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We purchased, tested, and compared the best all-mountain skis for 2026. Recommendations for men and women include award winners from Volkl, Nordica, HEAD, Elan, Armada, blackcrows, Fischer, and Stockli
We spent all last winter testing more than 36 of the best all-mountain skis side by side, and we now offer you our top recommendations for the 2026 season.
Credit: Marc Rotse
By Kaylee Walden ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 14, 2025
We've spent every winter since 2013 comparing the best all-mountain skis on the market – over 200 pairs and counting. Our team of professional ski instructors spent last season testing more than 36 pairs of skis side by side, and we're ready to offer you our top recommendations for the 2026 season.
Our top pick for women is the Nordica Santa Ana 97. Our test team unanimously agrees: this ski sets a new benchmark for women's all-mountain skiing. The Volkl M7 Mantra continues to impress as our top choice for a men's all-mountain ski. This ski is predictable on groomers, powerful in any snow condition, and versatile enough to explore the whole mountain with confidence.
Skis are but the first piece of the ski-gear shuffle. You'll want a stormproof ski jacket and a warm pair of ski gloves. A quality ski helmet will help protect your noggin', with a great pair of goggles to match. Our rundown of the best ski gear will help you dial in your kit going into this ski season.
Editors' Note: We updated this review on November 14, 2025, to update our award-winning lineup to reflect the best all-mountain skis for the upcoming 2026 season.
A Note on Ski Jargon
If you're new to skiing, we understand the jargon can be a bit confusing. To better understand how we will discuss and dissect skis, start by jumping to the section How to Pick the Right Skis for You. We walk through the different types of skis, terms related to ski construction, how they affect the overall feel of a ski, and considerations based on how, where, and what you want to ski.
Who it is best for: The Volkl M7 Mantra once again lives up to its reputation, earning Editor's Choice for men's all-mountain skis another year running. These powerful skis offer unmatched stability, dampness, and versatility. Built for speed, the M7 Mantra scored a perfect 10 in our Stability at Speed metric, rewarding a confident, forward-driving skier. The 4D-Radius Drive construction enables seamless adjustments mid-turn, delivering smooth, controlled performance across virtually any terrain and conditions. However, this multi-radius technology will be easier to unlock for experienced skiers, as it requires precise body positioning and turn initiation. The M7 Mantra offers intermediate to expert skiers a high-performance ride that can charge through just about anything. “This ski is powerful and demanding, more like a sports car than a cruiser,” commented one tester.
Why we love it: The M7 Mantra is built to charge confidently through any terrain or snow conditions. Long known for stability at speed, the Mantra line delivers that unmistakable “glued to the mountain” feel our testers love. The secret lies in the construction: full-length tailored titanal that runs edge to edge, sandwiched between the top sheet and sidewall for maximum dampness. Volkl makes subtle adjustments in each ski length to maintain the same overall character, such as reducing the size of the titanal plate in shorter skis and the thickness of carbon stringers in the tip. This overall design is highly effective in minimizing chatter at speed, smoothing the ride through rough snow conditions, and maintaining torsional stiffness. Even at high speeds on firm terrain, you can count on rock-solid edge hold and control from the M7 Mantra. No chatter here.
Should you buy it? If you're an intermediate to expert skier who likes a reliable ski that can go fast, there are few better choices. But the unavoidable consequence of the unshakeable stability is that this ski has a tough time letting loose. If you tend to surf and slash your way down the mountain, these skis won't be the playful ride you're looking for. The M7 Mantra can feel burly to muscle around all day, as the titanal sheets add weight, and it can punish you for poor form. But for a ski with an overall damp feel that is renowned for its reliable ride, “I had a heck of a lot of fun skiing the M7 all over the mountain,” our lead tester lauded.
Although it's built in many ways like a frontside carver, the M7 Mantra is nearly as fun in powder, and its powerful build is ideal for cutting through chopped up snow.
Who it is best for: We don't throw around the phrase “quiver-killer” lightly, but in this case, it's warranted: The new, redesigned Nordica Santa Ana 97 can carve frontside groomers, float in powder, hop turn in the steeps, and finesse its way through moguls. This ski offers fun, compliant performance in a range of snow conditions, making it a great choice for female skiers from coast to coast. “The new flex profile is slightly softer than previous iterations, but more approachable for a wider range of skiers,” our lead tester explained. Our team agreed that this latest version is more playful than previous iterations, while maintaining most of the signature confidence and composure for which the Santa Ana line is known.
