Ski Length Calculator For All Ski Types (Beginners & Experts)
Use our free ski length calculator below to calculate the ideal ski length for your skis. Our calculator works for all types of skis from all-mountain to powder.
Getting the right ski length is important. Too long and you may have difficulty maneuvering and controlling your skis. Too short and you may have trouble maintaining balance and stability.
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How to determine your ski length?
Your ski length is calculated by taking into consideration your height and skiing ability. Your skiing style, your weight and ability level.
We combine all this data and generate an accurate result that you can use when you buy skis or head to the rental shop. Professional ski technicians can provide even more precise data and industry knowledge to help you get the perfect fit.
The size we recommend is just a recommendation and in some cases you might still prefer to have a longer or a shorter ski.
Our ski size calculator is easy to use, simply enter your data and the it will generate an estimate length for you. It will also include a suitable range. Update any part of the calcualtor and the result will update in realtime.
Why is ski length important?
Ski length is important because it directly affects your ability to control and maneuver your skis. Learning to ski with skis that are too long or too short can make it a challenging endeavor. When your skis are the right length, you'll have better balance, stability, and control on the slopes.
Research has shown that more skilled skiers tend to use skis with a longer length compared to less-skilled skiers (Ruedl et al., 2022). This is because longer skis allow for wider turn radius and faster skiing - this is way racing specific skis are longer.
However, it's important to note that longer skis can also increase the risk of injury, specifically to the ACL, in the event of a loss of control. To minimize the risk of injury, it is recommended to choose a ski length that is appropriate for your skill level and skiing style.
See Next: Check out our free Ski DIN Calculator
Sky Types & Length
Racing skis are longer compared to traditional skis, with carving skis typically recommended to be 10-15 cm shorter than traditional skis. This is because carving skis are designed for more aggressive turns and quick edge-to-edge transitions, so a shorter length allows for better maneuverability.
Powder skis are designed with a wider width for improved flotation and are slightly longer to provide stability in deep snow. For example if your suggessted all-mountain ski was 190 cm, you might opt for a 192 cm powder ski for better performance in powder conditions (2cm longer).
Touring skis are marginally longer than all-mountain skis to provide better stability and floatation in backcountry terrain but not so long that uphill ski touring is overly challenging. With extra length comes weight.
| Ski Type | Suggested Length (cm) | Suggested Length (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Groomed | 184 | 72.4 |
| All-mountain | 190 | 74.8 |
| Powder | 192 | 75.6 |
| Touring | 191 | 75.2 |
| Racing | 196 | 77.2 |
Recommendations based on this sample data.
- Height: 180 cm (70.9 in)
- Weight: 170 kg (374.8 lb)
- Ability Level: Beginner
- Skiing Style: Easy-going
References
- Ruedl, Gerhard et al. (2022, September 5). A Comparison of ACL Injury Risk, Ski Geometry and Standing Height Parameters between Skiers with Rented and with Owned Skis. https://scite.ai/reports/10.3390/ijerph191711124
About Us
Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
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