the ski refers to its stiffness or softness. A stiffer ski is harder to flatten on the snow and thus requires more force and strength; softer skis are easier to press into the snow but they typically are not as fast.

    Women's-specific Equipment

    • In cross-country skiing, women's equipment means that boots and skis are made narrower to adjust to women's feet, and typically are also softer and have more flex. The center of gravity may be positioned slightly different than "regular" skis.

    Pros and Cons of Women's Equipment

    • Women-specific equipment for cross-country skiing creates far more options in terms of sizing and fit. However, buying women-specific equipment does not guarantee a good fit; some women might find that regular cross-country skis fit them better than do women-specific ones.