Skis are a big investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right size and style for your needs. In general, the proper ski measure somewhere between your chin and the top of your head.
A little research! This ski sizing guide will help you figure out what length skis (and poles) are best for you.
What Length Should My Skis Be?
The length of your skis is determined by the following factors: your height, weight, ability level and terrain preference. A longer ski will be more stable but less maneuverable than a shorter one.
If you want to be able to turn quickly on groomed runs and carve tight turns down black diamond slopes, then it’s best to choose skis with a shorter length (ideally about 185cm for men). On the other hand if flexibility is more important than stability for you then go for something longer–around 195cm should do it!
It’s also worth noting that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing what length works best for each person.
Some people prefer shorter lengths while others prefer longer ones depending on their style of skiing or where they’re going off-piste; ultimately though this all comes down to personal preference so try different sizes out before making any decisions.
Just remember not too go too far off track because we don’t want anyone getting lost!
Ski Sizing Chart
If you are a beginner skier, it is best to get a pair of skis that are sized according to your ability level. For example, if you’re a beginner and have never been on skis before, then the best ski length for you would be something in the range of 100mm-110mm underfoot.
A good rule of thumb when choosing the right size ski is: bigger isn’t always better!
If someone has too much lift in their boots or they want to skate around like they’re on ice hockey blades instead of carving turns through powder snow, we recommend sizing down until they find their sweet spot (usually somewhere between 85 and 120 mm).
When to Size Up or Size Down your skis
When deciding on the right ski length, you’ll have to consider your ability level and what you plan on using them for.
For example, if you’re just getting started with skiing and want to learn how to start off on groomed runs before venturing into steeper terrain, then sizing down is probably your best bet.
However, if your goal is more intermediate or advanced and you’ll be using skis primarily in difficult conditions like powder snow or icy surfaces (and not just groomed trails), then sizing up may make sense because it will provide more stability.
In general:
- If you’re new at skiing and plan on sticking mostly on groomed runs where there isn’t much chance of falling over due to icy patches or bumps in the terrain–or if your budget is limited–then choose a shorter pair of skis (which will also be lighter).
- If this isn’t necessarily true for all of these things but instead depends on where/when/why exactly someone wants their skis used most often; then again go with something shorter but possibly wider overall instead since they can still handle some rough spots while still being light enough so that carrying around extra weight won’t cause too much strain when hiking uphill after hitting some gnarly moguls down below…
Ski Sizing & Length
Ski length is measured from the tip of your ski to the top of your binding. Skis are generally categorized by their length and width, which will affect how well they perform for different types of skiers.
The two most common ways to determine ski size are based on height and weight (and sometimes both). If you’re unsure how tall or heavy you are, try this quick trick: stand up straight with good posture, then look down at your feet.
The top edge should be roughly level with where there would be an imaginary line across the tops of both feet if they were side-by-side!
If you still don’t know what size skis work best for you, here are some general guidelines:
- Short Skis – For kids learning how to ski who aren’t yet ready for full-length equipment; also great for beginners who want more control over their movements while progressing through lessons as well as expert skiers looking for greater maneuverability in tight terrain like trees or steep chutes
- Medium Length – Perfectly suited for intermediate/advanced skiers looking for balance between speed & control on groomed slopes while still having enough room underfoot so that when conditions get rough out there (like ice patches), these guys won’t get stuck even though their boots might not fit perfectly inside those bindings!
Choosing Skis by Ability Level
Ski length is based on your ability level. The skiing ability level can be determined by experience, age, and ability. Skiing ability levels are not a one-size-fits-all concept; they’re different for each person and will change over time as you improve your skier skills.
Here are some examples of skiing ability levels:
- Beginner – This person has never skied before or only recently started to learn how to ski. For this type of skier, it’s best to start with shorter skis so they can gain confidence on their equipment before moving up in length (or width).
- Intermediate – This person has basic skills but may still have trouble keeping their balance while turning on steep terrain such as moguls or ice hills at high speeds; however they can handle moderate bumps without too much trouble as well as straight runs without stopping often due too fear of falling off the side into deep powder snowdrifts below where nobody else wants go because it’s dangerous!
Ski Style, Dimensions & Feel
To choose the right ski, you have to consider your style and ability level. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve broken down each style into five categories:
Ski Length, Width & Weight
Ski length is measured from tip to tail. Ski width is measured at its widest point–typically underfoot for recreational skis and in the middle of your ski for racing skis.
Ski weight is measured in ounces per pair (oz/p). The higher this number, the heavier they are; lighter skis are easier to maneuver through trees or tight spaces on steep slopes but require more energy if you’re going uphill or want to go fast downhill!
Choosing Skis by Terrain Type
To choose the right skis, you need to know the type of terrain you’ll be skiing. Are you looking for a ski that can handle backcountry powder? Or do you prefer groomed runs and groomed park jumps?
There are many different types of skiing, including backcountry touring (also known as ski mountaineering), freestyle or freeride, moguls and bumps (for example in Alpine skiing), ski touring (backcountry), cross-country racing and telemarking.
