Short Skis vs. Long Skis

Short skis, typically less than 160 cm in length, are more maneuverable and easier to turn, making them ideal for beginners, terrain parks, and moguls. They are also lighter and require less effort to control, which can be less tiring for skiers. Short skis are also perfect for anybody trying to perform new trick or just trying to enjoy the snow in a new way. 

Long skis, typically over 170 cm in length, provide stability at high speeds and more edge grip on hard snow. They are ideal for advanced skiers who enjoy carving turns on groomed runs or tackling steep, ungroomed terrain. 

However, if you are not currently training for the Olympics, you will probably not appreciate the advantages of long skis. Long skis are for most of skiers too clunky and heavy. In a snowpark or on a slope, you will have more fun with short skis, which are easy to control and fun to slide.  

Is it easier to ski with longer or shorter skis?

In general, shorter skis are more maneuverable and easier to turn, which can be great for beginners or skiers who prefer a more playful, freestyle skiing style. Shorter skis are also typically lighter and require less effort to control, which can be less tiring for the skier.

Short skis provide a great variety of lengths, so you can always pick from short ski skates which are similar to skating, or opt for longer skiboards which allow provide great freedom, when skiing. 

Longer skis, on the other hand, can be more stable at higher speeds and provide more float in deeper powder.

To sum up, for most of the skiers short skis are easier to maneuver and also to learn. The provide huge amount of agility but they remain stable at the same time. 

Do shorter skis make you go slower? 

Not necessarily. The length of skis can affect the speed at which a skier can travel, but it's not a simple relationship between shorter skis and slower speeds.

Shorter skis can be more maneuverable and easier to turn, allowing skiers to make quicker and more frequent turns. This can actually increase a skier's speed in certain situations, such as on a slalom race course.

Longer skis provide more stability at high speeds, which can allow skiers to travel faster without losing control. However, you are not very likely to develop such speed to actually recognize a prominent difference between short and long ski. 

In overall, short skis have many advantages in comparison to long skis: skiing is lighter and more fun, they are easier to learn and they are less strenuous when it comes to turning and maneuvering.