Help Center Snow Sports Fitting Guide

Snow Sports Fitting Guide

From skis and snowboards to boots and snowshoes, getting the right fit makes all the difference. The right size means better control, less fatigue, and more fun on the mountain.

What to consider

• Height & weight → starting point for ski length
• Ability level → shorter = easier to maneuver, longer = more stable
• Terrain → powder skis usually longer; park skis often shorter

Guidelines

• Beginner → chin to nose height
• Intermediate → nose to forehead height
• Advanced / Expert → up to full height or slightly above
• Powder → +5–10 cm above head
• Park / Freestyle → shorter for spins & tricks
• Carving / Frontside → shorter for quick edge-to-edge

👉 Use this calculator: https://www.skicalc.com/

Sizing (Mondopoint system)

• Measured in cm → a 27.5 boot fits ~27.5 cm foot length
• Many brands share shells (27.0 & 27.5 = same shell, different liner)

Flex rating guide

• 60–80 → soft, forgiving, beginners & lighter skiers
• 90–110 → medium, balanced all-mountain
• 120–130 → stiff, advanced / expert
• 140+ → race, maximum power

Fitting tips

• Boots should feel snug, not sloppy
• Toes brush the front when standing straight, slight clearance when flexed
• Always try with thin ski socks
• Heel lift = too loose

What is DIN?

• A release standard that determines how easily bindings come off during a fall

Determined by

• Weight & height
• Age
• Ability level
• Boot sole length (in mm, stamped on the boot)

How to check

• Look at the small "window" on toe & heel piece → DIN number visible
• Compare to your recommended range with a calculator
• Never adjust yourself → always have a shop tech test

👉 DIN Calculator: https://www.skicalc.com/din

👉 Evo Ski Binding DIN Chart: https://www.evo.com/en-ca/guides/how-to-choose-ski-bindings-and-din-setting-chart#DIN-chart

⚠️ DIN values must always be set and tested by a certified ski technician. Online tools are for guidance only.

Sizing rule of thumb

• Flip pole upside down, grip under basket → elbow at 90°

Style adjustments

• Park / Freestyle → slightly shorter
• Touring / Backcountry → slightly longer
• Telescoping poles → adjustable for mixed use

👉 Pole Calculator: https://www.skicalc.com/poles

Sizing basics

• Height & weight = main factors

Riding style

• Freestyle → shorter (chin–nose)
• All-Mountain → nose–eye level
• Powder / Advanced → longer for float & stability

Other considerations

• Camber vs rocker profile affects board feel
• Stance setback = better powder float

Classic XC Skis

• Length = ~20–25 cm longer than your height
• Beginners → shorter end of range = easier control
• Advanced → longer end = better glide & efficiency

Skate Skis

• Length = ~5–10 cm longer than your height
• Shorter = more maneuverable
• Longer = more glide at speed

Poles

• Classic poles = up to armpit (~83% of height)
• Skate poles = up to lips/nose (~90% of height)

Boots

• Classic boots → softer sole, flexible for striding
• Skate boots → stiffer ankle support for power transfer
• Combi boots → hybrid, work for both but not specialized

Bindings

• NNN (New Nordic Norm): Most common, wide range of brands
• Prolink (Salomon/Atomic): Compatible with NNN boots
• SNS (Salomon Nordic System): Older, not compatible with NNN/Prolink
• 3-Pin (75mm Nordic Norm): Traditional, less common, still used in some touring setups

⚠️ Always check boot + binding system matches. NNN and Prolink are compatible. SNS and 3-pin are not.

⚠️ XC skis are much narrower and lighter than downhill skis. They are not for resort lifts — use them only on XC trails or touring routes.

Bindings

• Tech / Pin bindings (Dynafit-style): Lightweight, efficient for climbing → require boots with tech inserts
• Frame bindings: Heavier, but accept many alpine boots → good entry-level touring option
• Hybrid bindings (Salomon Shift / Atomic Shift): Ski like alpine bindings downhill, switch to pin mode for uphill → require touring boots with tech fittings

Boots

• Touring boots feature walk mode + rockered soles
• Must match binding type (tech inserts for pins, alpine soles for frame, hybrid soles for Shift/Kingpin style)

Skins

• Required for climbing → attach to ski base, peel off for descent

Safety

• Touring requires avalanche safety training and gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
• Never enter the backcountry without proper skills or a certified guide
• ⚠️ At minimum, riders should complete an AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1) course before using touring gear

👉 Avalanche Canada AST 1 Course Info: https://avalanche.ca/training