How to Choose Downhill Skis

Whether you’re looking to invest in your own pair or need to upgrade an old pair of downhill skis, understanding the basics of how to choose downhill skis will help you when shopping for a new pair. We’ll walk you through the types of downhill skis, choosing the right size, and choosing ski bindings.

Types of Downhill Skis

Downhill, or alpine skis, come in a few primary types. Knowing your ski style and terrain will help narrow down your options. Below are a few questions to help guide you:

Will you be skiing in deep powder snow or on hard-packed, groomed terrain?
Do you prefer skiing casually at a resort or do you seek out challenging terrain where the quality of snow varies?

Once you’ve determined your preferences and the terrain you plan on skiing, you’ll be able to select the right type of downhill skis.

All-Mountain Skis

True to their name, all-mountain skis are great for all age groups and experience levels. Most traditional all-mountain skis feature a camber bend profile to give them reliable carving and turning capabilities, making them an absolute blast on groomed terrain while still giving you the freedom to explore off-piste.

For more versatility. all-mountain wide skis are the ultimate one-ski-quiver if you want to split your time between groomed runs and fresh powder. They feature a wider waist width to efficiently cut through deep or chopped-up snow and provide extra stability, all while retaining that reliable camber bend profile underfoot.

Powder Skis

As the name implies, these downhill skis are best for deep powder snow. They feature a significantly wider footprint and a rocker bend profile (where the tip and tail curve upward early). This design improves flotation and maneuverability in deep snow while keeping your ends from catching. This type of downhill ski is mostly for intermediate to experienced skiers looking to hunt for fresh tracks.

Freestyle Skis

If you look at the mountain as your personal playground, freestyle (or park) skis are for you. Designed for the terrain park, these skis often feature twin tips (meaning both the nose and tail are turned up) so you can take off and land backward with ease. They are engineered to be playful, lightweight, and durable enough to handle rails, boxes, and massive jumps.

Backcountry Skis

For skiers who want to skip the lift lines entirely and earn their turns, backcountry (or alpine touring) skis are built to explore beyond resort boundaries. These skis are specifically engineered to be ultra-lightweight to make hiking uphill with climbing skins as effortless as possible, while remaining structurally sound enough to handle unpredictable, un-groomed wilderness terrain on the way down.

The primary difference lies in waist width and terrain versatility. Carving skis are narrow (typically 70mm to 80mm) with a sharp hourglass shape designed for fast, precise edge transitions and maximum grip on groomed trails. All-mountain skis are wider (usually 85mm to 105mm), providing the stability and flotation needed to handle variable conditions like slush, crud, and light powder.

In short, choose a carving ski if you plan to stick strictly to groomed resort runs. Opt for an all-mountain ski if you want the flexibility to duck into the trees and explore the entire mountain.
Ski stiffness, or flex, determines how a ski handles speed and turns. Soft-flex skis are forgiving and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for beginners and lighter skiers; however, they tend to vibrate and feel unstable at high speeds. Stiff skis require more physical strength and advanced technique to control, but they offer maximum edge grip and stability for aggressive, expert, or heavier skiers.

As a rule of thumb, if you notice your skis flopping or chattering heavily on fast, groomed runs, it is a clear sign that they are too soft for your current ability level and it is time to upgrade to a stiffer model.
For complete beginners, renting skis is almost always the better choice for your first few trips to the mountain. Renting allows you to try the sport without committing to a purchase of expensive equipment. It also lets you experiment with different ski lengths as you learn what feels comfortable. Learn more about our ski rentals at SCHEELS.

However, once you are skiing more than 5 to 7 days a year and have progressed past the absolute beginner stage, buying your own skis becomes the smarter investment. Owning your skis guarantees consistent performance, as you aren't adjusting to a different pair of rentals every time you ski.

What Size Skis Do I Need?

Once you’ve picked the perfect type of ski, it’s time to figure out the right length. As a general rule of thumb, longer skis provide more stability and speed, while shorter skis are easier to maneuver and quick to turn.

To find your baseline size, look at your height. When standing flat on the floor, the proper ski length should land somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. For example, a skier who is 6 feet tall will typically look for a ski length between 165 cm (around chin height) and 180 cm+ (top of the head).

Sizing Up vs. Sizing Down Skis

Once you have your baseline range based on your height, your weight, ability level, and style will tell you whether to lean toward the shorter or longer end of that spectrum.

Choose shorter skis if:

You’re a beginner or intermediate skier
Your weight is less than average for your height
You’re using carving skis with only camber, no rocker
You prefer making short, quick turns and seldom ski fast

Choose longer skis if:

You prefer skiing off the trail
You prefer fast and aggressive runs
Your weight is more than average for your height
You’re using a twin-tip ski or skis that have a lot of rocker

Downhill Ski Size Chart

Below is a general downhill ski size chart to help you identify the best ski length range for you and your skiing ability.

Skier Height (ft. & in.)	Skier Height (cm)	Beginner/Intermediate Ski Length (cm)	Advanced Ski Length (cm)
4’ 4”	132	118—125	125—133
4” 6”	137	125—132	132—137
4’ 8”	142	130—139	137—143
4’ 10”	147	137—142	142—148
5” 0”	152	137—145	145—153
5’ 2”	157	145—152	152—157
5’ 4”	162	147—153	153—162
5’ 6”	167	153—160	160—167
5’ 8”	172	157—164	164—173
5’ 10”	177	163—173	170—178
6’ 0”	182	165—175	175—183
6’ 2”	187	170—179	179—188
6’ 4”	192	177—185	185—193

Choosing Ski Bindings

Ski bindings attach your ski boots to your skis and will release when pressure is applied. It’s crucial that you have properly functioning and compatible ski bindings to keep you safe on the slopes. When shopping for a new pair of downhill skis, you’ll want to check to see if the skis include bindings or need to be purchased separately.

System Skis (Integrated Bindings): If your skis include bindings, it will be noted with the words like “system skis,” “with bindings,” or “integrated bindings.” When a pair of skis feature integrated bindings, the manufacturer has already determined them compatible and safe to use together. These types of ski and binding systems are a popular choice for beginner skiers who are looking for quality recreational skis.

Flat Skis (Nonintegrated Bindings): If your skis do not include bindings, you’ll have to purchase the correct type of binding. It’s important to make sure that your bindings are compatible with your ski boots and provide the proper release needed when on the slopes. Purchasing separate binding for your skis should be reserved for intermediate or advanced skiers.

Shop Downhill Skis

With basic knowledge of the types of downhill skis, what size of skis you’ll need, and choosing ski bindings, you’re ready to find the perfect pair of downhill skis for you! If you’re looking for ski poles and need assistance in knowing which size to buy, check out our Choosing Downhill Ski Poles Expert article. For additional questions or personalized guidance choosing the right skis or setup, reach out to a Ski Expert at your nearest SCHEELS.

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