How to Select the Right Sized Twin Tip Ski

Choosing the proper ski length is crucial to a skier's safety and comfort.

Selecting the right size ski is crucial to a safe, downhill skiing experience. Twin tip mountain skis are skis that are turned up on either end to provide better buoyancy in deep, loose powder. There is a relatively easy-to-follow formula when determining the proper size of twin tip skis. Based on this formula, you can get within a few centimeters of your proper ski size. At that point it is up to personal preference as to what length of ski you will choose.

Things You'll Need

• Scale
• Calculator
• Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

1. Suit up with the gear you will wear during your ski adventures and then step onto the scale and write down your weight in pounds (the first part of the formula is weight-based). Write down the corresponding centimeter measurement from the table included in the Resources section.

2. Determine your skiing ability based on your past skiing experience. Subtract 5 cm from the total in Step 1 if you are new to skiing or are very inexperienced. Do not add anything to the measurement if you have moderate abilities, add 5 cm to the Step 1 measurement if you are a confident skier, and add 10 cm if you are an expert skier.

3. Determine the type of terrain you will be skiing most and then only add 5 cm if you will be on mostly ungroomed, soft snow.

4. Add the totals from steps 1 to 3 to arrive at the total twin tip ski length you should purchase. Of course you can also add or subtract a few centimeters simply based on personal preference if you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Most ski shops will offer a custom fit session at no additional charge if you are looking for the best possible fit for your skis.

Resources

• Skis: Sizing Guide