ski sizing guide
What length ski should i get?

Beginners should aim for skis that are slightly shorter than they are. This allows easier maneuvering and helps build a solid foundation, instead of creating bad habits trying to push a larger ski around.

Intermediate skiers should aim for skis that are closer to their height, and possibly a bit over. You've got some good foundation, and a longer ski will provide more support and let you build upon your skills.

Advanced skiers can start to go longer to gain more support and stability. The foundation skills are there, it's time to get skis that can keep up with your abilities.

Very playful skiers can get away with a slightly shorter ski. Maneuverability and ease of tossing the skis around is a higher priority here, and you can take a hit on stability in exchange for those qualities.

Very aggressive skiers typically go longer for more stability and composure at speeds and through variable terrain. It takes a little more effort to quickly maneuver the ski, but aggressive skiers usually have the muscle to accommodate for this.

Rocker has a lot to do with determining the proper ski length, and it has everything to do with how much of the ski is always in contact with the snow.

A heavily rockered ski has less constant contact with the snow, so the ski will generally feel shorter than it's listed length. Don't be afraid to size up on these designs.

A ski with a long camber pocket, a flatter tail, or little to no rocker at all will feel more true to it's listed length. In these designs, a standard length or slightly shorter length can still provide the benefits of stability and composure, without being overbearing.

The width can help determine if you should be sizing up or sizing down in a given model.

For big, fat powder skis, you can generally size up a little bit. More surface area and more ski out in front of you help aid in float and confidence when skiing in deeper conditions.

For skinnier, low tide, or groomer oriented skis, you can consider sizing down a little bit. These designs typically have less rocker and are engineered more for constant snow contact.

The mount point can tell you a lot about how that ski's listed length feels while on the snow.

A ski with a mount point of -8 (or further back) will feel longer while on snow, as there's more ski out in front of you to steer around.

A ski with a mount point of -6 (or further forward) will feel shorter while on snow, as there's less ski out in front of you and it will be quicker to maneuver.

Mount point can also tell you what style that ski likes — more forward usually goes with a more playful design, while more rearward usually goes with a more aggressive design.

Groomer specific skis typically have less rocker and a more rearward mount point.

You can usually size down a bit with these types of designs.

Although, if your goal is to haul ass and set speed records, consider sizing true or sizing up.

Tight terrain requires quick maneuverability.

If you spend a majority of your time in skinny terrain where fast pivots and direction changes are required, consider sizing true or sizing down for easier maneuverability.

Big faces and room to run — high speeds and big turns.

You can safely size up if you spend a majority of your time on big faces or wide open terrain with little trees and bumps. Less maneuverability is required, and the added composure of longer skis pays off here.