How to choose skis? Matching the length of the skis to your height.

The question of how to choose skis isn't just asked by beginners. Even those with some experience on the slopes aren't always sure which model is best. With both beginners and intermediate skiers in mind, we've prepared a few tips on what to pay attention to when shopping.

What length of skis should I choose?

Choosing skis often begins with choosing the desired model, but we'd like to start by drawing your attention to the recommended ski lengths. Of course, there's no single guideline for optimal ski length, but there are several variables worth considering: height, weight, skill level, and ski type.

For men, skis should reach their chin or forehead. For women, slightly shorter skis are recommended—they should reach their chest or nose at most.
People with a lower weight should choose shorter skis, while those who are slightly heavier should choose longer skis.
For Rocker skis, it is recommended to lengthen the skis by approximately 5 cm.
The optimal ski length for a given skier also depends on their skill level. Experienced skiers can choose longer or shorter skis. This also affects their riding style. If you enjoy slalom, you can definitely "shorten" your skis. These typical slalom skis are usually shorter than all-around models. If, on the other hand, you enjoy fast skiing but with long arcs, you can opt for much longer models, reaching the skier's height. A shorter ski ensures quick turns, while a longer ski provides greater stability.

How to assess the hardness of skis?

Regardless of the ski model you choose, it's essential to choose the right flex. It doesn't matter whether you're looking for cross-country skis, slalom skis, or the ultimate all-arounder. Each type has a softer, medium-hard, and harder flex.

Beginner skiers should choose soft skis. They are more flexible, react faster to movements, and are easy to turn, requiring minimal effort. They provide a comfortable ride at low and medium speeds.
For higher speeds, more dynamic riding, but also with slightly greater skills, it is worth choosing skis with medium stiffness (race, all-mountain or all-round), which will allow the skier to develop on the slope.
If you are already very advanced, you ski really dynamically and you are a bit heavier, choose hard skis.

Ski features worth paying attention to

Ski type, length, and stiffness are just the beginning of the dilemmas when buying skis. When choosing skis, it's worth considering the skiing area, your own skills, and your preferred skiing style. All of these elements influence the assessment of ski construction. Just like choosinga ski jacket , pants, or goggles , here too, you should consider at least a few parameters.

Rocker skis are characterized by a profiled, upward-curved front and rear end. This design significantly facilitates turning because the ski's contact with the snow is concentrated in its central part.
The width of a ski underfoot translates into maneuverability. The narrower the ski, the easier it turns. However, if you enjoy off-piste skiing, choose wider skis, which will provide better buoyancy.
The sidecut of a ski affects the turning radius when riding on edges. The smaller the sidecut, the larger the radius. The solution is therefore a larger sidecut, but it's worth remembering that a smaller turning radius doesn't automatically translate to easier turns. The width of the tips, for example, will also play a role here (the wider the width, the more force required to turn).
Vibration dampening affects skiing comfort. The better and more effective it is, the fewer vibrations our body experiences, which translates into greater comfort on the slopes. The materials from which ski equipment is made primarily influence the ability to dampen vibrations.

How to properly fit skis?

Cross-country skis? Stiffer skis? Slalom models? Skiing offers many possibilities. Before you decide on a specific ski, however, take a look at all the available models and see which one truly suits your idea of on-slope activity.

Easycarver - skis for beginners, light, with good turning, for slow and medium speeds
Allround - a model for recreational riding, agile, safe, not requiring much effort, for medium-speed descents
All Mountain - medium-width skis with high buoyancy, good handling, for both on-piste and off-piste skiing
Race - skis for faster, steeper rides, they are slightly heavier but therefore more stable, a model for experienced skiers, available in slalom and giant slalom versions
Crosscarver - a lighter version of the race, less hard, requiring less force
Freeride - wide skis for deep powder, usually it is recommended to buy longer models
Twintip-Freestyle - light, short skis for snow park and halfpipe.
Skitour - relatively light, quite wide, intended for trips outside the lifts.