Why we love it: The updated Nordica Santa Ana 97 keeps everything we've always loved about this ski: confidence at speed, quick turns, and precise control in bumps, all while feeling fresher and livelier. “Our entire test team agrees this longtime favorite is better than ever,” noted one tester. Though it carries the same name, the 2025 redesign essentially introduced a brand-new ski. Built around Nordica's new TSM (Terrain Specific Metal) Pulse Core – which pairs a tailored titanal sheet with an elastomer-infused wood core – the Santa Ana 97 gains a more energetic, playful ride without losing its signature stability. A refined rocker profile also enhances its agility, allowing for powerful carves, easy smears, and agile pivots. The result is a more responsive, versatile ski that adapts effortlessly to whatever terrain you're exploring.
Should you buy it? The Santa Ana 97 can handle any run on the mountain, in essentially any conditions. Its confidence-inspiring stability and energy, even in poor snow conditions, will appeal to most skiers – not to mention, it's super fun to ski. No matter the run or the snowfall that day, our team agrees: “The Santa Ana 97 sets a new benchmark for women's all-mountain skis.” Some expert skiers pushing their limits may find these to not be quite powerful enough for the highest speeds and deepest carves. But for most skiers and most conditions, this ski was an absolute pleasure.
The Santa Ana 97 pops, carves, slashes, and floats down the mountain better than any other ski we tested, making it the ultimate all-mountain ski for women.
Who it is best for: For skiers looking for solid all-mountain performance at a lower price point, the redesigned Head Kore 94 Ti provides value and versatility. Head changed the Kore's construction from karuba and poplar to karuba and beech, and added back the titanal and graphene materials of previous iterations. These tweaks result in a more “locked in” feel and impressed our testers in more terrain and conditions than the previous Kore generation. “If you're looking for a nimble, precise ski for mostly groomed, firm, or packed powder conditions, this ski is an excellent choice,” noted our lead tester.
Why we love it: Stability in firm conditions improved significantly with the newest version of the Head Kore 94 Ti, with two layers of titanal increasing the stiffness and power transfer. The Kore features a directional, all-mountain shape, with less taper from tip to waist and less overall rocker than powder-focused skis. This results in less floatation in deep snow but considerably more precision, reliability, and control in firm conditions. Underfoot camber and stiffness contribute to the ski's edge hold, allowing it to cut through midday chop or less-than-ideal snow. Our testers appreciated the precise but playful feel of these skis.
Should you buy it? For anyone focused on frontside carving and bumps skiing, these skis offer predictable and precise performance that's best for an intermediate to advanced skier, but which wouldn't completely overwhelm a beginner. Not to mention, these skis achieved the highest score for the lowest price, making them a good value as a first ski purchase. If you're an expert skier pushing the speed limit, the Head Kore 94 Ti still doesn't provide quite the stability of some other skis in the lineup. And with a more modest rocker profile, floatation suffered for this ski. However, the Head Kore line extends all the way up to 117 mm underfoot, offering a few alternatives for powder hounds.
Who it is best for: The Elan Ripstick 94 W offers a fun, intuitive ride and good versatility, making it a top choice for intermediate skiers. These skis also earned our Best Buy award, combining approachable performance with maximum value for the price. These skis are confidence-inspiring and forgiving, making them a great choice for skiers who are refining their technique. “The Ripstick is a ski that's perfectly designed for progression, allowing you to make mistakes along the way without being too demanding,” said one tester. The easy turn initiation, softer flex profile, and consistent float in powder make it a blast both on soft snow days and for corduroy cruising. This is a great daily driver for casual skiers who want a fun ski.
Why we love it: Light, energetic, and forgiving, this ski invites you to explore the mountain with a playful, no-stress feel. Testers loved how naturally it engaged a turn—"it just connects the moment you tip it on edge," one remarked. Another called it “effortless,” thanks to its thoughtful design and responsive construction. Elan's unique Amphibio construction shaves weight and adds more rocker and early rise to the front of the ski, enabling better floatation than the width would suggest. But on groomers, they still feel quick and precise, more like a narrower ski built for carving.
Should you buy it? The Ripstick 94 W isn't built to blast through heavy chop, and it has a clear speed limit, above which it will start to feel twitchy. On the flip side, those limits are exactly what make it so approachable and fun. In smoother, more consistent snow, its lightweight, agile feel truly comes alive. For laid-back skiers and intermediates eager to improve and enjoy the mountain without feeling pushed around, this ski strikes the perfect balance of stability, forgiveness, and easygoing energy. “I enjoyed every run on the Ripstick,” a high compliment from our lead tester.
