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Choosing the right skis can have a huge impact on how confident, comfortable, and controlled you feel on the mountain. Skis that are well matched to you and your skiing style will feel intuitive and predictable, while poorly chosen skis can make progression harder than it needs to be.
In this guide, we explain how to choose skis using clear, practical advice from the Snowtrax team. We’ll focus on the key factors that truly matter – skier ability, terrain, and ski type – to help answer one of the most common questions skiers ask: what size skis do I need?
Like our snowboard guides, this article is designed to cut through myths and give you a reliable ski sizing guide you can actually use.
Why Choosing the Right Skis Matters
Ski sizing is often oversimplified. Height charts alone don’t tell the full story, and relying on them without context can lead to skis that feel unstable, overly demanding, or limiting as your skills develop.
The right skis should:
- Match your current ability level
- Suit the terrain you ski most often
- Be appropriate for your weight and strength
- Support the style of skiing you enjoy
Understanding how these factors work together is the foundation of choosing skis correctly.
Skier Ability: A Key Factor in Ski Choice
Ability level plays a major role in determining ski length, flex, and construction. When thinking about how to choose skis, it’s important to be realistic about where you are now, not where you hope to be in a few seasons’ time.
Beginner Skiers
For those new to skiing or still developing basic technique:
- Shorter skis are easier to control and turn
- Softer flexes are more forgiving
- Lighter constructions reduce fatigue
These features help build confidence and make learning more enjoyable.
Intermediate Skiers
If you can link turns consistently and ski a variety of blue and red runs:
- Mid-length skis provide a balance of stability and manoeuvrability
- A slightly stiffer flex improves edge hold
- Suitable for a mix of piste skiing and light off-piste exploration
Advanced & Expert Skiers
Strong, confident skiers often benefit from:
- Longer skis for stability at speed
- Stiffer constructions for precision and power
- Length choices influenced heavily by terrain and ski type
Terrain: Where You Ski Most Often
Different skis are designed for different parts of the mountain. Considering terrain is essential when deciding what size skis do I need.
Piste / On-Piste Skiing
- Narrower waist widths (typically under 85mm)
- Shorter lengths improve quick edge-to-edge response
- Ideal for groomed runs and firmer snow
All-Mountain Skiing
The most versatile ski category
- Waist widths generally between 85–100mm
- Length selection depends on ability, weight, and preference
Off-Piste & Powder
- Wider skis offer better float in soft snow
- Often skied slightly longer for added stability
- Rocker profiles can allow longer skis without feeling difficult to handle
Ski Type, Shape, and Profile
Modern ski design has a big influence on how a ski feels on snow, even at the same measured length.
Rockered skis tend to feel shorter and more forgiving
Cambered skis feel more precise and longer edge-to-edge
Twin-tip skis have a shorter effective edge, which can affect sizing choices
This is why ski length should always be considered alongside ski shape and profile.
Ski Size Chart: A Useful Starting Point
A ski size chart is a helpful guideline, but it should never be treated as a fixed rule. Below is a general reference for adult skiers:
|
Height |
Weight |
Beginner/Intermediate Ski Length |
Advanced/Expert Ski Length |
|
152 – 160 cm |
40 – 54 kg |
140-150 cm |
150-160 cm |
|
163 – 170 cm |
55 – 68 kg |
150-160 cm |
160-170 cm |
|
173 – 183 cm |
68 – 82 kg |
160-170 cm |
170-180 cm |
|
185 – 193 cm |
82 – 95 kg |
170-180 cm |
180-190 cm |
Weight, ski construction, and terrain preference may move you up or down within these ranges.
What Size Skis Do I Need?
There is no single correct answer for everyone, but there is a correct range.
A reliable ski sizing guide takes into account:
- Height and weight
- Ability level
- Preferred terrain
- Ski shape and profile
- Personal preference for stability versus manoeuvrability
Two skiers of the same height can legitimately need different ski lengths depending on these factors.
Getting Expert Advice
If you’re unsure after using a ski size chart or reading a ski sizing guide, expert advice can help narrow down the best options for you. Speaking with trained staff and seeing skis in person allows you to factor in details that charts alone can’t cover.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skis is about finding a setup that supports your skiing today while allowing room to progress comfortably. By understanding ability level, terrain choice, and ski design, you’ll be well equipped to decide how to choose skis that suit your needs.
If you’re still asking what size skis do I need?, our team at Snowtrax is always happy to help guide you towards the right choice.
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