Short Vs Long Skis - The REAL Difference

[@summitskiing]

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[@13joeyyeo]

Good stuff ! 😀😀😀😀

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I have worked in the ski industry for 40 years. The analogy I have used is comparing ski length to automobiles. Cars with shorter wheel bases tend to be easier to maneuver especially a lower speed or in tight turns. However cars with longer wheel bases give a more stable ride on the highway at grater speeds. You best consider which driving conditions or skiing conditions you encounter most often. For people who spend time on the water they understand that the longer the boat the better they float in variable water and waves. The point about skier weight is important. You can’t put 10 people in a 10 foot boat if you want it to float. It’s the same with skis. A ski that is eye level on a 140 lb skier isn’t going to perform as well as the same length on a 240 lb skier. Most ski models come in 4-5 lengths. Think of it like ski clothing that comes in XS,S,M,L and XL that fits your body dimensions.Several manufacturers like Blizzard and Volkl have developed ski construction that provides softer or firmer flex as ski length increases. Definitely go into a ski shop and talk with a professional who understands the design characteristics of the various ski models when making your selection.

[@summitskiing]

Great explanation

[@laowai2000]

Is a "grater speed" so fast when you fall over the ice grates your skin?

[@2204JCM]

Id like to add that skis also come in different stiffness. Stiffer skis are harder to turn at lower speeds but excel if your a hard charger. Stiffer skis don’t do as well in deep powder. Its all a trade off folks. As mentioned serious skiers have more than one pair they use depending on conditions.

[@dacat8171]

Are you sure that you really learnt something about skis in your 40 years? There are more variables that need to be considered, when it comes to ski characteristics: • length • stiffness, flexibility (also its variation over the length) • outline • camber • width and its variation • bindings position • bindings height • snow condition • slope angle • ... Guess what happens, when you hit the ski shop and ask for a pair of skis? You will be sold what is in stock and not necessarily what suits you. Therefore do some research on what could work for you and then try different rental skis in different conditions.

[@mtadams2009]

@@dacat8171I think without writing a book he was spot on. That is why those of that ski a lot have more than one pair of skies. No ski does it all though I do have a daily driver.

[@Bamsebrakar2011]

I have 50 years skiing experience, for allround skiing I’ve always preferred the stability of GS skis. I’m 181 cm tall and my GS skis used to be 195 or 200 cm long, but these days with carving skis they are 185 cm. Longer skis require more technique and strength to turn, but you will ski faster with more control.

[@petercreagh8797]

Once I reached advanced intermediate level I ended up buying the longest length ski you could buy in any model I was interested in as I was keen to buy a new skiing challenge rather than buy the latest model in the same length I had before. I would say I don't regret buying the longest as I find at speed and on ice they just feel safer but I can see myself dropping down in length as I get older as I am now 65 especially on crowed slopes. I do have skis in different lengths but just have to keep in mind not to go too fast on the shorter ones. One odd thing about skiing the longest lengths you can buy in any model of ski is I have never wished they made them any longer which must mean they would have been tested by people of my fitness, height and weight before deciding what lengths to manufacture them in to avoid the testers saying I wish they would make this ski in an even longer length.

[@joneinarmattiasvisser6113]

True! I bet only a speed skier would find any comercially available slope ski too short; they are not fast enough, the skis they use are 240cm minimum! These have like no turn radius. Their course is also straight down. That's what downhill skis are for; longest ski length as you mentioned with a somewhat managable turn radius, these are also like ish 220cm long😂

[@os-qt1hc]

When I was borrowing ski gear I was told the ski length should be between your chest and chin, not your chin and top of your head. It definitely works for me. I'm a beginner, I went skiing in Savoy Alps and managed to ski on green and blue pistes. My skis were below my chin. In 6 days of skiing I didn't fall once. There were a couple of occasions where I almost fell, and I think I would have, if the skis were any longer.

[@jvine3516]

99cm short skis work well here on the hard packed runs in Ontario. Superb control. 5’9” 180lbs. Con: less stability with variable snow conditions and less speed.

[@eitanpaster5692]

It is even more complicated than this, so I wanted to add some details in this comment. How long the ski feels isn't just the number stated, it's something called the effective edge. If you look at a ski lying flat on the ground, the middle of the ski is raised, called a camber, and then the tips and sometimes the tail is flared, called a rocker. When you step on the ski, the part that contacts the snow is called the effective edge. Two skis that are both 170 cm might have different effective edges based on the amount of camber/rocker, making them feel different. For example, a groomer ski without much rocker (the curve at the tip or the tail), you might want to size it closer to your nose, whereas a ski with a lot of rocker for off piste conditions, you might want to size up even a few inches above your head. To make this even more complicated, on some skis such as the Nordica Enforcer, the effective edge gets longer the harder you push your skis, meaning the faster you carve the longer the effective edge gets. If you prefer to ski making smaller turns and doing skinny chutes and doing jump turns, go for a shorter ski. If you like more straightening and carving and bombing chutes, go for a longer ski.

