The length of your skis can determine whether your day on the slopes is a blast or a bust. Too short and the kids on the bunny hill may ski circles around you; too long and you might spend more time falling in the snow than skiing on top of it. Rely on a number of factors when choosing the right alpine, or downhill, ski length.
Weight
The rule of thumb when choosing ski length is the lighter the skier, the shorter the ski, and vice versa. Beginners, especially, should heed this maxim. Choosing an inappropriate ski for your size can result in a disappointing or even dangerous outing. Adult women who weigh between 100 and 125 lbs. should start with an ski length of approximately 145 centimeters. Men between 170 and 195 lbs. should look in the 174 centimeter range. The Alpine Skiing Gear Guide at the Sierra Trading Post website has an excellent chart to determine the right ski length for your weight.
Skill Level
Shorter equals slower, affording beginners more control. Beginner skiers who are just learning or still skiing on green runs only should shave 20 centimeters off their "ideal" weight-based ski length. Intermediate skiers who ski green and blue runs but aren't comfortable with high speeds should take five centimeters off. Advanced skiers used to skiing in different conditions on a variety of runs, including black runs, do not need to make a change. If you're advanced, stick with your ideal ski length. Expert skiers who ski often and prefer to go fast can add five to ten centimeters to their ski length.
Type of Terrain
If you prefer to ski on piste, densely packed, groomed or hard runs, you should stick with normal length skis. Those who like to get off-piste, however, and ski on soft snow or powder should add five centimeters to the ski length.
Type of Skier
There is some overlap on the Alpine Skiing Gear Guide chart, and the final call comes down to the type of skier you are. For instance, the guide recommends a 174 centimeter ski for men between 170 and 195 lbs. but a 181 centimeter ski for those between 190 and 215 lbs. If you tip the scales at 192 pounds and consider yourself an aggressive skier, go with the longer ski. If you're more cautious, choose the shorter length.
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