For the short answer, see the following table. For those of you who want a more detailed discussion, keep reading.
Quick-n-Easy – Ski Length Table
*Five centimeters shorter or
longer won’t make a difference; don’t worry if the ski you want does
not come in the exact length shown here. When in doubt, go shorter.Down-n-Dirty – Alpine, Alpine Touring & Telemark Choosing the “right” ski size is a subjective matter. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
1. Select width Today’s
skis come in a wide range of widths. BackcountryStore.com lists three
width dimensions for every ski we sell: Forward contact point/Waist/Aft
contact point, or more commonly, Tip/Waist/Tail.
A
wider ski will provide more stability and flotation in deep and variable snow, while a
narrower ski will generally be quicker in turn-to-turn transition. Most skiers enjoy
mid-fat skis,
which are generally between 69-75mm wide in the waist. Gate runners and
mogul masters may want narrower skis, and powder floaters should
consider wider skis.
2. Select sidecut Sidecut
refers to the hourglass profile of a ski’s edge which has become the
standard ski shape in the last decade. Imagine a ski on the floor; now
tip it up on its edge. The distance between the floor and the narrowest
part on the ski is the sidecut. A deeper sidecut creates more
propensity for the ski to turn. (To determine the sidecut from the
ski’s dimensions, subtract the waist measurement from the average of
the other two widths, tip and tail.)
Skis that combine a deep
sidecut with a narrow waist tend to be quick and precise carvers.
Extreme examples of this type of ski insist on turning, act squirrely
when pointed straight, and dictate the turning arc. They don’t work
well in soft snow since the waist tends to sink while the tip is being
driven up. Wider skis with less sidecut are more stable and forgiving.
The extreme of this style of ski carves poorly on hardpack, but works
great in deep powder where the flex and rebound of a ski is more
important than carving an arc with the ski’s edge. When choosing a ski
shape, assess honestly the conditions you most often ski and your
skiing style. If you’re just beginning, choose a short ski with a lot
of sidecut so you can master your turns on hardpack before venturing
into softer snow.
3. Select the right length Using
the table above as a starting point, consider these factors to decide
whether you should stay at the recommended length or move a size longer
or shorter.
Shorter
Lighter
More maneuverable
Easier to swing around (important if you use muscle power to rotate your turns)
Easier to carve on groomed slopes
Easier to negotiate moguls
Easier and safer when skiing through tight trees and other obstacles
Suited for: Less experienced skiers
Slower speeds
Shorter turns
Groomed, gentle runs
Skiers who prefer wide skis
Longer
More speed
More stability
More flotation
Less chatter
More control
Suited for:
Skilled/aggressive skiers
Faster speeds
Long, swooping turns
Soft and variable snow
Skiers who prefer narrow skis
Ski with Alaska Rendezvous Lodge.