Renoun Citadel skis in various sizes on a ski rack in Crested Butte, CO

Expert Ski Length Guide: Advanced Sizing for Performance Skiers

Written by: Lucy Higgins

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For expert skiers, finding the right ski length isn’t just factoring in your height, it’s about unlocking performance. After 20, 30, or 40+ days on snow each season, you know how much the right ski length can affect edge hold, stability, fatigue, and overall control.

Those factors are in large part why we design skis with VibeStop™ technology, which changes the traditional rules around sizing. Throughout this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right Renoun ski length for your skiing style, terrain, and goals.

Woman holding Renoun Endurance 88 skis
Credit - Renoun
Man holding Renoun Endurance 88 skis
Credit - Renoun

How to Choose the Right Ski Length

Renoun CEO Rob Golden helping a skier decide which length Endurance 98 to ski.
Credit - Renoun

General Rule of Thumb:


  • Skis should generally fall somewhere between your chin and the top of your head.


  • Shorter skis mean quicker turns and easier maneuverability.

  • Longer skis give more stability and more confidence at speed.


But that’s just the start. For experts, there is more to consider:

How Advanced Technology Affects Length Selection

Renoun athlete skiing on the Atlas 80 ski by Renoun
Credit - Renoun

When riding on most skis, adding more speed increases the likelihood of chatter underfoot. One way to combat that is to size up in ski length for more weight and surface area to absorb that chatter and add stability. Renoun’s VibeStop™ technology changes that equation. By absorbing vibration and locking the ski edge to the snow, VibeStop™ gives you the control of a longer ski in a more versatile length.

What that means for sizing:

  • You don’t need to oversize just to get stability.

  • A mid-length option can deliver agility and calm confidence at speed.

  • Many Renoun skiers report skiing longer days with less fatigue because their skis stay smooth in variable terrain.

Ski Length Considerations for Experienced Skiers 45+

Renoun skier in powder on the Renoun Citadel 107 powder ski
Credit - @fenlonphoto

Let’s face it: Renoun skiers can rip at any age. We know that many of you ages 45+ are skiing black diamonds and double blacks well into your 60s. For this group, ski length isn’t just about performance, it’s about longevity. With Renoun’s Vibestop™, you’re able to size for overall ski goals instead of sizing up. 

A few factors we’ve considered:

  • Joint comfort: VibeStop™ reduces that strain on knees and hips, letting you size for your skiing goals rather than pain management.

  • Fatigue reduction: Slightly shorter skis can feel more forgiving, given they’re lighter to maneuver and quicker edge to edge.

  • Confidence factor: Many mature expert skiers prefer skis in the 88–98mm waist range, where length flexibility makes them adaptable for all-mountain conditions.

Performance Data: How Length Affects Control

Renoun skis organized by size at a ski demo day in Deer Valley, UT
Credit - Renoun

Renoun testing shows skis with VibeStop™ are up to three times more stable in variable conditions than traditional construction. That means your ski length choice can prioritize style and terrain, not just “survival at speed.” With shorter skis, you can experience Quicker edge-to-edge turns, pivot more easily in tight spaces like trees and moguls. While longer skis require more effort to turn, they can contribute greater stability on steep and open terrain and better float in powder.

Terrain-Specific Recommendations

Since every Renoun ski has its own niche, we’ve outlined how to pair length for each model.

  • Carving (Atlas 80): Size closer to your height for maximum edge hold.

  • All-Mountain (Endurance 88/98, Earhart 88): Size just under or at head height for versatility in mixed terrain.

  • Powder (Citadel 107/114): Go longer for float, especially if you’re skiing open bowls and steeps.

Some Tips From the Experts

  • If you ski 20+ days per year, lean longer. Trust that your skillset and technique will be able to handle it.

  • If you’re 45+ and looking for comfort and endurance, consider a mid-range length and let VibeStop™ provide the stability.

  • Skiers who spend equal time on groomers and off-piste will benefit most from skis in the 88–98mm waist category at true-to-height length.

FAQs

  • What ski length is best for expert skiers who prioritize edge hold?
    Choose a ski close to your full height. Edge hold improves with length, and VibeStop™ makes that control feel smooth and predictable, even on ice.

  • How does VibeStop™ technology change traditional ski length recommendations?
    Because VibeStop™ absorbs chatter, you don’t need to size up for stability. Many experts choose a more versatile (shorter) length without losing high-speed confidence.

  • What length should experienced skiers choose for mixed terrain days?
    For all-mountain performance, aim for a ski at or just under your full height. This balances agility in trees with stability on steeps.

  • How does ski length affect fatigue on long ski days?
    Because longer skis typically weigh more and create longer turns, they can tire legs quicker than shorter options. With VibeStop™, you can ski longer without the same joint fatigue.

Next Steps

Still not sure? Explore our ski lineup and see how each model, and its recommended lengths, match your skiing style:

Photo of Author Lucy Higgins while skiing
Credit - Lucy Higgins

The Author: Lucy Higgins

Lucy is a seasoned editor and writer with a background in magazine publishing and creative directing. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief at Backcountry Magazine, she now works as a freelance writer and editor.


When Lucy's not at a desk, she can be found running, skiing, and spending time with her toddler. 

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Why Trust the Renoun Reviews Team?

Renoun Skis Reviews team has over a decade of ski design and manufacturing experience, and decades of combined ski-industry experience ranging from certified PSIA ski instructors to shop technicians, racers, and coaches. We also have a deep passion for and love of all things skiing. The team utilizes this experience to provide unparalleled reviews that dive deep to help guide your purchase for just about any ski-related item and help inform you of any ski-focused tips and tricks about maintenance, on-hill performance, and even the best places to enjoy your Après-Ski. Through written and video content, the Renoun Skis Reviews team is here to help inform you on all things ski-related.


Our team curates recommendations based on an intensive research and review process and leverages our unique expertise in the industry. A product must be exceptional in quality and have unique features to qualify for consideration in our review process. For all tips and tricks, all advice is based on on-hill and ski manufacturing knowledge, as well as intensive research to ensure accuracy and help skiers like you stay informed.


To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at info@renoun.com.