A system for selecting skis accesses the weight of a user without disclosing the weight, then assigns the weight into one of several predefined weight ranges. Encrypted weight indicators are provided which are each distinctive to a particular weight range, and the appropriate weight indicator for the weight range into which the weight of the user is assigned is provided. A set of distinct indicia that match the weight indicators are applied to a collection of skis. The skis are divided into groups, each group being designed to be suitable for users having any weight within a particular one of the weight ranges. The skis in a particular group are marked with the indicia which match the weight indicator for that particular weight range. By selecting skis having indicia that match the weight indicator provided, the user selects skis which are suitable based on the weight of the user.