When choosing a set of skis, factor in your physical characteristics such as weight and height along with the type of terrain you prefer to ski. The general guidelines are suited toward adults; children should choose skis that fall just below their chin if they are under 6 years old, or ones that reach to their face if they are younger than 12. Place the skis with their tips on the ground, stand beside them and see where they fall. Most adults use skis that reach between the chin and the forehead.
Height
You can select skis based on height, but you also need to factor in your level of experience. Beginners use shorter skis than more experienced skiers because the shorter length makes it easier to turn and easier to control the skis. The recommended length for skis in terms of experience and height is chin-height for beginners, nose-height for intermediate skiers and forehead-height or above for professional skiers.
Weight
The correct length of skis also depends on the weight of the person using them. Heavier individuals need longer skis in order to distribute their weight on the snow over a greater area, and lighter individuals can choose shorter skis. Because women weigh less than men on average, women's skis are typically shorter than men's. Lighter skiers also can use narrower skis because they don't need to disperse their weight over the snow as much as heavier skiers.
Skiing Style
Your style of skiing affects proper ski length. Shorter skis are better if you enjoy tight turns and maneuverability. Longer skis perform better off-trail and are appropriate for more aggressive skiers. Choose longer skis if you want to ski fast and make wide turns; choose shorter ones if you ski narrow, twisting routes.
Calculators
If you want to factor in your height, gender, style of skiing and experience level, websites such as OnTheSnow.com and Ski-Calculator.com offer calculators designed to find the proper size ski. Before purchasing brand-new skis, borrow a friend's skis or rent a pair to test out which length feels most comfortable.
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