Ski sizing is part science, part personal preference. The right length depends on how tall you are, how much you weigh, where you like to ski, and how aggressive you are on the mountain. Here's how to figure it out.
The baseline: height-based sizing
As a starting point, most skis should come up somewhere between your chin and the top of your head when stood upright. But that's only the beginning — terrain, skill, and weight all push the number up or down.
| Skier height | Suggested ski length |
|---|---|
| 4'10"–5'0" (147–152 cm) | 135–145 cm |
| 5'0"–5'4" (152–163 cm) | 145–155 cm |
| 5'4"–5'8" (163–173 cm) | 155–165 cm |
| 5'8"–6'0" (173–183 cm) | 165–175 cm |
| 6'0"–6'4" (183–193 cm) | 175–185 cm |
| 6'4"+ (193+ cm) | 185+ cm |
Adjust for your skiing style
Groomer / carving skis
Size near the middle of the range. Carving skis rely on edge contact, and a moderate length gives you a balance of quick edge-to-edge transitions and stability.
All-mountain skis
Middle to top of the range. You want enough ski to handle variable conditions — chopped powder, crud, groomers — without feeling like you're on a pair of 2x4s.
Powder / freeride skis
Go longer, up to the top of your head or even a few centimetres above. Extra length means more surface area to float in deep snow. Freeride skis also tend to have more rocker, which makes them ski shorter than their actual length.
Park / freestyle skis
Go shorter, chin height or slightly below. A shorter ski is lighter, easier to spin, and more forgiving when landing switch.
Touring / backcountry skis
Weight is king on the uphill, so most touring skis run slightly shorter than their resort equivalents. Size around chin to nose height and prioritise lightweight construction.
Weight adjustments
If you're heavier than average for your height, size up by 3–5 cm. The extra length and stiffer flex pattern will give you better support. If you're lighter, size down for easier turn initiation.
Ability level matters
- Beginners — go shorter (chin height). Shorter skis are easier to turn and more forgiving of mistakes.
- Intermediate — aim for the middle of your range. You're building confidence and need a ski that responds but doesn't punish.
- Advanced / Expert — size toward the top of your range or beyond. Longer skis reward good technique with more stability, speed, and float.
Waist width: the other dimension
Ski width (measured at the waist, the narrowest point underfoot) determines what terrain the ski handles best:
- Under 80 mm — groomer specialist. Quick edge-to-edge, but limited in powder.
- 80–100 mm — all-mountain sweet spot. Handles groomers, light powder, and crud.
- 100–115 mm — powder-oriented all-mountain. Great in deep snow, still manageable on-piste.
- 115+ mm — dedicated powder ski. Surfboard-like float, but sluggish on hardpack.
Browse ski specs
Our ski library has full specs for thousands of models, including dimensions, turn radius, rocker profiles, and recommended skier weight. Use it to compare options before you buy.
Find the right skis for less
Once you know what you need, browse used skis on Boardom. Every listing includes length and detailed specs, plus buyer protection on every order so you can shop with confidence.