Replying to Old beginner needs a little help

Hi. I'm looking for some size advice.

Just getting into skiing. Have years as a snowboarder but tired of bending over to fuss with bindings. And too few people my age ride a board. Time for a new skill.

Live in Colorado and that's where I'll be doing all my skiing. 48 years old, 6 feet tall, male, 225 pounds, athletic. I'll stick to groomers.

I want to pick up 2024 skis on sale. I went to Golden to visit Icelandic in person. A google search says either 174s or 182s. Salesperson suggested Pioneer 174's. I'm wondering if 182's would be better. Maybe more difficult initially, but perhaps better to grow into? When I got into snowboarding I used a board that was too small. Not fun.

Thanks in advance.