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Kids Ski Size Calculator
Find the right ski length for your child in seconds.
What size skis does my child need? Kids skis should reach between chest and nose height. A 120 cm tall beginner child needs 90 to 100 cm skis (chest height). An intermediate child of the same height needs 100 to 110 cm skis (chin to nose). Lighter children size down 5 cm, heavier children size up 5 cm. Children above 155 cm and 50 kg can switch to adult skis. Enter your child's height and ability below for a precise recommendation.
Unlike static size charts, this calculator adjusts ski length for your child's weight relative to height and ability level. A light beginner and a heavy advanced skier of the same height need very different ski lengths. Most charts ignore this.
Kids Ski Size Chart by Age and Height
Heights and weights are 50th percentile for each age. If your child is lighter than average for their height, choose from the shorter end of the range. If heavier, choose the longer end. Use the calculator above for a personalised recommendation.
| Age | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) | Beginner (cm) | Intermediate (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 94 | 14 | 70 to 80 | 75 to 85 |
| 4 | 102 | 16 | 75 to 85 | 80 to 90 |
| 5 | 109 | 18 | 80 to 90 | 85 to 100 |
| 6 | 114 | 21 | 85 to 95 | 95 to 105 |
| 7 | 122 | 23 | 90 to 100 | 100 to 110 |
| 8 | 127 | 25 | 95 to 105 | 105 to 115 |
| 9 | 132 | 28 | 100 to 110 | 110 to 120 |
| 10 | 137 | 31 | 105 to 115 | 115 to 125 |
| 11 | 142 | 34 | 110 to 120 | 120 to 135 |
| 12 | 147 | 38 | 115 to 130 | 125 to 140 |
| 13 | 155 | 45 | 125 to 135 | 135 to 150 |
| 14+ | 163 | 50 | 130 to 145 | 140 to 160 |
Children above 155 cm and 50 kg can transition to adult skis. See the Ski Length Calculator.
How Kids Ski Sizing Works
Kids ski sizing is simpler than adult sizing because children's skis are designed primarily for control and learning, not speed. The general rule is that skis should reach between chest and nose height when standing upright. Beginners need shorter skis (chest height) because shorter skis are easier to turn and control at low speeds. As ability improves, ski length increases toward chin, then nose height for stability at higher speeds. Weight matters because it affects how much pressure the child puts on the ski. A lighter child cannot flex a longer ski properly, making turns harder. A heavier child on too-short skis will overpower them, causing instability.
Should I Rent or Buy Kids Skis?
Rent for the first 1 to 2 seasons. Children grow quickly, and a 5-year-old may outgrow their skis mid-season. Renting allows you to swap sizes at the rental shop without additional cost. Consider buying once your child skis regularly (10 or more days per season), has reached a stable growth rate (usually after age 8 to 9), and has settled on a consistent ability level. A good used kids ski with bindings costs 50 to 120 EUR (55 to 130 USD). Season-long rental packages typically cost 80 to 150 EUR per season depending on the resort and equipment quality.
When to Switch from Kids to Adult Skis
The transition typically happens between age 12 and 14, when the child reaches approximately 155 cm height and 50 kg weight. The signs that it is time to switch: the child maxes out the longest available kids ski length (usually 150 to 160 cm), they feel unstable at speed on kids skis, or their boot sole length exceeds the kids binding range. Do not rush the transition. Adult skis are heavier and stiffer, which makes them harder to control for a lighter child. When ready, start with a shorter adult ski (approximately chin height) rather than the adult recommendation based on ability level.
DIN Settings for Kids
Children's DIN settings are lower than adults because they weigh less and are still developing. A typical 30 kg intermediate child skier needs DIN 2 to 3. A 45 kg advanced teenage skier needs DIN 4 to 5. Never set DIN higher than recommended for a child's weight and ability. Bindings that do not release properly are a leading cause of knee injuries in young skiers. For a precise DIN setting for your child, use the DIN Calculator on our homepage.
How Much Longer Should I Buy for Growth?
Sizing up for growth is tempting but dangerous if overdone. A ski that is too long is hard to control, discourages the child, and increases fall risk. The safe rule: size up a maximum of 5 to 10 cm beyond the recommended length, never more. This gives approximately one season of growth room. If your child grows more than 10 cm per year (common between age 10 and 14), renting is more practical than buying.
Related Ski Tools
For an exact DIN binding setting for your child, the DIN Calculator on our homepage accounts for age, weight, height, boot sole length, and ability level. If your child is transitioning to adult skis, the Ski Length Calculator covers all adult skiing styles including all-mountain, freestyle, and racing. For boot fitting, the Ski Boot Flex Calculator recommends flex index based on weight and ability.
Frequently asked questions
What size skis for a 120 cm tall child?
90 to 100 cm for a beginner, 100 to 110 cm for an intermediate skier. Lighter children should aim for the shorter end, heavier children for the longer end of the range.
Should kids skis reach chin or nose height?
Chin to nose for intermediate skiers. Chest height for beginners. Nose to top of head for advanced young skiers. The body reference depends on ability, not just age.
Is it OK to buy longer skis for a child to grow into?
Only 5 to 10 cm longer than recommended, never more. Skis that are too long are harder to turn, reduce confidence, and increase fall risk. If your child is growing fast, consider renting instead.
What DIN setting for a child?
DIN 2 to 3 for a 30 kg intermediate child. DIN 4 to 5 for a 45 kg advanced teenager. Use the DIN Calculator for your child's exact setting based on weight, height, boot sole length, and ability.
When should my child switch to adult skis?
At approximately 155 cm height and 50 kg weight, usually between age 12 and 14. Signs: the longest kids ski feels too short, the child is unstable at speed, or their boot exceeds the kids binding range.
Should I rent or buy skis for my child?
Rent for the first 1 to 2 seasons while your child is growing quickly and still learning. Buy once they ski 10 or more days per season and have reached a stable size (usually after age 8 to 9). Used kids skis cost 50 to 120 EUR.
Recommendations are general guidelines based on standard ski fitting principles. Individual factors such as strength, coordination, and skiing frequency may require adjustments. For the best fit, consult a certified ski technician at your local ski shop. DIN binding settings must always be verified by a qualified technician.
Last updated: June 2026