Who it is best for: Skiers looking for a hard-charging ski with a playful side will love the Armada Declivity 92 Ti. As is the case with many high-octane skis, however, you cannot sit back and relax if you expect this ski to perform at its best. Testers who were former ski racers raved about this ski, while some of our intermediate testers found it to be “a little too much ski.” The powerful Declivity 92 Ti can feel a bit unforgiving in moguls, tight trees, or other rough, technical terrain. Although they can make quick, agile turns, skiers expecting a softer flex pattern might find these stiff and unforgiving.
Why we love it: The Declivity 92 Ti breaks the convention of traditional carving skis, with the ability to arc powerful carves but also let loose and slash when you want it to. The slight rocker in the tail lends this ski a playful edge compared to its more purely directional counterparts. Despite its hardpack chops, the Declivity 92 Ti performs well in powder better than you might expect, thanks to a gradual yet noticeable rocker profile in the tip. The “Ti” denotes doubled-stacked titanal that adds to the ski's stiffness and stability, typical of all-mountain skis of a similar caliber. But there's a twist: The titanal sheets have tiny slits filled with an elastic compound. “It's obvious that this unique design is the secret sauce behind this ski's uber-stable but lively character,” said one tester. The Declivity 92 Ti has more rebound and is more playful than other skis with a similar amount of titanal, yet this design doesn't compromise stability.
Should you buy it? The Declivity 92 Ti balances qualities that are often mutually exclusive – it's a carving ski that offers highly stable edge hold, yet with a playful pop. As an almost rebellious affront to dedicated on-piste skis, it takes these same qualities to the rest of the hill, making it a highly versatile all-mountain ski. While we were impressed with just how well this 92-millimeter ski performed in deep snow, it's far from a dedicated powder ski. Freeriders with a park background will surely appreciate the playfulness of the Declivity 92 Ti, while frontside carvers can revel in its rebound between turns.
Don't be fooled by the 92 mm waist width and our accolades for its carving ability, the Declivity 92 Ti is a powerful, playful all-mountain ski that's surprisingly well-suited for powder.
Who it is best for: The Volkl M7 Mantra W is a force to be reckoned with, built for skiers who crave power, precision, and speed. It excels on-piste, delivering near-perfect edge grip and unshakable stability that rivals the feel of a race ski. On firm snow, this ski locks in with confidence, inviting you to go faster with every turn. At 8.4 pounds per pair (in the 170 cm length we tested), it's one of the heaviest skis in our lineup, and that mass translates to incredible dampness and stability at speed. As one tester put it, “It's like the Mantra was saying, 'I've got you,' the whole way down each run.”
Why we love it: Poor quality snow tends to reveal a ski's weaknesses, but the M7 Mantra W is one of the rare models that charges straight through whatever you can throw at it. Post-storm chop feels surprisingly smooth (and even fun!), thanks to a composure and power that match its performance on groomers. A slightly softer flex than past versions makes the newest M7 Mantra W more approachable, but it's still built for advanced and expert skiers who ski fast and drive hard. Like the men's version, it features strips of tailored titanal for added weight, stiffness, and dampness – qualities that give it its signature stability and confidence at speed.
Should you buy it? While the updated flex pattern adds a touch of forgiveness, the M7 Mantra W remains unapologetically powerful and demands power in equal measure from its rider. It's not especially nimble in tight trees, and its preference for carved turns over skidded ones can make moguls feel like work. As one tester put it, it's “about as playful as a freight train” – but that's exactly what makes it so appealing to expert skiers who crave power, precision, and unwavering stability. For women who love charging the mountain at full throttle, the M7 Mantra W stands out as one of the most capable all-mountain skis on the market.
Who it is best for: The updated Blizzard Rustler 9 charges onto the podium as our favorite all-mountain ski on powder days. Even with the 98 millimeter waist, this ski impressed our team with its floatation in fresh snow and soft chop, harkening back to the performance of skis in the Rustler line we tested previously. Blizzard blends beech, poplar, and paulownia – all particularly lively woodcore materials – into this ski's “Freeride Trueblend Wood Core”. Adding four sheets of titantal at strategic points maximizes power and stability, without losing any pop and playfulness. With the powder-oriented tip profile, however, our testers inevitably experienced some minor tip chatter at top speeds. The Rustler 9 is, without a doubt, a versatile all-mountain ski, but one that's best for aggressive skiers.
