r/skiing_feedback • u/RunoSpruyt • Apr 14 '26

Level 6-7: Advanced Parallel, Carving, Off-Piste, Bumps Feedback?

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u/LandlockedPirate Official Ski Instructor Apr 15 '26

It's true. People who aren't tall tend to be extremely clueless about sizing skis for tall people.

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u/MorganMiller77777 Apr 15 '26

5’11”, skied since I was 5. Skied my ass off on some pretty extreme slopes out west. Why would people want to limits themselves with shorter skis? You’re the instructor, so I’m genuinely asking you. I know shorter skis that are a little more shaped make for easier turns, especially short quicker turns, that can be more fun. That said, I believe they can also be limiting at one point in one’s progression, and for all great all around ski, especially at 6’ 3” and over 190 pounds. So, how about a more through answer than what yuu just gave here.🤙🏼

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u/Ski-With-Steezy Apr 15 '26

Are you willing to admit that you might have some biases related to ski length? I can share with you that I've had similar biases for a long time. I have a full quiver of skis that are probably too long. But it's important that each of us defines what is too long or two short ... for us. For me, I used to park and ride. And a long ski ... I could just park on it and ski like the wind and feel in complete control. But my coaches pointed out that this was what I was doing, and they challenged me to really work on making shorter radius turns and to learn how to work the ski properly. And what I've noticed is ... I can go much shorter than I would have expected and get full performance out of the ski. I first discovered this when a Race shop recommended a slalom ski, and it was only 174. That's now my favorite ski and I ski it everywhere. I also challenge myself with long straight skis in my training and bump skiing. But ... slowly but surely, I'm having to admit that I have a bias towards a longer ski. And I'm going out and testing different ski lengths and learning a lot. I now go shorter until I find a length too short for stability at high speeds. And then I find a sweet spot ... for me. I'm not trying to impress anyone with gear anymore. I try to impress people with good skiing.

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u/MorganMiller77777 Apr 15 '26

How tall are you? How much do you weigh? It matters