Best All-Mountain Skis of 2026
from groomer runs, powder day, our guide to the Swiss Army knives of the ski world
Our testers had loads of fun carving the Volkl Mantra 88 on firm spring groomer runs. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Published October 9th, 2025
Home > Gear Reviews > Ski & Snow
If you’re looking to buy your next (or first!) pair of all-mountain skis but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.
Our testers spent dozens of days taking 20 different skis out in all conditions at the resort to find the best all-mountain skis in 2025 for groomer runs, powder days and everything in between—after all, all-mountain skis are meant to be the Swiss Army knives of the ski world.
Our top picks include the Nordica Enforcer, Volkl Mantra, and Blizzard Black Pearl, among others. We’ll admit: There are a lot of great options to choose from out there, but after loads of testing across seven different skiers of different ages, genders, styles, and abilities, these skis floated to the top.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Comparison table
| PRODUCT | TREELINE AWARD | WEIGHT | WIDTH (TIP) | WIDTH (UNDERFOOT) | WIDTH (TAIL) | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nordica Enforcer 99 | Best overall Read why |
2270g (for the 191) | 134 mm | 99 mm | 122 mm | $850 |
| Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Best women's-specific Read why |
1840g (for the 170) | 131 mm | 94 mm | 113 mm | $800 |
| Völkl Mantra 88 | Best for carving Read why |
1800g (for the 170) | 134 mm | 88 mm | 114 mm | $850 |
| black crows Atris/ Atris Birdie | Best for soft snow Read why |
1800g (for the 172) | 138 mm | 105 mm | 122 mm | $900 |
| Atomic Bent 100 | Best playful Read why |
1900g (for the 186) | 128 mm | 100 mm | 119 mm | $800 |
| Salomon QST 94 | Best beginner Read why |
1810g (for the 180) | 133 mm | 94 mm | 119 mm | $700 |
The winners
Best overall all-mountain skis: Nordica Enforcer 99
Weight (individual ski): 2270g (for the 191, length tested)
Ski length options: 167, 173, 179, 185, 191
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 134-99-122 (for the 191)
What we liked: Incredibly versatile, stable yet maneuverable
What we didn’t like: Not as good at carving as category leaders
The Nordica Enforcer is a classic in the all-mountain category, and for good reason. This ski appeals to a wide range of skiers of varying abilities and styles, and maintains an excellent balance of maneuverability and stability. Multiple testers agree that this ski is an excellent choice for a quiver of one, including one tester who has spent several seasons on this ski. If you’re looking for an excellent all-arounder for just about anything the mountain throws at you, the Enforcer 99 is our top choice.
Nordica Enforcer 99
-
The Enforcer 99 has a traditional camber design with a rockered tip and tail that balances on-edge carving performance with maneuverability and flotation in soft snow. The layup of the ski consists of a blended wood core and two layers of titanal. The tip and tail shape are what Nordica calls “all mountain rocker.” This latest version of the Enforcer features deeper rocker lines in the tails that help the skis release easier in the turns, a factor that helps to make this ski more accessible to a wider range of skiers.
-
The Enforcer 99 shines in its versatility, and that means it carves quite well. While it’s not a class leader (consider the Volkl Mantra 88 if carving performance is a priority), it does remarkably well holding an edge and is a lot of fun to carve. The rockered design means that it’s not too challenging to initiate and release turns, though that does compromise overall edge hold a bit. Overall, this ski has great carving performance for the all-mountain category and is a lot of fun on and off piste.
-
As we mentioned above, there are fairly deep rocker lines on this updated model of the Enforcer 99. That only helps this ski to float more in soft snow and powder. While it wouldn’t be our top choice for the deepest days, this ski can more than hold its own in proper powder and is a whole lot of fun. It’s less on the surfier side of the spectrum and instead favors aggressive turns, but it still has an element of playfulness that keeps it friendly and approachable no matter the conditions—and this is especially true with the latest design changes.
-
While the old Enforcer was far from the most aggressive or demanding ski out there, it did require decent form to really drive the ski. Expert skiers will still have a lot of fun pushing this ski, but the extended rocker lines make it more maneuverable and accessible overall. Plus, the additional rocker in the tails helps the ski release easier, making these a lot of fun in tight areas like trees or bumps.
-
With two layers of titanal and a mid-range weight, these skis have good stability and suspension without feeling too heavy or planted. They won’t plow through challenging conditions at mach speeds, but they certainly hold their own. Even when pushing them while carving fast down groomed runs, our expert skiers in our ski test had a tough time finding a speed limit. There is minimal chatter, unless you really push this ski to go fast in choppy snow.
-
We had multiple ski testers ride these skis during our ski test in Colorado, and there was a unanimous consensus among them: this is a great all-around ski. One of our testers has been skiing an older version of the Enforcer 100 for several seasons and found them to perform incredibly well in a wide range of conditions. It’s also worth noting that skiers who were more directional and those who were more playful both enjoyed riding the Enforcer 99. If a versatile ski that’s both stable and maneuverable and a lot of fun in most conditions is what you’re looking for, this ski shines.
Best women’s-specific all-mountain skis: Blizzard Black Pearl 94
Weight (individual ski): 1840g (for the 170, length tested)
Ski length options: 152, 158, 164, 170, 176
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 131-94-113
What we liked: Stable and hard charging skis specifically designed for women
What we didn’t like: Not the best float in powder
Women’s-specific skis can be tricky to nail. While most intermediate to advanced female skiers don’t want a men’s ski that’s merely been “shrinked and pinked”—in other words, watered down, made lighter, given some feminine graphics, and then marketed to women—it is nice to have options that are designed with female skiers specifically in mind, which means skis that are designed specifically for the shorter length range and often construction that’s designed for smaller, shorter bodies.
