Ski length vs price

They actually have a really good deal on a year old pair Dynafit Mustagh Ata Superlight, but it's a 187! I was concerned that this would be too long for me, esp in tight trees, etc.

I've skied the Mustagh Ata and, in my completely non-expert opinion, it's not a great low-intermediate ski. They are, however, super light.

Mustah ata was the ski I bought too short and sold.
I skied them for a while and found them very skittish.
A lot of camber and very unforgiving in pnw winter conditions.
The person I sold them skis them well but he is an excellent skier.
Not a ski I would recommended especially as a one ski quiver but like Marcus ..I'm no expert....just giving you my experience so you can avoid the mistakes I've made.

I agree with Scotsman and would suggest aiming for ~181cm in length. At your height the fore/aft stability in winter conditions would be of benefit, and I would be concerned the 174cm's would be cutting it too short. However if you're looking to do primarily Spring/Summer touring only, then going short would be less of a concern.

Fish, I have been shopping also & feel lucky that people the quality of Marmot, Evo, both ProSki's & this board are around.   My 1st BC skis were a bargain until I had to upgraded 2 yrs latter to K2 Shuksans which I skied 7yrs x 20+ days x 5 hrs = about 87 cents an hour.  My current K2s and future K2's  (probably Backlash or Hardside's) are 174cm for my 165lbs, 5'-8", intermediate self.  K2's sizing chart has 5'-11" upper range for Wayback's at 174 cm (especially given their a little skinnier mid foot).  I commend/understand your loyalty to Marmot, but ...  regarding K2 BC skies I would spend some time at least picking Martin Volken's mind at Pro Ski North Bend as he works with K2, skis their stuff, guides, and thinks a lot about mountaineering ski's.  K2 BC skis are forgiving, turny, and their increased rocker lately should make them ski a little shorter on harder snow.

As you sound a little concerned about ski length I would offer: run a bunch of hills/ski in bounds a few months, look at the snow forecast, put a 40lb pack on and you may be wishing for 181's in the future. Also they may help the learning carve if you are on top of the snow more often?

In short I think I just repeated 90% of what Scotsman wrote above but in one long post.

P.S. You don't have to 2nd guess the Dynafits.

What Scotsman said.

Shorter skis have less fore/aft stability, so you need to pay attention to your form, such as staying centred over your skis.

Narrower skis have to be kept closer together to create a "platform" that floats at lower speeds.

Generally, shorter, lighter, and narrower skis require more operator skill, or maybe more attention to detail, than longer, heavier, or wider skis.

It should be noted that while the sensation of skiing will improve with heavier/wider in a larger variety of snow conditions, the ski isn't going to increase your base skill level.