How to Size Icelantic Skis: Width, Length & Terrain Guide
One Degree Blog | Icelantic Skis
How to Size Icelantic Skis
To size your Icelantic skis, start with width (waist in mm) based on the terrain you ski most, then use length as a personal fit decision. As a general starting point, all-mountain skiers often land around chin-to-nose height, while freeride and powder skiers may size up. Narrower skis (86-96mm) tend to move faster edge-to-edge on groomers. Wider skis (100-112mm) provide more surface area in soft snow. If you are unsure, the Nomad 100 is a versatile freeride starting point. For a 25/26 all-mountain option, look at the Pioneer 96.
Why Sizing Matters More Than You Think
Ski sizing isn't just about height. Two skiers of identical height and weight can be on completely different skis depending on where they ski, how aggressively they ski, and what conditions they chase. Get it right and the ski feels like an extension of your body. Get it wrong and you'll be fighting it all day.
This guide is built specifically for Icelantic's current lineup. Every number here comes straight from the product specs. No guessing.
Step 1: Choose Your Width (Waist in mm)
Width is the most important decision. It determines how the ski handles across different snow conditions. The 25/26 and 26/27 product ranges cover a broad set of waist widths:
| Waist Width | Ski Model | Best For | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86mm | Pioneer 86 | Groomers, hardpack, eastern conditions | Less float in deep snow |
| 94-96mm | Nomad 94, Pioneer 96, Riveter 95 | Mixed conditions, 50/50 on/off piste | Balanced but not specialized |
| 97-102mm | Mystic 97, Shaman 99, Nomad 100, Natural 101 | Versatile skiing with added soft-snow support | Slightly slower on hardpack |
| 104-109mm | Riveter 104, Nomad 106, Maiden 108, Pioneer 109 | Freeride, soft snow, bigger days | Less precise on groomers |
| 110-112mm | Nomad 112, Shaman 110 | Deep powder, backcountry access, big mountain | Tiring on groomed runs |
Terrain-Based Width Recommendation
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80%+ groomed runs: 86-94mm
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50/50 mix of groomed and off-piste: 94-100mm
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Mostly off-piste, side-country, or variable snow: 100-106mm
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Powder-focused, sidecountry, or big mountain: 106-112mm
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Backcountry touring: Natural 101 or Mystic 97 (lightweight specific build)
Step 2: Choose Your Length
Once you've chosen your width, pick the right length from within that model's range. Here's a simple starting framework:
| Skier Height | All-Mountain Length | Freeride / Powder Length |
|---|---|---|
| 155-162cm (5'1"-5'4") | 162-166cm | 166-171cm |
| 163-170cm (5'4"-5'7") | 166-171cm | 171-176cm |
| 171-178cm (5'7"-5'10") | 171-176cm | 176-182cm |
| 179-185cm (5'10"-6'1") | 176-182cm | 182-188cm |
| 186cm+ (6'1"+) | 182-188cm | 188-194cm |
Other Factors That Affect Length
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Skier weight: Heavier skiers (90kg+) should lean toward the longer end of any range for better edge hold and stability
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Skill level: Intermediate skiers often benefit from going slightly shorter for easier turn initiation
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Ski style: If you like quick, playful turns go shorter. If you charge and like stability at speed, go longer
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Terrain: Tight trees and park = shorter. Open bowls and big mountain = longer
Which Icelantic Collection Is Right for You?
Nomad & Maiden Freeride Collection (Freeride)
The Nomad has been Icelantic's best-selling ski since day one. It is designed for skiers who want to play everywhere: powder fields, open bowls, sidecountry laps, and the occasional park hit. The collection uses a Free Rocker profile, 4mm of camber, and Fly Cap construction. The Nomad comes in 94, 100, 106, and 112mm. The Maiden is Icelantic's women's freeride collection, available in 94, 102, and 108mm.
