What size skis do I need?

Picking the right ski length can feel a bit like solving a puzzle—but it doesn’t have to be. Your height and weight are a great place to start, but the perfect ski size actually depends on a mix of factors: your skill level, how you like to ski, and the terrain you spend most of your time on.

So… what size skis do you need?

When choosing the right length, here’s what really matters:

Height:
A classic rule of thumb: skis should fall somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. Shorter skis are nimble and easy to turn, while longer skis give you more stability—especially when you’re flying down the mountain or floating through soft snow.

Weight:
Your weight influences how the ski flexes. Heavier skiers often benefit from slightly longer skis for added stability and float. Lighter skiers tend to prefer shorter lengths for better control and easier maneuverability.

Skill level:

Beginners: Shorter skis = easier to control, easier to turn, less intimidating.
Advanced/Experts: Longer skis = more power, more stability, more confidence at speed.

Skiing style:

Love carving groomers? A slightly shorter ski lets you make quicker, tighter turns.
Chasing powder? Longer skis give you that lovely, buoyant “surf” feeling.

Type of skiing:
Backcountry skiers often choose longer skis for floatation in deep, untouched snow. Park riders lean toward shorter skis for spins, jumps, and responsiveness.

Shorter vs. longer skis

A quick cheat sheet:

Choose shorter skis if:

You’re new to skiing
You like tight, snappy turns
You prefer groomers or carving skis with no rocker
You want something playful and easy to control

Choose longer skis if:

You ski fast
You spend time off-piste
Your skis have a lot of rocker (rocker lets you size up without feeling overwhelmed)
You want maximum stability in variable snow

Rockered skis in particular are worth noting: because they pivot and smear more easily, it’s common—and often recommended—to go a little longer. Just remember: skis that are too long can make it harder to find your balance point, leaving you fighting the ski instead of enjoying the ride.

Still unsure ? Watch Salomon‘s video . . .

Watch tips: ‘what size skis do I need?’

How to choose the right skis

Maybe you’ve been renting skis and want to own a pair. Maybe you’re updating skis you’ve had for a while. Or maybe you’re adding to your line-up. Whatever the situation, the hardest part of buying skis is sorting through the different types, brands, models and sizes. So where do you start when it’s time to purchase skis?

Decades ago, skis were long and wooden without much choice in what you got except for length. Ski lengths and the weight of skis have shortened as the decades have passed. Back in the day, the challenge was the lack of choices when buying skis. Now, skis come in different lengths, widths, weights, flex patterns, and sidecuts, with hundreds of options to choose from.

Keep in mind that these guidelines are general and may not apply to everyone. It’s always best to consult with a ski expert or rental shop for personalised advice on selecting the right ski size.

What size skis do I need?