Why we love it: The Rustler 9 construction ensures consistent performance, no matter the snow conditions. Even at just 98 millimeters underfoot, this ski can charge, float, and slash nearly as well as dedicated powder skis, while offering more versatility for when the powder is skied off. Even with its powder prowess, the Ruster 9 still had respectable performance for carving and firm snow, making it somewhat of an anomaly among all-mountain skis. You can count on this ski to pivot through tight trees just as well as it arcs larger turns in open terrain.
Should you buy it? If you're an expert skier with freeride tendencies looking for a high-performance, versatile all-mountain ski, the Rustler 9 should be at the top of your list. Despite their performance in powder, these skis are quick edge-to-edge, stable, and reliable on groomers. “I wouldn't call this ski approachable,” one tester pointed out, but for the hard-chargers on our team, the Rustler 9 stood out as a fan favorite.
Who it is best for: Winner of our Editor's Choice award for our favorite ski over 100 mm, the blackcrows Atris Birdie earns top marks for its rare harmony of floatation, power, and stability. The poplar and fiberglass core offers a good mix of vibration dampening and playfulness. It floats effortlessly through deep powder yet maintains a composed, confident edge when the snow turns firm. In soft chop, this powerful ski smashes right through, turning skied-out conditions into pure fun. As one tester put it, “This ski doesn't just handle variable snow – it makes it a blast.” Its only real drawback is in zipper-line moguls or super-tight trees, where that generous width requires a bit more effort to swing around. And with a 19-meter turning radius, it doesn't necessarily turn on a dime.
Why we love it: Despite the generous 105-millimeter waist, the Atris Birdie feels remarkably versatile, transitioning seamlessly from arcing turns in wide open bowls to weaving through glades to carving groomers. It's a powder ski when you need it to be, and a confident all-mountain ski when you don't. Whether you're floating through thigh-deep powder, blasting through chop on the way back to the lift, or cruising firm snow after a dry spell, it's intuitive and predictable. One tester claimed this ski is “built for hard-charging women who ski hard and smile often.” We wholeheartedly agree.
Should you buy it? For female skiers who want unwavering stability and a smooth, powerful feel no matter the conditions, the Atris Birdie hits a sweet spot few skis can match. It blends a playful personality with a composed ride that inspires confidence at speed and in variable snow conditions. That said, its width and float make it better suited as a daily driver for skiers in the Western US – East Coast skiers who spend most of their time on firm snow might find it to be a bit more ski than they need.
Who it is best for: While the Fischer Ranger 96 didn't receive a specific award, it stands out for its balanced performance across the board. Although it's not specifically designed for moguls, this ski earned the highest score in our Bumps metric, thanks to its playful and predictable ride. Fischer keeps the exact construction of the ski proprietary, an interesting approach compared to other ski manufacturers who are quick to brag about their latest-and-greatest 'technology'. There is a sheet of titanal integrated in the ski, and we know that Fischer tailors the amount of metal based on each ski's width. As the narrowest option in the Ranger line, the Ranger 96 was “reliable and consistently fun, no matter where I was skiing on the resort,” said one tester.
Why we love it: Lighter weight testers found this ski maneuverable and playful, while some of our heavier testers noticed the nose of this ski tended to feel too soft at high speeds or in chop. “This ski is best suited for more moderate speeds,” our lead tester pointed out, and it's generally easier to turn in smoother snow. The softer flex in the tip, poppy rebound, and ability to turn on a dime made them a dream for the dedicated moguls skiers on our team.
Should you buy it? If you're a lightweight skier or you simply want to have fun without working too hard, the Ranger 96 is accessible and playful. We tested a few similarly playful skis, but none with the same composure, no matter the terrain or snow conditions. Even though this ski doesn't stand out like some of our other award winners, no other ski we tested is as versatile as the Ranger 96.
Who it is best for: Our testers couldn't quite define the Stockli Nela 88 at first. With the Stockli brand and reputation, we assumed it would excel at speed on hardpack, which it certainly does. However, we didn't anticipate something atypical of a frontside carver: making quick, nearly effortless turns in moguls. The Nela 88 offers little to no rebound at the end of a turn, so don't expect a lively feel in that traditional sense. However, this lack of kickback makes it easier to stay in contact with the snow, which is crucial in moguls. If you're a sunny day groomer and bump aficionado, this will be an excellent ski for you.
Why we love it: “I loved that I could blast full throttle down a groomer and then zip into an adjacent bump line with full confidence,” lauded our lead tester. In our mogul tests, the blend of progressive flex combined with just the right amount of stiffness kept our testers in the sweet spot for far longer than any other ski we tested. It also carves a clean arc well and holds its own in choppy snow following a storm.
