Ski Size Guide

Quick Tips

Shorter skis = easier turns, better for beginners
Longer skis = more stability, better for speed and experts
Consider body weight: heavier skiers may prefer slightly longer skis, lighter skiers slightly shorter.
Ski type matters too (carving, all-mountain, twin-tip, freeride) — but length guidelines remain similar.

A good rule of thumb is:

Beginners: Skis to the chest, which is roughly 30 cm shorter than the child’s height. Shorter skis are easier to turn and control.
Intermediate: Skis closer to the chin, about 20 cm shorter than the child’s height. This gives more stability and room to grow in technique.

(Example: A child who is 130 cm tall will use skis around 100 cm if beginner, or 110 cm if more experienced.)

Beginners: Aim for skis about 15 cm shorter than your height. Shorter skis are easier to control and forgiving if you’re just learning.
Intermediate: Choose skis about 5–10 cm shorter than your height. This balance gives both control and stability for varied slopes.
Expert: Skis can be equal to your height or up to 5 cm longer. Longer skis provide more stability at speed and better performance in challenging terrain.

(Example: Someone who is 175 cm tall might use 160 cm skis as a beginner, 165–170 cm as an intermediate, and 175–180 cm as an advanced skier.)

The type of ski also affects what length you should choose.

Slalom / carving skis are usually a bit shorter. This makes them easier to turn quickly, perfect for prepared slopes and tighter turns.
All-mountain skis are often slightly longer than carving skis. They are built for stability and versatility, so they work well both on- and off-piste.
Freeride or powder skis can be as long as, or even longer than, your height. The extra length gives better float in deep snow and stability at higher speeds.

When you rent skis from us at Aktivt Uteliv Uppsala, we help you pick the right model and length for your style of skiing and where you plan to ski.