Here’s our advice on what length of ski is best and also what types of skis are available so you can find the perfect pair for you!
Generally, taller skiers will need longer skis in order to stabilise themselves and their centre of gravity is balanced. There are many sizing charts online to give you a guideline into what length of skis are suggested for different heights. Your weight is also a determining factor to the length of skis. If you weigh less than average than your height, then shorter skis are suggested and if you weigh more than average, longer skis are recommended as it will be easier for skiers to turn and carve more easily.
Ability wise, beginners will want to choose shorter skis as they are easier to turn in and learners will have more control. Beginner skis are also more flexible and narrow and are more forgiving when turning. Intermediate skis are a little wider and have less flex to them whilst advanced skis have very little flex allowing for more speed and the ability to make quick and tight turns. Advanced skiers also will opt for longer skis as these skiers are able to control them in most conditions on advanced terrain.
You also need to think about what type of skis you would like, basing it on your style and ability. The ski categories are:
All mountain skis
These skis are for all terrain on piste and also off-piste due to their wide waists. They effectively carve through variable snow with stability and control and hold an edge due to their rockered tips. They are suited for all abilities and age groupsWhat size? Between the nose and the forehead depending on how wide the skis are.
Piste/ carving skis
Carving skis are perfect on groomed pistes as their hourglass shape means turning is easy, allowing the skier to glide down the slopes when parallel turning. They are great for intermediate skiers with some having a softer flex and making them more forgiving.What size? The length should be between your chin and eye level for more stability and wider turns.
Freeride/ powder skis
Designed for deep snow, freeride skis are wide to give that surf-like floating feel when skiing off piste. Many have a rockered tips and tails to provide more stability and making it easier to manoeuvre.What size? They are longer skis that should be forehead to over the head in height for maximum flotation.
Racing skis
Ski lengths differ depending on what kind of race it is. Usually for slalom they are shorter than for giant slalom which focuses more on speed so are consequently longer. Downhill skis are designed also for speed so are a lot longer to provide stability at high speeds. Racing skis are generally a lot stiffer and have little flex.What size? For freestyle tricks, they are best at eye level length. Opt for longer ones if using them for all mountain or if you are looking for more speed and stability.
Freestyle skis
Freestyle skis are designed for snowpark features such as halfpipes, rails, tables and jumps. They are often twintip skis, with the tail of the ski turned up so skiers are able to ski backwards when tackling or landing a jump. The bindings also sit more forward which means skiers are more stable when skiing backwards. Some twintip skis also are good all-mountain ones.What size? For freestyle tricks, they are best at eye level length. Opt for longer ones if using them for all mountain or if you are looking for more speed and stability.
Cross country skis
They are a lot more lightweight than alpine skis and designed for skiing up hill as well as down hill. The bindings also differ, allowing your heel to lift off the ski when striding up hill or on flat terrain. Cross country skis are usually longer and narrower than the other types.What size? Classic cross country skis will be slightly longer than your height, whereas skate ski lengths are closer to your height.
Children's skis
The same factors of height, weight and ability apply for child skis also. Children’s skis should be shorter in length, closer to their chest if their weight is lighter than average for their height and are beginner skiers. Size up skis if they are heavier than average for their height or are at an intermediate level and like to ski fast on steeper terrain.The best way to test skis out and find what pair is right for you is to go to a ski shop at a snowdome so you can try them out and find out what works for you.
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