Updated: Mar 2, 2022
How do you pick the right ski size for you? This guide will help you through the process. It also features a helpful ski sizing chart to help you determine your proper ski length and width.
Contents
Ski Length Sizing Chart
When to choose a shorter ski
When to choose a longer ski
Ski width sizing chart
As a general rule of thumb, your ski length should be somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. In some cases, for more advanced skiers, skis should be slightly longer. Ski width primarily depends on skiing preferences, style, and snow conditions. Your weight, skiing ability level, skiing style, and snow conditions will also play important roles when it comes to deciding the appropriate ski length and width for you.
Here are some indications you could benefit from a shorter ski:
You are a beginner to intermediate skier
You’re a more casual, less aggressive skier
You are lightweight or petite for your height
You're looking for a short carving ski
You’re learning how ski the park or other freestyle terrain
You prefer to ski moguls, tight glades, or steep, narrow, ungroomed terrain
Here are some indications you could benefit from a longer ski:
You are an advanced or expert skier
You are an aggressive skier and prefer to ski at high speeds
You are heavier with a more muscular build
You prefer making high speed, long turns on wide, groomed runs
You require more float in powder
You ski steep, open terrain
Ski width primarily depends on skiing preferences, ski type, and snow conditions.
The east and west coasts have different standards when it comes to what constitutes a powder day. East coast powder is often not as deep and is more dense than the light, fluffy powder seen out west. Knowing which snow conditions in which you will be skiing is crucial to determine which ski width and type to look for. The following chart is designed to help skiers find the right ski width based on snow conditions and ski type.