Choose the Right Ski Length

What Makes the Perfect Ski Purchase?

While there’s no magical equation like “(height x weight) / skill level = perfect ski length,” there are some tried-and-true tips to help you dial in the right size.

When it comes to ski width, the general rule is, “Ski the widest ski you can without sacrificing performance.” But should you go wider? And how wide is too wide? Let’s break it down.

Dial Your Ski Size According to Height & Skill Level

Take your height, convert it to centimeters, and use that number as a starting point. Your height becomes the midpoint of a 30-centimeter range of ski lengths. 

For example:

• A skier who is 5'9" (about 175cm tall) should consider skis between 160cm and 190cm long.

• Beginners should lean towards the shorter end of the range, while advanced skiers can opt for the longer side.

Another way to think about it is to use your head as a reference:

• Beginners: Ski length from under the chin to the nose.

• Advanced: Ski length from the nose and up.

Here’s a basic guide to dialing down your optimal ski size: 

It’s All About Size

Ski length directly impacts how your skis perform:

• Shorter Skis:

  • Nimble and easier to turn, making them great for beginners or slower speeds.

  • Sacrifice stability at higher speeds.

• Longer Skis:

  • More stable at higher speeds with a longer turning radius.

  • Better for taller, heavier skiers and those with advanced skills.

Matching Skill Level to Your Skis

Beginner/Intermediate:

• Focused on building confidence with turning and edge control.

• Look for skis with softer flex, narrower widths, and forgiving materials like foam or softer wood cores.

Intermediate/Advanced:

• Comfortable carving and exploring mixed terrain.

• Skis with medium-stiff flex, medium widths, and hybrid camber/rocker profiles work well.

Advanced/Expert:

• Confident at high speeds and steep terrain.

• Opt for stiffer flex, wider widths, and robust materials like carbon or titanal for maximum performance.

Where Do You Ski?

Your ski choice should match your typical terrain:

• East Coast/Icy Conditions: Narrower all-mountain skis with strong edge grip.

• West Coast/Powder: Big-mountain freeride skis for floating in the deep stuff.

• Park & Pipe: Shorter, flexible skis built for tricks and rails.

• Backcountry: Lightweight skis for uphill efficiency and downhill stability.

What About Effective Edge?

A ski’s profile affects its effective edge, or the part of the ski in contact with the snow:

• Cambered Skis: Longer effective edge for more control and stability.

• Rockered Skis: Shorter effective edge improves floatation in powder but reduces grip on hardpack.

If you’re considering rockered or hybrid skis, you might want to size up to compensate for the reduced effective edge.

Finding the Right Ski Width

The width of your skis—measured at the waist—influences performance in different snow conditions:

• Narrow Skis (Under 85mm): Best for groomed runs and icy conditions. Provide strong edge grip but can feel unstable in soft snow.

• Mid-Width Skis (85-100mm): Versatile for all-mountain skiing, offering a balance between floatation and edge control.

• Wide Skis (100mm+): Ideal for powder and soft snow, providing maximum floatation but less precision on hardpack.

Here's a ski width guide:

The Last Word

Ski length and width ultimately depend on your skiing style, the terrain you frequent, and personal preference. Demoing skis is the best way to find what works for you. At Monod Sports, we’re here to guide you through the process with expert advice and a curated selection of skis for every adventurer.