Walking into a ski shop stocked with short, long and curved skis with various bindings, boots and poles can be intimidating if you don't know what you are looking for. Poor-fitting skis can lead to loss of control on the slopes, discomfort and even injury. Whether you're purchasing your first pair of skis or renting for the upcoming season, getting the right snow skis for your size, skill level and skiing style will ensure a safe and comfortable experience on the slopes.
Step 1
Purchase or rent skis designed for a skill level slightly above your own. If you are an advanced skier, look for skis up to 15 cm. longer than your height. Longer skis offer greater speed and maneuverability on the snow. For beginners, look for skis up to 5 cm. shorter than your height.
Step 2
Subtract about 10 cm. from conventional ski length recommendations if you plan to use shaped skis. The more curved the ski, the shorter it should be.
Step 3
Wear the socks you plan to ski in to the store to fit your boots. A properly fitted boot should feel snug with your heel all the way at the back of the boot and your toes near the front. Loose boots will make controlling your skis difficult, while overly tight boots can cause discomfort.
Step 4
Select a pair of poles that come up to the height of your elbows. Turn the poles upside down with the handles resting on the floor and grip the pole shaft just beneath the basket. If your forearms are parallel to the floor with your upper arms straight down at your sides, the poles are the proper length.
Step 5
Select bindings that fit your boots and are fit for a skill level slightly above your own. The more advanced you are, the higher the DIN, or release setting, you want on your skis. For beginners, look for a low DIN binding for easy release of your boots under pressure.
Tips and Warnings
- If you plan to ski frequently, purchasing your own pair of skis allows you familiarity with a single set of equipment. Choose a pair of skis specialized for certain terrains if you primarily ski in one area.
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