Should you buy it? If skiing bumps is your thing, then the Nela 88 is the high-end specialty ski for the job. It does not perform particularly well in more than six inches of powder, nor does it perform as well in choppy terrain as a more off-piste-oriented ski (which makes sense given its dimensions). Stockli skis tend to be expensive, and this model is no exception. But if you're looking for precision, whether it's on the groomers or through the bumps, this ski delivers an exceptional ride. And it does all this while remaining accessible to any level of skier – anyone from upper-intermediates to experts will appreciate the Nela 88's frontside versatility. We highly recommend this to East Coast skiers or anyone who regularly skis firmer snow.
If you stick to on-piste skiing, whether that's groomers or mogul fields, the narrow Nela 88 is an excellent, albeit expensive choice.
How We Tested
Naturally, for testing skis, we went skiing a lot. Our ski testers logged hundreds of thousands of vertical feet of downhill skiing and spent hundreds of hours collectively scrutinizing the skis in this review. They nerded out on construction, profile, length, and performance nuances. We also put each ski through the ringer with specific and objective tests. Testers hold onto a quiver of skis to compare throughout the better part of a season, and often for multiple years.
Our team of professional ski instructors spent all last season testing and comparing these skis at Mammoth Mountain.
Credit: Renee McCormack
We take them out on icy early morning groomers and test how well they hold an edge. We ski through them in the trees and moguls, where rebound and agility are clearly on display. We charge them through the afternoon chop and assess how stable they feel. We have the pleasure of searching out powder stashes and seeing how well they float. We appraise their characteristics and construction to see how this translates to on-slope performance: Are they playful? Stable? Sluggish? Skittish? Heavy? We ask ourselves who this ski is best for, and take note of our own personal bias. The result is a breakdown of which ski is best for which skier.
We take meticulous notes and capture the precise movements of each model on film, allowing us to compare these skis directly.
Credit: Renee McCormack
Why Trust GearLab
This review is the product of the brain trust of many ski professionals, who spend a lot of time each year clicked into their bindings. Women's all-mountain skis tester Renee McCormack holds a PSIA Level 3 certification and has spent the past 17 winters as a professional ski instructor at both Vail and Mammoth Mountain. Our lead men's all-mountain ski tester, Bobby Garrett, is a PSIA Western Region Alpine Examiner and has instructed at several resorts in California and as far away as Australia. Kaylee Walden, an AMGA-Certified Ski Guide who typically skis well over 100 days per year, compiled this review.
Our team of testers is comprised mainly of PSIA-certified ski instructors who spend all season coaching technique and offering advice on the best gear to suit every level of skier.
Credit: Bobby Garrett
How to Pick the Right Skis for You
Whether you logged 10 or 100 days on snow last year, it's a tall order to find a reliable pair of skis that can tackle all of the conditions the mountain might throw at you. To make matters more complicated, there are a lot of skis that claim to be the “best.” But if you're truly after the best ski, you'll have to narrow down to a pair that will fulfill your specific needs. If you're new to the ski world or simply looking to optimize your selection this season, learning more about ski types, specifications, construction, and how these factors affect your ride might lead you to your favorite pair yet.
Most of us don't have the luxury of owning a quiver (multiple pairs of skis). It's helpful to specify the selection process so that you can find the best option for your preferences. Do you like to carve? Do you seek out powder stashes whenever possible? Do you like pinning the speed to your limit? Do you appreciate earning your turns every now and then? We'll dive into all of that in more detail below. This should get your gears turning about finding precisely the right ski for you, and that is ultimately the goal of this review.
The best all-mountain skis are stable at speed, allowing you to tackle off-piste terrain with confidence.
Credit: Bobby Garrett
Types of Skis
Each style of ski has its unique benefits and can help you succeed in the environment where you train the most. However, that's certainly not to say that you need to own the “perfect” pair of skis for every activity or day on the mountain. There's high currency to skis that can do it all well, or at least those that really suit your personal style.
All-Mountain Skis
These are your daily drivers that you feel confident taking all over the mountain, in whatever conditions that day may hold. All-mountain skis are your most versatile companion and typically come in waist widths of 90 to 110 mm, designed to be a jack of all trades and master of none.
