Choosing a Ski Length
Long skis or short skis? Which ski size is right for you? Choosing the right ski size or length can significantly affect your skiing experience. It can make it more enjoyable. Or, it can make it a pain in the--foot.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of skiing your going to do. Whether cross country, alpine, freestyle, telemark, or something else, each type of skiing requires both different types of skis and ski lengths, as well as bindings.
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Consider your level of expertise. It is often recommended that beginners use shorter skis (relative to the normal lengths for the ski type) because it gives them more control and less ski to wrestle with. Shorter skis also provide more control over steering. More experienced skiers tend to use longer skis ranging from chin or nose height to forehead or even over the head.
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Discuss what type of skiing you plan to do with the customer service rep. They will guide you to the correct ski types, and help you evaluate which length would work best with your experience level, weight and height.
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Be honest about your weight when looking at ski lengths and talking with the customer service rep. For all intents and purposes, skis are long, skinny and pliable snowshoes that support and carry you over the snow, and are in part designed to support certain weight loads at certain lengths. Your weight may influence whether you need a longer or shorter ski relative to your height.
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Try them on. Like shoes and boots, skis have a certain feel to them, and they can feel right-or wrong. One of the best ways is to rent before you buy. Many ski resorts and sports shops will rent skis, boots and bindings, giving you a chance to experiment with different manufacturers, ski lengths and types. Try the skis over the terrain you most usually ski on. You’ll quickly discover the “feel” of the ski-and if it’s right for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Because skis are used around the world, metric measurements are used when it comes to ski lengths. So expect to have a length described in centimeters (cm). When converting to inches, a quick rule of thumb is that 2.54cm equals 1 inch.
