Sizing skis is a topic that is as clear as mud. The recommended ski length can vary because of the type of ski you are looking at, or even how the ski is constructed. So how do you go about choosing the right size? We have broken down recommended ski lengths based on height for adults, and a height/weight/age chart for kids.
Adult
The general rule for adult ski sizing is that the ski length should fall somewhere between your chin and your forehead.
- For beginners, try to stay close to your chin.
- For intermediate level skiers, try to stay between upper lip and eyebrows.
- For advanced level skiers, shoot for anything in your forehead to top of head in length.
- For expert level skiers, you choose.
| Adult Ski Sizing Guide |
| Height (in) |
Height (cm) |
Ski
Length (cm) |
 |
| 4'0" |
122 |
100-110 |
| 4'2" |
127 |
110-120 |
| 4'4" |
132 |
120-130 |
| 4'6" |
137 |
125-135 |
| 4'8" |
142 |
130-140 |
| 4'10" |
147 |
135-145 |
| 5'0" |
152 |
140-155 |
| 5'2" |
158 |
145-165 |
| 5'4" |
163 |
150-170 |
| 5'6" |
168 |
155-175 |
| 5'8" |
173 |
160-180 |
| 5'10" |
178 |
165-185 |
| 6'0" |
183 |
170-185 |
| 6'2"> |
188 |
175-193 |
Decisions, Decisions
Now that you have used the above chart to find your recommended range, you can start deciding if you want a shorter ski or longer ski. We have broken down some questions for each decision below:
GO SHORTER, CLOSER TO YOUR CHIN IF:
- You are a beginner-intermediate level skier
- You prefer making shorter/quicker turns
- You are looking for a carving ski
GO LONGER, CLOSER TO THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD IF:
- You are an advanced-expert level skier
- You like skiing fast and making longer turns
- You mostly ski off trial
- You are looking at a ski with a lot of rocker
Kid's
Kid's ski sizing runs a little different from the adult ski sizing because we typically size kid's skis a little shorter.
When using the below chart, your child's height may be between the two listed. If that is the case, find their weight and proceed as follows:
- If child is light for their height, use the shorter height. This will result in a shorter ski recommendation, and allow you child to flex the ski more naturally.
- If child is heavy for their height, use the taller height. This will result in a longer ski recommendation and keep your child from over flexing the ski.
| Kid's Ski Sizing Guide |
| Age |
Height (in) |
Height (cm) |
Weight (lbs) |
Weight (kg) |
Ski Length (cm) |
 |
| 3 |
37 |
94 |
31 |
14 |
70-80 |
| 4 |
40 |
102 |
35 |
16 |
80-90 |
| 5 |
43 |
109 |
40 |
18 |
90-100 |
| 6 |
45 |
114 |
46 |
21 |
100-110 |
| 7 |
48 |
122 |
50 |
23 |
| 8 |
50 |
127 |
57 |
26 |
110-120 |
| 9 |
53 |
135 |
63 |
29 |
120-130 |
| 10 |
55 |
140 |
70 |
32 |
| 11 |
57 |
145 |
79 |
36 |
130-140 |
| 12 |
59 |
149 |
89 |
40 |
140-150 |
| 13 |
61 |
156 |
100 |
45 |
| 14 |
64 |
163 |
110 |
50 |
150-160 |
*Height and weight for age is based off of 50th percentile for children of that age*
Decisions, Decisions
Now that you have found the recommended size range for your child, use the following questions to better indentify if you should stay on the high or low side of the range.
SIZE SHORTER, CLOSER TO CHEST IF:
- Child’s weight is less than average for their height.
- Child is a novice level and/or cautious skier.
- Child likes to make quick short turns.
- Child is still developing turning skills.
SIZE LONGER, CLOSER TO THE NOSE IF:
- Child’s weight is more than average for their height.
- Child’s ability level is advanced.
- Child likes to ski fast.
- You are looking at a ski with early rise or powder rocker.
- You are looking to have “room to grow”. We do not recommend going longer than your child’s suggested size range.
- Remember it is better to ski a ski too short in the future, than something too long and cumbersome right now.
Ski Leasing
If you are worried about your child growing out of ski equipment, look no further than our Junior Ski Lease program. This program is designed to keep your kids in quality equipment that is properly sized for them! |