Ako vybrať bežky

Yes, but with less comfort. Longer classic cross country skis place higher demands on technique, so the skier will be less agile and will consume more energy. In addition, the raised toes of classic cross-country skis tend to get caught in untreated snow.

Choosing wax does not need to be a daunting task. Cross-country skis are lubricated with a wax going along their entire length (or for classic cross country skis only on the toe and heel). If you do not have fishscale skate skis, apply wax to the area under the binding. The wax itself is selected according to the type of snow: blue and green for frozen snow, yellow and red at temperatures slightly below zero. The main thing is to move from lower temperatures to higher ones.

The scales on the cross-country skis make it easier to climb, but they slow you down a bit when descending. For amateur cross-country skiers, the no-wax treatment is fine, but for experienced skiers the disadvantages will be noticeable. A modern replacement for scales is a mohair belt - it works the same way, but puts less resistance on the way down.

In ski resorts you will find well prepared tracks for classic cross country skiing as well as paths crammed with snowmobiles so that the skis do not sink into deep snow. The conditions in the mountains are therefore ideal, but cross-country skiing can be practiced with the right equipment even in the wild - wider and more durable skis are important, i.e with a width of at least 47 millimeters and above. It is therefore recreational cross-country skiing which we write about in the section and important parameters to consider. 

Those who compete prefer harder and narrower skis, which allows them to ride faster and with less effort. Wider and softer skis are better for beginners as they are more stable and often use materials that are more resistant to small obstacles, such as branches or stones.

Classic cross-country skis should be about 20 cm taller than the skier. For skating skis, they should be no more than 10cm taller than the skier. Skis for both styles, so-called combi cross-country skis, are typically 10 to 15 cm longer than the skier. The backcountry skis designed for riding off the groomed tracks are the same length.

The length of the tread affects the speed. The skier's weight is distributed over a larger area, so it does not sink so much into the snow and slides with less resistance. At the same time, however, turns are more difficult with longer skis, which affects skating technique.

• Skis that are too long – turn hard, the skier steps on his heels when skating, braking with a plow requires a very wide, uncomfortable position.
• Skis too short – easy to handle, but riding at higher speeds is more strenuous.

The width of the skis depends on their intended use. More technically proficient skiers will enjoy the speed of narrow cross-country skis, but for those less experienced, narrow skis means falling into the snow and lower stability. Wider skis are also more suitable for backcountry skiing, where their sharp edges allow for skiing even on frozen snow.

The width of cross-country skis is a key parameter for determining whether the skis are hiking / recreational or racing / sports. If the cross-country skis are up to 45 mm wide, then they are racing skis designed for experienced cross-country skiers who need to give maximum performance. Skis over 47mm will serve all recreational cross-country skiers who want to relax and aren’t concerned about chasing records. 

• Skis that are too wide – add unnecessary weight and reduce control.
• Skis that are too narrow – unstable, increase the risk of ankle injuries, break into snow.

• Classic - higher, sharp tips for smooth gliding, visible arching under the binding, very long bases, on some models climbing scales to prevent slipping.
• Skating - lower toe, reinforced edges and less curvature for optimal cutting into snow.
• Combi - a compromise between skating skis and classics.

• Beginner – prefers softer, easy to use skis. The advantage is higher mechanical resistance, which forgives unrefined technique.
• Athlete – for trained riders looking for a fast ride. However, the materials of sports skis still withstand rough handling.
• Racer – skis that put speed first on groomed tracks. Speed is subject to stability, durability and service requirements.