Short Skis?

Question
Hi Ron,
I purchased my first pair of skis - 160cm K2 Comanche Pro skis.  I regret not reading up beforehead and just trusting the sales associate who said to get a pair up to chin level.  I'm male, 5'11'', weighing 150 lbs.  I've gone skiing about 7 times and from what I gather from reading online, I may have bought skis that are too short.  I can't return them as the bindings have already been mounted.  I was wondering if these skis are too short, how it would affect my skiing, and if I should reconsider buying a longer pair.  Thank you!
-Ben

Answer
Hi Ben,

160's are really not a bad length- they will limit you in some ways, but force your development in others.

The short length will make the skis feel unstable at speed, unless you learn to carve most of your turns. However, they also will make learning to carve, or more specifically, learning to balance on an edge, easier. Much easier, in fact.

You'll also find the shorter skis make moguls more approachable.

Powder and slush are tougher on short skis, and you'll lack security on ice unless you keep them sharp.

All that said, the 160's are really not a mistake- I have owned skis as short as 157 (my shortest pair now are 165's), and I ski these slalom length skis regularly.

So enjoy them, and don't worry about them being too short- really. See if you can rent or borrow a set of Salomon Blades (or the equivalent from other manufacturers) to accelerate your carving skills- the transition from blades to slalom skis happens very, very quickly.

Ron