How tall should your downhill skis be compared to you're own height?

Question

How tall should your downhill skis be compared to you're own height?

I'm an expert (does not mean i'm amazing) level skier. where should the tip of my skis come up to me when i stand next to them?

Answer 1

Height/weight used to correspond to ski length pretty well, but with modern skis that isn't always true.  With the new materials and designs skis are generally shorter than they used to be.  The only way to know is to check each different manufacturer's suggestions, and even sometimes the specs for the particular model of ski.

Your best resource is still the technician at a good ski shop.

Going by height vs length alone is nowdays misleading in most cases.  Seriously, you need to check each brand and model individually.  And ski a demo pair if you have the chance before purchase.  That's really the only foolproof way.

Answer 2

Stand up and with your arm straight, all the way up, the tip of the skis should be between the center of your palm and the begining of your fingers

Answer 3

Height has very little to do with what ski you should ride. WEIGHT is the most important factor.

A person can be 5'0 and weight 200lbs...this does not mean they should have a short ski. They should have the same ski as someone who is 5'11" and is also 200lbs.

Every model of ski has a weight chart. A 160cm ski from Atomic may not be reccomended for someone who is 130lbs, while a 160cm ski from Head may be good for that weight.

What you need to do is this:

1) Determine what you will use the ski for. (Freestyle, All Mountain, etc.)

2) Determine what type of terrain you mostly ski. (Groomers, Powder, etc.)

3) Make a list of skis and their lengths which fit your needs and your weight. (you can look on line at the various ski websites or visit the ski shop.)

4) Select your new planks.

Have Fun!

Answer 4

close to shoulder height, for cross country skiing though the skis must be taller