Though downhill skiing can be challenging for a beginner, choosing the appropriate ski length will make the process of learning much easier. You can estimate a comfortable ski length by consulting charts based on your height and weight. The type of slope, your skill level and your skiing style will also determine comfortable ski length. Finding the right set of skis will take practice and experience, but following a basic formula will allow you to get close to your ideal length so that your first ski experience will be a successful one.
Step 1
Measure your height in feet and inches. If you are 5 feet, 10 inches tall, select skis that are 165 to 185 cm in length. For every 2 inches shorter you are, subtract 5 cm from the top and bottom of the range. Likewise, add 5 cm for every 2 inches taller you are. For instance, if you are 5 feet, 4 inches tall, subtract 15 cm and arrive at a range of 150 to 170 cm. If you are 6 feet, 2 inches tall, add 10 cm and arrive at a range of 175 to 195 cm.
Step 2
Measure your weight in pounds. If you weigh 160 lbs., select skis that are 160 cm long. Add 5 cm for every additional 15 lbs. you weigh, or subtract 5 cm for every 15 lbs. less you weigh. For instance, choose skis that are 150 cm long if you weigh 130 lbs. Choose skis that are 175 cm long if you weigh 190 lbs.
Step 3
Add the two ski lengths suggested by your height and weight and divide the number by two. This will find the average recommendation based on your height and weight. For instance, if your height suggests a ski length of 160 cm and your weight suggests a ski length of 150 cm, add the numbers together to arrive at 310 and divide by two to arrive at 155 cm.
Step 4
Adjust ski length based on your level of experience. If you have just started skiing, subtract 10 cm from the suggested length. Shorter skis are generally much easier to learn on. If you have already skied a few times and know a few basic techniques, subtract 5 cm. Experienced skiers may add 5 cm, while professionals may add 10.
Step 5
Subtract 5 cm if you prefer to make tight turns or carve down the slope, or add 5 cm if you prefer wide turns. If you are not sure which type of turn you prefer, do not adjust the ski length.
Tips and Warnings
- The skis you select do not have to match the results of your calculations perfectly. Try to find a pair that most closely matches the suggested length and try them. If you are having difficulty handling the ski or if the ski feels unwieldy on your feet, select a shorter ski. But if your path down the slope feels too aggressive or if your turns are too sharp, select a longer ski.
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