Choosing the right ski length affects how easy and enjoyable skiing feels. Skis that are too long are hard to turn, while skis that are too short feel unstable at speed. Use the chart below to find a starting length based on your height and ability, then fine-tune it for the kind of skiing you do.
How to Choose Ski Length: The Quick Rule
Stand a ski upright next to you. As a general guide:
- Beginners: Ski tip between your chin and nose.
- Intermediate skiers: Ski tip around your nose to eyebrows.
- Advanced and expert skiers: Ski tip around the top of your head or slightly above.
From there, adjust for your weight, skiing style and the terrain you prefer.
Ski Size Chart by Height
| Skier Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4’10” (148 cm) | 125–135 cm | 135–140 cm | 140–145 cm |
| 5’0″ (152 cm) | 130–140 cm | 140–145 cm | 145–150 cm |
| 5’2″ (157 cm) | 135–145 cm | 145–150 cm | 150–155 cm |
| 5’4″ (163 cm) | 140–150 cm | 150–155 cm | 155–160 cm |
| 5’6″ (168 cm) | 145–155 cm | 155–160 cm | 160–165 cm |
| 5’8″ (173 cm) | 150–160 cm | 160–165 cm | 165–175 cm |
| 5’10” (178 cm) | 155–165 cm | 165–170 cm | 170–180 cm |
| 6’0″ (183 cm) | 160–170 cm | 170–175 cm | 175–185 cm |
| 6’2″ (188 cm) | 165–175 cm | 175–180 cm | 180–190 cm |
| 6’4″ (193 cm) | 170–180 cm | 180–185 cm | 185–195 cm |
Quick note: These ranges are a starting point. Always check the manufacturer’s size guide, as ski shapes vary between brands and models.
Factors That Change Your Ideal Ski Length
Ability level
Shorter skis are easier to turn and control, which is why beginners ski shorter lengths. As you gain speed and confidence, longer skis offer more stability and grip.
Weight
Heavier skiers put more pressure on the ski and can handle slightly longer lengths. Lighter skiers may prefer the shorter end of their range.
Type of skiing
- Groomed runs (piste): Stay close to the chart.
- Powder and off-piste: Go a little longer for more float.
- Park and freestyle: Go a little shorter for easier spins and tricks.
- All-mountain: Middle of your range.
Ski rocker and shape
Skis with a lot of rocker (an upturned tip and tail) ski shorter than their actual length, so you can often size up by 5 cm or so. Traditional cambered skis feel their full length on snow.
Ski Sizes for Kids
For children, ski length is usually somewhere between the chest and the nose. Younger or more cautious kids do well on skis closer to chest height, while confident kids who ski fast can go up to nose height. Avoid buying skis that are far too long for a child to “grow into”, as they make learning much harder.
Do Ski Boots and Bindings Matter?
Yes. Even well-sized skis feel wrong with poorly fitting boots. Boots should be snug with no heel lift. Ski boots are sized using the Mondopoint system, which is your foot length in centimeters. Bindings must be adjusted to your boot sole length and set to the correct release value (DIN) based on your weight, height, age and ability. Always have bindings set by a qualified ski technician.
Common Ski Sizing Mistakes
- Choosing long skis because they “look advanced”.
- Buying skis for a future ability level instead of your current one.
- Ignoring the ski’s rocker profile.
- Using old boots that no longer fit properly.
Should You Rent or Buy Skis?
Most beginners should rent for the first few trips. Renting lets you try different lengths and styles while your ability changes quickly. Many shops offer demo programs where you can test several premium skis before buying. Once you ski regularly and your technique has settled, buying your own skis and especially your own boots becomes worthwhile. Well-fitted personal boots improve comfort and control more than almost any other purchase.
How to Check Your Ski Size in the Shop
When you visit a rental or ski shop, tell the technician your height, weight, ability level and the type of terrain you enjoy. They will compare this with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Stand the skis upright to check where the tips reach, then flex the ski to feel how stiff it is. Softer skis suit beginners and lighter skiers, while stiffer skis suit fast, aggressive skiers. If you are between two sizes, choose the shorter one while you are learning and the longer one if you mainly ski fast or in powder.
Ski Sizing Questions
What size skis should a beginner get?
Most beginners should choose skis that reach between their chin and nose. Shorter skis are easier to turn and control.
Is it better to have shorter or longer skis?
Shorter skis are better for learning and tight turns. Longer skis are better for speed, stability and powder. Pick the length that matches how you ski today.
How do I measure ski length?
Ski length is measured from tip to tail along the base and is printed on the ski in centimeters.
Once your skis are sorted, our what to wear skiing guide covers the clothing side.
