This week, we asked our Unofficial Networks followers, “What is the longest pair of skis or snowboard you have ever owned?” The responses came pouring in (over 700), filled with nostalgia, adrenaline-fueled memories, and a touch of humor. From vintage 220cm+ “downhill beasts” to quirky snowboards that felt like steering aircraft carriers, skiers and snowboarders shared stories of their longest planks. They also shared the wild rides that came with them. Below, we dive into the data, pull out some standout quotes, and visualize the results with charts.
Why Long Skis and Snowboards Are a Thing of Legend
In the world of skiing and snowboarding, length matters—especially when it comes to speed and stability. Back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, long skis were the norm. They were designed for bombing down groomers or racing at breakneck speeds. Snowboards, too, saw some impressively long designs in their early days. But as technology evolved, shorter, shaped skis and more maneuverable boards became the standard. Still, the allure of those long, fast, and sometimes unwieldy setups remains a badge of honor for many.
Our question sparked hundreds of responses, with skiers and snowboarders reminiscing about their longest gear. These tales were often paired with stories of high-speed heroics, near-disasters, and the sheer joy of ripping down the mountain. Let’s explore the results, highlight some epic quotes, and break down the data with charts to see just how long these boards got.
Standout Quotes from the Slopes
The responses were packed with personality, showcasing the love-hate relationship many had with their long skis and boards. Here are some of our favorite quotes:
- Marty McDonnell: “223 Volkl Rentigers DH boards do 70 mph Cadillac turns in any conditions. 210s everyday drivers 160 lbs was so good to be young – and still ripping! On 175s now. Ha!” Marty’s enthusiasm for his 223cm Volkls and their “Cadillac turns” perfectly captures the thrill of long skis. It also nods to the wisdom of aging gracefully (and switching to shorter skis!).
- Matthew Bustabade: “215 Dynastar Viridiums.. they were like steering 2 aircraft carriers down the KT-22’!!! I swear to God I hit 80 MPH though!!!!!” The image of piloting aircraft carriers down Squaw Valley’s legendary KT-22 is peak ski hyperbole, and we’re here for it.
- Fran Simcick: “Back in the 60’s we old folk started on 220cm Northland all wood skis. Then came the same skis equipped with steel edges. Nowadays you can see most of these nailed to a shed or barn from a mile away.” Fran’s comment is a nostalgic gem, reminding us how far ski technology has come—and how those old wooden planks are now rustic decor.
- Wesley Warren: “306cm. 10’ 1/4” snow wave machine.” Wesley’s 306cm snowboard is the stuff of legend, pushing the boundaries of what’s even practical on the slopes. A true “snow wave machine”!
- Brian Theile: “Head 210s with Tyrolia bindings. I’m 5’9. They were fast but catching an edge ripping the tree line almost killed me multiple times.” Brian’s tale of near-death experiences in the trees highlights the high-stakes game of skiing long, stiff boards.
- Mark Burdass: “The number of us that were sent off onto snow on 2m long downhill beasts by negligent loved ones it’s a wonder enough of us survived to keep the ski industry afloat…” Mark’s quip about “negligent loved ones” handing out 200cm+ skis to beginners had us laughing—and nodding in agreement.
These quotes paint a vivid picture of a time when long skis ruled the mountains. They delivered speed, stability, and the occasional heart-stopping moment.
The Data: How Long Were These Skis and Snowboards?
We compiled the responses to see just how long these skis and snowboards were. The majority of respondents shared ski lengths, with snowboards making up a smaller but fascinating portion of the data. Below, we’ve broken down the results into two charts: one for skis and one for snowboards, showing the distribution of lengths mentioned.
Ski Length Distribution
The ski lengths ranged from 180cm to a jaw-dropping 420-428cm (shoutout to Parker Rafter for that outlier!). Most responses clustered around the 200-225cm range. This reflects the popularity of long GS and DH skis in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Key Insights:
- The most common ski lengths were in the 210-219cm range (85 responses), followed closely by 220-229cm (75 responses). These were often race-oriented GS or DH skis, like the Rossignol 223s or Atomic 215s.
- Outliers like 252cm jumping skis (Doug Sattem) and 420-428cm skis (Parker Rafter) show the extreme end of ski design. These are often for specialized purposes like jumping or speed skiing.
- Shorter skis (180-189cm) were less common but still mentioned. They were often used by those who skied in the 90s or later when shaped skis started to take over.
Snowboard Length Distribution
Snowboard lengths were generally shorter, with most responses falling between 160-190cm. However, a few outliers, like Wesley Warren’s 306cm “snow wave machine,” pushed the upper limits.
Key Insights:
- The 170-179cm range was the most common for snowboards (15 responses). This reflects the popularity of longer boards in the 80s and early 90s before shorter, more agile designs took over.
- Notable outliers included the 306cm snowboard (Wesley Warren) and a 210cm Lib Tech Doughboy (Matthew L D Roth), which were described as heavy and challenging to maneuver.
- Snowboards under 160cm were rare, likely because shorter boards were less common in the early days of snowboarding.
The Stories Behind the Lengths
The responses weren’t just about numbers—they were about the experiences. Many skiers and snowboarders shared how their long gear shaped their time on the mountain:
- Speed Was King: Long skis, especially 210cm+ DH and GS models, were built for speed. Respondents like Eric Baker (“215 cm super G Kneisel White Stars !!! Went 80 on those sticks!!!”) and Harris Levine (“215 Super-G RD Bad Dogs. Glad I am alive to tell the tale. Holly cow those skis were fast.”) emphasized the sheer velocity these boards enabled, often at the cost of maneuverability.
- Challenges in Tight Spots: Long skis were a handful in bumps or trees. Rob Shattuck noted, “K2 TNC 210cm. Used to rip those things through the bumps. Well, my knees were much younger then.” Meanwhile, Chris Poulin admitted, “210cm K2 810s. Not so great in the bumps!”
- Nostalgia for the Old Days: Many respondents, like Fran Simcick and Richard Campbell, recalled skiing 210cm+ skis in the 60s and 70s. Back then, long, straight skis were standard. The shift to shorter, shaped skis in the 90s was a game-changer, but these old-school planks hold a special place in their hearts.
- Snowboard Struggles: Long snowboards, like Matthew Bustabade’s 215cm Dynastars or John Jendrezak’s 190cm Burton Supermodel, were often described as “planks.” They required serious skill (or speed) to turn.
Long Live the Long Boards!
The responses to our question show that long skis and snowboards are more than just gear—they’re symbols of an era when speed ruled. Turns were optional, and survival was a badge of honor. From 223cm Rossignol DH boards to 306cm “snow wave machines,” these planks carried skiers and snowboarders to epic highs (and occasional lows). While modern gear leans shorter and more versatile, the stories of these long boards remind us why we fell in love with winter sports in the first place.
What’s the longest pair of skis or snowboard you’ve ever owned? Drop your story in the comments and let us know—did you love the speed, curse the bumps, or both? And if you’re still rocking those 210cm+ beasts, we salute you!
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