[@privettoli]

I have experienced this first-hand, bought online much longer ski but with camber, happened to be almost the same length with much less edge length.

[@GraceBennett-r4z]

When I was borrowing ski gear I was told the ski length should be between your chest and chin, not your chin and top of your head. It definitely works for me. I'm a beginner, I went skiing in Savoy Alps and managed to ski on green and blue pistes. My skis were below my chin. In 6 days of skiing I didn't fall once. There were a couple of occasions where I almost fell, and I think I would have, if the skis were any longer.

[@garymeinen3663]

I've been skiing for 40 years and the technology continues to change so much. When I started 40 years ago, you wanted the longest ski you could handle, they were just more stable, back then I was 6-1 220lbs and using 200cm skis. Now at 65, I'm 6-1 240 and using 186cm skis. The difference is the technology is so much better and the shape is easier to use.

[@KlintonSilvey]

Skiboards were awesome to learn on when you only had 4 days/year to ski. Then we all moved up to full length but had the basics and confidence down.

[@Lucas-ey4xe]

I find slightly shorter skis are much easier to ski on and avoid getting tanggled up or even in lift queues, easier to manover . Better for beginners. I am advanced inter but still use shorter lengths.

[@Engineersoldinterstingstuff]

I still love my head xrc800 from 2007. Have bought other, longer skies but always returned to these. They are 163 cm I am 182 cm... Ride faster than 95 percent still.

[@grantgorman5523]

I feel this way as well. I'm 6ft 3 and have been riding 171cm skis for a long time. I do think i have outgrown them and I'm looking to upgrade. But I'm torn between 179 and 186. All the "experts" and online forums say i should get 186 but I love the maneuverability of small skies and lightness of them. I have no problem going fast.

[@beginner1991]

@@Engineersoldinterstingstuff Yeah this talk about stability on piste is non-sense most days. some rare days with perfect conditions and very few people happen so rarely it's not worth a discussion really. when you can actually safely operate a full blown 185 cm GS ski.

[@giorgiobarchiesi5003]

When I was young, the method for determining optimal ski length was to raise one’s arm, and the ski had to reach the height of your wrist. This is about 30 cm (one foot) above your own height! I was convinced this was wrong, but no ski shop would let you buy a pair of shorter skis. The answer to you protests and reasoning was inflexible: “they are more stable”. Crazy times!

[@vidpromjm]

My first skis were Head monster 78 178cm. Im 6' but found these really held me back in less than ideal conditions. I progressed much faster when I swallowed my ego and went to a 173cm ski. I now ski a 180cm 93mm wide most of the time but have a 173cm 98mm for tight trees on good days as a senior skier they are easier to manage.

[@adjo82]

Im 6ft and 15 stone, I had lessons with 173 skis and found it difficult to learn but due to height and weight, thats what was apparently correct. Soon as I got to recreational standard and ski'd alone I switched to 165. Best thing ever, sooo much easier.

[@slinkynet]

​@@adjo82I'm on 165 and I'm 15 stone at 5 foot 10. Can't ski on long skis. Hate them too long

[@andriyvasilchenko3783]

The best video I have seen for novice skiers.

[@humanbeing2420]

Your standards are not very high.

[@hallstewart]

A big surface for floating, a mid length for carving, a wide stance powerfully steering one edge with both legs.The snowboard solves everything, except drag lifts 😂

[@DLeopoldi914]

Very cool video, I am 6”1 240 and my daily drivers are 185 in length. I ski 80% on piste and 20% off. Do you think off piste and smearing turns a 177 will make a difference? Our woods are very tight here

[@cbthomas9577]

As a former Vail Ski Instructor, its not so much the length as it is the Shape! A narrow waist is an acute slalom ski while a wide waist tips turned up at both ends work great freestyle and in Powder. Just an example. Nowadays, one needs to have a quiver of skis for different conditions and terrain.

[@elliottdiedrich3068]

You are absolutely correct that the shape is more important than length but I think the stiffness is just as important. If you have a stiff pair of slalom racing skis, they are really good for racing slalom, but not much good for anything else because they just don't flex enough unless you are really going for it (like in a race). Long skis can be really fun though. I am looking forward to dusting off an old pair of 223s and going for a rip. Those were the days!

