The two main decisions are your skiing technique and whether to use grip wax or a waxless grip system. These determine the type of ski, length and binding setup.
Where and how will you ski?
Technique and terrain point to the right kind of ski.
Classic
Skiing in groomed tracks with a natural stride. Suitable for beginners and relaxed outings.
Skating
A faster, sportier style on groomed trails that takes a little more skill.
Combi
A compromise for both classic and skating. Useful recreationally, but not as effective in either style as dedicated skis.
Backcountry
For ungroomed terrain beyond prepared trails. Wider skis, often with steel edges, require some practice to handle.
Base type: grip wax or waxless?
For classic and combi skis, choose how the ski grips during the kick and on climbs: grip wax or a waxless grip system.
Skin (mohair strips)
Mohair strips in the kick zone offer dependable grip and straightforward care. They aren’t maintenance-free: clean them regularly and apply a suitable treatment when needed, especially in wet snow.
Nanogrip
A smooth, factory-treated base combining grip and glide without scales or skins. It offers low maintenance, long service life and very good skiing characteristics.
Fish scales (MGE)
A moulded grip pattern in the kick zone helps with the kick and climbs without grip wax. Depending on conditions, grip may be less consistent than skins or Nanogrip, and the pattern can drag slightly on hard snow during descents. Simple maintenance and an affordable price are the main advantages.
Smooth waxable bases
For skiers who know how to wax or want to learn. Prepared for the snow conditions, they offer excellent grip and glide. With the wrong wax, however, they can slip on climbs or drag when gliding.
Our recommendation: for recreational skiers who prefer to avoid grip waxing, we generally suggest Nanogrip first, then skins, followed by fish scales. Smooth waxable skis offer high performance when prepared for the current snow.
Ski length
Modern cross-country skis are chosen primarily by weight, rather than height alone.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended weight range, shown for each model after selecting a length. Two equally tall people may need different lengths if their weights differ substantially. Height-based rules are only a starting point.
Approximate lengths above your height
+20–25 cm · classic
+10–15 cm · combi
+5–10 cm · skating
The right length also depends on the model’s stiffness. The manufacturer’s weight recommendation is the deciding guide.
Too long or too short?
The wrong length affects grip, handling and climbing.
↑ Too long
You may not be heavy enough to compress the ski properly. The kick zone then fails to contact the snow, causing slipping on climbs. Longer skis are harder to turn; their tails can overlap when skating, and snowplough braking requires a wide stance.
↓ Too short
Your weight compresses the ski too much. The middle stays in contact with the snow and can create unnecessary drag. Turning may be easier, but higher-speed skiing can become less stable.
Binding types
Bindings must match both your boots and the skis. NNN and compatible Prolink are the most common options.
NNN
A widespread system with a toe bar and two lengthwise guide grooves. It provides accurate guidance and a wide choice of boots.
Prolink
Compatible with NNN, allowing boots and bindings within the standard to be combined.
NNN BC (Backcountry)
A wider, stronger system for backcountry skis and ungroomed terrain. It is different from standard NNN.
The older SNS system is not compatible with NNN or Prolink. It usually isn’t relevant when buying new equipment.
Finding compatible bindings
Look for compatible bindings in the related products at the bottom of the ski’s product page. Within our range, skis with an NIS plate generally pair with Rottefella Touring, while skis without a plate pair with Rottefella Basic.
Pole length
Pole length affects technique and comfort, so deserves as much attention as the skis. Skating poles are longer than classic poles.
height × 0.85
Classic
Approximately your height minus 30 cm, reaching around shoulder or armpit level.
height × 0.90
Skating
Approximately your height minus 20 cm, reaching between chin and nose level.
Poles usually come in 5 cm steps, so round to the nearest available length. A combi length falls between classic and skating.
Common buying mistakes
The wrong length
Skis that are too long are hard to compress and can slip. Skis that are too short can drag through the middle while gliding.
Waxable skis without wanting to wax
Smooth waxable skis need preparation. If that doesn’t appeal, choose a waxless grip system.
Expecting combi skis to replace both types fully
Combi skis are a compromise, rather than a full substitute for dedicated classic and skate skis.
Choosing by height alone
Weight is the main guide to length. Height-only sizing often gives a poor match.
Incompatible boots and bindings
Bindings must match the boot sole and the type of ski.
What matters most
Start with technique and terrain, then choose waxable or waxless grip. Waxless options simplify use for most recreational skiers. Choose length mainly by weight and the recommendations for the particular model, and make sure the bindings match your boots.
Where to go next
Choose skis, bindings and poles together so the whole setup works.