What size of skis do I need?

What size of skis do I need? Well, considering ones height and weight are a good place to start.

Finding the right ski size depends on several factors such as your height, weight, skill level, skiing style, and the type of skiing you plan to do (e.g. groomed runs, powder, backcountry).

What size of do I need?

The length of ski will depend on the following . . .

1. Height: As a general rule of thumb, your skis should be between your chin and the top of your head. Shorter skis are easier to turn and maneuver, while longer skis provide more stability at higher speeds and in deeper snow.
2. Weight: Your weight can also affect the length of your skis. Heavier skiers may require longer skis for better stability and floatation, while lighter skiers may prefer shorter skis for more control.
3. Skill level: Beginner skiers should choose shorter skis that are easier to control and turn, while advanced skiers may prefer longer skis that can handle higher speeds and more challenging terrain.
4. Skiing style: If you prefer groomed runs, you may want shorter skis for quick turns, while if you plan to ski in powder, you may want longer skis for better floatation.
5. Type of skiing: Backcountry skiing may require longer skis for better floatation in deep snow, while park and pipe skiing may require shorter skis for maneuverability.

Shorter/Longer skis

If you’re a beginner a good tip is to go for the slightly shorter skis while advanced and experts might want to plump for a longer ski.

When asking yourself what size of skis do I need, there are also other factors to consider such as terrain and type of ski. Shorter skis allow for easier turns, but may be more unstable at higher speeds. You may also pick shorter skis if you like to make short, quick turns or if you want a carving ski with no rocker.

Alternatively, if you ski fast, want to ski off-piste or want a ski that has a lot of rocker, best to go longer. Rocker skis are easier to pivot between turns and can be skied slightly longer. Longer skis are more stable at high speeds but they’re less responsive in tight turns. Sometimes a ski that is too long means a skier struggles to find the balance point.

Still unsure ? Watch Salomon‘s video . . .

Watch tips: ‘what size of skis do I need?’

How to choose the right skis

Maybe you’ve been renting skis and want to own a pair. Maybe you’re updating skis you’ve had for a while. Or maybe you’re adding to your line-up. Whatever the situation, the hardest part of buying skis is sorting through the different types, brands, models and sizes. So where do you start when it’s time to purchase skis?

Decades ago, skis were long and wooden without much choice in what you got except for length. Ski lengths and the weight of skis have shortened as the decades have passed. Back in the day, the challenge was the lack of choices when buying skis. Now, skis come in different lengths, widths, weights, flex patterns, and sidecuts, with hundreds of options to choose from.

Keep in mind that these guidelines are general and may not apply to everyone. It’s always best to consult with a ski expert or rental shop for personalized advice on selecting the right ski size.

Read our other gear articles here