Downhill ski length effects speed and control. Shorter skis move through the snow slower and are easier to control and longer skis. Snow conditions and terrain are also a factor when considering ski length. Short skis are easier to navigate through moguls and twisting trails, whereas long downhill skis are ideal for speed on a smooth surface. Experience and age are additional considerations when choosing ski length.
Height
The standard method of determining ski length is based on your height. All skis lengths are measured in centimeters, which requires converting your height in inches to centimeters. For example, if you are 5 feet,10 inches tall, first convert that to inches by multiplying your height in feet by 12 and then adding the remaining inches (5 X 12 = 60, 60 + 10 = 70). Divide your result by 0.3937 to convert to centimeters (70 / 0.3937 = 177.8) or use the online metric conversion calculator at ScienceMadeSimple.com. The standard downhill ski length for you would be 177 cm. Experienced skiers who want more speed can use skis that are longer, but this is not recommended for novice skiers.
Weight
Weight is a better consideration for people who are tall and lean or heavy. Shorter skis are recommended for tall, lean skiers. While weight is the factor for adjusting ski length, you still use a height measurement, but instead of using your full height, tall and thin skiers measure the height from the bridge of their nose and then use the same conversions and calculations in the section on height. Heavier skiers can choose skis that are longer than their height as the extra weight provides more leverage.
Children
Skiing is an expensive sport and some parents may want to buy long skis for the kids to grow into. However, this is not recommended particularly for beginners as longer skis are faster and harder to control. For children younger than the age of 6, the skis should come up to their chin. Children ages 6 to 12 need skis that come to the bridge of their nose. Longer skis on children should be considered only for experienced skiers.
Experience
Shorter skis are recommended for beginning skiers as they're easier to control and don't move as quickly over the snow. Intermediate and advanced skiers often choose longer skis when they want speed; however, if they are on terrain that requires frequent tight turns, they may opt for the shorter ski.
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