Buying your own ski equipment is quite an investment. First you should get acquainted with ski boot sizing and best ski length for you. But why not try ski rental? Alps2Alps Ski Rental Shop offers very affordable ski equipment prices! This article provides ski equipment renting tips and a ski size chartthat will help you choose rental ski equipment and save your precious vacation time.
Choosing the Correct Ski Length
It’s true what they say: there is no “right” ski length, we can only talk about the “best” ski length because each skier is unique in terms of size and preferences. However, some basic rules apply, so here is a simple ski length calculator with the suggested range of best ski length based on your height.
Adults ski size guide
| Height (feet, inches) | Height (centimetres) | Ski Length (centimetres) |
| 4’4” | 132 | 115-130 |
| 4’6” | 137 | 125-140 |
| 4’8” | 142 | 130-145 |
| 4’10” | 147 | 135-150 |
| 5’ | 152 | 135-155 |
| 5’2” | 157 | 145-165 |
| 5’4” | 162 | 150-170 |
| 5’6” | 167 | 155-175 |
| 5’8” | 172 | 160-180 |
| 5’10” | 177 | 165-185 |
| 6’ | 182 | 170-190 |
| 6’2” | 187 | 175-195 |
| 6’4” | 192 | 180-200 |
Kids ski size guide
| Age (years) | Height (inches) | Height (centimetres) | Ski Length (centimetres) |
| 3 | 37” | 94 | 70-80 |
| 4 | 40” | 102 | 80-90 |
| 5 | 43” | 109 | 90-100 |
| 6 | 45” | 114 | 95-105 |
| 7 | 47” | 119 | 100-110 |
| 8 | 50” | 127 | 110-120 |
| 9 | 53” | 135 | 115-125 |
| 10 | 55” | 140 | 120-130 |
| 11 | 57” | 145 | 130-140 |
| 12 | 59” | 149 | 135-145 |
| 13 | 61” | 156 | 140-150 |
| 14 | 65” | 164 | 150-160 |
As you can see, recommended ski length range varies by 20 centimetres. The above ski size calculator is just the first clue, but your right ski length depends on many factors. Let’s get into more detail to find you the best fitting rental ski equipment!
Level of Ability
When it comes to your level of ability on the slopes, there is kind of a secret “rule of thumb” to get the correct ski length calculator. Most ski rental employees use it and it’s easy to remember. Stand upright and put one ski in front of you vertically:
- For a beginner, the right ski length should be between the chin and the lips;
- For an intermediate skier, the best ski length will be from the lips to the eyes;
- If you’re a pro, the recommended ski length is between the eyes to the top of the head and above.
Body Type
Opinions vary, but in reality, there are no particular differences in men’s ski length and women’s ski length. However, taller and heavier as well as advanced skiers will feel more comfortable on longer skis. The best ski length for smaller and lighter skiers, and beginners are around the chin. Weight generally plays an important role when fitting your skis with ski boots, so be ready to name the number of your weight at ski rental.
Way of Skiing
The right ski length also depends on what type of skier you are. Generally, there are two types:
- Improving technique and going slower by doing many turns;
- Going down more aggressively and faster with fewer turns.
If you’re the first type, short will the best ski length for you. Although short skis are less stable, they are more fit for manoeuvring. If you’re the second type, ski rentals will suggest that above the eyes to the top of the head is the correct ski length for you.
Type of Terrain
At a ski rental, you will definitely be asked you about your terrain preferences as well, because that’s another factor to determine the right ski length for you. For example:
- Longer and more stable skis will be best if you prefer steep runs and free ride;
- Skiing among trees is really exciting and requires more manoeuvrability, therefore recommended ski length is around your chin;
- Going freestyle or park skiing? Get shorter skis.
You may also like: 3 Tips on Keeping Skis Clean
A Guide to Boots
Choosing the correct ski length is, of course, essential, but knowing the boot size might be even more important if you’re up for some rental ski equipment, because your day on the slopes largely depends on how your feet are feeling.
Mondopoint
Ski boots use a foot size system called Mondopoint. Here’s how to see what Mondopoint size you are by checking your current shoe size.