[@richardpare3538]

At 70 yo now, and only getting to ski a few times a year, my legs are decidedly not what they were 50 years ago when I was racing on 207 CM Dynamic VR17's for slalom. I currently use a short pair ( 158 cm) of the Head full-race FIA slalom skis from 2 years ago ( Head e-SL-RD). At 5' 10"and 175 pounds, I find them to be as perfect a ski as I could dream of - phenomenal grip, easy to carve both short and long turns, responsive to any inputs I give them, including emergency super-tight turns, and even at that sorta length, stability at speed is not problem since they are racing skis.The only thing I wouldn't use them for is powder since they are only 68mm underfoot! For powder or the glades, I go back to my Rossi Experience 88s that float nicely in those conditions. More than likely, a length more suitable to my height and weight if I were young and racing - probably 170-175 cm or so - would be too powerful a ski for my current status of old-fartedness.

[@myth24715]

I still have a pair of 207cm VRs in my closet. I haven’t yet tried anything shorter than 162, but my experience has been the same. Shorter race skis are plenty stable enough for any recreational skiing I’m likely to do. But if I had the chance to ski in deeper snow longer and/or wider skis would be easier.

[@sillytorque]

What did you use for the voice over?

[@neofloggin3687]

I use 175'ish to 190'ish. I will go as low as 165cm and I am 250lbs. I know, people will say this as BS, but at the end of the day, it is all about your style and comfort

[@billtobin276]

I agree. I'm 5'10 and 220 and ski 172 to 180. I'll be 76 and if people don't like the way I ski, they can stick it somewhere! It's all in how you like to ski. Also I see folks on race skis who can barely do a parallel turn. Clearly out of their element. 30 years ago I skied 205 (Fischer RCSL) or 210 (Volkl P10 RS). Things change. OBTW: I don't have a quiver, I have a bloody arsenal! Peace

[@hstubc]

Where are these videos filmed? The terrain looks amazing especially the area at 4:00 mark

[@MarcoFD]

cant say for the 4 minute mark but at 5 minutes its clearly the alps so im assuming most is shot in eather french/swiss/austrian alps

[@halimahmad1022]

Zermatt.

[@francoisviau2352]

The lenght of your ski depend of the weight and your skill not your height

[@DosAussieThai]

The opening shot is at the Matterhorn Mountain in Zermatt, Switzerland. The rest are likely in Europe too.

[@summitskiing]

Correct!

[@mankev9255]

Lol I recognize that voice and cadence, this was generated with AI Invideo Creator. Pretty good. Long skis were the norm before the latter part of the 1990s from beginer to expert. I don't know why it took so long for ski companies to clue in to the fact that shorter skis with a more radical side cut would perform better for carving, not a lot of R&D going on I guess. I still have my long skis from around 1991 but switched to snowboarding so they rarely get used anymore. As the video pointed out they are more stable at speed but required more effort to carve with, you really had to put pressure on the tip to initiate the turn.

[@NormanSzczepanski]

whats the tool used? i tried to google it but haven't found it.

[@mankev9255]

@NormanSzczepanski It's called Invideo. Should be first google result.

[@meadowlark8197]

You forgot to mention that the rocker technology might interfere with that general rule of thumb with ski length…

[@MrDogonjon]

Good call!

[@MarcoGalliani-tf7qh]

The best video I have seen for novice skiers.

[@stieldaddy3846]

I am 6"0 and 205lbs. I have 6 skis from 177 to 190. I love them all. But for fast ripping runs. My 184 and 190's are KING.

[@davidjacobson9463]

Interesting. Especially when one considers "water skiing" as quite similar to "snow skiing." On water the wider ski (especially waist on snow skis), keeps one "afloat"; just as in "powder skiing." So "in powder" the wider waist (even shorter ski length depending on one's ability; as shorter skis are always easier to control, including in powder) ski "keeps one afloat" in powder.

[@Ydooo]

What about all terrain skis ?

[@wdstrut]

Bunch of experts in here.

[@ActiveJoe]

A great video with lots of detail - thanks for posting. All the best and God Bless. 🙏❤🇺🇸

[@summitskiing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ponyboy98]

A good rule of thumb is to buy as much ski as you can afford. If you’re rich, buy the longest, fattest ski you can find. If you’re poor, consider a pair of skiblades - or maybe a snowboard (one board vs. two is always cheaper).

[@LeonX29]

I'm 180cm and i've tested skis from 130-212 and i've always found most enjoyment in the longer ones. I tend to go for 185 or 177 Giant Slalom skis for the speed and stability as i love high speeds, and i've chosen 178 for my all-mountains. As for the shorter 157-165 i use on slalom, they are great fun but i don't dare pick up high speeds with the wobbling they bring.

