The length of skis you need depends on your height, weight, skiing style, and ability. There is no exact formula for determining the right size, but in general, the proper ski length is somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. For example, a skier who is 6 feet tall will want to look for skis between 170-190 cm. However, the exact right size for you will depend on your skiing ability and style, as well as the ski category, type of terrain, and snow youll be skiing in. Some things to consider are:
- Beginner skiers will tend to want a shorter ski for easier turn initiation and stability, whereas an advanced skier will want longer skis.
- A shorter ski will be easier to turn but not as stable as a longer ski.
- A carving ski with a skinnier waist and a smaller turn radius can be skied at a shorter length than an all-mountain or freeride ski with a larger turn radius and fatter waist width.
- Rockered skis are easier to pivot between turns and can be skied slightly longer than comparable camber skis.
Within the suggested ski length range, there are several reasons to choose a shorter or longer ski. Some reasons to choose a shorter ski include:
- Easier to turn.
- More maneuverability at slower speeds.
- Better for beginner skiers.
Some reasons to choose a longer ski include:
- More stability at higher speeds.
- Better for advanced skiers.
- Better for skiing off-trail.
- Better for ...
