How to Choose Ski Length: Chart by Height, Level and Style

The right ski length starts from your height and level, then moves a few centimetres for your weight and where you ski. An intermediate skier usually fits skis about 8 cm shorter than their height, a beginner about 15 cm shorter, and an expert a little longer than their height. This guide uses the same rules as our Find my length tool.

Why ski length matters

A shorter ski turns more easily and is easier to control at low speed. A longer ski is more stable at speed, holds an edge better on long turns and floats higher in powder. The right length is the shortest ski that still feels stable at the speeds you actually ski.

Length works together with the ski’s shape. A ski with a lot of tip rocker touches the snow over less of its length, so it skis shorter than the number printed on it. A full-camber carving ski uses its whole edge, so it skis its full length.

Ski length chart by height and level

The ranges below are for all-mountain skis at an average weight for your height. Each range is the length our finder suggests, plus or minus 3 cm.

Your level sets the starting point. Beginners start about 15 cm under their height, intermediates about 8 cm under, advanced skiers about 3 cm under, and experts about 2 cm over.

Adjust for weight and terrain

Weight changes how hard you bend the ski. A heavier skier flexes a ski more and needs extra length for stability; a lighter skier gets more control from a shorter ski. Terrain changes the job the ski has to do.

• Heavier than average for your height: +4 cm, for stability.
• Lighter than average for your height: −4 cm, so the ski turns more easily.
• Park and freestyle: −5 cm, easier to spin and press.
• Powder and freeride: +5 cm, for float.
• Carving or racing: −3 cm, for quicker edge-to-edge turns.
• Touring: −5 cm, lighter on the way up and easier kick turns.

Our finder uses a body mass index of about 22 as “average for your height”. For example, at 170 cm, under about 54 kg counts as light and over about 73 kg counts as heavy.

Length by ski type

• All-mountain skis (waist about 80–100 mm): use the chart as it is. Most Ontario skiers ride these on groomers and hardpack.
• Carving and racing skis: go about 3 cm shorter for quicker edge-to-edge turns on firm snow.
• Powder and freeride skis (waist about 100 mm and up): go about 5 cm longer for float in deep snow.
• Park and freestyle skis: go about 5 cm shorter, so the ski is easier to spin and press.
• Touring skis: go about 5 cm shorter, for a lighter ski on the way up and easier kick turns.

When you are between two lengths

Go shorter if you are still learning, ski mostly at low to moderate speed, or ski tight trees and moguls. Go longer if you ski fast, weigh more than average for your height, or chase powder. Most skis come in 5–8 cm steps, so a range of 6 cm usually holds one or two lengths.

Check it in store

A fitter can check the length with the skis in hand at our Richmond Hill, Newmarket or Ottawa store. Bindings are mounted free with any skis you buy from us, and we set the DIN before pickup. Shop skis and ski bindings, or see all charts on our size charts page.

Ski length questions

Should a beginner ski be shorter?

Yes. A beginner ski about 12–18 cm shorter than your height turns more easily while you learn. As you ski faster, you will want more length for stability.

Does weight matter more than height for skis?

Height sets the starting point and weight adjusts it. If you are much heavier or lighter than average for your height, move about 4 cm longer or shorter.

Can women ski the same length chart?

Yes. Ski length depends on height, weight and level, not gender. Women’s skis are often lighter and softer, and come in shorter lengths, but the same chart applies.

Photo: Frederik Kalbermatten / Faction Skis.