Ski Length for 40yr old fat bloke!!

hi guys,

I've always rented my skis on the 10 previous ski trips, but having checked out the local rates in Grindlewald this year I reckon I might plump for a pair of secondhand skis. (£150 for a decent set of skis for 6days is ridiculous!!)

Any thoughts on what length skis I need (I'm 1.88m (6'2")and 90Kg.)

I'm a reasonably competent skier for a typical middle aged British skier. No race of massive off piste desires just need a good all round ski so I can keep up with my 10yr old!!

cheers

wilf

You might want to think in terms of the stiffness of the ski, as much as it's length. More advanced (and generally more expensive skis) tend to be stiffer.

Although i agree with trencher-because we know that's the most sensible thing to do, i would say get something around your chin or nose length-if you were racing or going off piste it would be longer.
Prob a 176?

Chin or nose length maybe 180-185, given that the measurement is for the whole length of the ski, and it will stand shorter.

Perhaps you could post up some skis that would be on your wish list, or the kind of skiing that you enjoy, to get something more specific.

wilf1234 wrote:Any thoughts on what length skis I need (I'm 1.88m (6'2")and 90Kg.)

Hi Wilf, and welcome to J2Ski.

You really do need to "try before you buy" and work out what sort of ski you're suited to. You will find that different ski designs will work best for you in different lengths so you should find a ski you enjoy and then look for something similar.

The cost of rentals in Switzerland (as with just about everything else) has gone up considerably for this winter due to the strength of the Franc.

That said, it's 150 quid to rent modern, well-maintained skis (that you can change if you don't like / want to try something else) versus 150 quid on skis you don't know, can't change and have to pay to take to the mountains (and service) every year...

Are you anywhere near one of the snowdomes? Definitely worth seeing if you can test a few models if you're really set on buying.

Hi Wilf

The price of ski hire in some resorts does seem ridiculous, especially Switzerland. However, before you rush off to buy consider all the costs (and hassle)involved between the cost of purchase, airline charges - €80 return out of Ireland with Ryanair or Aer Lingus, maintenance costs, repairs, etc. A decent set of skis is not cheap - you will get stuff for a couple of hundred quid but for any decent quality skis you probably need to push the budget up closer to £500. I bought a pair of skis last year on an impulse. The ski shop was doing a special offer on the same type of skis that I had hired for the week (only €200 for brand new skis plus poles and bag). I had felt really comfortable with them so I went ahead. Now, I am kinda sorry I did and am wondering whether it is worth the trouble of bringing them with me this year:(.

On a final point, forget about trying to keep up with your son. You might achieve that this year but in another year or two, you will just be some sad old guy he leaves behind in his tracks :twisted: :twisted:

"Buy your own skis"

They do not have to be expensive, just don't buy this years models buy last seasons stock and there are some great deals on the internet and you will save pounds.

What kind of boots you have will also make a difference.
(I assume you have your own boots).
Stiff boots and soft skis are one thing but soft boots and stiff skis would be a workout.