Choosing the Right Ski Length

Want to know how to choose the right ski length? Here is a simplified guide for beginners, beyond beginners, intermediate/advanced and even expert skiers.


About Skis

Skis are measured in centimeters (2.5 cm = 1 inch). There are three main things to think about when you choose this part of your ski equipment:

• your height
• your weight (afraid so!)
• your skiing ability

But you don't have to decide the ideal ski on your own. Ski resorts and most ski gear shops have people to advise you on your pick.


Beginner Skiers

When you first learn to ski, choosing the right length is simple. Skis that come up to your chest are ideal.

If you're a big guy over 200 lbs (91 kg) who likes to be aggressive - you could take skis at chin height!

If you're a small person under 120 lbs (54 kg) who is cautious - you do not want to learn to ski on anything over chest height.


Beyond beginner

Are you progressing quickly? Feeling good on the easiest runs in the ski resort? Are your skis are easy to turn but a little wobbly when you go fast?

Try increasing the length of your skis by 5 cm (2 in).


Intermediate & Advanced Skiers

For you, the choice is fairly clear. There are ski length and size recommendation charts from most ski manufacturers but I've tried to simplify things here.

Your weight is the main thing to consider along with how you like to ski:

• weight under 100 lbs (45 kg) - ski length around 140 cm
• weight around 150 lbs (68 kg) - ski length around 155 cm
• weight around 200 lbs (91 kg) - ski length around 185 cm

Are you an aggressive skier? Do you love to go fast and straight? Then you'll probably want skis that are 5-10 cm longer (this gives more stability and speed).

Are you a cautious skier? Like to take your time and make good turns? You may be better off with 5-10 cm shorter skis (helps to make turns easier).


Expert Skiers

You ski most stuff, including steep runs, off-piste trails, trees and powder. You probably already own skis and want to buy some new ones, right? Here is my approach to getting new skis.

Demo, demo, demo - as much as possible. Lets face it, good skis are a high ticket item to get wrong!

Once you've tried a few, talk to an instructor or another expert. Go to a ski store and ask the sales people for advice. If the sales assistant asks you about your skiing - you're probably in luck. They should be asking you things like:

• where you ski and how often - the rock of the Canadian Rockies can require a different ski than that of Tahoe's Sierra Nevadas or the eastern slopes of Quebec or Vermont


• what you like to ski (ie, do you love cruising the groomers, or getting thrown around in the bumps? do you try tricks or head off piste?)


• what kind of runs you ski most and whether you're an aggressive skier


• what you want to change about your skis or skiing

If they don't ask these kinds of questions - go somewhere else and find a shop that does.


Keep It Simple

Whatever your skiing ability, try to keep the choice for this piece of ski equipment simple.

If you feel you want to turn your skis more easily - go for shorter ski length. Or if you're getting chattering skis at high speeds - add centimeters to your ski length or width for more stability.

If you're being bumped around in the crud - go for stiffer skis. If you're getting into jumps and tricks in the park - go for softer (more bendy) skis.

And, if you're still not sure about what type and length of skis you should go for - email me and ask away.


Return from Skis & Ski Length to: Ski Equipment or Home Page