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Ski Length Calculator
Find the proper length of skis for your height, weight, skill level, skiing style, and the type of terrain you'll be skiing on.
RECOMMENDATION: A ski size calculator's suggestion is simply a starting point. You should make the final choice depending on what you like and what feels comfortable and stable to you. When deciding on the size of your skis, you also need to think about other things that can affect their performance, like the width of the ski, the way it bends, and the shape of the tip and tail. Also consider ski insurance before your trip.
Source: Professional Ski Fitter Methodology
What does ski length mean and why is it important?
The length of a ski is the distance from the tip to the tail in centimeters. This is the most critical factor that affects how a ski behaves on snow. Shorter skis, which are usually about the height of your chin to your nose, are easier to turn and control. They are great for beginners and intermediate skiers on groomed pistes. Longer skis (from eye level to above the head) are more stable at greater speeds and float better in deep powder, therefore they are the best choice for advanced and expert skiers.
There is no one-size-fits-all length for skis. A 180 cm skier who weighs 90 kg and skis hard in powder needs a different length than a 180 cm beginner who skis on groomed slopes. This calculator takes into account all five important factors: height, weight, skill level, skiing style, and type of ski.
The formula uses changes that professional ski fitters apply all around the world. Height and weight set a base value. Ability level changes by −7 to −17 cm, skiing style changes by ±2 cm, and ski type changes by −3 to +7 cm, depending on the discipline.
Who needs a ski length calculator?
First-time ski buyers who have never picked out skis before and need a place to start, intermediate skiers who are upgrading from rental skis to their first personal pair, advanced skiers who are switching disciplines (like from all-mountain to powder or carving), parents buying skis for kids or teens who are growing, and ski rental shops that need to quickly assign the right length to customers all use this calculator.
How to figure out the length of a ski
- Base length based on height and weight: To use the formula, you need to know your height in centimeters. If your weight is less than 102 kg, deduct (102 − weight) / 10 cm from the base. If the weight is more than 102 kg, add (weight − 102) / 10 cm.
- Adjusting the level of ability: Beginners take 17 cm off. Intermediate: −13 cm. Advanced: −9 cm. Expert: −7 cm.
- Change in skiing style: Easy-going −2 cm. Average: no change. Aggressive +2 cm.
- Adjusting the type of ski: All-mountain +2 cm, powder +3 cm, touring +3 cm, racing +7 cm, groomers/carving −2 cm, and terrain park −3 cm.
- Final result: Rounded to the closest cm and shown with a range of ±3 cm.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a beginner's skis be if they are 175 cm tall?
If you are a novice who is 175 cm tall and weighs about 75 kg, you should start with skis that are 155 to 162 cm long. The calculation starts with 172 cm and takes away 17 cm for novice level, which gets you about 158 cm. When you are learning how to ski, it is really important to be able to control and turn your skis easily.
Should I get longer skis for powder?
Yes. When skiing in deep powder, make your skis 3 to 5 cm longer than they usually are for all-mountain skiing. Longer skis have more surface area and stay on top of the snow. Some skiers go 10 cm or more longer than their groomer length for particularly deep snow or tree skiing. The calculator automatically adds 3 cm for the Powder ski type.
How does body weight affect ski length?
Heavier skiers need longer skis to properly use the flex and edge grip of the skis. A skier who weighs 100 kg needs a longer ski than one who weighs 80 kg. Lighter skiers can go shorter to make turning easier. The formula changes the base length by ±(deviation from 102 kg) / 10 cm.
Is it okay to ski on skis that are 5 cm longer than advised?
Yes, intermediate and experienced skiers can comfortably ride 5 cm longer than recommended, especially at high speeds for extra stability. Beginners should stick to the suggested range because longer skis are much harder to turn and make skiing on green and blue runs more tiresome.
What is the difference between ski length and ski size?
They are the same thing. When people talk about ski length and size, they mean the length from tip to tail in centimeters. Some manufacturers also include a running length, which is the length of the contact area without the tip and tail rocker. However, the size that is always offered when you buy skis is the whole length.
Does the width of the skis affect the length I should choose?
Wider skis (90 mm+ waist) have greater surface area and float better in powder, so you can sometimes go a little shorter than what is suggested. Narrow carving skis (less than 75 mm) are made for hardpack and work best with the usual length or a little longer to keep the edges stable and the power going.
How do I pick the right ski length for my child?
For kids aged 4 to 7, skis should be about chin height. For kids ages 8 to 12, from chin to nose. For teens, the adult formula works. When kids are just learning to ski, it is better for them to have shorter skis than longer ones. Control is more important than speed.
How long should carving skis be?
People usually ride carving skis that are 5 to 10 cm shorter than all-mountain skis because their deep sidecut radius makes turns happen more quickly. The calculator makes a −2 cm change for the Groomers/Carving type. Many serious carvers go even shorter to make tighter, faster arcs on groomed pistes.
How ski length is calculated