Winter Sports Calculators
What size skis?
Enter your height and whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert skier. You get a starting ski length in centimetres from a retailer size chart, with the other two ability levels beside it. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
Your height and ability
Result
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
A skier who is 5 ft 9 in (69 in) and skis at an intermediate level. The Gear West chart gives 170 cm at 5 ft 8 in and 175 cm at 5 ft 10 in for intermediates, and 69 in sits halfway, so the calculator returns 172.5 cm, shown as 173 cm (about 68 in). The same height is 163 cm for a beginner and 181 cm for an expert.
How it works
The chart does the work. Gear West publishes a ski length for each skier height in 2-inch steps, one column each for beginner, intermediate and expert. The calculator reads those rows and interpolates in a straight line between them for heights that fall between two rows. The chart runs from 4 ft 4 in (132 cm) to 6 ft 4 in (193 cm).
Gear West notes there is no exact formula and a general rule of thumb is a ski between your chin and the top of your head. A 6 ft skier might look at 170 to 190 cm. Height and weight are only a starting point: ski type, snow conditions, terrain and personal preference also matter, so use the result to narrow a shop or online search, not to rule skis out.
Sources and basis: Gear West, “Alpine Ski Size Chart”. Opened 2026-10-08. The interpolation between chart rows is this tool’s own arithmetic. Starting-point guide only; a ski shop can size you in person.
Planning guide only, not professional, medical or safety advice. Conditions, equipment and ability change real needs; use your own judgment and local guidance.
FAQ
How long should my skis be for my height?
A common starting point is a ski between your chin and the top of your head. The Gear West chart gives, for example, 170 cm for a 6 ft beginner, 180 cm for an intermediate and 188 cm for an expert. Enter your height and level above for the figure at your height.
Does my weight change the ski length?
Yes. Gear West suggests going shorter, closer to your chin, if you weigh less than average for your height, and longer, closer to the top of your head, if you weigh more than average for your height.
Should beginners ski shorter skis?
Gear West says beginners typically choose shorter skis and advanced skiers may prefer longer ones. Shorter skis suit quick, short turns; longer skis suit fast, long turns and off-trail skiing.
What does 190+ mean for tall expert skiers?
For expert skiers at 6 ft 2 in and 6 ft 4 in the chart prints 190+, meaning 190 cm or longer. The calculator shows 190+ rather than inventing a longer figure.
What about kids or skiers shorter than 4 ft 4 in?
The chart starts at 4 ft 4 in (132 cm), so the calculator does not size smaller skiers. Use a kids’ ski size guide or ask a ski shop.