What is a ski size calculator?
A ski size calculator helps you determine the recommended alpine ski length based on your height, weight, skiing experience and ski type. Choosing the correct ski length ensures better control, stability and a more enjoyable skiing experience.
How to calculate the right ski size?
Ski length selection depends on several key factors:
- Height — the primary reference point. Beginners typically choose skis reaching chin level, while experts go up to head height or longer.
- Weight — lighter skiers choose shorter skis, heavier skiers choose longer ones.
- Ability level — beginners pick shorter skis for easier turning, advanced skiers go longer for stability at speed.
- Ski type — freeride skis are longer for better flotation in powder, freestyle skis are shorter for tricks.
What is the ski size formula?
Recommended length = height + ability offset + ski type offset + weight adjustment. The ability offset ranges from -20 cm for beginners to 0 cm for experts. Ski type offsets vary from -5 cm for freestyle to +5 cm for freeride.
Ski size calculation examples
A 175 cm tall, 70 kg intermediate skier with all-mountain skis should choose approximately 163 cm skis (range 160–166 cm). The same skier with freeride skis would choose 168 cm (range 165–171 cm).
Ski types and their effect on size
All-Mountain skis suit most terrain and are the baseline choice. Freestyle skis are shorter (-5 cm), designed for tricks and park riding. Freeride skis are longer (+5 cm), built for deep powder. Race skis are slightly shorter (-3 cm), optimized for speed and precise carving.
When to use the ski size calculator?
Use this calculator before buying or renting alpine skis. It is especially helpful for beginners who lack experience in choosing ski sizes, skiers switching to a different ski type, or anyone wanting to verify their current ski length is appropriate.