Ski Sizing Guide

Finding your size

Choosing the right ski length comes down to your height and skill level. As a rule of thumb, a ski standing on end should reach somewhere between your chin and forehead.

Skier Height Beginner Advanced Expert
4'3 ft / 130 cm 115 cm 125 cm 130 cm
4'4 ft / 135 cm 120 cm 130 cm 135 cm
4'6 ft / 140 cm 125 cm 135 cm 140 cm
4'7 ft / 145 cm 130 cm 140 cm 145 cm
4'9 ft / 150 cm 135 cm 145 cm 150 cm
5'1 ft / 155 cm 140 cm 150 cm 155 cm
5'2 ft / 160 cm 145 cm 155 cm 165 cm
5'4 ft / 165 cm 150 cm 165 cm 175 cm
5'6 ft / 170 cm 155 cm 170 cm 180 cm
5'7 ft / 175 cm 160 cm 175 cm 185 cm
5'9 ft / 180 cm 170 cm 180 cm 190 cm
6'1 ft / 185 cm 175 cm 185 cm 195 cm
6'2 ft / 190 cm 180 cm 190 cm 190+ cm
6'6 ft / 200 cm 185 cm 190+ cm 190+ cm
  • Shorter (–5 cm) = quicker turns, more playful
  • Longer (+5 cm) = more stability, speed and float

Adjusting Ski Length Based on Skiing Ability

Your skill level affects how much control you’ll have with a given ski length:

Beginner

  • Go for skis closer to chin height or even shorter.

  • Shorter skis are easier to maneuver, especially at low speeds.

  • Ideal for learning basic turns and controlling speed.

Intermediate

  • Opt for skis that fall between chin and nose height.

  • This offers more versatility for learning to carve and handle moderate terrain.

Advanced to Expert

  • Choose skis closer to or above head height.

  • Longer skis provide better stability at higher speeds and improved performance in deep snow and variable terrain.Ski sizing diagram showing beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski length recommendations

    Going Shorter vs. Going Longer

    Once you know your recommended size range, there are a few good reasons to size up or down. Shorter skis tend to be easier to maneuver and turn, while longer skis offer greater stability, especially at higher speeds.

    Factor Go Shorter Go Longer
    Ability Beginner Advanced
    Terrain Park, groomers (Subtract 2–5 cm for maneuverability) Powder, freeride (Add 2–5 cm for flotation and stability)
    Style Slower, controlled (Subtract around 2 cm) Fast, aggressive (Add around 2 cm)
    Weight Lighter than average (Size down 1–3 cm) Heavier than average (Size up 1–3 cm for added stability)
    Ski Profile More camber More rocker