Key Metric Scores - Men's All-Mountain Skis
Product
Stability at Speed
Carving Ability
Powder Performance
Crud Performance
Blizzard Rustler 9
9
9
9.5
9
Volkl M7 Mantra
10
9
8
9
Armada Declivity 92 Ti
9
9.5
7
9
DPS Wailer 100
7
8
9
8
Fischer Ranger 96
7
8
8
7
Head Kore 94 Ti
8
7
6
8
Nordica Enforcer 99
9
6
6
5
Faction Agent 2
6
6
8
5
Dynastar M-Pro 94Ti
7
5
6
7
Blizzard Anomaly 94
9
7
5
4
Rossignol Arcade 88
9
7
4
4
Kastle Paragon 93
5
6
6
5
Black Diamond Impulse Ti 98
6
3
10
3
K2 Mindbender 89Ti
4
6
6
4
Women's Specific Skis
While we don't support the “shrink it and pink it” philosophy, there are many brands out there that are making thoughtful tweaks to make truly excellent all-mountain skis for women. Women are typically lighter with a lower center of mass than men; women's skis cater to this with a bit softer flex profile and lighter construction, allowing for a more playful feel and quicker turns. Generally, women's specific skis also come in shorter lengths, as women are, on average, shorter than men. By no means do you have to ski a women's specific ski as a female skier if there are characteristics of that ski that don't suit your style.
Key Metric Scores - Women's All-Mountain Skis
Product
Stability at Speed
Carving Ability
Powder Performance
Crud Performance
Nordica Santa Ana 97
9
9
9
8
blackcrows Atris Birdie
8
8
10
9
Volkl M7 Mantra W
10
9
7
8
Blizzard Black Pearl 94
8
8
8
7
DPS Carbon Wailer 100
7
7
10
7
Blizzard Sheeva 9
8
8
7
7
Stockli Nela 88
8
7
4
6
Elan Ripstick 94 W
5
7
8
4
Fischer Ranger 102
8
5
5
6
Armada Reliance 92 Ti
6
5
7
5
Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102
5
5
6
6
HEAD Kore 93 TI W
5
5
5
5
Faction Dancer 2
6
6
3
3
Dynastar M-Pro 98 W
3
3
5
3
Atomic Maven 94 CTI
2
2
4
2
Backcountry Skis
If your pursuit of fresh snow takes you outside of the resort boundary, you'll want to look into the wide world of backcountry skiing. We won't go into too much detail here, but backcountry skis are typically much lighter than resort skis, and they feature profile and construction tweaks that enable them to excel both uphill and downhill. For maximum versatility, look for something in the 95 to 110-millimeter underfoot range.
If you dream of making deep powder turns in the deep wilderness, you want to choose a ski that is lightweight and adaptable to the variable snow conditions you will inevitably encounter on the way.
Credit: The GearLab Team
Powder Skis
These are skis specifically designed for flotation – to seek out soft and deep conditions. Generally, they're wider underfoot (think over 105 mm) and have a generous amount of tip and tail rocker. Powder skis can either be built for freeriding, with a longer turning radius and heavier construction, or for mellow powder cruising, with a more nimble and shorter turning radius for laying down perfect powder-eights.
Powder skis are generally fatter and more stable, though a lively pair can match a skier's preferences just as well.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Carving, Piste, and Race
These are skis designed primarily for going fast on groomed runs. They generally excel at long radius turns and holding an edge. Race skis, as the name suggests, are specifically designed for competition and are not recommended for everyday use. Usually, they have titanal (a titanium-based alloy) incorporated and are crafted to be damp and stable. This genre of skis is generally quite heavy and tends to be geared towards advanced and expert skiers.
A solid carving ski inspires confidence whenever you lay them over onto an edge.
Credit: Bobby Garrett
Park Skis
An uber-specialized ski designed to spin, flip, grind, and maximize air time. Park skis are typically twin-tipped to allow for skiing, taking off, and landing switch. Park skis are typically center-mounted to facilitate easier spinning, more stable landings, and improved balance while grinding rails. These are essentially one-trick ponies (pun intended) and aren't usually the best tool for exploring other parts of the mountain.
Far from true park skis, you can still have fun cruising through the park on any pair of all-mountain skis.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Understanding Ski Specifications
To choose the perfect all-mountain ski, it's important to understand how skis are constructed. The materials, design, and shape all influence how skis travel. Let's walk through the important parts of what's going on inside a ski so that you can place the language into context once we start discussing how these pieces affect how these skis perform.
Ski Length
Ski length is crucial to your skiing experience, as it affects stability, control, and ease of turning. The length of ski that's best for you hinges on several factors: your skier type and ability, and, of course, your height. Put simply, skis should reach somewhere between your chin and just above your head when standing vertically. Shorter skis (closer to chin height) are more maneuverable, making them great for beginners or skiers who enjoy having easy control and making quick, tight turns. Longer skis (at or above forehead height) are more stable at high speeds, making them ideal for advanced skiers or those who enjoy skiing at high speeds. Skiers who weigh more for their height may opt for a slightly longer ski to ensure stability, while lighter skiers might choose a slightly shorter ski for easier maneuverability.