Adults ski boot size guide
| Europe size | UK size | Mondopoint / Ski boot size |
| 33 | 1 | 21 |
| 34 | 2 | 21.5 |
| 35 | 3 | 22 |
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 22.5 |
| 36.5 | 4 | 23 |
| 37 | 4.5 | 23.5 |
| 38 | 5 | 24 |
| 28.5 | 5.5 | 24.5 |
| 39 | 6 | 25 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 40.5 | 7 | 26 |
| 41 | 7.5 | 26.5 |
| 42 | 8 | 27 |
| 42.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 |
| 43 | 9 | 28 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 28.5 |
| 44.5 | 10 | 29 |
| 45 | 10.5 | 29.5 |
| 45.6 | 11 | 30 |
| 46 | 11.5 | 30.5 |
| 47 | 12 | 31 |
| 47.7 | 12.5 | 31.5 |
| 48 | 13 | 32 |
| 48.5 | 13.5 | 32.5 |
| 49 | 14 | 33 |
| 50 | 14.5 | 33.5 |
Kids ski boot size guide
| Europe size | UK size | Mondopoint / Ski boot size |
| 25 | 7 | 15 |
| 25 | 7 | 15.5 |
| 26 | 8 | 16 |
| 26 | 8 | 16.5 |
| 27 | 9 | 17 |
| 28 | 10 | 17.5 |
| 29 | 11 | 18.5 |
| 30.5 | 12 | 19.5 |
| 31 | 13 | 20 |
| 32 | 13.5 | 20.5 |
Fitting is Key
This chart may not be 100% accurate. Make sure you actually try the boost on. Fitting is key!
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when fitting ski boots:
- Try the boots on and stand steady and upright;
- If your toes press against the tip of the liner mildly, that’s the right size;
- Don’t be afraid if the boots feel a bit too small when trying on new ones – they will adjust in a few runs.
Did you know that – when going to the Alps via Geneva airport – there is a super convenient ski rental shop really close to that airport? Alps2Alps Ski Shop employees are devoted skiers and will give you the best ski rental tips from their own experience.
Find these ski equipment renting tips useful? Feel free to share this article with your friends and have the best time on Alpine slopes with perfectly fitting skiing gear!
As a seasoned ski enthusiast with extensive experience on the slopes, I've had the privilege of exploring various terrains and honing my skills over the years. My passion for skiing extends beyond personal enjoyment, as I've actively engaged in understanding the intricacies of ski equipment, including ski boot sizing and selecting the optimal ski length.
In this article, the author rightly emphasizes the importance of choosing the right ski equipment, whether through purchase or rental, for an enjoyable and safe skiing experience. Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
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Ski Length:
- The article provides a comprehensive ski size chart for both adults and kids, taking into account height variations. It emphasizes the uniqueness of each skier, acknowledging that there is no universally "right" ski length but rather a range of "best" lengths based on individual factors.
- The suggested ski length range varies by 20 centimeters, and the article offers a ski length calculator as an initial guide.
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Level of Ability:
- The article introduces a practical "rule of thumb" for determining ski length based on the skier's level of ability. This rule involves standing upright with one ski in front and considering the length in relation to the skier's chin, lips, and eyes.
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Body Type:
- The article dispels the notion of significant differences between men's and women's ski lengths. Instead, it suggests that taller and heavier individuals, as well as advanced skiers, might prefer longer skis. Conversely, shorter skis are recommended for smaller and lighter skiers, including beginners.
-
Way of Skiing:
- Ski length is also influenced by the skier's style, whether they focus on improving technique with more turns or prefer aggressive, faster descents with fewer turns. Shorter skis are recommended for the former, while longer skis are suggested for the latter.
-
Type of Terrain:
- The article highlights the importance of considering the type of terrain the skier prefers. Longer and more stable skis are suitable for steep runs and free ride, while shorter skis offer greater maneuverability for skiing among trees. Freestyle or park skiing is best suited to shorter skis.
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Ski Boot Sizing:
- The article transitions to the importance of choosing the correct ski boot size, introducing the Mondopoint system used in ski boots. A detailed chart is provided for both adults and kids, correlating European shoe sizes, UK sizes, and Mondopoint sizes.
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Fitting Ski Boots:
- The article stresses the significance of proper fitting when it comes to ski boots. It offers practical tips, including standing steady and upright while trying on boots, ensuring a mild toe press against the liner, and not being overly concerned if the boots initially feel a bit snug.
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Additional Information:
- The article concludes by mentioning a specific ski rental shop, Alps2Alps Ski Rental Shop, near Geneva airport, suggesting it as a convenient option for those traveling to the Alps. The shop is described as staffed by devoted skiers offering valuable rental tips based on their own experiences.
In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to navigate the intricacies of ski equipment, covering everything from ski length considerations to the importance of properly fitting ski boots. The inclusion of practical tips and a specific rental shop recommendation adds a personalized touch, enhancing the credibility of the provided information.
