Q: How do I know my Alpine Ski size?
A: In an effort to simplify the most difficult question in the ski industry, we're ready to help!  The ski industry is rapidly changing and every year it seems that skis are getting shorter and shorter. Please use these charts and equations to best determine your ski size.*
*disclaimers will follow :-)

STEP #1: Find your "generic" Ski length based on your weight.  Remember, skis have no way to tell how tall you are, or your gender. Skis only perform based on the actual user's weight.  ""Women's"" skis are generally just a softer flexing ski than their "male" counterpart.  If you fall in the recommended weight range for a model, your gender should not be a factor.

220 + lbs = 175 - 190 cm
210 lbs    = 175 - 185 cm
200 lbs    = 170 - 180 cm
190 lbs    = 170 - 180 cm
180 lbs    = 170 - 180 cm
170 lbs    = 165 - 180 cm
160 lbs    = 165 - 175 cm
150 lbs    = 165 - 175 cm
140 lbs    = 160 - 170 cm
130 lbs    = 155 - 165 cm
120 lbs    = 145 - 155 cm
110 lbs    = 145 - 155 cm
100 lbs    = 135 - 145 cm
90 lbs      = 135 - 145 cm
80 lbs      = 125 - 135 cm
70 lbs      = 115 - 125 cm
60 lbs      = 110 - 120 cm
under 50  =  70  - 100 cm

STEP #2: Determine your ability level, and calculate accordingly:

Beginner:  subtract 20 cm.  A beginner primarily skis green runs, and is learning to turn using wedge turning.

Intermediate: Subtract 5 cm.  An intermediate skis green, and all blue runs.  Generally parallel turns with moderate speed.

Advanced: No change, proceed to Step #3. Advanced skiers ski all terrain, including all black diamonds.  Skis with speed and turns dynamically.

Expert: Add 5 cm. You know you're an expert.  Head's turn on the chair, friends envy you, locals respect you, and your season pass has been scanned 60 times this season.

STEP #3: Go shopping!

*And now the disclaimer:.  The ski industry produces hundreds of ski models every season.  Every year, different models and shapes seem to be "in style".  It's impossible to create and industry-wide sizing chart that covers every ski model and length.  Please use your size found on this page as a reference point in your ski quest.  Try not to vary too far from this reference size, but it's always OK to go a few centimeters here or there in selecting your dream ski.  When in doubt, always select the smaller size... That is, unless you're in the Expert category.



*If you've found this guide helpful, please click 'Yes' below.  Helpfulness votes increase this guides relevance in search results, therefore enabling us to carry this information to more people.  If it was not helpful, please e-mail us with suggestions for improvement.