The type of terrain you like to ski can also dictate the length of ski you choose. Expert skiers who favor a more maneuverable ski might choose something a bit shorter.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Ski Construction
While we won't conduct a comprehensive deep dive into ski construction here, we'll cover the basic anatomy of a ski so that you can understand the references throughout our recommendations. Skis, on the inside, are a bit like a sandwich, each layer designed to influence the ski's performance, durability, and on-snow feel. If you cut a ski in half and looked at it cross-sectionally, you'd see the layers as follows: Top sheet, fiberglass, composite, or carbon layer, core material, another composite layer or two, and then the base with the metal edges along the sides. Some skis also include integrated thin sheets of metal, most often titanal, to increase stability and stiffness. The sidewalls of a ski are above where the edge is attached to the base, along the sides of the ski. The core of a ski is kind of its heart and is generally made from wood or a blend of materials. Each design component is tailored to match the ski's intended use—whether for quick turns on groomed, stability at high speeds, or floating in powder.
Ski Construction
Core Material
Weight per Pair
Head Kore 94 Ti
Karuba-Beech, Titanal, Flax, Graphene
8.2 lbs
Armada Declivity 92 Ti
Poplar, Elastomer, Titanal
8.5 lbs
Blizzard Rustler 9
Beech. Poplar, and Paulownia, Partial Titanal
8.7 lbs
DPS Wailer 100
Poplar Woodcore, Carbon/Fiberglass Laminate
9 lbs
Fischer Ranger 96
Not disclosed
9.2 lbs
Volkl M7 Mantra
Multilayer Woodcore, Tiitanal, Carbon Fiber
9.6 lbs
A Note on Weight
For skis, weight does play a role, but shouldn't generally be your primary consideration. Weight is a result of several construction factors, primarily if the ski has integrated metal or titanal. Other elements, such as core materials and sidewall construction, can also make a ski heavier. Generally, heavier skis tend to be more stable. Traditionally, women's specific skis tend to weigh a bit less because they often have less integrated titanal. However, many modern designs tailor the core materials to the length of the ski to best suit the size of the skier likely to choose that length.
Ski Profile
The overall shape of a ski and how it meets the snow is called its 'profile'. The profile of a ski will affect how it interacts with different types of snow, its performance at various speeds, and how easily it engages or releases a turn.
The profile of a ski often determines in which metrics it will particularly excel, and there as many designs as there are skis on the market.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Rocker and Camber
'Rocker' and 'camber' typically work in unison in most traditionally constructed skis. Rocker and camber both refer to the shape of the ski when viewed from the side, affecting how the ski performs in various conditions. Rocker is applied to the tip of the ski and – you guessed it – is shaped almost like the bottom of a rocking chair. In this design, the tips (and sometimes the tails) of the ski curve up, lifting them off the ground when the ski is flat. This shape makes it easier to float on top of powder and prevents the ski from catching an edge, giving a more forgiving ride in deep snow or soft conditions.
A rockered profile has become almost universal in all-mountain skis, because it helps skinnier skis stay on the surface.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Camber underfoot is essentially the opposite of rocker; the middle of the ski is curved away from the snow in a bow shape, enabling the ski to flex and set an edge as you lean into a turn. While it's increasingly rare, occasionally you'll encounter reverse camber skis, which actually feature a base that curves outward, like a banana, rather than arching inward. This gives the ski a very surfy, loose feel in turns. Reverse camber skis are best for soft snow and powder skiing, as this design compromises edge hold and engagement. Most skis you'll encounter on the market feature a rocker-camber-rocker design.
When you flex a cambered ski, it wants to snap back into its form. That gives the skier that explosive feeling between turns.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Width and Dimensions
The 'width' of a ski refers to the narrowest part of the ski, located beneath your bindings. A ski's 'dimensions', or widths measured at the tip (front), waist (middle), and tail (back), are usually listed as three numbers in millimeters (ex, 135-100-124 mm). A wider tip helps the ski float and initiate turns, especially in powder. The waist width affects how quickly the ski transitions between edges and how well it holds an edge. A wider tail improves stability at the end of turns, while a narrower tail releases from turns more easily.
