How long should your skis be?
The chin-to-head rule is a good start. Your skill, weight and favorite terrain decide where in that range you land.
Stand a ski on its tail next to you. For most skiers the tip should land somewhere between the chin and the top of the head. That range is wide, so the real question is where in it you belong.
Go shorter if
- You are a beginner or early intermediate. Shorter skis turn more easily at low speed.
- You are lighter than average for your height.
- You love tight terrain: trees, moguls and park / freestyle.
Go longer if
- You are an advanced or expert skier who likes speed.
- You are heavier than average for your height.
- You spend your days in open bowls or powder, where length adds float and stability.
Rocker changes the math
A ski with a lot of tip rocker has less edge on the snow when you turn, so it skis shorter than its printed length. That is why many skiers size up a few centimeters on rockered powder and freeride skis.
Stuck between two sizes?
Most models come in lengths about 6 to 8 cm apart, so you will often land between two. Pick the shorter one if you are still building confidence or ski mostly tight terrain. Pick the longer one if you ski fast, are on the heavier side, or want more float in soft snow. Neither choice is wrong, and the difference is smaller than it looks on paper.
How SkiMatch Studio picks your length
Find my ski starts from your height and skill level, then adjusts for the terrain you ski most and your weight. Beginners start near 89 percent of their height and experts near 100 percent. The result shows where the tip lands against you, so you can see whether it reaches your chin, nose or forehead.