Ski buying guide
How the quiz works, and how to size your skis
Background reading for when you want it. You don’t need any of this to use the quiz above.
How do the recommendations work?
The quiz builds a target ski from your answers, then scores every 2026/27 adult ski against it. Each model appears once, in the offered length that fits best, and the list holds up to twelve models. Only skis whose curated profile has been reviewed by us are considered, so a model can be missing simply because we haven’t finished reviewing it yet. The match is a rule-based guide, not a guarantee, and it is not based on us testing the skis.
- Terrain sets the category and the starting point for width and turn radius. Piste skis are narrower with a shorter radius; freeride skis are wider and longer.
- Skill level is a filter. A ski is only shown if its reviewed ability range includes yours. Ability also nudges the suggested length up a few centimetres for each step.
- Touring is a yes or no. If you say no, dedicated touring skis are left out. If you say yes, only skis offered without alpine bindings are considered, and the touring slider rewards lower verified weight while shifting the target width and radius toward touring skis and shortening the suggested length by up to six centimetres.
- Snow depth mainly moves the waist width. Deeper snow means a wider target.
- Short or long turns moves the turn radius, and changes the suggested length by a few centimetres.
- Height and weight set the length, with a small adjustment to width for much taller or heavier skiers.
Nothing you enter is stored. Your answers only appear in the page address so you can copy or bookmark the results.
What size skis do I need?
Length is mostly about height, then weight, ability and the kind of skiing you do. Shorter skis turn more easily; longer skis are steadier at speed and float better. The table shows starting points for an all-mountain ski, using a typical body weight for each height and a medium turn preference. Piste skis come out a few centimetres shorter, freeride skis a few centimetres longer, and heavier skiers should go longer than the table. Treat every figure as a starting point, then check the lengths each ski is actually offered in. For a figure based on your own height and weight, use the ski size calculator.
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4′11″) | 143 | 148 | 152 | 157 |
| 155 cm (5′1″) | 147 | 152 | 156 | 161 |
| 160 cm (5′3″) | 151 | 156 | 160 | 165 |
| 165 cm (5′5″) | 155 | 160 | 165 | 169 |
| 170 cm (5′7″) | 160 | 164 | 169 | 173 |
| 175 cm (5′9″) | 163 | 168 | 173 | 177 |
| 180 cm (5′11″) | 168 | 172 | 177 | 182 |
| 185 cm (6′1″) | 172 | 177 | 181 | 186 |
| 190 cm (6′3″) | 176 | 181 | 185 | 190 |
| 195 cm (6′5″) | 181 | 185 | 190 | 195 |
How wide should my skis be?
Width is measured under the foot, at the waist. A narrow ski goes from edge to edge quickly and grips well on firm, groomed snow. A wide ski has more surface area, so it floats in soft snow and stays on top of chop, but it is slower to roll onto its edge and usually less precise on hard pistes. The quiz uses these centres for an average-build skier:
- Piste: about 72–76 mm, depending on whether you prefer short or long turns.
- All-mountain: about 82–108 mm, from mostly groomed runs up to regular powder days.
- Freeride: about 94–118 mm, from mixed off-piste terrain up to deep snow.
Taller and heavier skiers are pushed a couple of millimetres wider, lighter skiers a little narrower. Touring skis tend to sit between roughly 80 and 104 mm. The scoring allows a few millimetres either way, so a ski close to your target still scores well.
Ski buying questions
What skis should a beginner buy?
Most beginners do better on a forgiving piste or narrower all-mountain ski, often in the 70s or low 80s mm underfoot, in a length around chin to nose height. Softer skis are easier to turn and easier on mistakes. Very stiff skis or wide freeride skis make learning harder. If you ski only a week a year, renting while you build skills is usually the cheaper route.
Is one ski enough for piste and powder?
One ski can cover both reasonably, but it will be a compromise. An all-mountain ski around 95 to 105 mm handles groomers acceptably and floats in a few centimetres of fresh snow. It will not carve as crisply as a narrow piste ski, and it will not float like a dedicated powder ski on a deep day. If most of your days are on groomers, buy for the groomers and rent something wide for the occasional powder trip.
Should I buy last year’s model?
Often, yes. Many skis carry over with only new graphics, and previous-season skis are commonly discounted. Check what actually changed before you decide: a redesign in the construction or shape is a reason to prefer the new version. Last season’s sizes can also be harder to find. This quiz only recommends 2026/27 skis, so look at the earlier season in the catalogue if you want to compare.
Should I buy skis or rent?
Renting makes sense for a week or two a year, or while you are still learning what you like. Owning pays off if you ski regularly, want a specific type of ski, or find rental fleets mostly consist of basic, worn skis. Demo skis are a good middle option, because you can try a shortlist before spending anything on a pair.