Is my friend too heavy to ski?

Question

I want to take a larger friend skiing, but I just want to make sure we don't have any problems when getting to the mountain to rent equipment.

I'm bad at estimating weight, but he's probably 5' 8", 240 lbs. Will boots and everything fit, or is he going to have problems?

Will they put him on a longer ski to compensate for the weight? I'm the same height but I'm 150 lbs and generally use a 160 ski.

Does he need to be more or less worried about anything, such as knees?

Thanks

Answer 1

take him. maybe a good experience will convince him to drop the lard.

Answer 2

Take him skiing!  He will need a stiffer ski about 160-170 CM. His weight is on the heavy side for his height, but I've weighed just about that at the start of this season.  I've also had 6 never/evers in lessons in the past 2 weeks that are that heavy. It shouldn't be a problem.  Be sure the boots fit correctly.

Answer 3

make sure the mountain has a chair lift that is very structurally sound

Answer 4

Hey upstate1, SkiMan here!  It is interesting that you are concerned about your friends weight as to how it pertains to his ability to ski.  On the mountain skiers come in all shapes and sizes big and small.  Just like the dance floor you will see heavy people that can really shake a leg and others that can't get out on the dance floor.  The answer really lies in your friends ability and agility.  If he falls down will be able to pick himself up?  As far as ski gear goes, if heavy people could not get ski gear the US ski industry would be out of business.  Again the answer is really in your friends abilities and his endurance strength level, a lesson or two would help also. Good Luck! Don't hurt em.  SkiMan out!

Answer 5

Your best bet might be to call ahead to the ski resort and ask them about it. They could tell you what equipment is available and how it works and if your friend should be concerned about any safety precautions.

Answer 6

He should be fine, they will most likely give him a longer ski, like you said. But also make sure he gets polls, sometimes when your larger you need the exta ballance. Just guessing but he'll probly need about a 162 ski maybe bigger.

Answer 7

I clock in at 240' when I have 0% body fat. Since I weigh more than that now...and skied 3 out of the last 5 days...I would say your friend is not too heavy to ski.

As long as your friend doesn't have size 15 shoes...there should be no problem getting ski boots. Most rental shops don't have a wide selection of boots above size 12 (US Mens). So call ahead if the foot size is bigger than that.

The rental shop will most likely have a ski correct for his weight. My guess will be something around a 170cm ski.

I can't say how his weight will effect his knees. If he is a fairly active person and his leg muscles are used to carrying his weight, he should have no problem. But if he is generally a couch-potato, then his muscles might tire out more quickly. A knee injury can happen to anyone at any weight, so I'd say his chances of hurting his knee are about the same as any first-timer.

Answer 8

Can't answer that one for you.

But, yes. He will probably have to watch out for his knees.

However, I have seen elephants ski and board (I mean human beings of roughly that size... not the actual animal)

So I don't think it will be much of a problem, equipment wise...

In today's world obesity (Is that spelled correctly?) is a growing problem. I am not very known with lbs... (I am a european) but the fact is: People tend to get REALLY huge nowadays. And sportsmanufactures do keep that in mind...

Answer 9

Get him skiing! its a great way to loose weight and get fit