Snowboard and Ski Size Guide: Height and Weight Chart

The first thing a rental shop asks is your height and weight. Those two numbers decide whether your board works with you or fights you all day. This guide gives a rough snowboard sizing chart, explains when you need a wide board and covers ski length, boots and helmets too.

The main rule: weight matters more than height

The old rule was to pick a board that reaches your chin. It's still a fair guide by height, but manufacturers size boards mainly by weight, because weight decides how the board flexes and holds an edge. If you're heavier than average for your height, go longer; if you're lighter, go shorter.

Chart: snowboard length by weight

A rough guide for an all-mountain board and a confident beginner. Charts vary between brands, so check the chart for the specific model before you buy.

40–50 kg: 138–144 cm
50–60 kg: 144–150 cm
60–70 kg: 149–155 cm
70–80 kg: 153–159 cm
80–90 kg: 156–162 cm
90–100 kg: 159–165 cm
Over 100 kg: 162 cm and up, usually a wide model

How to adjust:

Beginners and park riding: 2–4 cm shorter. A shorter board is easier to turn.
Freeride and powder: 3–5 cm longer, so the board floats better.
Between two sizes: beginners should usually take the smaller one.

When you need a wide board

Your toes and heels shouldn't hang far over the edges of the board, or they'll drag in the snow as you turn. A wide model (marked W) is usually needed from around EU size 44–45 boots (UK 10–10.5). With smaller feet, a wide board is harder to tip from edge to edge.

Snowboard boots

Flex: Soft to medium boots suit beginners; they're more forgiving.
Fit: Your toes lightly touch the front, and your heel doesn't lift when you lean forward.
Trying on: Wear the socks you'll ride in. One pair of ski socks is enough.

Stance and binding angles are covered in regular or goofy.

Ski length

Beginners: skis reaching roughly your chin or nose, about 15–20 cm shorter than your height.
Confident skiers: up to eye level or the top of your head.
Children: around chest to chin height, shorter for the smallest.

Shorter skis are easier to turn and to stop in a snowplough. More on skis, bindings and poles in how to choose ski equipment.

Ski boots

Size (Mondopoint): your foot length in centimetres. Stand with your heel against a wall and measure to the tip of your longest toe.
Fit: Standing straight, your toes touch the front of the boot; when you bend your knees, they pull back slightly. Your heel shouldn't lift.
Stiffness: Softer boots are more comfortable for beginners; stiff boots are for experienced skiers at speed.

Helmet

Measure around your head about 2 cm above your eyebrows. Once fastened, the helmet shouldn't slip over your eyes or move when you shake your head. Wear only a thin hat or balaclava underneath, never a thick beanie.

If you're renting

Rental staff will fit everything if you tell them four things: height, weight, shoe size and ability. Don't hesitate to ask for different boots if they pinch or your heel lifts; uncomfortable boots ruin a day.

On our Erciyes packages your skis or snowboard, boots, helmet and goggles are included and handed out on day one, and the ski jacket, trousers and gloves are included too. What to wear underneath is covered in what to wear skiing. Can't decide between skis and a board? Read our honest comparison, and for your first turns on a board see how to turn on a snowboard.

To start without buying anything, look at the 4-night First Steps package or the 2-night First Steps package, with a ski or snowboard lesson included.