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Australian Kids Ski Size Calculator
Find the right ski length and pole size for your child heading to the snow — based on height and ability level. Covers resorts at Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and beyond.
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cm
Recommended ski size
Ski length
—
cm
Pole length
—
cm
Height:
Ability:
Ski-to-height ratio:
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Full Ski Size Chart
Height (cm)
Beginner (cm)
Intermediate (cm)
Advanced (cm)
Pole length (cm)
70–85
70–75
75
75–80
60
85–95
75–80
80–85
85
65
95–105
85–90
90–95
95
70
105–115
95–100
100–105
105–110
75
115–125
105–110
110–115
115–120
80
125–135
115–120
120–125
125–130
85
135–145
120–130
130–135
135–140
90
145–155
130–140
140–145
145–155
95
155–175
140–150
150–160
160–170
100–105
Ski length ranges are typical guidelines. Ski rental staff at Australian resorts (Perisher, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Falls Creek) may adjust based on skier weight, technique, and boot size. Always defer to the rental technician's recommendation.
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Ski & Snow Tips
🎿
Shorter is easier to learn
Beginner kids do better on shorter skis — they are easier to control, turn more quickly, and are forgiving of technique errors. Don't size up to "get more out of them".
⛑️
Helmet always required
A properly fitted helmet is essential. Use our helmet size calculator to find the right size. Ski helmets meet EN 1077 standard.
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Rent, don't buy (under 8)
Young children outgrow ski gear quickly. Renting from a resort shop is more economical and lets the technician fit skis and bindings correctly for your child's weight and boot size.
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Binding DIN setting matters
The binding release force (DIN) must be set by a qualified technician using your child's weight, height, age, and ability. Never adjust DIN yourself — correct settings prevent knee injuries.
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UV protection at altitude
UV exposure increases by ~10% per 1000m altitude. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, use goggles with UV400 protection, and cover exposed skin even on cloudy days.
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Pole length check
To check pole length: hold the pole upside down, grip just below the basket. Your elbow should form a 90-degree angle. Very young children (under 5) often ski without poles.
Ski length for children is primarily determined by height and ability level. Beginner children benefit from shorter skis (roughly 83–88% of height) which are easier to control and turn. As ability increases, longer skis provide more speed stability and carving performance. Pole length is calculated so the elbow forms a 90-degree angle — typically around 65–68% of height for children. For children under about 8 years, ski rental at the resort is recommended over purchasing as they outgrow gear rapidly. Australian ski resorts including Perisher, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek all offer children's ski school and rental programs. Last updated May 2026.
No — oversized skis are harder to control and significantly increase the risk of falls and injuries for beginners. Children learn faster and more safely on correctly sized skis. Renting allows the correct size every season without the cost of buying new gear each year.
Most Australian ski resorts offer ski school programs from age 3. At this age, children use very short skis (around 70–80 cm) and learn through play-based activities. Ski school programs at resorts like Perisher's "Pino's Ski School" and Thredbo's "Kosciuszko Kids" are well-established and designed for beginners as young as 3–4 years.
Children under about 5–6 years typically ski without poles. At this stage, poles can be a distraction and interfere with learning balance and body position. Ski school instructors usually introduce poles when the child is confidently turning and needs them for timing and rhythm, typically around age 6–7 depending on development.
Second-hand skis can be good value, but bindings must be checked and set by a qualified technician using your child's current weight and boot. Never use pre-set bindings without having them verified — incorrect DIN settings are a leading cause of ski injuries. The cost of a binding check at a ski shop is usually $30–60 and is essential if buying second-hand.
There is no meaningful difference in ski sizing by sex for children. Some junior skis are marketed for boys or girls with different graphics, but the length, flex, and sizing recommendations are based on height, weight, and ability — not sex. Choose based on the sizing guide and your child's preference, not marketing.