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 All Mountian Skis
Whether you’re an experienced skier or just hitting the bunny slopes (no judgment!), we have the right pair of all mountian 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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Adrian Ryan
The Volkl Chica0 features a scientifically designed shape, flex, and tip rocker for effortless turns. The 109-69-88mm shape (from length 120cm and on) provides exceptional stability and playful maneuverability, making learning to ski a joy. The optional vMotion Jr binding, compatible with Grip Walk soles, ensures secure power transfer and comfortable step-in convenience.
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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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.