How To Pick Your Ski Size & Length – Ski Size Chart & Guide

Ski Sizing Guide

To have the best experience on the slopes, choose the proper ski size and length for your body and skill. Ski sizing can be confusing if you aren’t sure where to start.

Virgin Islands Ski Rental in Silverthorne, CO can help you choose the right ski size and length. This way, you can enjoy the trails and improve your skills.

What Length Should My Skis Be? Check Out Our Ski Size Chart

The first thing to understand about ski sizing is ski length. Your skis need to be an appropriate length that corresponds to your height, weight, ability, and skiing style preference.

Most skiers start their ski sizing by looking at a ski length chart and using their height to determine a basic recommendation. Heavier people might need to choose a larger pair of skis than what their height suggests. Lighter people may want to select smaller skis.

Ski Size by Height Chart:

Tips for Beginner Skiers

Beginners may want to size their skis down a few centimeters, especially if they plan on skiing slowly and not taking turns quickly.

They may not feel confident in their skills. While others may love skiing and not be "beginners" but love to stick to the green and blue trails. There's no shame in that game.

Tips for Intermediate Skiers

An intermediate skier might be ready for a new challenge. They may also want to make it easier to navigate by using shorter skis. Intermediate skiers may tackle blue trails, or they may attempt a few black diamonds as they feel more comfortable on the slopes. They may also go with the recommended ski size for their height.

Tips for Advanced Skiing

The most experienced skiers can take their ski sizing recommendations and size up a few more centimeters. These are the people who feel most at ease on the trails. They often navigate the toughest black diamond runs. Sizing up the skis allows for more speed and aggressiveness on the trails.

Ski Width

After finding the best ski length, including for moguls, the next step is to think about ski width. The Colorado area has many famous ski resorts and unique trail conditions. You won't find these anywhere else in the world.

Skis that are the right size for length and width can help everyone enjoy the slopes. Pay special attention to the ski waist width for the best experience.

Ski waist width indicates the measurement of the ski in the middle. Beginners may want to choose a ski that is narrower, so they have more control. A wider waist width on a ski may be more challenging to navigate.

Rocker vs. Camber

The next thing to understand about ski sizing is the profile of the ski. The most common profiles are rocker and camber.

Camber skis are generally flat, rise up in the middle, and rise up at the ends of the skis. A rocker ski is the opposite of that. Rocker skis are best for off-trail conditions with powdery, untouched snow.

Considerations for Varied Skiing Terrains

The terrain you plan on skiing also matters with sizing. Most beginners and intermediate skiers can use standard all-mountain skis. These skis work well in any type of condition.

Skiers who ski certain trails, like backcountry, moguls, or terrain parks, should pick a ski made for that terrain. Options include powder, big mountain, Alpine-touring, or freestyle skis.

Turning Radius

Another consideration that also should be part of ski sizing is the turning radius. Each ski brand assigns a turn radius measurement to the product to assist consumers with choosing the right match for their skiing style.

Most beginner and all-mountain skis feature a short turn radius of 16 meters or less. Longer turn radius skis of 22 meters or more are best suited for backcountry and freestyle skiers. Manufacturers make skis with a medium turn radius of 17 to 22 meters. This design helps all-mountain skiers control their turns better at higher speeds.

Find Skis That Fit Your Body and Match Your Style

Let the Virgin Islands Ski Rental team help you determine the correct ski size for your body and skill. We offer 10% off for rentals that are booked online or call us at 800-525-9186. Visit us at our retail location in Silverthorne, Colorado, right in the middle of the best ski resorts in Summit County, to try out some ski sizes and pick out your accessories. For specific questions about equipment rentals, head over to our FAQ page for pro guidance.