Date: March 21, 2022
Skiing is one of the most exciting sports people engage in, mainly during winter. This sport may seem extreme since it’s easy to learn but very hard to master the moves and turns. Choosing ski sizing is also an essential aspect of the sport and may often be daunting. Hence, this article briefly tries to demystify choosing ski sizing and length based on different parameters.
What length should skis be?
Before choosing your ski length, you should consider the following: your height, weight, skiing ability, and style. These are essential determinants for choosing a ski length. Generally, a proper ski length should be between your chin and the top of your head. Other considerations in deciding the ski length are snow, type of terrain, and skiing category. A ski chart exists to help determine the relatively right size for you.
When to Size up or Size down your Skis
Several reasons exist that may inform your choice for longer or shorter skis within your size range. Shorter skis, which beginners prefer, offer a more accessible and great initiation but lack stability under high speed. The following are reasons why one would choose a shorter ski:
- When you are a beginner or intermediate skier;
- You want a ski with camber;
- Like to make quick but short turns and;
- Your weight is less than your average height.
Conversely, the following are the reasons for going for a longer ski:
- Your weight is more than your average height;
- You do ski mostly off-trail
- You ski aggressively and faster
Choosing Skis by Terrain Type
Not all skis can be used in different mountain terrains; hence you need to know which ski is best for which terrain. Fortunately, there are a variety of skis to choose from, and these are some of them:
- Powder skis. These are ideal for individuals who like finding powder stashes around the mountain. They are broader in size with some rockers in place, hence versatile for hard snow and mixed conditions.
- Carving Skis. They are characterized by shorter turn radii and a narrow waist to enable quick turns. Beginners and intermediate skiers most prefer them.
- All-mountain skis. This ski comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the skier’s needs. They can handle anything thrown at them, from ice powder to hard snow.
How to Find the Right Ski for your children
It is always safe and advisable to choose the right size skis for your children. Statistics show that height and weight are important considerations for selecting the correct size ski for your child. Ordinarily, a child’s ski should be between their chest and nose in terms of length. You can use the kids’ Ski Chart to help you choose the correct size. Below are reasons why one should choose a ski size that is shorter and close to the chest for your kids:
- If they are cautious or beginner skiers;
- Like making quicker and fast turns and;
- Their weight is less than their average height.
On the other hand, the following are reasons to choose a more extended ski size that is close to the nose for your child:
- If they weigh more than their average height
- They like skiing aggressively and very fast
- You want to buy a ski for posterity, that they may use for a long time.
Bringing it all together with Base Mountain
Ski sizing requires expertise to ensure the safety and success of skiers. Base Mountain Sports is a ski shop with quality skiing gear and equipment with free overnight storage at any of our shops located in Breckenridge, Colorado. We also operate in Avon, Vail, and Beaver Creek. You can visit our shop or book with us online to enjoy your winter vacation.
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