The Black Pearl 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski designed for women. The TrueBlend All-Mountain Woodcore offers a harder flex in the center where you need more strength and softer in the tip and tail for more forgiveness and an easy power release. The FluxForm W.S.D. construction provides a balance of stability and playfulness. Whether you're cruising the groomers or exploring the backcountry, this ski delivers a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Best Women's Skis
Whether you’re an experienced skier or just hitting the bunny slopes (no judgment!), we have the right pair of skis for you. We work with skiers and gear experts to review products for flex and shape, and update our rankings weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
Meet Our Experts
Adrian has worked in ski shops and on the mountain. These days, he's living in Eastern Europe and most likes to ski the Olympic Mountains in Bosnia, Bjelašnica and Jahorina.
Avid skier and owner of SkiAmbassador LLC. Since 2022, Ben has sold 450 pairs of skis out of his 1000-sq-ft Denver apartment.
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.
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.
Adrian Ryan
The Atomic Redster G9 is a high-performance ski that brings World Cup technology to the slopes. Inspired by the skis used by professional racers like Mikaela Shiffrin, the Redster G9 offers exceptional edge grip, stability, and responsiveness. Its Ultra Power Wood Core, titanal laminates, and Servotec technology deliver a powerful and precise ride, making it ideal for advanced skiers who demand the best. Whether you're carving turns on groomed runs or tackling challenging terrain, the Redster G9 will elevate your skiing experience.
When it comes to racing, Atomic has led the pack since 2012 with their Redster line of skis. Dedicated to racing and piste, Redsters are designed to carve, turn, and speed down the mountain with precise grip and handling. Atomic offers a variety of models, some more ‘piste-forward’ and others more ‘race-forward’. The Redster G9 is Atomic's more resort-friendly race skis with a shorter turn radius. Build to go fast and maintain stability all the while.
Ben Goodman
The Rossignol Hero FIS GS Pro skis feature size-specific flexes and balanced constructions to perfectly match the skiers growth and skill development. Race-proven Line Control Technology (LCT) ensures unrivaled precision and control, eliminating counter-flexing for unwavering line stability.
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.
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).
Adrian Ryan
The Fischer RC4 World Cup GS skis feature cutting-edge World Cup technology, to deliver exceptional speed, precision, and control. Sensational edge grip provides the confidence young racers need, while direct power transfer ensures explosive acceleration and unrivaled responsiveness. The stable wood core minimizes vibrations for a smooth and controlled ride, and the race-ready base eliminates the need for sidewall planning.
The Atomic Redster FIS GS skis feature revoshock technology that absorbs bumps for unmatched stability and control, while maintaining lightning-fast edge-to-edge transitions and explosive acceleration. Full-length sidewalls and Ultra TI Powered laminate ensure unwavering edge hold and torsional rigidity, even in the most demanding conditions.
The Völkl Racetiger GS skis offer exceptional performance on the giant slalom slopes. Tailored Carbon Tip technology provides precise torsional control, allowing for a more direct and agile approach to the gate. These skis also feature Full Sidewall ABSm which offer durability and impact resistance, protecting the ski from the rigors of racing. These skis are a top choice for competitive skiers seeking speed, stability, and precision.
Although Volkl doesn’t quite have the profile of some other ski manufacturers, I’ve always enjoyed heading up the chairlift clipped into a couple of their skis. The Volkl Racetiger GS Skis are my favorite skis for those days you’re going to spend on hard or even icy slopes, since they have the strength and bite to keep you feeling confident in challenging conditions. They’re fast enough to be used in junior competition, if that’s what you’re looking for, but they’re also versatile enough to work as a day-to-day ski.
Adrian Ryan
The Head Pure Joy skis are designed specifically for women, delivering a stable, confident, and exhilarating on-snow experience. Biomechanically tuned to the female form, these skis provide effortless performance from tip to tail. Head's innovative EMC technology reduces negative vibrations, allowing skiers to focus on their skiing and enjoy a smooth, stable ride. Incorporating LYT Tech, utilizing the lightest and strongest materials available, these skis offer exceptional performance without compromising weight.
The Atomic Vantage skis are a lightweight all-mountain powerhouse that excels in a variety of conditions. Despite its incredibly light weight, this ski boasts exceptional edge grip and precision thanks to Atomic's innovative Prolite construction with Energy Backbone and Titanium Tank Mesh. This unique combination delivers impressive stability and power while maintaining a remarkably low weight, setting the Atomic Vantage apart from other skis in its class.
The K2 Mindbender skis are a line of high-performance freeride skis featuring a range of waist widths to suit different skiing styles and conditions. Wider skis are better for a deep powder, while narrower skis are more agile on groomers. The Mindbender skis have All-Terrain Rocker, which provides a balance of stability and maneuverability, making it easy to turn and float in powder.
I get why it’s the case, but it can be frustrating that so many freeride or powder skis are either too pricey or too advanced for intermediate skiers. Thankfully, the K2 Mindbenders are here for those looking to dip their toes into bowl or backcountry skiing without breaking the bank or needing expert-level skills. They provide a great entry point into more adventurous skiing while keeping you comfortable and in control, making them a solid choice for those who aren’t quite ready for high-end models like the Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis.
Adrian Ryan