[@petercreagh8797]

My intermediate skis were the old 200cm slalom which were recommended by a shop and they did impress me for the first 10 days I skied on them having made it to the bottom of the steepest slope on the mountain on my first attempt. One day I demoed some GS skis in the same length and it was love at first sight as I could see myself having far fewer falls if I bought them. At the time I just felt all my falls were due to my intermediate skiing ability. I skied on GS skis for many years until midfat skis were invented which meant I was able to have fewer falls off piste due to their width plus they still were able to offer the stability at speed my GS skis offered.

[@MrDogonjon]

I am 68 average height and weight. I ski 165 13m Rossi Hero TI 75mm underfoot and 175 15m Rossi Hero 75mm multi-turn. Both skis perform well on course but are unexpectedly versatile off piste and in bumps. All the hype about design is very corrupt. It is only about technique and the operators intentions. That is how it always has been... don't be conned. Learn to ski well. I see 7year old children who quickly learn to ski well given good coaching. There is no reason the average ski enthusiast can not progress to level 7. It takes good coaching ,focused time on hill and personal discipline to learn anything... there is no short cut or magic device to substitute what has always been fact.

[@LeonX29]

All skis that i actively use are racers, and i'm waiting on season start to test the new all-mountains. Until now i've had some strict limitations to where i can be based on which pair i take. As for the learning part you mention, I know all about it. Been skiing all my life.

[@elliottdiedrich3068]

You need to try some 223 DH boards, you'll love them!

[@joeblue7]

Enjoyed this review! You guys doing an amazing job describing, and the attention to detail is fantastic! On that note, I’m 5-10 200 pounds, I consider myself an intermediate skier, ski mostly on groomers, comfortable on blacks, double blacks I do very cautiously, and on rare occasions I’ll go off piste. I just came off the Volkl mantras M6 @ 177 cm and they kicked my butt. Not to mention my legs were done at the end of the day, I did enjoy them and they were great, but it was a bit too much. I prefer maneuverability and control over speed. I know many will say that the 172 CM for my stats is a short ski, I really don’t want to go up to the 180cm. Hence the reason why I would like to go with the black edition for more stability considering the two extra rods that I’ve been inserted into the ski, Will the 172 CM be able to sustain my height and weight and still be able to enjoy the mountain? I’m hesitant going with The regular Ripstick 96 as I feel that with my height and weight I may end up getting a lot of instability and chattering across the board. Most of my skiing is done out west, California, Utah. I’m not an aggressive skier, at 46 I am more cautious and alert, considering I’m coming off two rotator cuff surgeries, but I do like to come down bowls and get the occasional speed if the opportunity present itself. Thanks!

[@67daltonknox]

I'm 183. I use a 172 for trees and chutes and a 188 for powder and groomers.

[@tshandy1]

I'm an average ability skier, which is pretty much where I've wanted to be for years, considering the investment of time and physical conditioning I would need to get to that next level. Quite a few years ago I went from longer (and skinnier) skis, which were faster, to shorter and wider skis, and that's where I have remained. It's all good.

[@MrDogonjon]

While ski design has changed the marketing of skis... technique has remained the same making PSIA a global laughing stock. The same technique that Austrians, Swiss ski racers used since the 50's (= "The New Way to Ski" by Willie Scheffler 1957) is the technique of today. PSIA desperatly tried to bury this book only to now be repulsive to learning how to ski. Reject PSIA dogma... they have been wrong for ever about what good skiing is and about how to learn it... good luck.... find a USSA ski coach to learn technique PSIA sucks.

[@ijerryhale]

@@MrDogonjon I am a PSIA Level II Certified Instructor, I have a Level II Children's Cert, a Level II Senior Cert, and I got all of these certs back when it was a lot more difficult to do then it is today. I spent twenty years bopping between being a professional ski instructor in the winter and being an electrical engineer in the summer, and I learned to ski "old style" in the late 70s and then had to forget it all to learn modern skiing. Suffice it to say that while I believe that PSIA made some disappointing changes over the course of the time I was a member, I still very much believe in the organization and many of it's members and leadership. Some are very good friends. To say that I disagree with your characterization that "the same technique that Austrians, Swiss ski racers used since the 50's is the technique of today." would be an understatement. For example, move your center of mass forward of your boots and using a 1950's knee tuck position try to angulate your outside knee into a turn on a 205CM ski made in 1963 that has no side cut and let me know how that turns out. When I learned to ski in the 70s the idea was to keep your skis as close as possible which is antithetical to maintaining a strong stance and avoiding lateral tipping. The sixties and seventies was full of full body angulation, way back on your skis, and moving back and inside on your turns. But don't believe me, watch any old school skiing video. Lastly, skiing is pretty much simple gravitational physics and ninety some percent of skiers on any given resort on any given say aren't following the rules. Often for three reasons 1.) they learned to ski from watching others who are most often doing it wrong 2.) knowing the rules can't and won't override conditioned reflex without a lot of practice 3.) most people don't ski more than two or three times a year and so never get enough practice.

