Alpine skis (the straight ones) used to be ~5cm longer than your own height. With carve skis, it's the other way round. I normally have skis that are ~10 cm shorter than I am. 1m75 or 1m80 is perfect for me (1m87). Which coast are you talking about, by the way? I've only skied in the Alps thusfar.
Off piste skiing on thewest coast of N America I use a 170 to 190 cm ski, dpending on the snow conditions. The width is more critical to performance than the length. If it's deep snow on a medium slope a longer ski is fine, the shorter ski I use as it gets steeper for a quicker turn. I've been teaching skiing for 40 years and always have at least 2 pair with me that are fully tuned. I ski about 5 days a week for 3-4 months a season. The new ski sizing is more to ability than height. Balance on your whole foot, and stand tall. The shaped skiis are the only way to go now.
Hi, A lot of the time the length depends on your skill level. The longer the ski, the faster the ski. Beginners should have the curve tip at nose level. Fairly confident skiiers, but not advanced should have the curve tip over the top of their head. It all really depends on the type of snow you are on, and what you are doing with your skiis. I have a pair of 170 that I dance in, I have a pair of 210's that I recreational ski in. I have a pair of 190's that I use most of the time...Living on the east coast, the snow is more like ice most of the time. I have found that longer skiis are better in powder.
off piste should be shorter than groomers. The more parabolic, the shorter the turn radius. The stiffer the ski, the better for racing.
I am 5'6" (168cm), my slalom skis (which is similar to what you want) are 103/64/90 with a radius of 15, length 160. My GS skis are 168/14.4/114-68-99. Adjust according to your height.
There are so many factors besides length that it's hard to answer your question. I once had a bad experience with a too narrow ski. I wasn't able to stop or control my speed. I thought I had forgotten how to ski until a coach pointed out that I needed more surface area under foot. Next day I skied a wider ski that was all of 2 cm longer. No problem! I'm 6'1", 220 lbs, ended up skiing on 165s. Last season I skied a pretty fat pair of Salomon twintip 161s that I loved in the glades. Next season I'm getting a pair of Elans, probably 170s or so, because I want to go faster. Check out the RadXSports store for great deals on quality gear and, coming soon, discounts on resort packages throughout North America. Had to get in the plug.
Ski blades are where its at. i got a pair of atomics at a ski swap as my first pair of skis .... there great only 48cm long.. great for a beginner like myself.
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