l just got my daughter her ski boots but l am having trouble finding what length of ski she will need.l would like to search down the smallest ski available for her ease of use but what size would that be in cm?
l was a ski instructor before l had my daughter and l understand the reality of teaching a 3 year old to ski.Last year we used skis that ''tie on'' to after ski boots and she was sliding and making a very good wedge by the end of the season and she was only 2 at the time.l already found a pair of boots for her but l just do not know what the smallest size ski is out there and do not have time to run from ski shop to ski shop to find out.l am researching early so that l have time to find a used pair of skis in the shortest length before we start going up every weekend.Thanks for all the help already...

First time ever ski? Go 67 cm. My 4 year old has already bagged 10 days of ski lessons and 30 days on slope.and now going to 87cm (but he is tall - 43'')

There r lots factors to consider. Please do not push a 3 year old too hard, l am a ski instructor & 1 hour of skiing is a lot at that age. They r there really just to get used to the feeling of sliding on skis & have fun! If they can learn to stop & turn as well then perfect but do not expect that to happen as it may not until they r 4. Anyway, back to ur question.

Choose the correct length of ski by taking into account ur child is height, weight & skiing ability. 67 cms may well be suitiable. Shorter skis r much easier for a beginner to control; however, a lightweight intermediate skier will also be more comfortable on shorter skis.

Pick a shaped ski that is an all-mountain ski. Extra side cut & specialized skis, while available, r not necessary for skiing well.

Look for a ski that bends slightly when pressure is applied to the center while holding the tip. A super-stiff ski is not ideal for a child.

Check to see that the skis have camber. When u place the ski bases together, the skis should bow out in a convex shape, creating a space between each other, while the tips & tails r touching.

Talk to the salesperson, since there r several variables unique to ur child.

Tip:
Depending on how much ur child skis, a pair of skis ought to last two seasons.
The ski resort is rental shops usually have good deals on skis as the season comes to a close. Or u could find it is cheaper to rent in the resort (and hastle free).

Hope this helps. Hope ur child enjoys the skiing & u too!

80 cm will probably be the smallest u will find easily. l taught my twins at 18 months old. at 13 now they still love it. do not push, but do not be afraid because of the young age. l used to get a waterproof picnic tablecloth & put it slopeside. my husband & l would take turns sking while the other watched the kids. they'd sit & watch & laugh & play & ski a little. but they always wanted to go back. do not stress too much on the equipment. valid thoughts r in the above post, but at 3 there wont be a great deal of technique..the young legs just do not have the muscle tone. rent for the first year & go from there. find a shop that does a season long rental or a buy & swap program. do yourself a favor and, even if u teach sking professionally, buy her a private lesson if they offer them for that age. kids r too needy when they r with their parents. too much whining & crying going on. ''mommy help me'' will never be said to a paid instructor.

l am also a ski instructor & have an 8 year old son who has skied since he was 4. Like the previous responses, l would say be patient & do not push them too hard. If it is fun, they (and you) will enjoy it a lot longer.
At that age it is really hard to use all of the fancy formulas (height, weight, ability, etc.) to figure out the right size/type of ski. l used & still suggest a ski length that hits between mid chest & chin of the child when it stood on its tail. The shorter the ski, the easier it is to turn & control, especially at age 3 or so. My son is quite tall for his age & at 4 he was using 80cm skis. At 8 he is in 129cm skis & races me down the hill (very proud dad ginning.). A ski between 60-80cm is the shortest that u r likely to find new or used.
You r however, starting in the right direction by doing some research BEFORE investing. Doing a 1 day rental at ur local resort is a good way to go as most will allow u trade out the skis or boots if they do not fit & can get a fairly decent fitting up front.
We have several good local shops here that cater to families like us & offer great deals on kids packages either for sale or seasonal rental. The equipment may not be the latest & greatest, but it is durable & well fitted by the shop staff. Otherwise, u can try eBay, garage/yard sales or even other skiing parents for their children is out grown eqiupment.

Good luck & keep on skiing!

l too was a ski instructor at one point, & have gotten both of my daughters on snow at the age of 4.

If u r looking for used skis, then the only good option is a ski swap. This is the season for them.

Find the smallest skis u can, & buy them. At 3 years old, any taller than the chin is too tall.

Do not forget to use the Racer Chaser (along with the Edgie Wedgie!) The Racer Chaser is a Godsend for getting young ones on snow.

Skiing backwards while holding the ski tips is both dangerous & painful (on the back), & holding them from behind does not lead them into a proper stance.

Here is a link just in case u do not know what l am talking about.although if u teach skiing u probably do!

http://amazon.com/Racer-Chaser-Ski-Leash/dp/B000JUTE3K

Never push the kid past their boundaries. The minute they r not having fun, u have to pack it in.

(sometimes, as a parent, even if u r the best instructor in the world, it is hard to remember that!)