Ski size chart: what length skis do I need?

Find your ski length in seconds: by height, level and the kind of skiing you do.

Winter Sportz buying guide · updated 9 October 2026

Quick answer

Beginners choose skis about 15–20 cm shorter than their height (chin height), intermediates about 10 cm shorter (nose height), advanced skiers between forehead height and their own height, and freeride or powder skiers up to 5 cm longer than their height.

Ski length chart

Ski length by height and level
Your heightBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedFreeride & powder
140 cm (4′7″)120–125 cm128–132 cm135–140 cm140–145 cm
145 cm (4′9″)125–130 cm133–137 cm140–145 cm145–150 cm
150 cm (4′11″)130–135 cm138–142 cm145–150 cm150–155 cm
155 cm (5′1″)135–140 cm143–147 cm150–155 cm155–160 cm
160 cm (5′3″)140–145 cm148–152 cm155–160 cm160–165 cm
165 cm (5′5″)145–150 cm153–157 cm160–165 cm165–170 cm
170 cm (5′7″)150–155 cm158–162 cm165–170 cm170–175 cm
175 cm (5′9″)155–160 cm163–167 cm170–175 cm175–180 cm
180 cm (5′11″)160–165 cm168–172 cm175–180 cm180–185 cm
185 cm (6′1″)165–170 cm173–177 cm180–185 cm185–190 cm
190 cm (6′3″)170–175 cm178–182 cm185–190 cm190–195 cm
195 cm (6′5″)175–180 cm183–187 cm190–195 cm195–200 cm
200 cm (6′7″)180–185 cm188–192 cm195–200 cm200–205 cm

Between two lengths? Go shorter for easier turns, longer for more stability at speed and in soft snow.

Adjust for your weight

  • Lighter than about 60 kg: choose 5 cm shorter
  • Heavier than about 90 kg: choose 5 cm longer
  • Strong, fast skiers: longer; cautious skiers: shorter

Adjust for the type of ski

Rockered freeride and powder skis ski shorter than they measure, so many skiers size up. Piste and carving skis are usually skied a little shorter for quick turns. Kids' skis should reach between chest and chin.

Try the calculator

Enter your height, weight and level in our ski size calculator, then shop beginner, intermediate or advanced skis.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to what skiers ask us most. Still unsure? Ask us.

What size skis do I need for my height?

Take your height in centimetres and subtract 15–20 cm as a beginner, about 10 cm as an intermediate, or 0–5 cm as an advanced skier. A 175 cm intermediate, for example, skis about 165 cm.

Should beginners use shorter skis?

Yes. Shorter skis are easier to turn and control at low speed, so beginners usually ski about 15–20 cm shorter than their height.

Are longer skis better?

Longer skis are more stable at speed and float better in powder, but they are harder to turn. Choose length for your level, weight and terrain, not for the longest size.