People say that skiing is one of the very few ways in the world to feel like you have wings. We would lie if we say we don’t agree!

No matter the reason you’ve decided to try it out if you loved it - and we’re 99% you did, then there is a very good chance you’re searching for your first ski set! 

And we’re here to help you in the process of choosing!

How to pick a ski set that will suit you?

You enter the sports store and one of the first questions you ask yourself is: how do I choose the proper ski size?! There are so many different ones and it is confusing on how to choose - especially if you’re trying to shop online in our uncertain age and time. Maybe if you’ve rented up until now, you may have some idea what you’re looking for, but still - there are a lot of unanswered questions you have for sure.

Don’t worry - we have you covered! 

Truth is, it is actually pretty easy to choose your ski size. This is because it is connected to your own height and everybody knows what it is. Roughly speaking, usually, the right size of the ski is from your feet to your chin and around 10 to 15 centimeters less than your height.

The chart goes like this:

 

Height (cm)	Good ski size (cm)
132<	115 - 130
137	125 - 140
142	130 - 145
147	135 - 150
152	135 - 155
158	145 - 165
163	150 - 170
168	155 - 175
173	160 - 180
178	165 - 185
183	170 - 190
188	175 - 195
193	180 - 200

In addition to that, you should also consider your weight. This has to do a lot with the balance you will have to keep when you get on the ski slopes and start skiing.

The general rule is that if you weigh less than what is considered normal for your height, then you may want to choose shorter skis for better balance. If it is the opposite though - your body weight is more than average for your height, then you can take a peek at the longer skis and see if they are your type of gear. 

Pro tip: always check the length of the ski on-site, if possible. There are differences between brands sometimes and this is the only way to be sure they are perfect for you. 

 

What kind of ski should I choose for the skiing style I prefer?

In the past, only the length of the ski was considered important when choosing your brand new ski set. Nowadays things are very different though because of the development of technology in manufacturing the ski as well as the fact that the sport itself. Both factors gave us the options to diversify and amplify some of the qualities the skis need to make them faster, more stable, or perfect for tricks on the slopes. 

In this case, the principle of choice of the perfect ski set is very similar to the one which you apply if you choose snowboarding or skates, for example. Here is why.

Different types of skis are suitable for different ski styles. One of the most popular are:

• Freeride
• Freestyle
• Alpine Touring
• Piste

Freeride is one of the most practiced skiing styles on the planet. The idea of the freeride is just as its name states - skiing feely without a care for the terrain. You can go off-piste and try out different kinds of terrain all around the mountain - as long as it’s safe! Skis for freeriding are usually longer and a little stiffer. This way they give you more stability when you want to enjoy a speedy ride.

Freestyle is very different on the other hand. Freestylers in skiing look for flexibility and the ability to use the ski for various “tricks”. This is why they look for shorter skis with a softer flex for better agility and enhanced durability of the edges. Freestyle skis sometimes have twin tips. 

Alpine Touring is more of a traditional skiing style. Skis for it are designed for easier going around hills - up and down. They are lighter in weight too and provide way better control - especially when you start sliding down. You can also stumble on this kind of skis under the name “backcountry terrain skis”.

Piste skis, on the other hand, offer something entirely else. If you want to enjoy skiing fast on slopes covered in fresh snow and trying out turns and carves, this should be your choice. This type of ski is narrow at the waist - the middle part of the ski - so it can provide a better and quicker response - following your every thought.

Keep in mind two things. One: these are only the most popular types and people constantly combine and start new styles depending on the part of the world where they practice their favorite sport. Also: you can use any type of ski for any terrain and style, but it might not cover your expectations.

 

How important are the ski characteristics in my choice?

This is probably a question you ask yourself if you are just beginning on the slopes. The answer is simple and short: absolutely yes! You deserve to choose the best for yourself, so our duty is to tell you the secret about which parts of the skis the professionals look at the most when choosing their sets.

The skis have three main parts: waist, tip, and tail. We already said a few words about the waist, otherwise known as the width, of the skis. You should know this is a key element of the skis that determine how are you going to feel the skis as a whole and how they will perform. A narrow ski waist means you will be able to do turns and maneuvers more quickly. A wider waist gives you a better flotation in powder. The 

Another element you should ask for is the turning radius - especially if you want more flexibility with movement. A shorter radius means you will be able to enjoy your skiing in the mountains. You might want to choose skis with a shorter radius if you want to practice carving too.

The medium turning radius is the golden ground. Skis with it can be used almost everywhere and for quite a few types of skiing. The pros say it’s best for mountain riding, park, and pipes though.

Last, but not least, let’s talk about the long turning radius. Ski sets with it are suitable for mountain skiing and have better stability - if that is what you’re into.

If you want to get into the science of ski construction and dig in even more in the choices, you may also ask for the rocker type. This in practice means to research the curve the skis have. You will stumble on skis with:

• camber profile: skis with upward arching in the middle, suitable for racing and advanced riders
• rocker profile: skis with a bit of a downward arching in the middle that are often the choice of beginners and advanced skiers both. You can utilise them best in maneuvering and if you want to become a better and more confident skier.
• flat profile, also known as zero camber: completely flat skis that are used mostly for powder skiing or freestyle skiing - on a well maintained and safe piste, without going out in the wild.

Of course, there are also a number of combinations between these types so you can basically find anything you need for your needs and ski style.

 

Should I consider my skill level when choosing a ski set?

As well as you don’t want to neglect the style you’re going to ski in the choice of a ski set, it is a must you also consider your own abilities to ski. The universal diversification is between beginners, intermediate and advanced. 

In a few words, most specialists advise beginners to choose their first ski set in a way that will allow them to gather confidence and abilities. The set they choose should be with a  softer flex, preferably narrower width. All else depends on what terrain you will be skiing on as well as how much do you want to practice carving, for instance.

For your convenience, while you browse, there are color codes you can count on for differentiating the skis for the levels of proficiency. Check the gallery below this article to see them!

You’ve chosen a model for your weight and height, for beginner or expert, checked the width and rocker and the level symbols. Now what? You are ready to buy? Excellent! Make sure to drop us a comment here or on our social media channels on what you chose and did you enjoy the experience!