[@raynic1173]

It's pretty funny that not one mention,, from this expert, that I heard, really discussed stiffness. In the old days of skinny skis, stiffness was always a factor next to ski length to be considered. Virtually every characteristic he talked about can be assisted with the right flex.....hmm.

[@honzakorbel5451]

Is this AI generated?

[@petefrosty5467]

Sounds like it

[@ZephyrWilder-o5q]

I've never seen Scott Schmidt or Glenn Plake on short boards . . . . . . . . K2 200 Extremes, baby !

[@markusbrunner9170]

A senseful explanation... more than the typical "good skier = long skies" like you said: a real skier should own a few different skies for different conditions. I also want to buy one for icy slopes actually i got 2 touring skies (one for "firn" and one for powder) and two allMtn (an older one which is literally done and the newer one which is much more stiffer and heavier than the old one (and 4-5 years ago this ski would have been riding me - not me the ski but i began again slowly and was getting better relly fast)

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

How did you get the "When keeping it real goes wrong" guy to do this voiceover!

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

Too short and my skis start twitching at higher speeds, I find the skis I love most are on the heavier side, Nordica Speedmachine and Rossignol Pursuit are the best I've owned.

[@Useryofcsdnx]

Thx for the suggestions I’m going to look these two up

[@mrdjangofreeman5560]

Thx for this good summary 😊

[@VinceMcLachlan]

I find slightly shorter skis are much easier to ski on and avoid getting tanggled up or even in lift queues, easier to manover . Better for beginners. I am advanced inter but still use shorter lengths.

[@andrijadragojevic1994]

I am 185cm tall. my first skis were used 177cm head brand. I drove them for 2 seasons (only 5 or 6 days per season) and the technique suffered and I made little progress. 2 years ago I bought a new elan amphibio 166 cm long and the technique and guiding of the ski is much easier. as technology progresses for another season or two, at the most, I think I will look for a new ski up to about 172 in length, because I already notice that a short ski does not have a good balance and cannot offer enjoyment at higher speed.

[@MrDogonjon]

GONG! Skis designed to turn should be turned. Skis designed to go straight go straight. I like to turn and make turns that take me down the hill faster than most skiers who go straight. Now you know... you need a better coach.

[@Dr.Jivago-x8u]

the long ski provides stability, the short ski, you go to the circus with them! 😂🤣😂end of discussion! 👍🏻

[@karenp5374]

I love this narrators voice and cadence. Sassy. I bet he does crime videos too.

[@IfReborn]

you forget camber and side cut and thus this video is irrelevant.....

[@sebaut100]

Exactly. A 200cm R/R ski will be one the quickest ski in deep stuff

[@summitskiing]

Good point - We'll cover this in a future video. (this video was specifically about ski length)

[@advicemaster1365]

It's a great general video. MAybe the next one will be more specific and get into carving, edge control, etc....

[@advicemaster1365]

Yep. I'm 5'10 and weight 160lbs I've always pulled out my 205"s for the deep stuff. You're not going to make quick fast turns in powder like you would on a tight mogul run. in fact, I can't imagine using short skis in any amount of powder!

[@MrDogonjon]

Hype is what I call it.

[@teddyzamba1396]

Probably could have limited this debate to 2min.

[@SkiMachineAlpineEngineering]

Clear explanation, thanks.

[@13joeyyeo]

I've never seen Scott Schmidt or Glenn Plake on short boards . . . . . . . . K2 200 Extremes, baby ! 😀😀😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@davmil2002]

No ski nor length is ideal for every situation. I keep 2-3 pairs, buying new ones at summer clearance sales. When I'm going to let 'em run, the longer, stiffer boards come out. When I'm teaching newbees or anticipate a bumpier day, the shorter softer pair. If you're a regular skiier, look & wait for summer sales

[@joneinarmattiasvisser6113]

