How to Buy the Proper Length of Skis
Picking the right size ski is not as easy as it used to be. With the advent of specialty fat skis, shaped skis, powder skis and park skis, the choices are now much more vast. Add in the dizzying array of women's models, telemark skis and other considerations, and you've got a recipe for a headache. But a few pointers should make choosing the right size ski easy.
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Instructions
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Weigh and measure yourself. It is human nature to tend to guess or estimate our height and weight incorrectly. Get on a scale and have someone help measure your height accurately. This is an important step.
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Rate your skiing ability honestly. If you can't make it down a groomed run without falling, you probably are not an intermediate yet. Similarly, if you are comfortable skiing black diamond runs at speed, you are no longer an intermediate.
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Identify what type of skiing you do most. Are you a resort skier who likes long, groomed runs? Are you a park skier who spends half the day catching air? Are you a powder hound who lives for deep, untracked snow? This will have an influence on what size ski to chose.
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Consult a sizing chart, such as this one online: http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide-skis.htm
Be aware that sizing charts make suggestions that are good for a general rule of thumb but each skier will have individual preferences and needs. This is why it is always good to consult a reputable ski shop.
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Remember this general rule of thumb: ski lengths tend to go up based on skier ability, weight and aggressiveness. Exceptions to this rule include terrain park skis and slalom-specific race skis, which tend to be shorter.
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Ask for advice from ski shop techs and from friends and then try several different skis until you find the length you like.
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Tips & Warnings
A good ski shop is one that takes time to answer your questions, allows you to try many different skis and helps you to pick one that is right for you. If they do not, and seem like they are really trying to push one particular ski on you, walk away and find another shop.
Be careful not to fixate on graphics or on price. Image is not everything in skiing, and even the most expensive ski will go on sale.
