I have a 33-34 waist myself and I wear the large. If strength training or biking has given you some musculature below the waist (pause for snickers) and you like a looser fit, you might want to consider the large as well. I'm just under 6' and the shorts hang to just past my kneecap. I have to tighten the waist until it bunches, but the result is a really good fit in the seat, and my boys dont get cramped up (especially when sitting). Best solution - order both sizes and send one back ... $6 shipping a small price to pay for a good fit!

Well being a coastal Mainer myself I can tell you these work great for rolling hills and our variable snow conditions. These get more use than all the rest of my snow gear because I can go over to a local park and charge up a small hill, then tele down it (for workout/fun). They seem optimized for logging max vertical and max fun. On the flats, the width and the weight of the full-length edges is going to make you work harder - fine for a workout, commuting? maybe not so much. If your commute includes lengthy flats, and you can currently handle the downhills on your 180s, I don't think these will become your new everyday commuting ski (though if we get many more 14" dumps you will appreciate the width in the fresh!) All that being said ... you WILL use these skis if you get them, and never regret it ... the most fun, versatile skis you can buy. Look for some Garmont stiff leather boots, and classic sturdy 3 pin bindings ought to do it - Beans can mount them for you.