Ski Size Chart
Ski Size Guide
Choosing the right ski length doesn't need to be complicated. Start with your height and ability level, then fine tune based on where and how you ski.
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Height gets you close. Ski style gets it right.
Your height gives you a starting point, but your ability, weight, speed and terrain all matter. A shorter ski will usually feel easier to turn. A longer ski will usually feel more stable at speed and in soft or chopped-up snow.
Use the charts below as a guide, then shop by terrain and ability to narrow things down.
Quick BaseNZ tip
For Queenstown, Wānaka and most NZ resort days, a lot of skiers land in the all-mountain zone. Think enough width to handle variable snow, but not so wide that the ski feels slow edge-to-edge on groomers.
Shop All-Mountain SkisShop by terrain
Where do you ski most?
Pick the type of skiing you do most often first, then use the size chart to find the right length.
All-Mountain
The one-ski quiver. Handles groomers, variable snow, the odd adventures off-piste and the occasional deeper day.
Shop All-Mountain
Carving & Piste
Quick edge-to-edge performance for skiers who love groomers, leaving railroad tracks and clean turns.
Shop Carving
Freeride & Powder
Built for soft snow, bigger terrain, chopped-up conditions and off-piste lines.
Shop Freeride
Freestyle & Park
Twin tips, playful flex and skis built for jumps, rails, butters and side hits.
Shop FreestyleShop by ability
Skier Ability Level
Materials, flex, shape and dimensions all affect how demanding a ski feels. If you're shopping by ability level, look out for these cues.
Beginner / Intermediate
Usually softer flexing, narrower and more forgiving. Composite, foam or softer wood cores with capped construction make these skis easy to turn if your technique is still developing. A little rocker in the tip and tail helps them feel less catchy.
Shop Beginner / IntermediateIntermediate / Advanced
Often wider and stronger than beginner skis, with wood cores and sandwich sidewall construction. Depending on the ski, you'll see camber, rocker or a mix of both for better edge hold, support and versatility.
Shop Intermediate / AdvancedAdvanced / Expert
Built for aggressive and skilled skiers. Expect powerful wood cores with metal, carbon or flax layers for stability and high-speed performance. They can be stiffer and more demanding at slower speeds.
Shop Advanced / ExpertSize chart
Men's Ski Size Chart
| Skier Height | Height CM | Expert | Intermediate | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 152 | 155 | 150 | 140 |
| 5'2" | 158 | 163 | 155 | 145 |
| 5'4" | 163 | 168 | 160 | 150 |
| 5'6" | 168 | 173 | 165 | 155 |
| 5'8" | 173 | 180 | 170 | 160 |
| 5'10" | 178 | 185 | 175 | 165 |
| 6'0" | 183 | 190 | 180 | 170 |
| 6'2" | 188 | 195 | 185 | 175 |
| 6'4" | 193 | 200 | 190 | 180 |
Most skiers around Queenstown and Wānaka fall into the Intermediate column. If you're skiing confidently across the mountain, size towards the Expert range.
Shop Men's SkisSize chart
Women's Ski Size Chart
| Skier Height | Height CM | Expert | Intermediate | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'6" | 137 | 140 | 135 | 125 |
| 4'8" | 142 | 145 | 140 | 130 |
| 4'10" | 147 | 150 | 145 | 135 |
| 5'0" | 152 | 155 | 150 | 140 |
| 5'2" | 158 | 163 | 155 | 145 |
| 5'4" | 163 | 168 | 160 | 150 |
| 5'6" | 168 | 173 | 165 | 155 |
| 5'8" | 173 | 178 | 170 | 160 |
| 5'10" | 178 | 183 | 175 | 165 |
| 6'0" | 183 | 188 | 180 | 170 |
Women's skis are often lighter and easier to initiate turns on, but sizing principles remain the same. If you're skiing confidently across the whole mountain, size towards the Expert recommendations.
Shop Women's SkisSize chart
Kids Ski Size Chart
| Skier Height | Height CM | Advanced Young Skier | Beginner / Intermediate Young Skier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3'0" | 91 | 86 | 76 |
| 3'6" | 107 | 98 | 88 |
| 3'9" | 114 | 110 | 100 |
| 4'0" | 122 | 122 | 112 |
| 4'3" | 130 | 134 | 124 |
| 4'6" | 137 | 140 | 130 |
| 4'9" | 145 | 146 | 136 |
| 5'0" | 152 | 156 | 146 |
| 5'3" | 160 | 164 | 154 |
For younger skiers progressing quickly, sizing towards the advanced range provides more stability and room to grow. Newer skiers will generally have more fun on a slightly shorter ski.
Shop Kids SkisFine tune the length
Should I size up or down?
Size Down If
- You're a beginner
- You prefer slower speeds
- You mostly ski groomers
- You want easier turns
- You're lighter for your height
Size Up If
- You're an advanced skier
- You ski aggressively
- You spend time off-piste
- You ski chopped-up snow regularly
- You're heavier for your height
- Your ski has significant rocker
Ski waist width
How wide should my skis be?
Waist width is the width of the ski under your boot. Narrower skis are quicker edge-to-edge and suit groomers. Wider skis add float and stability in soft or chopped-up snow. For NZ resort skiing, many all-mountain skiers sit around 85–100mm underfoot.
Under 80mm
Best for frontside skiing, groomers and quick carving turns. Easy to roll edge-to-edge.
80–90mm
A versatile piste to all-mountain width. Good for skiers who mostly stay on trail but want more support in variable snow.
90–100mm
The sweet spot for many NZ all-mountain skiers. Enough platform for chop and soft snow without feeling too slow on groomers.
100–110mm
Freeride leaning. Better float and stability off-piste, with a bit more effort needed on firm snow.
110mm+
Powder focused. Built for soft snow days, bigger lines and skiers who prioritise float.
Not sure?
For a Kiwi "one-ski quiver" (one ski to do it all) start by looking at all-mountain skis in the 85–100mm zone.
Shop All-MountainCommon questions
Ski Size FAQs
What length skis should I get for New Zealand conditions?
Most skiers are happiest on an all-mountain ski sized somewhere between nose and forehead height. That's stable enough for variable snow while still being manageable on groomers.
Are longer skis harder to ski?
Generally yes. Longer skis take more input to turn, but offer more stability at speed and better support in soft or chopped-up snow.
What if I'm between sizes?
If you're progressing quickly or skiing aggressively, go longer. If confidence, control and ease of use matter most, go shorter.
Do wider skis need to be longer?
Often, yes. Wider freeride and powder skis usually have more rocker, so many skiers choose a slightly longer length for extra stability and effective edge.
Still Not Sure?
Tell us your height, weight, ability level and where you ski, and we'll point you in the right direction.
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