Ski Touring 101 · Guide 6 of 6
You can spend all day comparing carbon layups, waist widths and fancy ski shapes. But if the length is wrong, the rest of those numbers are just noise. The right touring ski is a balance: efficient on the way up and a ski that performs the way you want it to on the down.
Start here · 45-second answer
For most adult skiers, a ski somewhere between your chin and the top of your head is a useful starting point. Go toward the shorter end for long climbs, kick turns, tight trees and technical skiing. Go longer for speed, bigger turns, more supportive platform and deeper snow. Your height starts the conversation while your weight, skill, terrain and the ski itself finish it.
Touring isn't resort skiing with a different binding. You're carrying that ski uphill for most of your day. Save weight where it makes sense, but don't sacrifice the downhill performance you need to ski confidently. And don't get so attached to one length that you ignore the shape and construction of the ski.
If you're starting from scratch, take two minutes with the size finder below. If you've already got a favorite resort ski, think of its length as a reference point but not a rule. Then read our guide to choosing a full ski touring setup so the boot, binding and ski all align for your ideal setup.
Interactive starting point
Think of this as the first five minutes of a conversation at the shop. Give us a little information about you and the skiing you have in mind.
The chart
Here is the broad starting range we use. Your weight, ability, terrain and the feel you like will determine the direction you go. These are suggested adult touring ranges, not manufacturer specifications.
| Skier height | Approx. height in cm | Touring ski length to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 152 cm | 140–160 cm |
| 5'2" | 157 cm | 145–165 cm |
| 5'4" | 163 cm | 150–170 cm |
| 5'6" | 168 cm | 155–175 cm |
| 5'8" | 173 cm | 160–180 cm |
| 5'10" | 178 cm | 165–185 cm |
| 6'0" | 183 cm | 170–190 cm |
| 6'2" and taller | 188 cm and taller | 175–190+ cm, depending on the skier and model |
The guide preserves CCBC's original broad height chart. Specific ski models may recommend a narrower range. Kids, ski-mo racers and adaptive setups need their own fit guidance.
Choose your lane
I like talking about a ski's quiver slot: what job are you asking this ski to do? A ski for dawn fitness laps should not be judged by the same yardstick as the ski you grab for a deep January storm. Decide on that job first and everything becomes easier.
Efficient uphill
Long approaches, hop turns and steep terrain reward a lighter, maneuverable ski. It's reasonable to consider the shorter half of your length range. A secure edge and predictable handling matter more than width alone.
Typically narrow to mid-width
Explore light touring skis →The daily driver
For one ski to tackle changing Colorado or Pacific Northwest snow, start near the middle of your height range. This is where ski construction, rocker and how hard you like to ski become the tie-breakers.
Often around 90–105 mm underfoot
See our well-stocked all-mountain skis →The way down matters
More length offers a supportive platform and more stability for long, fast turns. Rocker can make a longer ski feel less intimidating, but the weight penalty on the climb is real. Pick the length you can manage on the up and down.
Often 105 mm and wider
Compare the full touring collection →The details that change everything
A rockered tip and tail lift portions of the ski away from firm snow. Less effective edge can make the same measured length feel shorter and more pivot-friendly. Traditional camber and a flatter tail can make a ski feel more planted—and sometimes more demanding—in technical snow.
Two skiers of equal height don't necessarily need the same ski. A heavier or more aggressive skier may overpower a short, soft ski, while someone looking for easier kick turns or long-distance efficiency may welcome less length. A big overnight pack enters the equation, too.
And width is its own conversation: more underfoot helps float in soft snow but adds weight and can make firm-snow edging feel different. If you're building a full setup, take a detour to How to Choose Your Ski Touring Setup, then circle back here with a ski category in mind.
Keep putting the pieces together
One of my favorite parts of ski touring is that there is always another bit of gear to geek out over. The danger is getting lost in the minutiae before you've figured out how you want to move through the mountains. These guides connect the dots.
Frequently asked in the shop
Often a little shorter makes sense for easier kick turns, reduced weight and maneuverability. But it is not an automatic rule. If you ski fast, carry more weight, or choose a very rockered powder ski, a similar or even longer length may suit you better. Compare the spec charts on different models before deciding.
CCBC's broad adult starting chart gives a 5'10" skier about 165–185 cm to consider. Narrow that by weight, ability, terrain and the specific ski's construction. For an all-mountain setup, start near the center and work outward.
Weight can affect how much support you get from a ski and how easily you bend it. Skiers who are heavier for their height, carry a large pack or ski aggressively may prefer the longer or more supportive end of the range. There is no universal height-plus-weight equation that replaces a model-specific fit.
Often, yes. Rocker lifts part of the tip or tail off firm snow, shortening the effective edge. A highly rockered 180 cm ski can feel looser and more maneuverable than a flatter ski of the same measured length, especially on hard snow.
Many backcountry skiers find roughly 90–105 mm underfoot to be a useful all-around range, but local snow, the amount of uphill travel and your downhill priorities matter. Width and length are separate decisions—don't use one to substitute for the other.
Choose based on the individual skier's height, weight, ability, intended terrain and preferred feel—not gender alone. Some women's models offer different constructions or size runs, but the same fitting principles apply.
Race skis have their own design tradeoffs and competition equipment requirements. Check the current rules for your race category and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Ask what you value most. Shorter generally favors easier kick turns, lower swing weight and tighter terrain; longer generally favors stability, support and big turns. Then compare the exact ski's rocker, stiffness, weight and published sizing guidance. If it is still a toss-up, talk it through with a CCBC gear expert.
The real answer is the right setup for you
Bring your current ski length, what you like and don't like about it, and the kind of days you want to have. We'll help turn a broad sizing chart into a short list of skis to meet your ambitions. And if you're just getting into the sport, that's our favorite conversation to have.
Tell us how you ski, where you ski, and what you want out of your next setup. Our experts will help you build the right combination of skis, bindings, boots, and skins for you—not just what happens to be on the wall.
Once we have your setup dialed, we take care of the rest. We’ll make sure everything works together, mount your bindings specifically to you and your boots, trim your skins, and get the entire setup ready for the mountains.
Your perfect setup starts with expert knowledge and service. When you pick it up, it’s not a box of gear—it’s your complete ski setup, fully mounted, dialed, and ready to go.
