Ski Length Calculator

RECOMMENDATION: A ski size calculator's suggestion is simply a starting point. You should make the final choice depending on what you like and what feels comfortable and stable to you. When deciding on the size of your skis, you also need to think about other things that can affect their performance, like the width of the ski, the way it bends, and the shape of the tip and tail.

How long should a beginner's skis be if they are 175 cm tall?

If you are a novice who is 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighs about 75 kg (165 lb), you should start with skis that are 160 to 164 cm long, from an easy-going to an aggressive style. The chart puts a 175 cm beginner near 162 cm, and 75 kg (165 lb) sits inside the typical band for that height, so the calculator returns 162 cm. When you are learning how to ski, it is really important to be able to control and turn your skis easily.

How long should powder skis be?

Longer than your all-mountain ski. Völkl adds 2 to 5 cm for powder and freeride, for flotation and stability. Salomon sizes freeride skis between 5 and 10 cm over your height, up to 15 cm for fast skiers in open terrain, and Fischer at your height or up to 15 cm taller. The calculator adds 7 cm for the Powder ski type on top of your all-mountain length, which is this site's convention inside those ranges: a 175 cm (5 ft 9 in), 75 kg intermediate gets 175 cm.

Does weight matter for ski length?

The makers disagree. Fischer says weight plays no role in the length of piste skis. Völkl sizes 1 to 3 cm down for a skier lighter than average and up for one heavier than average. Nordica puts a skier who weighs less than average for their height toward the chin, and one who weighs more toward the top of the head. The calculator compares your weight with the typical weight for your height and moves the length by 2 cm at the edge of that band, growing toward 12 cm at the extremes of the weight range, so on this calculator a skier who weighs 100 kg (220 lb) gets a longer ski than one who weighs 80 kg (176 lb) at the same height. That curve is this site's convention.

Should skis be taller than me?

For experts and freeride, often yes. Atomic puts experts at body height or longer, Fischer gives experts their height or up to 5 cm longer and freeride skis up to 15 cm taller, and Salomon sizes freeride skis 5 to 10 cm over your height. Beginners and intermediates stay shorter: on this calculator a 175 cm (5 ft 9 in), 75 kg expert on all-mountain skis gets 179 cm.

What ski length for a 180 cm man?

At a typical weight for 180 cm (70 to 85 kg), on all-mountain skis: beginner 168 cm, intermediate 173 cm, advanced 178 cm, expert 184 cm. Fischer's rule gives a beginner 165 to 170 cm, an advanced skier 170 to 175 cm and an expert 180 to 185 cm. The same length applies to a 180 cm woman: Fischer says the differences between men's and women's skis are not found in the length, but in the hardness of the skis and the mounting point of the binding.

What ski length for women?

The same as for men of the same height, weight and ability. Fischer says the differences are not found in the length, but in the hardness of the skis and the mounting point of the binding. Women's models differ in build, not in the length this calculator gives.

Is it okay to ski on skis that are 5 cm longer than advised?

For a fast, advanced skier, often yes; for a beginner, no. Nordica lists liking to ski fast and make longer turns among its reasons to go longer, toward the top of your head, and being a beginner to intermediate skier among its reasons to go shorter, toward the chin. Völkl: shorter skis are easier to turn, longer ones more stable at speed. Stay inside the maker's range for your height either way.

What is the difference between ski length and ski size?

They are the same thing. When people talk about ski length and size, they mean the length from tip to tail in centimeters. Some manufacturers also include a running length, which is the length of the contact area without the tip and tail rocker. However, the size that is always offered when you buy skis is the whole length.

Does the width of the skis affect the length I should choose?

Indirectly, through rocker. REI notes that the wider the waist, the more rocker a ski is likely to have in the tip and tail, which shortens its effective edge. The makers add length back for that: Völkl lists more rocker as a reason to go longer, and Nordica writes that "we recommend sizing up skis with a lot of rocker in order to maintain stability". Nordica also says that narrower carving skis with smaller turn radiuses and full camber can be skied shorter. This calculator does not ask about width or rocker, so check the maker's chart for the model you buy.

How do I pick the right ski length for my child?

Use the kids ski length calculator: Fischer sizes children by a point on the body for each height band (up to 115 cm tall, beginner armpit to shoulder, intermediate chin to nose, advanced forehead; up to 135 cm tall, beginner chin to nose, intermediate chin to nose, advanced body height; up to 155 cm tall, beginner nose to forehead, intermediate nose to forehead, advanced height +5 to 7 cm), and says adult skis can be used from about 155 cm. Nordica gives a second view: junior skis between the child's chest and nose.

How long should carving skis be?

Carving skis are 7 cm shorter than all-mountain skis on this calculator because their deep sidecut radius makes turns happen more quickly. The calculator makes a -7 cm change for the Groomers and carving type. Nordica agrees on the direction: narrower carving skis with smaller turn radiuses and full camber can be skied shorter.

What size skis do I need for my height and weight?

A 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) skier weighing 75 kg needs skis between 162 and 173 cm depending on ability: beginners 162 cm, intermediate 168 cm, advanced 173 cm. Weight moves it from there: 2 cm at the edge of the typical weight band for your height, more beyond it, by this site's convention. Use the calculator above for exact length based on all factors.

What size skis for a 5'9" woman?

160 to 171 cm depending on ability and weight. A beginner 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) woman weighing 65 kg (143 lb): 160 cm. Intermediate: 166 cm. Advanced: 171 cm. Women's ski models are the same length as men's for the same height and weight. The difference is flex and mounting position, not length.

Should I size up or down in skis?

Size down (shorter) if you are a beginner, prefer short turns, or ski park and freestyle: those three the calculator already applies. Size up (longer) if you are advanced, ski fast, prefer freeride or powder, or weigh more than average for your height. Nordica lists the same reasons on both sides. There is no age input, and no maker quoted on this page gives an age rule. When in doubt between two sizes, beginners go shorter, advanced go longer.

How long should my skis be for carving on piste?

7 cm shorter than your all-mountain size. For a 175 cm intermediate skier of average weight: all-mountain 168 cm, carving 161 cm. Shorter carving skis transition edge to edge faster. Slalom skis are shorter again. FIS sets a minimum length rather than a range and it differs by category: in its Specifications for Alpine Competition Equipment for 2026/27, 155 cm for women and 165 cm for men, with no upper limit. Those are racing minima and say nothing about what to buy for skiing on piste; this calculator sizes recreational skis.

Are 160 cm skis right for me?

For a 70 kg (154 lb) skier, 160 cm skis suit an intermediate of 164 to 165 cm tall, a beginner of 174 cm, or an advanced skier of 157 cm. Outside 157 to 174 cm of height, 160 cm skis are likely the wrong length. The reverse lookup table below gives the same answer, and the calculator above adds your own weight.