What length of skis you need primarily depends on what you plan to do. What type of skier are you? Piste, all-mountain, freeride, touring, freestyle, or a combination of these styles?
Next, you make a choice based on your level and personal preference. Below, you will find a schematic overview of the ski length that corresponds to each type of ski versus level.
The above chart is a handy guideline, but be sure to read on for all the tips and tricks.
Beginner skiers are mostly found on well-groomed slopes. No unexpected bumps or deep snow. Therefore, beginner skiers usually have piste skis. Skis specifically designed for carving and gliding smoothly over the piste. As a beginner, it's nice that your skis easily go through turns, which is exactly why beginner skiers usually choose a slightly shorter piste ski.
The advice for a beginner skier: a piste ski 10 to 15 centimeters shorter than your height.
What length of skis you need on the piste depends on your level as well as the type of ski. There are several types of skis suitable for the piste:
Race skis are intended for sporty skiers who enjoy carving at speed on the pistes. The skis come in different lengths depending on your level and ski style. Generally, these skis are less suitable for beginner skiers. Usually, you choose a race ski from your own height to ten centimeters shorter. The longer the ski, the more stability at high speed. A shorter ski, on the other hand, turns more easily, making them slightly more suitable for casual skiing.
Interestingly, race skis are derived from the competition skis you see in disciplines like slalom (SL), giant slalom (GS), and Super G (SG). These disciplines have strict rules for length.
Piste skis are for anyone who wants to glide smoothly over the piste. From absolute beginners to very experienced skiers. The length of ski you need depends on your level. If you want to easily go through turns, it's useful to take a not-too-long ski. But a shorter ski offers less stability at higher speeds. So if you comfortably go through turns and can ski down any piste, choose the length that suits an advanced skier (5 to 10 centimeters shorter than your height).
All-mountain skis are very versatile. You can use them on the piste, off-piste, and in the fun park. In short: a perfect ski for adventurous piste skiers.
Within the all-mountain ski category, we distinguish between piste all-mountain and freeride all-mountain. The difference lies in the width of the skis underfoot. A freeride all-mountain ski is wider, providing more floatation off-piste. Additionally, this type of ski has more rocker in the profile. This profile makes the skis easier to turn, allowing you to take a longer size without real drawbacks. Moreover, the extra length of the ski provides more floatation when you go off-piste.
The rocker in freeride skis makes them easy to turn in all conditions. Additionally, the skis feel shorter on the piste because of the rocker profile. This allows you to comfortably choose a longer size. If you're unsure between two lengths, we always advise choosing the longer ski, as you will quickly get used to the extra length.
In practice, freestyle skis are used very all-around and often as piste skis. In that case, choose the ski length as if you're choosing a piste ski. If you enjoy hitting large kickers, you can choose a slightly longer ski, and if you mostly ride rails, choose a slightly shorter one.
For selecting the right length of touring skis, you use the same guidelines as for freeride skis unless the focus is on uphill climbing. In that case, it's better to go for slightly shorter skis, which is easier with 'Spitzkehre'. However, most touring skis nowadays have rocker in the ski profile. This makes the ski feel shorter, so you choose the skis slightly longer than before.
A longer ski provides more stability at high speeds and more floatation. Additionally, skis with rocker are more maneuverable due to the profile, allowing you to easily choose a slightly longer ski without disadvantages.
The main advantage of a shorter ski is the shorter radius, making it easier to turn. This is useful in the forest or if you prefer short and quick turns. Narrow piste or race skis with little to no rocker switch edges faster, making them turn quicker. Since the entire steel edge provides grip with these skis, a short ski is sufficient.
| Shorter vs longer | |
| Shorter | Longer |
| You have little skiing experience | You have good technique or ski with a lot of power |
| You weigh less than average for your height | You weigh more than average for your height |
| You choose a ski with little or no rocker | You choose a ski with a lot of rocker or ski a lot off-piste |
| You mainly ski short turns and prefer maneuverability over speed | You ski a lot at high speeds and enjoy making long carved turns |
Are you buying a ski with a lot of rocker? Feel free to choose a ski that is as long as you or longer. The rocker ensures that the skis turn easily in all conditions, and the length provides stability, floatation, and fun.
