perfect-length-skis
Selecting the right ski length is crucial for maximising not only your performance on the ski slopes of Andorra, but also your enjoyment during your holiday in Andorra. Working out what length skis to buy or rent may seen daunting, given that there are so many options available, but answering the question of “What length should my skis be?” is actually a lot simpler than it might first appear. In this guide to the optimal length of skis, we’ll break down the essential factors you should consider in order to make an informed decision.
Why choosing the right ski length matters
Before we continue, let’s explain why the length of skis matter and how this can affect performance. To put it simply, ski length has an impact on stability and, therefore, on your level of control and manoeuvrability on the mountain. If your skis are too long or too short, it can be harder to maintain balance. When you are a beginner, that lack of balance can be particularly disruptive, and limit your ability to develop proper technique and confidence on the slopes.
Key factors to determine ski length
So, let’s get to it. You’re a new skier and excited for your upcoming ski trip. What are the three main factors to answer the question of “What length skis do I need?” The three primary things to consider are: firstly, your height; secondly, your skiing skill level; and, thirdly, the type of piste you’ll be skiing on. Let’s look into each of these in more detail below.
Your height and its impact on ski length
Height is one of the most straightforward and reliable indicators for determining your optimal length of skis. At its most basic, the rule is that the taller you are the longer your skis should be. That’s because taller skiers have a higher centre of gravity and typically need more surface area to ensure stability, whereas shorter skiers are already closer to the ground and don’t need as much contact with the snow.
We’ll look in more detail at a ski size calculator at the bottom of this guide, in the section titled “Quick guide: How to choose ski length based on height”, but to give a rough indication already, the usual recommendation is that you select skis which reach somewhere between your chin and the top of your head when you stand the skis vertically from the ground up.
Skiing skill level: Beginner, intermediate or expert
Other factors can also impact what your optimal length of skis might be, besides your height. Your skill level is one of these factors, as you might want to add or subtract a few centimetres depending on where you sit on the scale of skiing experience.
For example, if you’re a beginner taking your first lessons at the Pal Arinsal Ski School, you should follow the standard height ski size calculator and then take off a few extra centimetres. Why are shorter skis better for a beginner? It’s because shorter skis are easier to control and turn. So, you’d want skis that stand up to a little below your chin.
If, on the other hand, you consider yourself an intermediate or experienced skier, you can add centimetres on, since longer skis can offer more stability and speed for skiers who plan to perform more advanced moves, go at higher speeds or, and this brings us on to our final factor, take on more challenging terrain.
Ski type: Piste, off-piste or freestyle
The third factor to consider when you ask yourself “What length skis should I get?” relates to the terrain and the type of skiing you’ll be practising. If the terrain is more challenging and advanced, it’s worth adding on an extra centimetre or two when making your ski length selection, since the extra surface area can prove useful.
Also keep in mind that the ski length can be shorter for runs on nicely groomed snow, where turning and maintaining control is already easier, whereas runs on choppier snow, such as backcountry or powder skiing, usually require a slightly longer ski to help you stay on your feet. As for freestyle skiing, this is a unique consideration, since park and trick skiers often prefer shorter skis because it gives slightly better manoeuvrability.
Quick guide: How to choose ski length based on height
As mentioned above, your height is the first factor to consider when it comes to selecting the right length of skis. A typical men’s ski sizing chart would be as follows:
- 5'0": 150cm intermediate length (subtract a few cm for beginners / add a few cm for experts):
- 5'2": 155cm
- 5'4": 160cm
- 5'6": 165cm
- 5'8": 170cm
- 5'10": 175cm
- 6'0": 180cm
- 6'2": 185cm
- 6'4": 190cm
And, a typical women’s ski sizing chart would be as so:
- 4'8": 140cm intermediate length (subtract a few cm for beginners / add a few cm for experts):
- 4'10": 145cm
- 5'0": 150cm
- 5'2": 155cm
- 5'4": 160cm
- 5'6": 165cm
- 5'8": 170cm
- 5'10": 175cm
- 6'0": 180cm
So, based on the above, if you’re wondering “What length skis for 5'11" man?”, then the above table would suggest a starting point between 175cm 180cm, with adjustments made depending on the man in question’s skill level and skiing style. Similarly, the above tables show that the answer to the question of “What size ski for a 5'2" woman?” would take a starting point of 155cm, and again adjust for skill level and skiing style. In any case, when you’re buying or renting skis, you can always chat with the staff at the store and they’ll be able to advise on what exactly is the right ski length for you.