Have you ever wondered how to define the right length for your skis? You’ve probably been walking in sport stores while thinking “if I buy new skis for this season, how long should my skis be? What’s the right length for my skis“? Every time I go buy new skis I have this same problem, so I wanted to write down some instructions to share with you.

[UPDATE December 12th 2008: Please check also our more detailed article in ski sizing].

This is a question for which you can quickly get 5 different answers or even more. The truth is that there is no exact answer, and therefore the answers differ a little bit from one another. Anyhow, let’s list the rules of thumb. These should help you to find the right length for your skis when you go buying new guns. The length of your skis depends on what kind of terrain you ski. For example, the length of your skis should not be the same on slalom tracks and backcountries. In this instructional article I focus on traditional alpine skiing, not backcountry skiing, ski-touring or such.

How to determine the right length for your skis?

1. Giant Slalom (Super G): your own height

2. Slalom: your own height - 10/15 cm.

3. Ordinary skiing on slopes: your own height - 5/10 cm.

As you see, skiing different terrains requires different skis. If you don’t ski trails such as slalom or super G, you’re skis should be the length of your height - 5/10 cm.

Do you agree with me? Disagree? Please leave your comments and say how you would decide the length of your skis. As stated above, there is no exact answer. These are my rules of thumb for finding the right length for your skis.

These tips are for adult skiers. If you are buying skis for your child, stay tuned. We will write also tips for defining the right length for kids skis.