What Size Skis Should You Get?

If you searched “what size skis are best for me”, you’re in the right place. Ski length isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right ski size depends on your height, weight, ability, ski type, and personal preference.

Ski length isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right ski size depends on a few key details:

• Height – taller skiers generally need longer skis for stability

• Weight – more weight = more ski to support/control

• Ability – beginners can benefit from shorter, easier-to-turn skis; advanced skiers usually size up for stability and performance

• Type of Ski – The category of ski you’re buying makes a big difference in what length will feel best.

  • Carving skis – Usually sized a bit shorter than an all-mountain ski for quick, precise turns on groomers.

  • All-Mountain skis – Typically in the middle of your size range, versatile enough for varied terrain.

  • All-Mountain Freeride skis – Often sized a little longer for stability at speed and in mixed conditions.

  • Park skis – A lot of preference here. When in doubt, size similar to an all-mountain ski. Some skiers size up if they’re center-mounting bindings versus a directional mount.

  • Powder skis – Usually sized longer to maximize float in deeper snow and to offset the extra rocker (tip/tail rise) that shortens the ski’s effective edge length.

General Ski Length Guidelines

Most intermediate to advanced skiers buy all-mountain skis that measure somewhere between their nose and eyeswhen standing next to them.

• Beginners – Skis around chin height are common. Shorter skis are easier to turn, feel more nimble, and are quicker edge to edge.

• Intermediates – Skis from chin to nose height balance stability and maneuverability, making them a versatile choice.

• Advanced/Experts – Skis from nose height and longer. More proficient skiers often prefer added length for stability at speed, better float in powder, and stronger edge hold—but they typically don’t size shorter than nose height.

• Buying for Progression
  Many skiers want skis that will last beyond just their current ability. If you’re looking to progress, it often makes sense to size for the ability you’re aiming for rather than where you are today.

  For beginners, that usually means moving up a notch—choosing a ski closer to nose height instead of chin height. This is especially common for people with athletic backgrounds or those who don’t want to outgrow their skis’ performance too quickly. The trade-off is a slightly steeper learning curve at first, but the payoff is a ski that supports you as your skills improve.

Recommended Ski Length by Ability (All-Mountain Skis)

(Note: Adjustment up or down for ski type, weight, and preference still apply — see sections above.)

Common Misconception: Longer Skis = Always More Stable

Shorter skis are always quicker and easier to initiate a turn on for a given ski. But the flip side isn’t always true — longer skis are not automatically more stable.

Stability depends on the skier applying adequate pressure, especially at the tip of the ski. When skiers get tired, they often fall into the backseat. In that position, the tip of a longer ski isn’t pressured correctly, which can cause it to flap or chatter. A shorter ski, in the same situation, may actually feel more composed because there’s less ski to keep under control.

The takeaway: Longer skis reward strong technique and forward pressure. But if balance or stamina fade, they can be harder to manage than a slightly shorter ski.

Short vs. Long Skis: Pros & Cons

Shorter Skis
✅ Easier to initiate turns
✅ More nimble edge-to-edge
✅ Less fatiguing when tired
❌ Less stable at high speed
❌ Less float in powder

Longer Skis
✅ More stability at speed (with proper pressure)
✅ Better float in powder
✅ Stronger edge hold for advanced skiers
❌ Require more effort and balance to control
❌ Can flap/chatter if skied in the backseat

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