Best All Mountian 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 Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis offer a versatile blend of power and playfulness. The wood core and titanal layers provide a strong, energetic feel, while the progressive shaping allows for easy maneuverability. Whether you're cruising the groomers or exploring the trees, the Enforcer delivers a smooth, confident ride.

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I know that not many people will travel to the mountain with a variety of different skis so that they can adjust to changing conditions, which makes a pair of great all-rounders like Nordica Enforcers incredibly valuable. The skis are wide enough to perform well in powder, even if it’s very deep, while the base’s tapered shape still allows you to carve on groomed trails. You’ll really feel the full range of possibilities that these skis afford you when you’re skiing groomed trails in the morning, but get enough extra snow during the day to ski some powder by your last few runs.

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Adrian Ryan

The Elan Exar E-Rise skis feature an easy-to-handle, lightweight design. The Early Rise Rocker profile with gradual tip and tail rocker enhances maneuverability and reduces the risk of catching an edge, making turns smooth and effortless. Constructed with a durable Comprex Wood Core and reinforced with fiberglass layers.

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 Volkl RTM skis are designed for frontside performance with a wider waist width for versatility. Volkl's innovative 3D Ridge and 3D Glass construction techniques provide exceptional stability and power, while the UVO vibration damping system with steel construction ensures a smooth, quiet, and composed ride.

The Fischer Stunner skis with are lightweight and easy to flex due to the Air Power Core and Cap Construction, which provide the control and stability needed to build confidence on the slopes. The traditional camber profile enhances stability and helps young skiers manage their speed as they gain experience with downhill skiing.

The Blizzard Cochise skis represent a significant advancement in rocker ski design, finally realizing the technology's full potential. The Cochise excels in hard-snow carving, offering a stable, lively, and smooth ride that rivals traditional carving skis. This exceptional performance is attributed to its "natural" rocker, a simple, smooth curve from tip to tail that provides an incredibly natural feel.

The HEAD SuperShape Team skis feature ERA 2.0 technology, which offer a perfectly balanced design for enhanced stability and control. The lightweight construction and easy-to-use bindings minimize fatigue, allowing kids to enjoy longer days on the slopes.

The Head Monster Easy JRS skis feature a synergistic system of ski, binding, and plate that promotes a softer flex, enabling effortless turns with minimal energy expenditure. Their lightweight construction and user-friendly bindings make them easy to carry and operate, reducing fatigue and allowing young adventurers to explore the mountain with more energy and confidence.

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.

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.

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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.

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Adrian Ryan

The Elan Jett skis, featuring the U-Flex increases ski flex by 25%, making learning easier and promoting a quicker transition to edge control. Combined with specially designed, softer flexing ski boots, the Jett provides an optimal learning platform, all wrapped in a sleek design inspired by Elan's Precision series.

The Elan Explore 6 skis are designed for ease of use and control. These skis feature a forgiving Parabolic Rocker profile that makes turn initiation smooth and effortless. Elan's Groove Technology enhances edge hold, while the lightweight construction and adjustable bindings provide a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience.

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 Blizzard Brahma skis have exceptional carving performance and torsional stiffness. The True Blend wood core provides great stability and power through various types of terrain. The Brahma will allow skiers to go through any types of terrain and give them the confidence to do so.

The K2 Amp Strike skis offer exceptional value for beginner skiers, providing a smooth and controlled learning experience. K2's MOD technology effectively dampens vibrations, enhancing edge-hold and stability, while the Catch-Free Rocker profile facilitates easy turn initiation and effortless stability.

The Salomon XDR skis are built with a poplar wood core and Salomon's C/FX Super Fiber (a blend of carbon and flax), the XDR 84 boasts enhanced responsiveness and dampening. A full-width Titanal laminate underfoot, tapering towards the tips and tails, adds power and stability.

The Elan Pinball skis are featuring Early Rise Rocker and a forgiving Synflex core, which provide easy handling and smooth performance. For the youngest shredders in sizes 105 and 115, the innovative U-Flex Technology delivers a 25% softer flex, making turning effortless and boosting skill development from the very first run, ensuring skiing is fun and accessible for budding park enthusiasts.

The Elan Formula skis deliver effortless and forgiving performance thanks to their innovative design. Featuring Early Rise Rocker for smooth turn initiation, a lightweight and maneuverable Full Power Cap construction, these skis are built for ease. Fiberglass reinforcement enhances torsional stiffness, while the integrated Quick Shift System, with its softer flex plate, further simplifies turning.