It depends. Both long and short skis can be the best choice. It also dends on type of ski binding and the weight of the ski as well as ski ability, although that last point is not so important as the tupe of skiing you will be doing and the sor of turns you want to do. *On piste:* If you prefer to go fast down a slope with minimal turn or non at all (speedskiing) then choose the longest ski possible. A speedskier uses 240cm, turn radius not aplicable. If you want fast ski with some turn radius, go for a downhill type ski, 210-220cm with radius of 50m If you want both speed and good turn radius, aka an allrounder in this segment, go with 180-195cm, turn radius of 30-45m Lastly the easy manouverability ski; Under 30m radius, want some speed controll go around to 175 and 25m is good radius. Under 20m is shortcarver with legths of 160-170 ish while fun carvers are under 10m radius, they have no speed xontrol whatsoever. *Off piste:* Many factors to considder: Depending on the binding, and terrain and depending what you want out of it; The less stable the binding the shorter the ski should be and the shorter the radius, generally stay within 15-35m radius and between 160-190 ish skis. Longer radius and legth equals harder turning while shorter radius and length equals easier turning; a light ski mountaineering or freeheel ski touring (eg. rottefella xplore) should be paired with a lighter and shorter ski with shorter turn radius, and vice versa, this gives the best ski ability in most snow types; also most uphill oriented bindings don't pair well with heavy or big skis, while a heavy binding and boot can be paired with lighter and smaller skis if desired. Some boots and bindings are both light and stiff which can make for a light but really skiable setup for all mountain use. On piste and only for downhill setups is where heavy ski is almost always better and gives more controll while off piste you might also have to considder the uphill!

[@highsoflyify]

Nice One 👍🙌

[@allencornwall8087]

It pained me to see that guy use a torch and Ptex filament to repair the skis. Get a real base welder if you are going to do it correctly, especially if you are going to show it in a professional video.

[@advicemaster1365]

Nah, Each ski/skier is different. I still do my own using Ptex.

[@MrDogonjon]

Just know your mountain, exposure, prevailing winds and don't ski wind scoured ridge lines to avoid partially covered rocks. That goes for many snow conditions as well. Don't ski the bad snow, avoid bad bumps. There are many choices to make out there and making good terrain and snow condition choices you can avoid ski repairs completely as well as avoiding injury..

[@snowfanatic]

Where there are trees, there’s powder or rough terrain. I’d always choose longer skis for freeride if you are skilled enough.

[@beginner1991]

Most slopes here (Europe) are usually crowded due to the gigantic capacity of >=6 chair lifts. The point being for on piste skiing, what matters is the turn radius which is somewhat correlated to ski length plus of course the type of the ski (SL vs GS). I think it's a US vs Europe thing. US-focused forums seem to target way longer skis than in Europe. If it's crowded like in Europe, yeah I want to see a guy that can safely carve on a 20m turn radius GS ski. Just forget it, not save, too high speed given the crowds. In essence your size has nothing to do with how long your skis should be. All that matters is turn radius for on piste and I prefer to with shorter ski (eg rather a short GS and a long SL). More agile, lighter, better fits in the car...stability? a 170cm gs ski for normal public on piste is more than stable enough. On piste: shorter = better for your target turn radius off piste it's different of course as length = more area = better flotation. So length/area has an actual benefit and you need to find a trade-off that fits you personally. So actually a more difficult choice that for on-piste where the shortest ski for your turn radius of choice makes the most sense.

[@ddbear8786]

I find longer skis to be a lot more fun. They are so much more stable. I believe the trend of the really short skis that peaked around the year 2010 will reverse and people will go back to preferring longer lengths.

[@johnklaus9111]

Dude gets it 100% right in 6 mins. Thorough too. 🎉🎉

[@summitskiing]

Good to hear!

[@yinimin]

Clear explenation Thanks

[@cheeseontoastbrah]

If your skis arent longer than your height are you even skiing?

[@BrandonIslander]

I have played ice hockey my whole life and I like short skis better. I feel more comfortable in turns and feel at high speeds I am just as good

[@alexadams4132]

As soon as I heard the AI voice I knew this video was wrong. I've been skiing for over thirty years. I've skied on every type of ski manufactured. The only difference is short and long ski's is speed. Shorter ski's are slower and longer skis are faster. Thats it. All ski's made today are easy to turn.

[@MrDogonjon]

Length is only one perameter that dictates ski performance, Side cut and flex make a greater difference than leghnth. A 185 ski with rocker will ski shorter than a 155 on groom but the rocker makes it ski longer in powder. Good skiers don't need this gimmic under their feet. downhill and super G racers use 190-205 skis with 30- 70meter side cuts. Giant slalom uses 175-180 with 17-20 meter side cuts. Slalom uses 160-170 skis with 12-13 meter side cuts. jequipment has become a liars market with unrealistic claims= lies about skis that are purely garbage.

