How to choose the right ski length
Wondering what the perfect ski length is? We’ve got you covered. Sure, you can use the old, reliable method of resting your sticks against your chin. But like everything else on the mountain, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Take your mind back to your first ski lesson. We bet it included an instructor or rental guy grabbing a pair of skis and telling you to stand straight. They’d put the skis down next to you, and if they were the same height as any point from the bottom of your chin to your forehead, your instructor would shrug and say, “Yeah, that works.” Now, though? We know better.
While the chin or nose rule still works, there are definitely nuances to ski sizing depending on your skill level, the riding you’re doing, the terrain type, and the kind of ski you have. So, let’s get into it, shall we? And hey, don’t forget to check out the newest collection below.
Guide to choosing ski size
Ski sizing chart
If you want to get right to the good stuff, here’s a quick reference guide for the length of skis most appropriate for you based on height. This chart is a great starting point if you’re an intermediate rider looking to purchase a pair of all-mountain skis.
| Skier height (ft and cm) | Suggested ski size (cm) |
| 4'4" / 132 cm | 115-130 |
| 4'6" / 137 cm | 125-140 |
| 4'8" / 142 cm | 130-145 |
| 4'10" / 147 cm | 135-150 |
| 5'0" / 152 cm | 135-155 |
| 5'2" / 157 cm | 145-165 |
| 5'4" / 163 cm | 150-170 |
| 5'6" / 168 cm | 155-175 |
| 5'8" / 173 cm | 160-180 |
| 5'10" / 178 cm | 165-185 |
| 6'0" / 183 cm | 170-190 |
| 6'2" / 188 cm | 175-195 |
| 6'4" / 193 cm | 180-200 |
When to size up or down
There are exceptions to this chart, though. For example, skill level and ski type can create variation. However, it’s also best to think about weight when buying skis. If you’re above average weight for your height, size up for more stability. Below-average weight for your height? Size down a little if preferred.
You can intentionally go up or down a size to achieve a specific outcome on different terrain. For example, park skiers often size down for easier maneuverability. And pow skiers sometimes size up for extra float. Let’s dig into why you might want to sacrifice or gain a few centimeters.
Ability level
Your skill level can definitely affect the length of your skis. Riding at slower or faster speeds can be made easier or more difficult by the length of your ski, and the same goes for cornering or for riding more difficult terrain.
- As a beginner, you’ll likely want to opt for a shorter alpine ski. That’s because you won’t corner at high speeds or ride powder, so float and effective edge don’t matter as much. Shorter skis are easier to turn and feel less cumbersome at lower speeds
- If you’re an experienced skier who likes riding fast and taking turns at high speed on hardpack, longer skis are the perfect choice. That’s because they have a more ‘effective edge’ – the portion of the ski’s edge that’s in contact with the snow when turning
- A longer, effective edge gives better hold and stability when ripping. Choose a stiffer ski to mitigate ‘chatter’ (the vibration in the skis when riding quickly). Longer skis also have a larger surface area to provide awesome float in powder, especially at lower speeds
However, extended lengths can be challenging to maneuver, so it’s a double-edged sword. Shorter skis are more nimble, but you need to ride faster for float. You can help this, though, by having a wider, powder-specific ski. Overall, experienced riders often use alpine skis with slightly longer lengths on groomers. They might then use slightly shorter-length powder skis to secure freshies.
Ski type and terrain
Ski types are broken down into four categories. Each caters to a specific type of riding, which may affect whether you want to size up or down. So, let’s take a look.
All-mountain
All-mountain or alpine skis are characterized by their do-it-all style, which is made to handle everything. These skis often have a moderate waist width with a deeper sidecut and turn radius (the shorter the radius, the more you can carve into a turn). They’re also directional, meaning they usually have a squared-off tail narrower than the nose. The nose is wide and scooped off the ground to encourage float in deeper snow.
All-mountain skis typically have moderate stiffness and a traditional camber profile. Camber is when the tail and nose touch the floor while the center bends upwards away from the ground. If you’re riding all-mountain skis, think about how you want to ride and what you ride most often.
- Choose shorter skis if this is your first set of skis
- Choose longer skis if you’re more experienced. Decide if you want stability or maneuverability on the mountain and select your length accordingly
Powder skis
Powder skis are characterized by their wider waist width (increasing the surface area of the ski). You can also spot a powder ski thanks to its scooped or spooned nose that encourages float alongside a rockered or hybrid camber profile. This profile means the nose and tail are off the snow like a rocking horse, making riding in powder much easier. Powder skis can be designed for ski touring, too. These touring-focused skis have a slightly different design to suit skinning up rather than solely riding down.
If you’re buying a pair of powder skis, consider whether you ride steep or shallow terrain, fast or slow, and whether you’re adding freestyle elements.
- Choose shorter skis if you’re planning to ride quickly on steep terrain or you ride freestyle, hit cliffs, and other natural features
- Choose longer skis if you like slower, cruisey runs through glades and powder fields, as longer skis help reduce leg fatigue
Park skis
Park-specific skis can vary in waist width and design. However, they’re typically characterized by their twin tip shape. A twin tip means the tail and nose of the skis scoop clear off the ground, making it possible for park riders to ride ‘switch’ or backward.
Park skis are often a little ‘fatter’ at the waist. Extra waist width helps stabilize you when riding rails and boxes and stomping your landings.
Thinking about a set of park skis? Size down. Sizing down boosts maneuverability, decreases weight for better in-air stability, and helps with swing weight. This is the centrifugal effect that acts on the skis during rotations and spins in the air. Longer skis amplify the effect, so park riders often size down to make spinning and jumping easier.
Racing skis
Racing skis are longer, stiffer, and have a deep sidecut. These skis need to grant stability at high speed. They do this with a heavily cambered construction, so the skis stiffen and hold their edge without chattering during turns.
Racing skis are usually made with stiffer materials, like carbon fiber, for further stability. This also reduces their weight, which makes them easier to handle despite their increased length.
Look at professional racers, and you’ll notice their skis are much longer than all-mountain skis. So, if you want a pair of racing skis, remember they’ll be longer than your regular planks. Still, if you’re tearing up the groomers or the slalom course, a longer length is what you need.
Wrapping up
Well, that’s it! Hopefully, you have a better handle on how long your skis should be before you place your next order. Remember – ski size is an individual decision. And, depending on the type of skis you buy, you might want to go up or down by a few centimeters. But don’t fret too much. The more you ride, the clearer it all becomes. Then, before long, you won’t ask this question – you’ll answer it!
Need some extra advice? Reach out to us at crew@montecwear.com, and we’ll be stoked to help. Ride safe out there, everyone. It’s always winter somewhere!
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