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Nomad 94 / Maiden 94: Quicker edge-to-edge, good for mixed conditions and tree skiing
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Nomad 100 / Maiden 102: The sweet spot. Most versatile option in the lineup
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Nomad 106 / Maiden 108: When powder days are the priority
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Nomad 112: Maximum float. Built for deep, committing lines
Pioneer & Riveter All-Mountain Collection (All-Mountain)
For the 25/26 collection, the Pioneer and Riveter were Icelantic's all-mountain options for skiers who wanted versatility and control across resort conditions. They use a Directional Rocker profile, 5mm of camber, and a poplar core. The Pioneer is the men's collection and the Riveter is the women's collection.
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Pioneer 86 / Riveter 85: Narrowest option, sharpest on-piste feel
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Pioneer 96 / Riveter 95: The all-mountain workhorse
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Pioneer 109 / Riveter 104: When you want all-mountain performance with more powder capability
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Pioneer X: The performance version of the Pioneer 96, with Carbon X Veil and Birch/Poplar core for a stiffer, more powerful ride
Shaman (All-Mountain / Creative)
The Shaman is unlike anything else in the lineup. Extremely tapered shape, wide shovel, 8mm camber underfoot. It accelerates edge-to-edge with a snappy, surfy feel. Comes in 99mm and 110mm widths.
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Shaman 99: For the skier who wants something lively and different on mixed terrain
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Shaman 110: Deep snow capability with that same responsive, tapered feel
Natural & Mystic Backcountry Collection
Built for the approach as much as the descent. The Natural 101 and Mystic 97 feature a Flyweight Paulownia core, carbon stringers, and a construction updated for 25/26 to save weight without sacrificing downhill performance. Natural is men's at 101mm, Mystic is women's at 97mm.
Still Not Sure? Try Before You Buy
Icelantic runs demo events at resorts across the US throughout the season. Getting on the actual ski is the fastest way to know if it's right. Check the demo calendar and find an event near you.
Built in Colorado. Sized for Real Skiing.
Season note: Icelantic introduced the Torrent and Tempest as its 26/27 all-mountain collections. Pioneer and Riveter references in this guide describe the 25/26 collection and can help shoppers comparing prior-season or dealer inventory.
Icelantic skis are handmade in Colorado. Find your width, narrow your length range, and, when possible, get on a demo pair before you commit.
FAQ: Icelantic Ski Sizing
What size Icelantic Nomad should I get?
For most skiers, the Nomad 100 in a length that brings the tip to around nose or forehead height is a great starting point. Heavier skiers or those who mostly ski powder should consider the Nomad 106. Lighter skiers or those who split time between groomers and off-piste can look at the Nomad 94.
How do I choose between the Nomad and the Pioneer?
The Nomad is a freeride ski with a Free Rocker profile built for variable and soft snow conditions. The Pioneer is an all-mountain ski with a Directional Rocker and more camber (5mm vs 4mm), built for mixed conditions and resort skiing. If you ski primarily on-piste with some off-piste, the Pioneer. If you chase soft snow and off-piste more than 50% of the time, the Nomad.
Are Icelantic skis true to size?
Yes. Use the lengths published on each product page as your starting reference, then factor in your height, skiing style, terrain, and preferred maneuverability. A demo or a conversation with a ski shop can help finalize the choice.
What width Icelantic ski is best for Colorado skiing?
For Colorado's mix of groomers, variable snow, and soft-snow days, the Nomad 100 and, in the 25/26 line, Pioneer 96 are versatile options. If your priority is soft snow and off-piste terrain, the Nomad 106 may make more sense. Icelantic is Colorado-made, with its skis handmade in Colorado.
Can I use the Nomad as an all-mountain ski?
Yes, especially the Nomad 94 and Nomad 100. They have enough camber (4mm) and edge hold to handle groomed runs well, while still floating in soft snow. The wider models (106, 112) are better reserved for primarily soft snow days.
Does Icelantic make skis for beginners?
Icelantic's lineup is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. The Pioneer 86 and Riveter 85 are the narrowest options in the 25/26 all-mountain collection. If you are new to skiing or unsure about your size, talk with a qualified ski shop and, if possible, demo before buying.
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