This guide is for alpine (downhill) skis. Ski length depends on your height, your ability, and how you like to ski. Use this chart as a starting point, then talk to us about the ski itself: rocker, width, and turn shape all change how long a ski feels.
Recommended Alpine Length (cm)
| Height |
Beginner |
Intermediate |
Advanced |
Expert |
| 4'10" / 147 |
120–130 |
130–140 |
140–150 |
145–155 |
| 5'0" / 152 |
125–135 |
135–145 |
145–155 |
150–160 |
| 5'2" / 157 |
130–140 |
140–150 |
150–160 |
155–165 |
| 5'4" / 163 |
135–145 |
145–155 |
155–165 |
160–170 |
| 5'6" / 168 |
140–150 |
150–160 |
160–170 |
165–175 |
| 5'8" / 173 |
145–155 |
155–165 |
165–175 |
170–180 |
| 5'10" / 178 |
150–160 |
160–170 |
170–180 |
175–185 |
| 6'0" / 183 |
155–165 |
165–175 |
175–185 |
180–190 |
| 6'2" / 188 |
160–170 |
170–180 |
180–190 |
185–192 |
| 6'4" / 193 |
165–175 |
175–185 |
185–192 |
190–192 |
Quick Rule
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Beginner: ski tip around your chin. Shorter skis turn easily.
-
Intermediate: tip between your nose and forehead.
-
Advanced: tip around the top of your head, for stability at speed.
-
Expert: about 5cm longer than advanced, for hard charging and big-mountain terrain.
Adjust For
-
Go longer: heavier build, fast skiing, deep snow, lots of tip rocker.
-
Go shorter: lighter build, tight trees and moguls, uphill touring.
-
Telemark: if you want a ski for tele, we recommend going down about 10cm from the length you normally like.
Not sure? Call us at (802) 253-4531 or stop in. Want to try before you buy? Demo a ski and we deduct the rental from the purchase.
