How to Choose Your Alpine Ski Size?
The right alpine ski length usually falls between your chin and the top of your head. Adjust from there for three factors: skill level (shorter for beginners, longer for advanced skiers), type of ski (shorter for groomers, longer for powder), and weight (longer if you’re heavy for your height, shorter if you’re light).
To choose the right alpine skis, see our article Types of Alpine Skis: How to Make Your Choice?.
How Do I Choose My Ski Length?
The first aspects to consider are weight and height so you can refer to the size chart below. However, you should always keep in mind that your skill level and the type of alpine skiing you do also play an important role.
For example, a shorter alpine ski will turn more easily but be a bit less stable at high speeds, while a longer ski will excel at long turns and be more stable when bombing downhill.
Are you more of the snowboarding type? Check out our article How to Choose a Snowboard?.
| Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) | Recommended ski length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4'4" and under | 132 and under | 115–130 |
| 4'6" | 137 | 125–140 |
| 4'8" | 142 | 130–145 |
| 4'10" | 147 | 135–150 |
| 5' | 152 | 140–155 |
| 5'2" | 158 | 145–160 |
| 5'4" | 163 | 150–165 |
| 5'6" | 168 | 155–170 |
| 5'8" | 173 | 160–175 |
| 5'10" | 178 | 165–180 |
| 6' | 183 | 175–190 |
| 6'2" | 188 | 175–195 |
| 6'4" and taller | 193 and over | 180–200 |
Find your range in the chart above, then adjust it for your skill level, weight, and type of skiing.
| Factor | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Beginner or cautious skier | Lower end of the range |
| Advanced or aggressive skier | Upper end of the range, or longer |
| Light for your height | Lower end of the range |
| Heavy for your height | Upper end of the range |
| Groomers | −5 to −10 cm |
| All-mountain | No change |
| Freeride / powder | +5 to +10 cm |
| Freestyle | Shorter for park tricks, longer for big jumps |
| Touring | −5 to −10 cm |
Why choose a shorter alpine ski?
- You’re a beginning or intermediate skier.
- Your weight is below average for your height.
- You like to make short turns.
- You ski on a small mountain.
- You’re looking for an on-piste ski.
Why choose a ski that’s your height or longer?
- You enjoy speed and are an aggressive skier.
- You’re looking for an all-mountain or freeride ski.
- Your weight is above average for your height.
- You’re looking for a ski to hit the snow park.
How Does Your Type of Skiing Affect Ski Length?
For freestyle skiing
Freestyle skis feature twin tips. That means there is less surface area in contact with the snow. To be stable and nimble, you should choose a ski that’s the suggested size.
For freeride skiing
A freeride ski needs to be stable at high speeds and float in powder. A ski that’s the suggested size or up to 10 cm longer is recommended.
For on-piste skiing
An on-piste ski should be agile, lively and able to turn. Go with a ski that’s 10 cm shorter than the suggested size.
For alpine touring skiing
You should choose touring skis based on the suggested size.
A ski’s camber and construction also influence the size of the ski chosen.
Do Women Need a Different Ski Length?
There is no different way to size women’s alpine skis. However, the construction of alpine skis designed specifically for women differs. They are lighter, shorter and designed for a lower centre of gravity and less body mass for the same height.
For everything you need to know about women’s alpine skis, read our article Choosing Women’s Alpine Ski Equipment.
What Size Skis Does My Child Need?
Alpine skis for children are much shorter and lighter. They should reach eye level. Sometimes, the ski length can be the same as the child’s height but should be no longer than that.
