What size skis should you buy?
Whatever your reasons are for being interested in skiing, and whatever your skill or experience level may be with this activity, it’s inevitable that certain questions will pop into your head from time to time.
So, in this blog article here at Ski Exchange, we’ve decided to spotlight – and answer – one of the most frequently asked ones: “what size skis should I purchase?”
Various factors will play into this decision, including your height, weight, skiing ability, and favoured terrain. So, let’s take you through them.
- Height and weight factors
Height is a relatively straightforward starting point when you’re considering which skis would best suit you. For most people, it is advisable to make sure their skis – when stood upright next to them – reach between their chin and the top of their head.
This means that if, for instance, you’re 175cm tall, it might make most sense to opt for skis between 160cm and 190cm.
As for weight, whether you’re heavier or lighter than average for your height will likely dictate how you need to adjust the ski length. If you’re relatively light for your height, shorter skis might serve you just fine. If, though, your weight is greater than average for people of your height, you may seek out longer skis for better stability and floatation.
- Skiing ability
Beginners are generally advised to choose shorter skis, closer to their chin, to allow for easier control. If that sounds like you, it might mean opting for skis that are 10cm to 20cm shorter than your height. So, if you’re a 5’6” (168cm) tall person, for example, you may prioritise skis of between 145cm and 155cm.
If, on the other hand, you would describe your skiing ability as being nearer the “intermediate” level, opting for skis about 5cm to 10cm shorter than your height might seem the optimal course of action. This would enable you to strike a great balance between control and performance.
That leaves the question of what ski size you should consider if you’re an advanced-level skier. The short answer to that is: skis the same height as you, or perhaps between 0cm and 5cm taller. This will allow you to achieve the best possible stability at higher speed.
- Skiing terrain and style
If you will be sticking to groomed slopes, it is shorter skis that will be more easily manoeuvrable, allowing for rapid turns and edge control. The term “edge control”, by the way, refers to a skier’s ability to effectively engage the edges of their skis to influence direction, speed, and stability.
Time spent on off-piste or powder terrain, though, will be more pleasurable with longer skis, given the improved floatation these will provide. That might mean you invest in skis that are 5cm to 10cm taller than your height.
With our extensive range of often attractively discounted skis here at Ski Exchange – fully tested and reviewed by our own test team – you can be sure of finding the ones that best suit your circumstances and desires.
If the ski that you want isn’t in our present range, you’re welcome to reach out to us, so that we can do the work to source them for you.