The right size makes learning easier and riding more fun. Skis that are too long are hard to turn, a snowboard that's too short feels twitchy, and boots that don't fit ruin your day. Here's how to size skis, snowboards, boots and poles for adults and kids, with gear we have in stock.
The short answer
- 1Skis: between your chin and the top of your head. Beginners go shorter, experts go longer.
- 2Snowboard: pick by your weight first. Standing on end, most land between your chin and nose.
- 3Ski boots: measure your foot in centimetres. That number is your boot size (Mondopoint).
- 4Poles: flip the pole over, grip under the basket, and your elbow should bend to 90°.
Step 1: Ski length
Stand a ski on its tail next to you. Where the tip lands tells you if the length suits your ability.
| Your height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 130–140 cm | 140–145 cm | 145–155 cm |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 140–150 cm | 150–155 cm | 155–165 cm |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 150–160 cm | 160–165 cm | 165–175 cm |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 160–170 cm | 170–175 cm | 175–185 cm |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 170–180 cm | 180–185 cm | 185–195 cm |
- Go a little longer if you're heavier than average, ski fast, or want a twin tip or powder ski.
- Go a little shorter if you're lighter than average, still learning, or like quick, short turns.
Step 2: Snowboard length and width
Weight matters more than height, because your weight is what flexes the board. Use the chart first, then check that the board stands between your chin and nose.
| Rider weight | Board length |
|---|---|
| 50–80 lb (23–36 kg) | 100–125 cm (kids) |
| 80–110 lb (36–50 kg) | 125–140 cm |
| 110–140 lb (50–64 kg) | 140–150 cm |
| 140–170 lb (64–77 kg) | 148–156 cm |
| 170–200 lb (77–91 kg) | 154–160 cm |
| 200 lb+ (91 kg+) | 158 cm and up |
Go shorter
Beginners, park and freestyle riders. A shorter board is easier to turn and spin.
Go longer
Powder, speed and bigger riders. A longer board floats better and is more stable.
If you wear about a men's size 11 or larger, look at a wide (W) board. On a regular board your toes and heels can drag in the snow when you turn. Sizes ending in "W", like 158W, are wide.
Step 3: Ski boots
Ski boots use Mondopoint sizing, which is simply your foot length in centimetres. A 27.5 cm foot fits a 27.5 boot.
| Mondopoint | Men's US shoe | Women's US shoe |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | – | 6 |
| 24 | 6 | 7 |
| 25 | 7 | 8 |
| 26 | 8 | 9 |
| 27 | 9 | 10 |
| 28 | 10 | – |
| 29 | 11 | – |
| 30 | 12 | – |
Shoe sizes are only a rough guide. Brands fit differently, so measure your foot or have it measured in store.
Flex: how stiff the boot is
Softer flex. About 60–80 for women and 70–90 for men. Comfortable and forgiving while you learn.
Medium flex. About 75–95 for women and 90–110 for men. More control at higher speeds.
Stiff flex. About 95 and up for women and 110 and up for men. Fast, precise response.
- Snug is right. Standing straight, your toes lightly touch the front. Bend your knees and your toes should pull back.
- Your heel shouldn't lift when you lean forward.
- Try them on with one thin ski sock, not a thick pair.
Boot fitting. Ski boots are the most important piece of gear to get right. Our staff will measure your feet, check width and flex, and help you find a boot that's warm and comfortable all day.
Step 4: Snowboard boots
- Use your normal shoe size as a start. Some riders go half a size down for a snugger fit.
- Toes touch the end lightly when you stand, and your heel stays down when you bend your knees.
- Choose your lacing: traditional laces, speed laces or a BOA dial. BOA and speed laces are quick to tighten with gloves on.
- Burton Step On boots only work with Step On bindings. Buy them together.
Step 5: Ski poles
Flip the pole upside down and hold it under the basket with the grip on the floor. Your elbow should bend to about 90°.
| Your height | Pole length |
|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 105 cm |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 110 cm |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 115–120 cm |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 120–125 cm |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 130 cm |
Sizing for kids
Skis and boards
Beginner skis should reach between the chest and chin. Kids' boards land between the chest and chin too. Size by weight if your child is light or heavy for their age.
Boots
Boots must fit now, not next year. Boots that are too big make it hard to control skis or a board, and kids get tired and cold faster.
Ski bindings release based on the skier's weight, height, age, boot size and ability. Always have bindings mounted and set by a trained tech, and have them checked again when your child grows.
Popular gear in stock
Skis
Snowboards
Ski boots
Snowboard boots
Tuning and bindings. We wax and tune skis and snowboards, and mount and adjust bindings. A fresh wax and sharp edges make turning easier and keep your gear lasting longer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying skis too long to "grow into". Long skis are much harder to turn and slow down learning.
- Buying boots a size big for comfort. Your foot slides around, you lose control, and your feet get colder.
- Sizing a snowboard by height only. Weight matters more.
- Ignoring board width. Big feet on a narrow board cause toe drag and falls.
- Setting your own bindings. Leave release settings to a trained tech.
Ski and snowboard sizing FAQ
What size skis should a beginner get?
Skis that reach between your chin and nose. Shorter skis are easier to turn and stop, which helps you learn faster.
How do I know what size snowboard to get?
Start with your weight using the chart above, then check that the board stands between your chin and nose. Go shorter for park and learning, longer for powder and speed.
What is Mondopoint?
It's the ski boot sizing system. The number is your foot length in centimetres, so a 26.5 boot fits a 26.5 cm foot.
Should ski boots hurt?
They should feel snug, but not painful. Pressure points, numb toes or a heel that lifts mean the boot needs adjusting or a different model. Our boot fitters can help.
Do I need a wide snowboard?
If you wear about a men's size 11 or larger, a wide board usually stops your toes and heels from dragging in the snow.
Can kids use skis that are a little long?
An inch or so is fine. Much longer makes turning and stopping harder and can make learning frustrating. Kids learning to ski do best with skis between chest and chin.
Do you tune skis and snowboards?
Yes. Bring your skis or board to our Grande Prairie or Fort St. John store for waxing, edge tuning and binding mounting or adjustment.
Get sized by our ski and snowboard team
Come in for boot fitting and expert sizing for skis, boards and poles. We'll mount your bindings and wax your gear so you're ready for the hill.