Ski Equipment Renting Tips – Ski Size Chart
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 chart that 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!