Dimensions & Turning Radius
Length Tested
Dimensions
Turn Radius
Stockli Nela 88
168 cm
127-88-113 mm
16.9 m
Elan Ripstick 94 W
175 cm
129-94-109 mm
16.8 m
Blizzard Black Pearl 94
170 cm
132.5-94-114.5 mm
15.5 m
Volkl M7 Mantra W
170 cm
139-96-121 mm
15.2 m
Nordica Santa Ana 97
173 cm
129-97-117 mm
17.5 m
DPS Carbon Wailer 100
171 cm
131-100-116 mm
15 m
blackcrows Atris Birdie
172 cm
134-105-122 mm
19 m
Sidecut and Turning Radius
This is the radius of a circle that would match the curve of the ski's 'sidecut', or taper, from the tips of the skis to the waist. A ski with a smaller sidecut radius is easier to turn quickly, making it ideal for slalom or short, quick turns. A larger sidecut radius (more gradual curve) is better for long, sweeping turns. When you tilt a ski on its edge, the sidecut allows the ski to follow an arced path, making turning smoother and more controlled. The deeper the sidecut, the sharper the turn the ski can make. The sharper the turn a ski can make, the shorter its 'turning radius' will be. Seventeen meters and below is generally considered short, while 18 meters and above is considered long.
Skis with a shorter sidecut will more easily make shorter radius turns.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Other Important Considerations
Skis integrate with you, the skier, every time you click in. So, it's essential to assess your ability and your skiing style to help match a ski with your preferences.
Skier Ability
There's no need to fluff yourself up here, or to be too modest: If you lie about your 'skier ability', it might lead you to a ski that doesn't work well for your preferences and may prevent you from progressing. In the manufacturer's descriptions of most skis, you'll typically see that they note the skier type the ski is best suited for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert. Generally, beginner-intermediate skis are more forgiving, a bit lighter weight, less stiff, and have a shorter turning radius for easier turn initiation. They're usually designed to perform better at slower to moderate speeds. Skis designed for advanced to expert skiers, in general, tend to be on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of these traits.
Expert skis aren't necessarily heavyweight, but all level of skier can benefit from lighter-weight, more forgiving constructions.
Credit: Renee McCormack
Snow Climate
The climate you live in is worth considering when looking at skis for several reasons. For the sake of simplicity, we'll narrow it down to three snow climates: Maritime, Intermountain, and Continental.
Maritime snowpacks usually feature high amounts of annual snowfall, as well as heavy, wet snowstorms. When it's not snowing, the temperature tends to be more stable; however, Maritime climates also experience more rain events during the winter. For you West Coast folks, it's best to consider a ski wider than 100 mm for better flotation in the heavy snow. Your coast also matters, and the East Coast is its own unique beast. For areas where you'll likely encounter a lot of ice and firm conditions, you'll likely want to prioritize edge hold and stability, and you'll be better served by a ski less than 100 mm underfoot.
For Continental climates, it's likely you get lower-density powder and have longer stretches between storms, meaning you can probably consider narrower all-mountain options. Intermountain climates fall somewhere in the middle, but still generally receive high annual snow totals and enjoy many powder days (think Jackson Hole). You'll also likely want to consider a wider ski for the best possible versatility and performance.
Get a lot of snow where you live? You'll want to consider snow climate when choosing skis.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Preferences
Close your eyes. Imagine your perfect day of skiing. What terrain are you heading for: Moguls? Trees? Fresh corduroy? Powder stashes? Hike-to laps? Are you railing big, arcing turns, or precise wiggles? Are you pushing the pace or taking it easy? Now, think about how often you get to have your “ideal” ski day, and consider all of the other conditions that you encounter on the mountain. All of these likes and dislikes come together to create your preferences, which is perhaps one of the most nuanced elements of ski choice. Keep an eye out for how each ski is described, and see how this aligns with your preferences.
Ski Maintenance
Skis are a big investment, so taking the time to maintain them each season is important. We recommend taking your skis to a shop to get waxed appropriately for the temperatures several times per season – or better yet, learning how to wax them yourself. Dry bases stick to the snow more readily, making you go much slower. We also get a full performance tune about once per season, which takes away burrs and imperfections from hitting rocks, improving edge hold and overall performance. If you have deep gouges or core shots, get them filled and consider a base grind service. And while it's important to take care of them, skis are “tools, not jewels,” as they say!
Now all that's left is to get out there and enjoy your new pair of skis!
Credit: Marc Rotse
Conclusion
We just hit you with a firehose of ski information! We hope that you've enjoyed the deep dive into all things skis, and we hope that it's not only gotten you fired up for your next time out in the snow but has led you closer to your ideal pair of skis.
