Ski Length Calculator recommends alpine or Nordic ski sizes from height, weight, ability, terrain, and rocker profiles, with adjustable formulas.
Step 1 — Weight adjustment (lb):
if 100 ≤ W ≤ 119 → 0 cm
if W > 119 → +⌊(W−119)/10⌋ cm
if W < 100 → −⌈(100−W)/10⌉ cm
Step 2 — Baseline by height (cm):
B = H + weightAdj − abilityOffset + styleAdj
Step 3 — Use (type) add-on:
All-Mountain: +2
Groomers: −2
Powder/Touring: +[2…5]
Racing: +[5…10]
Park: −[5…2]
Final recommended range (cm):
[ (B + minAdd) − 3 , (B + maxAdd) + 3 ] ← ±3 cm tolerance
A Ski Length Calculator estimates recommended ski size for alpine (downhill) and Nordic (classic and skate) disciplines using your height, weight, skill level, terrain preference, and ski design (rocker/camber, twin-tip). Manufacturers publish model-specific charts, but a clear, auditable formula helps you compare options, choose demo sizes, and translate between different brands. The calculator returns a base length from height, applies small adjustments for weight and ability, adds terrain/style corrections, and compensates for rocker (which shortens the effective edge). It also provides Nordic rules-of-thumb (height plus offsets) with light weight-based tweaks. These equations are educational heuristics; always verify against the brand’s official size chart and your fitter’s advice.
For alpine skis, many skiers start with a length somewhere between chin and head height; that corridor depends on ability and terrain. Heavier or more aggressive skiers often do better slightly longer for stability; lighter or newer skiers may prefer shorter for maneuverability. Rocker reduces effective edge, so highly rockered skis are commonly sized a bit longer to regain edge hold. For Nordic, classic skis are typically height + 20–30 cm, while skate skis are height + 5–10 cm, with small weight-based nudges. The calculator encodes these practices into transparent formulas you can tune.
Alpine (height-based with adjustments and safety bounds): \[ L_{\mathrm{alpine}}=\operatorname{clip}\!\Big(\alpha H+\beta\,(W-W_{\mathrm{ref}})+\Delta_{\mathrm{skill}}+\Delta_{\mathrm{terrain}}-k_r\,R,\ \ [\eta_{\min}H,\ \eta_{\max}H]\Big), \] with defaults \(\alpha=0.94,\ \beta=0.2\ \mathrm{cm/kg},\ W_{\mathrm{ref}}=75\ \mathrm{kg},\ k_r=0.3\ \mathrm{cm/\%},\ \eta_{\min}=0.88,\ \eta_{\max}=1.06.\)
Skill and terrain offsets (cm, examples): \[ \Delta_{\mathrm{skill}}=\{-5,0,+5\}\ \text{for \{Beginner,Intermediate,Advanced\}},\quad \Delta_{\mathrm{terrain}}=\{-4,0,+2,+6\}\ \text{for \{Park,All\mbox{-}Mountain,Groomer,Powder\}}. \]
Nordic classic and skate (height plus small weight tweak): \[ L_{\mathrm{classic}}\approx H + \big(25 + 0.10\,(W-75)\big),\qquad L_{\mathrm{skate}}\approx H + \big(7 + 0.05\,(W-75)\big). \]
Chin–head reference corridor (context, not a rule): \[ L \in [0.90H,\ 1.00H]\ \text{(typical all-mountain window)}. \]
\(H=170\ \mathrm{cm},\ W=68\ \mathrm{kg},\) Beginner, Groomer, \(R=15\%\). \(L_0=\alpha H=0.94\cdot170=159.8\ \mathrm{cm}\). \(\beta(W-W_{\mathrm{ref}})=0.2\cdot(68-75)=-1.4\ \mathrm{cm}\). \(\Delta_{\mathrm{skill}}=-5,\ \Delta_{\mathrm{terrain}}=+2,\ -k_rR=-0.3\cdot15=-4.5\). Sum \(=159.8-1.4-5+2-4.5=150.9\ \mathrm{cm}\). Clip to \([0.88H,1.06H]=[149.6,180.2]\Rightarrow \mathbf{151}\ \mathrm{cm}\) (round to nearest offered length ~150).
\(H=180,\ W=85,\) Advanced, Powder, \(R=30\%\). \(L_0=0.94\cdot180=169.2\). Weight \(=0.2\cdot10=+2\). Skill \(=+5\). Terrain \(=+6\). Rocker \(=-0.3\cdot30=-9\). \(L\approx169.2+2+5+6-9=173.2\ \mathrm{cm}\) → pick ~172–175 cm.
\(H=175,\ W=70\). Classic: \(175+\big(25+0.10\cdot(-5)\big)=199.5\Rightarrow \mathbf{200}\ \mathrm{cm}\). Skate: \(175+\big(7+0.05\cdot(-5)\big)=181.75\Rightarrow \mathbf{182}\ \mathrm{cm}\).
Height sets the baseline; weight and ability fine-tune stability vs. maneuverability.
More rocker shortens effective edge; many skiers size slightly longer to regain grip and stability.
Often yes—slightly shorter than mid-window improves turn initiation and confidence on groomers.
Yes—tips/ tails lift reduce running length; many choose similar or slightly shorter than all-mountain recommendations.
Width adds stability in soft snow; pairing with a bit more length helps float.
Yes—always cross-check brand charts; this calculator provides a transparent starting point.
Advanced skiers often size longer for speed and stability; beginners shorter for agility.
Recommendations follow the same principles; construction and flex may differ by model.
Split the difference or prioritize weight; test or demo if possible.
No—classic usually longer (height +20–30 cm); skate shorter (height +5–10 cm).
Round to available lengths; ±3 cm rarely matters more than flex, rocker, and terrain.
Binding mount point and stance affect feel but rarely change recommended length on their own.