1. Ski Size Calculator
Find your perfect skis in seconds!
Why trust our calculator? We’ve spent years fitting skiers in shops and on snow. This tool reflects the same sizing advice we give every day — clear, beginner-friendly, and based on what actually works.
How to Use the Calculator
Just enter your height, weight, boot size, skill level, and what kind of skiing you do — and we’ll recommend a ski length that actually makes sense. This tool’s built on the same logic we’ve used fitting skis in the shop for years.
Not sure what to pick for level or style? Start with Beginner and All-Mountain — you’ll still get a solid match.
2. Ski Size Charts
Prefer to check the numbers yourself? Here’s our go-to ski size chart. Just make sure to give the calculator a try too — it’s faster and factors in way more than the usual height-and-weight estimates.
Adjusting Ski Length by Riding Style
| Skiing Style | Length Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Park / Freestyle | -5 to -10 cm |
| All-Mountain | Use Chart Baseline |
| Powder / Freeride | +5 to +10 cm |
| Carving / Piste | -5 to 0 cm |
| Backcountry / Touring | +0 to +5 cm |
Ski Waist Width Chart
| Skiing Style | Typical Waist Width (mm) |
|---|---|
| Carving / Frontside | 65–85 mm |
| All-Mountain | 85–100 mm |
| Freeride / Powder | 100–115 mm |
| Backcountry / Touring | 85–105 mm |
| Park / Freestyle | 85–95 mm |
3. Ski Size Guide
Picking the right ski length makes a huge difference. Skis that fit right feel better underfoot — smoother turns, more control, and way less effort. In this guide, we’ll break down how to find your size based on what really matters — not just old-school height charts. Let’s get you dialed in.
Why Ski Size Matters
Go too short and your skis might feel twitchy or unstable at speed. Go too long and they can feel sluggish or like you’re wrestling them all day. The right size? It just clicks — turns feel natural, balance improves, and you can actually ski how you want.
How to Choose the Right Ski Length
Ski length is measured in centimeters, tip to tail. Back in the day, people just grabbed skis that came up to their chin or nose and hoped for the best. That gets you close, but it’s not enough anymore.
Weight matters a lot — it changes how much pressure you put into the ski and how it responds, especially in turns and deeper snow. That’s why our calculator (and charts) use both height and weight to find your best range.
When to Size Up or Down
Sizing charts give you a range, but where you land depends on how and where you ski.
Size down if:
You spend time in the park or want quicker, easier turns
You’re still getting comfortable on skis and want something manageable
Size up if:
You like charging fast, big mountain lines, or skiing powder
You want more stability and edge hold at speed
Even a few centimeters can totally change how skis feel. I’ve sized down 5cm for park days before and it made tricks and quick turns way easier — but I wouldn’t want to take those shorter skis into deep, chop-heavy snow.
How Skiing Style Affects Ski Size
Your skiing style has a big impact on what length works best:
Freestyle / Park → Go shorter. Easier to spin, quicker edge-to-edge, and more playful.
All-Mountain → Stick to the middle of your recommended range. Versatile and balanced.
Freeride / Powder → Go longer. More stability at speed, better float in deep snow, and handles rough conditions smoother.
No wrong choice here—just pick what matches your vibe and terrain.
Skill Level and Ski Size
- Beginners usually benefit from something a bit shorter—easier to control and turn without feeling locked in.
- Intermediate skiers can generally follow the recommended range as-is.
- Advanced skiers might size up a bit for extra stability and edge hold, especially if you’re charging hard or skiing technical terrain.
Understanding Ski Width
Ski width mainly comes down to what kind of terrain and snow you like to ski.
Narrower skis (around 70-85mm underfoot) are great for groomers and hardpack—they’re quick edge-to-edge and carve well.
Mid-width skis (85-100mm) are versatile all-mountain setups that handle everything reasonably well.
Wide skis (100mm+) float better in powder and soft snow but can feel slower on hardpack.
Boot size doesn’t really dictate ski width the way it does on snowboards. Instead, think about what kind of skiing you do and pick a width that matches that.
What About Ski Shape?
How a ski is shaped changes how it rides. Here’s the quick rundown:
Twin Tip Skis: Symmetrical tips and tails, designed to ski and land switch—great for park and freestyle.
Directional Skis: Usually longer in the front with a stiffer tail, made for forward skiing, big mountain lines, and better stability at speed.
Rocker & Camber Profiles: Rocker tips and tails help with float in powder and easier turn initiation. Camber underfoot provides edge grip and pop on groomers. Most skis combine both in different ways.
If you’re new, stick with something that matches your terrain and style—and don’t stress too much over the technical stuff until you’re comfortable on skis.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink it. Get in the right size range, then tweak based on how and where you ski. Our calculator and charts will get you close—then trust your gut. If it feels right on snow, that’s what counts.
Your questions answered
Ski Size FAQs
What size skis should I ride?
It depends on your height, weight, ability, and where you ski. Our calculator takes all that into account and gives you a solid starting range. From there, it’s about figuring out what feels best when you’re on snow.
Should I size up or down?
If you’re charging fast, skiing big lines, or chasing powder, sizing up adds stability. If you want easier turns, quick edge-to-edge, or spend time in the park, sizing down can help. There’s no one right answer—it’s about what works for you.
How important is weight?
Weight is a big deal. It affects how much pressure you put into the ski, which changes how it flexes and responds. Two skiers the same height but different weights can need very different ski lengths.
My skis feels too short (or too long). Did I mess up?
Not necessarily. Sizing isn’t an exact science—conditions, ski type, and your style all play a part. If it feels off, you might be outside your ideal range. Reach out—we’ll help you figure it out.
Note: If you’re just starting out, it might be a skill issue. Take some lessons and give it some time.
Do men and women size their skis differently?
Yes, women’s skis are usually designed with anatomical and physiological differences in mind—like generally lighter weight distribution and different body proportions. These factors can influence ski flex, stiffness, and how the ski feels.
Because of this, women’s skis often run a bit softer or shorter than men’s skis of the same length. But at the end of the day, your height, weight, skill, and style matter most. Don’t get too hung up on gender labels—go with what feels right for you.
Can I size down for park?
Absolutely. Shorter skis make tricks and quick turns easier. Just remember that sizing down might reduce stability at speed or in deeper snow.
Is there even such a thing as the perfect size?
Not really. Ski sizing is about finding what works best for you—your style, terrain, and goals. That’s why we give you a range, not a single magic number.
About Us
Trusted by Pros.
Backed by Experience.
We’re a crew of passionate skiers who’ve spent years fitting skis for real people — in shops, on the mountain, and everywhere in between. We’ve helped thousands dial in setups that actually work, and built this site to bring that same sizing know-how online.
It’s the same advice we’d give you in the shop — just without the wait.
Still Unsure? We Got You!
Stuck between two ski sizes? Shoot us a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP.