The first task you face as a tall skier is finding skis that actually fit. This can be a hard task when you are a head taller than most people in a crowd. If you are a beginner at skiing, a good rule to go by when buying or renting skis is to measure the distance from your chin to the floor in centimeters. This is a good place to start for the length of skis that you will need. If you are a more advance skier, you can vary a little bit with the length of your skis. Remember, shorter skis will be quicker, but longer skis will float on soft snow better and be more stable at high speeds. Another thing to keep in mind is your weight. If you are on the lighter side, you might want to go a tad shorter with your skis. On the other hand, if you are heavier side for your height, you should go with longer skis.
Another aspect to skis to keep in mind is the shape of the ski. Skis are in an hourglass shape. The difference of width between the midsection and the end of the ski is known as the “sidecut.” The more sidecut your ski has, the more it will turn on edge which leads tight, carved turns. However, if you are skiing in powder, wider skis are better. A wider ski is going to support a tall or heavier skier better than a narrow ski. Keep this in mind when choosing skis that are best for you.
Bindings and DIN settings are another important aspect when buying skis. As tall skier, you will want bindings that are capable of DIN settings in the range of 6-12. While this site can give you a ballpark range of what your DIN setting should be at, be sure to talk to the specialists at a local ski shop to make sure you get the correct DIN settings for your height and weight.
When it comes to ski boots, a lot depends on ski level and differences between manufactures, not just the size of your foot. The best thing you can do is to be fitted by a pro at a local ski shop. A lot of ski shops will adjust ski boots after you purchase them to make sure you have a right fit.
Last, the ski poles. To find ski poles that fit correctly, grab the ski pole under the basket with the handle hanging down toward the ground. With the top of the ski pole touching the ground, your arm should be at a comfortable right angle with your fist under the basket. Again, any specialist at ski shop should be help you to find correct fitting ski poles.
Now with the right equipment, you are ready to hit the slopes!
