How to Choose the Right Ski

Choosing the right skis can make a big difference out on the slopes, and our team at Christy Sports wants you need to make an informed buying decision. Buying skis doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few points that can help you narrow down your search and choose the option that is best suited to you. To narrow the search, we’ve listed some of the main considerations to help you determine what skis will help you perform to the best of your ability.

Skis aren’t exactly a “one size fits all” type of sports equipment. Options are often based on your skiing ability, the type of terrain that you’ll be encountering, and different lengths based on your height/weight and level of experience. Here are a few of the main things to look for when deciding:

Ability Level

If you’re just starting out as a beginner, you’ll want to pick skis that are flexible and have a narrow profile. These skis are often made of a wood core. This will enable you to make more controlled turns while also being forgiving. If you’re comfortable skiing down intermediate runs, a stiffer ski that is a little wider will offer more precision, and float above the snow. Intermediate skis are often a wood core ski with some type of carbon laminate overlay which offers a bit more structure and support at higher speeds. Expert skiers who are comfortable with black diamond runs should choose skis that are stiff. These skis often have sheets of metal in them, with profiles that provide precise controlled handling on various terrain types.

Terrain Type

Choose wider skis for powder as they help you float above the snow as opposed to sink through it. Some people prefer wider skis also because they give you a bigger support platform, however wider skis can be a little slower edge to edge which results in slower turns. Wider “powder” skis are typically 100mm + waist width. These powder skis often have a lot of rocker in their profile to allow them to float over deep snow. If you’re taking on big mountain or freeride runs, you’ll want to choose skis that are stiff and can manage uncertain terrain with better stability. If you are looking for a “front-side” ski to rip up groomers, and go fast, you will probably want a stiff pair of narrow ski less than 90mm wide. All-mountain skis are typically between 90mm-100mm waist width and offer a profile with rocker technology in the tip.

Length

A ski size chart can provide a good indicator of the length of skis that will be the most comfortable once you’re out on your next run. As a general rule, you should invest in skis that measure somewhere between your chin and forehead, though more advanced skiers will typically choose longer skis with more surface area that can provide a better float above the snow, and more stability at high speeds. Shorter skis provide better control for beginners, so be sure to choose the option that suits your skill level. Below is a size chart to help get you started. Please keep in mind that sizing on this chart is approximate, and may vary depending on your skier ability level, and the type of ski you are interested in.

Mens & Womens Size Ski Size Chart

Men's Ski Lengths

Skier Height (in) Skier Height (cm) Expert Ski Length (cm) Intermediate Ski Length (cm) Beginner Ski Length (cm)
4'6" 137 140 135 125
4'8" 142 145 140 130
5'0" 152 155 145 135
5'2" 158 165 155 145
5'6" 168 175 165 155
5'8" 173 180 170 160
5'10" 178 185 175 165
6'0" 183 190 180 170
6'2" 188 195 185 175
6'4" 193 195 190 180

Women's Ski Lengths

Skier Height (in) Skier Height (cm) Expert Ski Length (cm) Intermediate Ski Length (cm) Beginner Ski Length (cm)
4'8" 142 149 139 136
5'0" 152 152 142 139
5'2" 158 153 146 143
5'4" 163 163 153 150
5'6" 168 166 156 153
5'8" 173 170 160 157
5'10" 178 173 163 160
6'0" 183 180 170 167

Ski Profile

Skis come in various profiles that can have different effects on various terrain types. The most common ski profiles have camber bellow the feet with a “rocker” tip. This is a very versatile ski design. Most skis these days (with an exception of alpine ski race skis) have some combination of Rocker and Camber.