What size skis do I need?
Your height, weight and how you ski give a length range. Pick a ski to see the length it actually comes in.
Ski length chart by height
For a skier of average weight for their height on a typical ski. Heavier than average, add a few cm; lighter, take a few off. Wide powder skis run longer.
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 130-138 cm | 136-144 cm | 141-149 cm | 146-154 cm |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 135-143 cm | 141-149 cm | 146-154 cm | 152-160 cm |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 139-147 cm | 146-154 cm | 151-159 cm | 157-165 cm |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 144-152 cm | 150-158 cm | 156-164 cm | 162-170 cm |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 149-157 cm | 155-163 cm | 161-169 cm | 167-175 cm |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 153-161 cm | 160-168 cm | 166-174 cm | 172-180 cm |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 158-166 cm | 165-173 cm | 171-179 cm | 178-186 cm |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 162-170 cm | 170-178 cm | 176-184 cm | 183-191 cm |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 167-175 cm | 175-183 cm | 181-189 cm | 188-196 cm |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 172-180 cm | 179-187 cm | 186-194 cm | 193-201 cm |
| 6'6" (198 cm) | 176-184 cm | 184-192 cm | 191-199 cm | 198-206 cm |
Ski sizing questions
- What size skis do I need?
- Start from your height and ability. Beginners ride skis that reach about their chin, intermediates between chin and eyebrows, advanced skiers around the top of their head and experts a little taller. Heavier skiers go a few cm longer, lighter skiers a few cm shorter.
- Should powder skis be longer?
- Usually, yes. Wide skis with a lot of rocker have tips and tails that lift off the snow, so they ski shorter than their length. Skis around 105 mm wide size up about 2 cm, and 115 mm and wider about 5 cm.
- Is a shorter ski easier to learn on?
- Yes. A shorter ski turns with less effort and forgives mistakes, which is why beginner lengths are shorter. As speed and confidence grow, a longer ski feels more stable.
- Do I size down for trees and park?
- Many skiers do. If you like quick turns, trees and playing around the mountain, a few cm shorter makes the ski easier to pivot. If you mostly ski fast on open terrain, a few cm longer adds stability.
- Can you tell me my binding DIN setting?
- No. Release settings depend on your boots, binding and a certified technician's check, so have a ski shop set and test them.
Ready to pick a ski? Take the two-minute quiz or read the buying guides.