Whether you're buying or renting, hitting the snow with a proper length of ski can make or break your experience. Heading out on skis that are too long for you can make the sport more difficult and put your safety at risk, while skiing on shorter skis may not give you the challenge or control you desire. By understanding the elements that affect your ski length, you'll be able to select the proper skis for you.
Alpine vs. Nordic Skis
The primary consideration when sizing your skis is deciding whether you plan to ski downhill or cross-country. Downhill, or alpine, skis tend to have a more pronounced curvature and are usually shorter than their cross-country counterparts. Cross-country skis, sometimes called nordic skis, are long and thin, allowing you to glide over the snow like skates.
Experience
Your experience level directly affects your ski length, no matter what type of ski you choose to use. Shorter skis are slower but easier to control, while longer skis offer greater speed and performance but are difficult for beginners to handle. If you're purchasing a pair of skis, look for a pair with a length slightly above your experience level to allow you room to improve without having to buy a new pair.
Height
Your height serves as a good gauge for selecting ski length. In general, downhill skis should come to chin height on beginners, nose height on intermediates and forehead height or taller on advanced skiers. Nordic skis usually measure 110 to 120 percent of your height.
Other Considerations
When sizing skis, you'll have to consider the length of your poles, style of boots and turning radius of the ski in addition to the length. When turned upside down, the basket of your pole should reach your armpit. If you're a beginning or intermediate skier, you will probably want integrated boot bindings instead of traditional bindings. If you enjoy making wide turns on the slopes, choose a higher turning radius than if you prefer quick, sharp turns.
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