Whether you’re renting or buying a pair of skis for your next trip to the slopes, knowing ski size is critical. The right pair can help you stay balanced, turn more easily, and build confidence faster. The wrong pair, on the other hand, can make it harder to stay upright and even increase the risk of injury.
The good news is that there isn’t a magic number that will turn you into a world champion skier. Your optimal ski sizing is a range that’s determined by factors like your height, weight, skill level, and what kind of terrain you want to ski on. You should even expect your ski size to change as your skills improve.
Still, it can be easy to select the wrong skis, especially as a beginner. Here are our tips for how to pick the right pair.
How Ski Length Is Measured
Skis are measured in centimeters from tip to tail. However, some manufacturers measure skis before they press the curve—called a “rocker”—into the ski, while some measure the length afterwards.
That’s why many ski shops use official ski lengths with a grain of salt and instead, use your height and the chin, nose, and forehead as guidelines for fitting skiers of different abilities with the best pair of skis for them. These guidelines define that a beginner’s skis should go from the ground to their chin, while intermediate and advanced skiers should use skis that go from the ground to their nose and forehead, respectively.
Beginners usually get shorter skis because they’re easier to use at lower speeds and easier to keep parallel during turns. But other factors determine your ideal ski size, too.
What Factors Determine the Right Ski Size?
The single most important factor in ski size is your height and weight. At their most basic level, skis help keep you stable on soft terrain. The taller you are, the longer your skis need to be to keep you stable. Heavier skiers also need longer skis to keep them stable, especially for skiing in deep powder. Meanwhile, lighter skiers can benefit more from shorter, more forgiving skis.
This factor applies no matter what level of skiing expertise one may have. That’s why a tall beginner will probably have longer skis than a short expert. It’s another reason why you can’t default to a specific number when picking out a pair of skis.
Skill Level and Confidence
Skill level is another important factor in ski length. Many beginners find it difficult to keep their skis parallel during turns. Shorter skis reduce the likelihood that they’ll cross themselves up. Additionally, many beginners just don’t ski fast enough to see the stability benefit that longer skis offer at higher speeds; that’s another reason why beginners usually progress faster on shorter skis.
But ski size is only one part of the equation. By learning proper ski balance and control, you can develop the skills and techniques that can help you ski better at whatever skill level you may be.
Terrain and Ski Style
Where and how you ski can influence ideal ski length, too:
- Groomed runs: Can accommodate skis of all types, and are great places to use longer skis.
- Moguls: Ideal for shorter skis, as longer skis can make it harder to maneuver.
- Terrain park: Great for short and medium-length skis.
Additionally, the type of snow can affect your ski size. You’ll want longer, wider skis for days of deep powder, where it can be easy to lose balance or sink with shorter skis.
Simple Ski Size Chart for Beginners
As we covered earlier, one great way to determine what length skis you need is to get a pair of skis that go from the ground to your chin. But another way to figure out what length ski is best for beginners is to use skis about 10 centimeters shorter than your height. Check out this table to find your height and recommended ski length.
Keep in mind a few things: first, choose the lower end of your range if you can, as the drawbacks from shorter skis are less than those from longer skis. Second, consider renting skis to try multiple options. Most rental shops will let you swap out your pair for a different one if you don’t like them or want to experiment.
What Happens If Your Skis Are Too Long or Too Short?
Learning how to ski can take a lot of effort and concentration. The fastest way to learn is by focusing on your technique, and the wrong skis can distract and even reduce your confidence.
If your skis are too long:
- Turning will be harder. More surface area means more effort in turning your skis.
- Keeping your skis parallel will be a challenge. Whether you’re scooting along in the lift line or going down a run, longer skis are easier to cross up.
- You might go too fast. Longer skis mean faster speeds.
If your skis are too short:
- Staying stable might be a struggle. Very short skis can be harder to balance on.
- Skiing in powder will be hard. Sinking into powder is easier with short skis.
- You might go too slow. If you’re comfortable, you might not be able to go as fast as you want to.
Beginner Tips Before Buying Skis
While the ins and outs of gear are part of the fun for many hobbies, new skiers should prioritize learning before purchasing a pair of skis. Taking lessons and practicing is still the best and fastest way to learn how to ski. Consider indoor ski and snowboard lessons if that’s an option where you live, as it can be done regardless of the weather or even the season. Lessons often reveal which size feels best, and your instructor can help you identify what works best for you and why.
Even if you’ve taken lessons, renting gear allows beginners to test different ski lengths, different ski brands, and even different ski types (like telemark or twin tip skis).
When to Get Professional Help
Big or small, primed for powder or great for groomers, skis are ultimately tools. A high-quality tool can help you learn better, but you still need to learn how to use a tool.
One of the best ways to learn how to ski is with the experts at Shredder Indoor Snowboard and Ski School. Our trained instructors provide consistent and focused feedback to help beginners improve faster, and they can quickly spot sizing issues with your gear that may be getting in the way of your learning. Find a Shredder location near you and get better at skiing indoors and without an expensive lift ticket.