So far in this article series we have discussed various ski types as well as what a ski consists of. In this post I am going to talk about ski sizing. In fact, I aim to provide an answer to the question “how to find the right ski length?”

There are a number of ways to find the right ski and this might not be the best or “the only one”. Rather, this is more like one good way to find the right ski. This is the method we have honed during dozens of years of skiing. We have been skiing since the late 70s, so I believe we know a thing or two about ski sizing and finding the right ski length.

Ski sizing starts with defining your skill level

Ski sizing starts with recognizing your skill level. How experienced a skier are you? Are you a beginner or an intermediate skier? Are you an advanced or expert skier, or even a race skier? It is important to be honest and clearly recognize your skiing skill level. Otherwise ski sizing lacks a solid foundation.

Think about your previous season. Did you prefer skiing blue, red or black pistes, or did you prefer conquering the backcountry? Do you like mastering the sport or do you feel a bit unsure on more difficult terrain? There is no chart in which you can pick your skill level. You just have to know it yourself. Comparing your skills to other people’s skills might help. All in all, you must be honest in defining your skill level.

What type of terrain are you going to ski?

The next question concerns where you ski. What kind of terrain do you prefer? What’s your favorite terrain or surface to ski on? Are you a powder hunter or do you prefer making new school tricks in parks and pipes? Are you looking for challenging moments in steep, narrow couloirs and mountain faces or would you rather relax on well-groomed pistes?

Before you continue sizing skis find out what terrain or surface you are about to ski with your new guns. Again, you have to be honest. Don’t make your decision based on what kind of terrain you would like to ski but rather on what kind of terrain you actually ski. Make sure you know your favorite terrain before you continue ski sizing.

Ski sizing continues with identifying your skiing style

The third question relates to your skiing style. When sizing skis, it is important to know not only your skill level and favorite terrain but also your skiing style. What kind of skiing do you prefer? Do you prefer cruising or a more aggressive skiing style? Are you into new school or freestyle tricks? Do you prefer looooong turns or short old school style slalom turns?

Whatever your skiing style is, it is important to keep it in mind when sizing skis since different skis are designed for different purposes. Think about your skiing style and make sure you recognize it before you continue with ski sizing.

What is your weight and height?

In this fourth phase of the ski sizing “process” we determine the weight and height of the skier. Back in the 80s this was the “one and only” thing you needed to know when sizing skis, but nowadays other factors also have an important meaning. Anyhow, knowing your body weight and height is also important, so hop on the scale now and get out your measuring tape.

Ski sizing chart gives you the initial ski length

Now you should know your skill level, the terrain you ski, skiing style, and your body wight and height. In this last phase of ski sizing we take a look at the ski sizing chart. Although the ski sizing chart gives some indication of the final ski length, the chart alone is not enough to pinpoint the right ski length.

Knowing your skill level, terrain and skiing style gives you the starting point for picking the right skis for you. Let’s say you have found out that you are an advanced skier who enjoys the backcountry and likes aggressive skiing, and your body weight and height is average. In this phase you know the type of a ski you are looking for but before you make your decision you should check the ski sizing chart in order to find out the right ski length.

Let’s first look at how skiers’ height affects the ski length.

Next we see how skiers’ weight affects the ski length.

In this phase you should have determined your initial ski length from those two ski sizing charts. Now that you know your initial ski length, it is time to see how your skill level, terrain and skiing style affect the final ski length.

Now you should have an idea of your ideal ski length. The final part of the ski sizing “process” is to find out how your skiing style and preferred terrain affect the ski length. Here are some reasons to pick a shorter or a longer ski.

Pick a shorter ski if

- you are a beginner

- you prefer short turns and carving

- you are lighter than average

- you prefer slalom or mogul skiing

- you prefer parks, kickers and pipes

Pick a longer ski if

- you are an experienced skier or a racer

- you prefer long turns

- you are heavier than average

- you prefer backcountry and powder skiing

- you prefer giant slalom or piste cruising

Please note that ski sizing charts only gives you a general idea of the right ski length because almost all ski makers provide their own special ski sizing charts. Therefore you should use our ski sizing charts only as general advice. After finding out your ski length, please discuss more with your dealer about the final ski length. Remember to explain the reasons why you have decided on a certain ski length.

Case study of finding the right ski with ski sizing charts

Here is a case study of choosing the right skis using our ski sizing charts. Let’s assume that “average Joe” is looking for the right ski for himself. Here are Joe’s “stats”:

- height 178 cm / 5′10 –> Initial ski length based on height is 175

- weight 82 kg / 181 lb –> Initial ski length based on weight is 175

- skill level is beginner/intermediate –> Initially Joe should select a 10 cm shorter ski

- Joe prefers cruising on pistes and he loves moderate speed –> Initially Joe should select a 5 cm longer ski

Because Joe is a beginner or intermediate skier and he loves cruising the slopes with moderate speed he should pick a ski that is about 5 cm shorter. A shorter ski is easier to handle, but too short a ski would be too aggressive when making turns. Based on height and weight, Joe’s ski would be 175 cm, but when subtracting 5 cm due to other reasons, Joe’s final ski length is 170 cm.

If you have questions related to ski sizing or ski sizing charts, please leave a comment. We will do our best to help you find the right ski length.