Each type requires different equipment depending on its use so it’s important to understand what those differences are before making a purchase decision!
Ski Rocker & Camber
The rocker and camber of a ski are used to describe the shape of the ski. When viewed from the side, a rocker ski has more curve than a traditional camber ski. The reverse is true for camber skis–they have less curve than their rocker counterparts when viewed from above or below.
Rockers are more forgiving than their traditional counterparts because they’re designed with less edge pressure on either side of your foot, which makes it easier to pivot around turns and land jumps without slipping out or losing balance on your feet (if you’re new to skiing).
Ski Sizing for Kids
- Ski length depends on the child’s height.
- Kids’ height is usually measured in centimeters, so you’ll want to know your child’s height before choosing ski sizes. If you don’t know it, check our handy chart below!
- Ski lengths are usually listed on the ski size chart as a range rather than an exact measurement. For example, if you’re looking at skis for a 4-year old who is 70 cm tall, look for something between 70 cm and 75 cm long–you can also use this rule of thumb for kids up to about age 10 or 11 years old (depending on how tall they are).
How to Find the Right Size Skis For Kids:
- Length: The length of a ski affects its performance and how it handles on the snow. Ski lengths are measured from tip to tail, so if you’re looking for a pair for your kid, make sure they’re shorter than his/her chest. If your child is tall or wants more control over their skis, he/she may want longer ones that come up past his/her nose.
- Width: Skis come in different widths; some will be wider than others depending on how much stability you want out of them (a narrower ski will be more maneuverable but less stable).
Kids Size Chart
- How to Measure Kids’ Height:
Measure the child’s height in centimeters, and add 10 cm. The result is your child’s approximate ski size. If a child has a growth spurt during the season, you may need to purchase new skis before your next trip to the mountains or slopes.
- How to Measure Kids’ Weight:
Using a scale, weigh your child wearing his/her regular clothes and equipment (including helmet). This will be his/her “weight” number on our chart below when selecting skis for him/her! For example if he weighs 70 pounds then pick the 70 pound column in our chart below when choosing skis for him!
What if my child is in between the heights listed on the size chart?
If your child is in between sizes, it’s a good idea to look at the height range for that particular ski. If they fall within the smaller size category, then go with that one. Conversely, if they fall into the larger than average category, go with a larger size ski instead.
If you’re still unsure about what size would be best for your child and want more information on how to choose skis based on their height and weight (and not just age), check out our article “How To Choose Skis For Kids”
Reasons to size kids’ skis shorter, closer to the chest:
A shorter ski length can be helpful for a number of reasons. First, kids will be more confident on shorter skis. Second, they’ll be able to control their skis more easily.
Third, shorter skis are more stable than longer ones in a variety of conditions–when the snow is soft and deep or if there’s lots of wind at higher speeds (which makes everything feel like it’s moving faster).
For example: If you take your kid out skiing on long boards with bindings set at an adult height and then switch him over to some shorties with lower bindings, he may find himself struggling to make turns underfoot or falling over altogether!
If you’re buying for young children who have never been on skis before (or even if you’re buying for older kids who haven’t been skiing in years), consider sizing down accordingly so that everyone has fun this winter season!
Reasons to size kids’ skis longer, closer to the nose:
When picking out skis for your kid, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, kids’ skis should be longer than adults’ skis.
This is because children have shorter legs and therefore need more leverage to get up on their feet. The longer length will give them more leverage as well as allow them to use their entire body to propel themselves forward instead of just their legs alone.
Secondly, it’s important that kids’ skis are closer at the tip than they are at the tail end (aka closer at nose than tail).
This helps with balance while skiing because if there were more weight towards one end over another then it would cause instability when trying turn or stop quickly; having equal weight distribution throughout keeps everything balanced while moving forward at high speeds so nothing gets thrown off-kilter by sudden movements like stopping suddenly or turning sharply into another person/object ahead.”
How to Choose Ski Poles
The length of your ski poles is determined by your height and weight. The pole should be the same length as your skis, and they should be long enough to keep your hands above your waist.
If they’re too short, you will have trouble keeping them in place while skiing; if they’re too long, it could cause you to lean forward when using them–and that’s never good!
Ski Pole Size Chart
Ski poles are an important part of your skiing equipment, as they help you to stay upright and balanced on the snow. When choosing ski poles, it’s important to know what size you need so that they can support your weight appropriately. The length of a ski pole depends on three main factors: the user’s height, age and gender.
For adults who are between 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, we recommend using a 120cm (47 inch) pair of poles if they’re going downhill skiing or 80cm (32 inch) pairs if they’re only doing cross country skiing or snowboarding.
If an adult is shorter than this range then we recommend using 100cm/40inch models instead while taller people should use 140cm/56inch models instead
Conclusion
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which ski is right for you. We hope this guide has helped clear up some confusion and answer any questions you may have had about choosing the right size skis.
Remember that while there are many factors involved in determining the perfect pair of skis (and poles), the most important thing is that they fit your body type and ability level!