My girlfriend recently rented a pair of last years Auras’. I couldn’t believe how much her skiing improved, she instantly (ok I hate to use say it) fell “in love” with the skis. She has rented them about ½ dozen times this year and now and with the $$ we’ve been putting into rentals I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on a new pair. She is 5’7” about 130 -135lbs intermediate skier and likes the 156. I’m thinking she may out grow them as she improves. Unfortunately the ski area where we rent does not have any 163’s to rent.

Length Suggestions – I’m leaning toward the 156 because that is what she is comfortable on??

I had the same question but finally decided to go for a longer length, 163, and I don't regret this decision. Maybe they took me a little bit of effort in the very beginning, but it's totally worth it. I am 5'6" and 114lbs, intermediate (at least I had been until I started skiing on Auras). Your girlfriend should be absolutely fine with 163.

So, I rode the 163s today...and I still absolutely love them. They felt a little shaky on the first run or so, but after that, I felt completely comfortable on them. I wasn't able to try them out in powder or trees, but they were still as good for bombing down groomers as the 156s (actually, I felt like I could go much faster, which makes sense since they're longer)...and they still turned quick enough on bumps. I did find, however, that I have to go on edge a bit more with the 163s than with the 156s. I weigh a little more than your girlfriend, and I don't really know how our levels compare, but I'm definitely happy with my decision to go with the 163s over the 156s.

Thanks Sonya, yes the cost is a factor. Please post your thoughts once you have had a chance to try out the 163's

I demoed a pair of this year's Auras in the 156 size...I'm 5'6" and would consider myself a Type 3 skier (I can get down anything I end up on, although it may not always look all that pretty). I had wanted to try the 163s but they didn't have them at the shop I was demoing from (seems to be a common problem). I also fell "in love" with the 156s...I felt very stable and comfortable on them and they turned really quickly. However, they only came up to like my chin...and my old skis are 160s leading me to believe that the 156s are too short for me. So, I went ahead and bought the 163s from a shop near me without having tried them out first. I had the same debate going on that you have right now. I would suggest going for the 163s so that she'll be able to grow into them (they're not the cheapest ski to get just to use for a year or two). I haven't tried out my 163s yet, but I plan on going in the next few days and will let you know my thoughts then.