Skier Skill level:
It is important to take into consideration a skiers skill level when selecting a ski. Someone who is just getting started skiing will appreciate a ski that is a bit narrower underfoot and shorter in length. A narrower ski will make turn initiation faster and a shorter ski will have a smaller turning radius.Advanced and intermediate skiers will start to develop a preference for the performance characteristics they want in their skis in respect to width and length. Shorter length skis will be lively, playful and quick turning, while longer length skis will be stable and confident at high speeds and are capable of making long GS style turns. Narrower skis will hold an edge well on hard snow, while wide skis will perform well in soft snow and fresh powder.
The graphic below should give you a basic idea of how to select ski size; taking skill and height into consideration. Keep in mind that more intermediate to advanced skiers should develop a ski size preference based on the skiing characteristics they would like from their skis.