[@Puzzoozoo]

FWIW, I'm learning to ski in a snow dome - Chill Factore @ Trafford Park - and the first rental ski's I used - Head Ambition - for my first few lessons were 143cm, today 5 lessons on I was issued with a HA 150cm ski, and when I enquired at the Snow + Rock shop next to the snow dome to move away from rental to having my own skis, as I'm just about 167cm tall the senior guy recommended a 157 ski - Rossignol Forza 40.

[@markusbrunner9170]

I can't anymore. 04:42 the guy on the right has a jacket. It looks exactly the same as my armada i bought with the pocket money i saved for it as teenager 15 years ago. I still wear it sometimes as working jacket during winter. Reminds me on so many good times but also on things which i think how silly can a human be? 😂 Fuck it the video is on point but my focus is still on the jacket So my personal preference at my actual skiing level (beginner to get a good skier) i love a freetouring /Powder ski at my height and a allMtn slightly shorter. Allmountain for everything except ice and for real powder the 108er i can hike every skitour at home in the alps with it but i also have to say even if i prefer 2-3 turns less with a little bit more speed, i take my real short and light old touringski which is basically way to short for me, if we have to carry the ski and walk with crampons and do a lot of hairpin bends in steep terrain.

[@makalacc]

Well, I guess you didn't take tall guys into consideration. The calculator on the website says I should get a 210cm ski 😂

[@michaellinkroum4803]

Can't see how someone would choose longer skis in tight glades!

[@advicemaster1365]

back in the we called them mogul skis..Agree with 100%.

[@misterfunnybones]

Because above the tight glades are huge powder bowls, so you want that 190cm 160-140-160 twin tip to crush the bowls doing all kinds of insane slope style tricks, then you hit the glades & basically straight-line through those weeds, finally you flip off ski patrol & ski lower terrain that's effectively closed. 😂

[@FourFront99]

Because a ski's performance in tight places is not simply predicated on length.

[@MrDogonjon]

those are the skiers who die. Wear a helmut.

[@mountainflyhigh]

The older I get, the shorter my skis get, and the better I ski. Quiver of about 9 skis that rotate annually.

[@MrDogonjon]

I'm old 68 and I ski the same skis in all conditions... No quivering!

[@RobCummings]

Long skis, guns and Jesus -- that's all you need to believe in.

[@MrDogonjon]

All wrong... ignorance disarms you.

[@jamesgarcia9123]

thanks! so deep! that powder run', the face tells it all! love it'! peace😄

[@perro0076]

Choice is easy. On-piste= short skis. Soft powder=snowboard. You have to do both now days. Besides, off-piste on a board is the closest you'll get to haven whilst still alive. Ski doesn't touch it. You could also try skiboards. Love Zermatt btw. My top fab resort ever. Can't beat it.

[@rotorloamer5329]

Not bad for an AI video.

[@Machria23]

As a ski gets longer, the shorter ski radius lets the ski do more of the work which releases pressure on the inside edge of the shorter ski. This way, the length of the ski doesn’t affect whether or not you are on or off piste. And in either case, the length of the ski is shorter if it measures less in length than a medium range ski. It is all about “RANGE”, you must study the range of the ski you are looking at, if it is a wider range (aka good for long distance), then a shorter ski can be difficult to carry. The other problem with the theory of less stiffness in the center of the ski is that it can become slower when on the ski lift. A slow ski lift ski should be lengthened in order to speed up the on piste turning radius. The only question I still have is, which one is better for moguls? A long range ski that is wide, of a fast ski that is even wider? The width of the ski has a big affect on the skiers ability to accept confidence on purchasing power. Good luck everyone!

[@bearclaw5115]

Take an English class. And Logic 101 wouldn't hurt either.

[@Machria23]

@@bearclaw5115 Actually, we do not use “english” in skiing techniques. English is used when playin pool, you hit the que ball low or high to make it spin which in turn changes it’s turning radius much like a long ski. That is called English. When skiing, you do not want to spin at all unless you are in the air, and to get air be sure you are on very wide ski’s, this gives you more surface area to land on and adds the ability the speed up on arrival. If the train is late, you can try loosening up your boot buckles, that can help with time! Good luck bearclaw!

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@Machria23 Many Anericans don't use English at all. They toy with it, like a toddler who's not hungry does with their food. If you don't already live there your should consider immigrating. You'd fit right in!

[@grizzkid795]

Must be interesting living in your esoteric world.

[@Machria23]

@@grizzkid795 Sorry, I don’t live in that world, live amongst the apes of time, but time is very subjective as most scientists now believe time is really just the fabric of space. With that in mind, ski’s actually can change time by taking up space, and you are also taking up space, which makes us both time travelers together. Snow can be very warm !

