Choosing ski touring size: AlpinStore guide to choosing the right length

Choosing the right size for your touring skis: practical guide

Do you want to choose ski touring size and not make a mistake? Perfect, you are in the right place. At AlpinStore, we live for the mountains, we test in the field, and we give you concrete advice, no fluff. The size of the ski is a technical but simple decision: it is based on your build, your goal, and the terrain you frequent. This guide walks you through step by step so you can go out confidently, light on the skins and happy on the descent.

The basic rule: the lighter you are, the smaller you can go. The heavier you are, the more you will gain in floatation and stability with a longer ski. But there are nuances: practice plays a major role. We distinguish three main families of touring skis: light for fast ascents, freerando for committed descents, and versatile for those who want a compromise. Each family has its recommendations for length and width at the waist.

Before going further, think about your ski touring equipment: if you go with a light pack and a minimal carrying system, you will prefer short and lively skis. If you carry a lot of gear or love powder, lengthen the size a bit to gain stability. And remember: coherence with your boots and bindings is essential for everything to work harmoniously.

In terms of equipment and purchases, there are complete offers: a set of skis, bindings, and skins for touring can be an excellent solution to equip yourself without a headache. To complete your list, check out our section ski touring equipment. Buying the complete kit guarantees compatibility and often better weight/performance optimization. If you prefer to assemble piece by piece, check the manufacturers' recommendations and field tests. At AlpinStore, we always advise trying in-store when possible, or reading feedback from experienced users.

For light enthusiasts: these skis are ultra-light, narrow at the waist (around 64 mm) and designed for fast ascents. Generally, we recommend 10 to 20 cm shorter than your height. You gain agility and efficiency during the ascent, but you lose a bit of stability at high speed or in deep powder. If you live for performance and weight is your number one enemy, this is the way to go.

For those who love descent sensations: freerando offers more width (between 75 and 95 mm at the waist) and a construction that is more forgiving on steep slopes and variable snow. The idea here is to get closer to your height, or even add a few centimeters to improve floatation. This is the choice of the intrepid who want to send it on the descent without sacrificing the ascent too much.

The versatile ski is the compromise. These skis are suitable for those who want fun on the descent without having a too arduous ascent. They are slightly wider than light skis and we often recommend 5 to 15 cm shorter than your height. This is the most versatile category, ideal if you alternate between short routes and more committed days.

Let's talk concrete numbers: a skier who is 1.75 m aiming for performance on the ascent will choose a ski around 1.60 to 1.65 m in light. The same skier prioritizing descent will opt for 1.75 to 1.80 m in freerando. And if he seeks compromise, he will choose around 1.65 to 1.70 m. These benchmarks are not set in stone: take them as a guide, not as law.

The parameters to consider when choosing ski touring size:

• Your actual weight when loaded: estimate your weight with pack and clothing, not just dry.
• The type of snow and terrain frequented: powder, transformed, couloir, forest.

Another often overlooked point: ski touring equipment. It’s not just the skis, it’s also the bindings, skins, and compatibility with your boots. A good skin adapted to the width of the ski is vital for grip on the ascent. If you hesitate between two close sizes, think about the boot: a stiff and precise pair will be more reassuring on a narrower ski.

For purists of a different practice, we also offer a selection of Telemark boots for those who love technique and classic style. These boots require different coordination and influence the choice of ski length and flexibility.

The choice of size affects safety and ski behavior: length, camber, rocker at the tip and tail, everything plays a role. A ski that is too short can slip in heavy snow, a ski that is too long will require more effort to turn. Find the right balance according to your practice and morphology. And above all: try when possible. Nothing replaces a test outing.

On the side of additional equipment, focus on quality: suitable helmets, quality ARVA and shovel, and technical clothing. In the shop, you can find ski touring helmets online that meet the requirements of lightness and protection. Safety is non-negotiable.

Here are some field tips, based on our experience:

• Do not rely solely on your height: loaded weight and the goal of the outing take precedence.
• If you hesitate between two sizes, choose the one that corresponds to your comfort on descent if you want to let loose, otherwise prioritize the ascent.

In summary: choosing ski touring size is accepting a compromise between ascent and descent. Define your profile: timed ascents, committed descents, or mixed routes. Then, look at the width at the waist and the recommendations related to the type of ski. Match your choice with a coherent ski touring material to avoid unpleasant surprises. Whether you opt for a complete pack or a custom assembly, the important thing is the synergy between skis, bindings, and boots.

If you want to go further, our team at AlpinStore can help you choose the right set of skis, bindings, and skins for touring, check compatibility with your equipment, and propose the best weight/performance compromise. We are a bunch of enthusiasts, we practice, we test, and we share. Come to the shop or contact us: we help you find the ski that matches your desire for adventure.

As a bonus, remember to regularly check your equipment: skin maintenance, binding condition, adjustments, and boot checks. Good maintenance prolongs the life of your ski touring equipment and ensures pleasure and safety. Go ahead, choose, test, and come back to tell us about your first touring experience: we love reading your ascent and descent stories.