Anonymous wrote:It's based on how experienced the skier is. As an experienced skier 5'1", 100 pounds I was given longer rental skis than my beginner-skier boyfriend who was 5'10" 160 pounds. We got them mixed up and that was very dangerous.

Experience is only one factor. Weight, height, and intended usage is also important. And rental skis are just a different world.

It's based on how experienced the skier is. As an experienced skier 5'1", 100 pounds I was given longer rental skis than my beginner-skier boyfriend who was 5'10" 160 pounds. We got them mixed up and that was very dangerous.

It depends on the ski and what/where you are skiing. I have 172's and am 5'8' with 93 underfoot and moderate rockers. I like speed so need a little longer for stability, but also still do some bumps so don't want them too long. Not crazy speed - I don't usually get any faster than about 45 MPH. And much as I wish I was mostly doing powder skiing I'm not, so got the narrower sidecut.

You should demo a few types and lengths of skis. I found that I liked longer skis than the ski shop guys recommended as I got too much chatter in the shorter ones.

Anonymous wrote:I’m now in my 60s and recently returned to skiing after a couple of decades. I’m an intermediate skier and I have no problem with east coast black diamonds.

For years I skied on 160s and more recently the rental shops have been giving me 143 and 148cm skis.

I’d like to buy skis but I am uncertain if I should go with a shorter ski as I age.

Intermediate skier
Age 62+
120 lbs, 5-2”

Thoughts?

Really depends on what you're looking to do. Groomers? Ungroomed? Trees? Moguls? East coast only? There's some good advice in this thread, and some bad advice. Talk to a good shop - there's no easy answer, particularly since a ski's rocker/camber profile will play into the best length for you.

Anonymous wrote:If you can try to demo skis before you buy. Skis have changed a lot in the last decade.

Easier to demo out west as there are legit ski shops at the base do every mountain and they have a lot of skis to try.

Agree with going west if time and money are not a concern. And demoing in the mid-Atlantic essentially doesn't exist.

But the ski shops in NY and New England have plenty of inventory.

I’m 5’6” and my skis are 156. My understanding is that they should be about chin to eye height.

If you can try to demo skis before you buy. Skis have changed a lot in the last decade.

Easier to demo out west as there are legit ski shops at the base do every mountain and they have a lot of skis to try.

I'm 5'0" 110 and my skis are 143 with almost 100 underfoot. I'm able to handle East Coast icy conditions and Western powder. Shorter is the way to go these days.

Thanks all! Sounds like the 143s are the way to go for me.

I’m 5’4” and I think my skis are 156 or thereabouts. I known I had at least 160 back in the early 90s but skis are different and better now! I didn’t ski from age 19-40 and gear much improved over those years!

I am 5’7 and ski on 162s. Modern skis are shorter.

Anonymous wrote:I thought that skis should be at least chin length, but anywhere between your chin and top of your head.

If they're shorter than chin length, the only thing you're giving up is speed. Longer skis are faster, but harder to turn.

OP, see a professional. IME the folks at REI are fine.

I thought that skis should be at least chin length, but anywhere between your chin and top of your head.

I don’t know how old your 160’s are but the new skis for 10+ years are shorter by design. They’re not supposed to go over your head like older skis did. They’re supposed to come almost around your shoulders I think.

I’m now in my 60s and recently returned to skiing after a couple of decades. I’m an intermediate skier and I have no problem with east coast black diamonds.

For years I skied on 160s and more recently the rental shops have been giving me 143 and 148cm skis.

I’d like to buy skis but I am uncertain if I should go with a shorter ski as I age.

Intermediate skier
Age 62+
120 lbs, 5-2”

Thoughts?