[@grizzkid795]

If you need to watch this, you are probably best off with a shortish ski.

[@TP-vu3tc]

Give me some 210s

[@davesmulders3931]

Actually it's better for novice skiers to have longer skis, as they provide more fore/aft stability and will promote you to ski the ski along the edge, instead of skidding and smearing. The reason why 90% of the skiers skid the turn is because they have never skied a proper length ski. If you put them on longer skis they rail out and complain they cannot turn.... in other words : they never learned to actually ski. And actually once you are an expert skiër.... only then take a short slalom ski on a steep black run. It will challenge you for balance and will punish every little mistake you make.

[@Top12Boardsport]

Longer is better.

[@paulblichmann2791]

The G-force needs to match the force to counter your lean. That's why noobs "can't turn" long skis. They won't make any G-force at low speed so you cannot lean them over.

[@gregh3248]

The perfect ski is a 188cm 110/70/97 cut 5' 9 1/2" 175lbs GS Racer

[@Freepowder]

A comparison can be made to mountain biking. The standard wheel size for decades was 26". Worked fine. But as the sport expanded and became more (how I hate using this over-used word) extreme, wheel size began to increase. This lead to the current 29" standard. Larger wheels, like longer skis, allow for better handling of roots and rocks and provide more stability at speed. They are also manageable in turns though not as nimble as 26ers. One of these days I'm gonna pull the old bindings off my 211cm Dynastar MV5 skis, mount up something current and piss everyone off in the liftline. I'm a boomer. It's what we do.

[@evanfinch4987]

Yikes AI voice. High-effort video here.

[@arthurwellsley2715]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJiWgIlumZ6EnLs Male 175cm or 5’9’’ in height. Weight 73.5kg about 11 stone 8 pounds about 162 pounds. Ski’s are Elan 88mm at the waist and 179cm in length. These are my everyday skis to do every thing. I have a pair of heavy slalom skis in 68mm waist for icy days and a 100mm lighter pair of skis for off piste powder days. The video shows the skis on a black run in Avoriaz France

[@gundriver6439]

"thousands" of years??

[@johnhauner7828]

The shorter I get, older I get.

[@CainnechK]

ill keep my skiboards

[@ggbel3320]

I'm 1 m 79 and i have 1 m 80 ski's.

[@dacat8171]

Skiing has definitely not been around for thousands of years. It started in the 17th century.

[@MrDogonjon]

Skiing has been around for 5000 years with artifacts to prove it. Modern skiing (turning) has been around since the late 1800's. Sondre Nordheim demonstrated the first turns in Telemark Norway during a ski jumping contest coining the term Telemark to describe Nordic Telemark turning. A week later he did parallel turns in Christiana (now Oslo) coining the term Christy turn now used in Alpine Parallel skiing.

[@darylfortney8081]

I recommend taking a size smaller than you think you need.

[@f.m.1808]

Horrible advice. I recommend the opposite. Its better rise to the occasion rather than to take a step back. Longer skis take an adjustment period but they'll make you a stronger skier and a better person.

[@darylfortney8081]

@@f.m.1808 shorter skis will make you a better skier far easier and a happier person.

[@brianeliel5756]

There is no reason to watch a video with a computer voice

[@johnhauner7828]

I’ll show u something long

[@marktweet7395]

Rockers are unstable

[@anthonysears871]

Wide skis suck!

[@KelloggStan]

Lewis Matthew Thompson Matthew Martin Mark

[@ziegle9876]

These shitty short skis they sell now are a disgrace. Skis need to be 10 inches longer than your height. But hey, people also paraglide instead of hang glide today.... It is simple: either you control the gear (hang glider, long skis) or the equipment controls you (short carvers, paragliders). Human skills are in short supply everywhere.....

[@ziegle9876]

@user-ek2ng7qb6c That is indeed the problem.... General loss of skills & competence.

[@bckcntryskr]

short skis suck..

[@Krunch2020]

Short skis still suck. Just like they did in the 1970’s. 😅

[@camouflage962]

f*** AI

[@spottedmahn]

For beginner adult skiers, ditch the chin to forehead rule. Get some 120cm’s & start there. Must easier to maneuver short skis. The professional advice is wrong IMHO.

[@arcmaker1622]

picture this long skis truck short skis suck

[@paulblichmann2791]

I don't care what anybody says: Your skis MUST be taller than you. Or you're a wuss. (If you can do flips or multistory cliff drops, okay you can use little stubby stunt skis)

[@spartanthe300ththermopylae4]

Long skis truck, short skis suck.