Find the right ski length

Ski Length Guide

Our GUIDE WILL HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT SKI LENGTH


When buying skis, it is not only important to choose the right model, but also the right ski length. This is because the length of the ski plays a crucial role in skiing comfort. The question of the right length should not be answered without advice and expertise. If you do not wish to visit one of our three stores in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Penzberg, and Wielenbach for a personal consultation, you will find vital information in this guide that will get you a little closer to your goal.

 

Please note that this ski length guide is primarily aimed at recreational skiers and beginners.

 

 

BEGINNER, Advanced or EXPERT? KNOW YOUR ABILITY LEVEL


In general, the correct ski length depends on the size of the skier and the type of ski. It also depends on what you want to do with the skis. You should also be clear about your skills and abilities. If you are not sure, here is a rough classification into three different performance levels. Of course, this is a spectrum and you may find that you fall between two levels:

 

Beginner

You have never skied before or have only taken a few lessons. Your motivation is unbroken, but you still lack the right technique. You don’t want to challenge yourself too much when choosing your skis, because you want to progress quickly and improve your skills. Over-ambitious ski choices could actually hinder your success. You feel the safest on soft, wide slopes, where you can make turns without obstacles. You don’t like steep or icy slopes (yet), and your fitness level may even have room for improvement.

 

Intermediate

You feel relatively safe on your skis and are not afraid of more challenging slopes. There should be a few obstacles or bumps to make skiing really fun. You feel mostly in control, but still see room for improvement when it comes to professional technique or the absolute speed kick. Overall, you are happy with your skills and enjoy your time outdoors.

 

Advanced

Skiing is your life, and you spend every free minute on the slopes. Even on holiday, you travel to snowy regions to pursue your passion. At home, you may have certificates or medals on the wall to prove that you keep a cool head and have perfect control of your skis, even during sporting competitions on the slopes.

 

Here is a ski length guide to help you next time you buy skis. Just choose your skiing ability and discipline—it’s that simple.

 

 

 

TERRAIN VS. Type of Skiing


As well as assessing your ability, you should also be clear about the type of terrain you want to ski on with your new skis.

 

On Piste

You love fresh snow and perfectly groomed slopes. You tend to stay away from moguls and other obstacles. Furthermore, you’re either scared of open terrain or powdery deep snow, or you just don’t care.

Here you can find on-piste skis for beginnersintermediate or advanced skiers.

 

Richtige Skilänge On-Piste

 

Race

Speed is your best friend and you’re addicted to the adrenaline rush of overtaking your friends on the slopes. You love dragging the edges of your skis across the ice and really getting them going. You also take every opportunity to hone and improve your technique, whether it be short turns or long, fast descents.

Here you can find on race skis for beginnersintermediate or advanced skiers.

 

Richtige Skilänge Race

 

All Mountain

You don’t care about snow or weather conditions. The main thing is to be out in nature on your skis. Then you can enjoy the cold air, whether on groomed slopes or in open terrain. Your motto is simple: get out and get on your skis!

Here you can find all-mountain skis for beginnersintermediate or advanced skiers.

 

Richtige Skilänge All-Mountain

 

Freestyle

Maybe you consider yourself a newschooler and don’t really care what happens on the slopes. Freeriding is fine, but you prefer to spend your time in the park. You find your challenges in half pipes or creative lines over kickers, rails and boxes. You’re all about learning new tricks and having fun with your friends.

Here you can find freestyle skis for beginnersintermediate or advanced skiers.

 

Richtige Skilänge finden: park & Pipe

Photo: Pally Learmond, Völkl Skis

 

Freeride

Low temperatures and fresh powder make your heart skip a beat. Weather and conditions permitting, you prefer to go off-piste and do tree runs or big mountain lines. Even when visibility is poor or days after the last snowfall, you can still find good lines in your powder stash. Nothing beats the feeling of weightlessness in fluffy powder.

Here you can find freeride skis for beginnersintermediate or advanced skiers.

 

Richtige Skilänge Freeride

 

 

Telemark

This is a special discipline for those who appreciate the aesthetics of telemark technique and are up for the challenge. Telemarking requires total body control and muscle tension. The special thing about this technique is the unique position during the descent. The telemark binding allows you to take your heel off the ski during the descent and adopt the corresponding telemark position. As a beginner, you need to get used to this downhill technique, but then telemarking can be really fun.

Here you can find telemark skis for beginnersintermediate or advanced skiers.

 

Ski Length Guide
Photo: Rauschendorfer/NordicFocus, Rottefella

 

Ski Touring

To help you find the right skis and ski touring equipment, here is a guide dedicated to ski touring.

Richtige Skilänge Skitour

 

 

GENERAL TIPS & RULES for the right ski length


Finally, here are some general tips to help you choose the right ski length:

 

Shorter skis

    • You ski slowly and prefer short turns
    • You are looking for a ski that is easy to turn
    • You don’t consider yourself an expert skier
    • Smooth running at high speeds is less important to you

Longer skis

    • You like to ski fast and love long turns
    • Smooth running at high speed is important to you
    • You have good skiing technique and the necessary physical fitness

 

If you are still unsure, we will be happy to advise you in person at one of our stores. As well as advice on the correct ski length, we also offer boot fitting and ski service.

 

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