How to Choose the Right Ski Length and Width – Featuring Ski Length and Width Sizing Chart

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.

Ski Length Sizing Chart

When Should You Choose a Shorter Ski?

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

When Should You Choose a Longer Ski?

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 Sizing Chart

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.