Best Big Mountain & Powder Skis

The Salomon QST series is a versatile all-mountain ski. With various shapes and rocker profiles, these skis excel in both on-piste and off-piste conditions. Carbon Powered C/FX technology enhances dampening and power, while full ABS sidewalls and Powerframe Ti ensure edge grip and stability.

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I’ve tried out a number of skis within the Salomon QST family since they were introduced back in 2016. There’s a huge number of different models out there, but they all share a few common features: namely, ease of control and maneuverability across a variety of conditions and terrain types. Keep an eye out for QST 106s and later models, as that model is the first to feature a large swathe of updates to improve performance.

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Adrian Ryan

Atomic Bent Chetler Skis are lightweight and designed for deep powder, featuring HRZN Tech and ABS sidewall construction that increases surface area in the tips and tails by 10% while minimizing tip deflection. With a light woodcore and carbon backbone, these skis maintain stability and are ultra-lightweight. Their steel edges are five times more wear-resistant than standard steel, ensuring strength and grip. Popular among adult freeriders, they are now available in various sizes for all ages.

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There’s rarely a ski that can do it all. Do you want a ski that’s lightweight, flexible, buttery, and capable in the park? Do you also want a ski that can carve, float through powder, and maintain stability at high speeds? If the answer is yes to all of the above, then Atomic’s Bent Chetler makes a great choice. With three models, one in 100mm, 110mm, and 120mm, all of Chetler’s feature twin tips and a powder focused build. While the 120mm model is probably best used solely as a powder ski, the 100mm and 110mm work great as an all-mountain setup and are surprisingly responsive on the hard pack and ice.

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Ben Goodman

The Rossignol Experience ski offers a balanced blend of stability and agility. LCT technology ensures smooth turns, while the progressive sidecut and HD Core TI provide a dampened ride. This versatile ski is perfect for skiers of all levels seeking a reliable and enjoyable experience on the slopes.

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Although Rossignol is mostly known for World Cup-inspired carving skis, they really did knock it out of the park with their take on the all-mountain concept. I wouldn’t be going out on a limb by saying that they didn’t quite produce a dedicated pair of freeriders, but that wasn’t really what they were going for. These skis are more than able to handle some off-piste and glade skiing while also keeping together on groomed runs as well as you’d expect a Rossignol product to perform (which is quite well, for the record).

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Adrian Ryan

The Head Supershape skis push the boundaries of on-piste performance with innovative technologies designed to deliver a thrilling and exhilarating ride. Crossforce Carbon technology, exclusive to the Supershape collection, features an exposed carbon layer that directly enhances power transfer and responsiveness. Combined with Energy Management Circuit (EMC) technology, which reduces negative vibrations for a smooth and stable ride.

The Head KORE Team skis offer control and stability thanks to a construction utilizing high strength-to-weight ratio materials, including Graphene and a Sandwich Cap Construction. A durable topsheet withstands the rigors of young skiers, while tip and tail rocker enhances flotation in softer snow and makes turn initiation effortless.