Both of our expert women’s ski testers immediately took to the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 and found it to be a hard-charging ski tailored to smaller, lighter skiers that performed exceptionally well in a wide range of conditions.
For more of our top picks for beginners, check out our Best All-Mountain Skis for Beginners guide.
Blizzard Black Pearl 94
Our women’s testers loved the edge hold, stability, and carving performance of the Blizzard Black Pearl. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
-
The Black Pearl 94 has traditional camber underfoot, with some early rise in the tips and tails for flotation and maneuverability. The blended wood core is paired with a single layer of titanal for added stiffness and composure at high speeds.
-
The Black Pearl 94 carves incredibly well and holds an edge without chatter at high speeds. Especially on very firm snow and icy groomers, this ski is confidence inspiring and solid. It’s not particularly playful, but instead is a very predictable and stable ski that intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy pushing to the limits.
-
At 94 millimeters underfoot, the Black Pearl is on the narrower end of the all-mountain category, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun in a little powder. This ski is a lot of fun off piste in soft chop, and in a couple inches of fresh snow the rockered tips float well.
-
The Black Pearl 94, while being first and foremost a stable and damp ski, is still lively and maneuverable—moreso than previous iterations of the ski. The ski performs best when you really drive it, so expert skiers are most likely to get the most out of this ski. But with the early rise in the tail, it releases from a turn fairly easily and is still fun on tight terrain like moguls.
-
The Black Pearl 94 really shines when it comes to stability. It has excellent suspension and feels damp and planted, even in rough terrain. This ski has a lot of composure through a wide variety of terrain and can handle high speeds without issue. Aggressive, directional skiers will love this aspect of this ski.
-
Both of our primary female testers, both expert skiers who ski with a directional, freeride style loved the Black Pearl, especially on days with firmer snow conditions. One testing day was at Arapahoe Basin on a cold spring morning with rather firm conditions to start the day. This was the ski of choice for its stability and edge hold. When the snow softened later in the day, the Black Pearl became a lot of fun down steep bump runs.
If you ski in an area that often gets more than a couple of inches of powder, this might be a little narrow as a one ski quiver, but outside of those deep days, this is an excellent all-around ski that performs well anywhere on the mountain, and will suit advanced skiers especially well.
Best all-mountain skis for carving: Volkl Mantra 88
Weight (individual ski): 1800g (for the 170, length tested)
Ski length options: 163, 170, 177, 184
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 134-88-114
What we liked: Incredibly fun to carve, stable and reliable at high speed
What we didn’t like: Narrow width not great for powder
If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski and prioritize carving performance, the Volkl Mantra 88 won't disappoint. It’s wider and more versatile than a dedicated carving ski, and still a whole lot of fun off piste. But get this ski on edge and it’ll really shine. Our testers had an absolute blast laying out carves on this ski on a firm spring day at Arapahoe Basin. This ski is stable and ready to charge, and carves better than any other ski we tested in the all-mountain category.
Volkl Mantra 88
The Mantra 88 holds an edge incredibly well. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
-
The Mantra 88 features a multi-layer wood core with a layer of titanal underfoot and a border of titanal around the ski. This adds stability and damping without making the ski excessively heavy. Additionally, carbon stringers at the tip of the ski increase damping and stability in the front of the ski. With traditional camber underfoot, there is some rocker in the tips, but not as much as others in our test. The tail of this ski is nearly but not entirely flat, which helps with edge hold. This all contributes to the ski’s ability to carve so well.
-
While the Mantra 88 is a capable all-mountain ski, it shines on the hardpack and is a notably excellent carver. It holds an edge incredibly well and is especially fun to carve at high speeds. But, Volkl designed the ski to be able to make a variety of turn shapes, and that makes it fun whether you’re taking your time or pushing the ski to the limit. Of all the all-mountain skis we tested, the Mantra 88 was a clear leader for carving performance.
-
The Mantra 88 is the narrowest all-mountain ski in our test, and because of that, it’s also the least ideal for deep conditions. While it can be fun in soft chop or an inch or two of fresh snow, it’s best for firm days. This is a great ski for folks who either have multiple pairs of skis to choose from (including a wider ski for powder days), live in an area that mostly sees firm conditions, or simply prefer to stay on the groomers but want the versatility of an all-mountain ski.
-
This ski is planted, stable, and reliable and while it’s reasonably snappy in tight terrain, it’s not the most playful or maneuverable ski in our test. It’s best for directional skiers who like a ski with good suspension. That being said, our testers did take this ski down steep bump runs without issue. Skis with more rocker in the tail (like the Nordica Enforcer 99) will be a little easier to maneuver in this type of terrain, but the Mantra 88 can certainly handle it.
-
The Mantra 88 has some of the best stability and suspension in its class. This ski is extremely stable and absorbs rough terrain and handles firm conditions incredibly well. We tested this ski on one of the firmer days of the season on a very cold spring morning with ample refrozen snow. While many other skis would have chattered a significant amount, the Mantra 88 didn’t flinch.
-
We tested the Mantra 88 primarily in firm spring conditions in Colorado. The first runs of the day, with much of the mountain still in the shade and the snow incredibly firm, the Mantra 88 made otherwise less than ideal conditions turn into a ton of fun. Among all the all-mountain skis we tested, these were a standout for carving and performance in firm conditions. And when the snow softened up later in the day, the Mantra 88 was stable and hard-charging on chunky, off-piste runs.
If carving and hardpack performance is what you value most in an all-mountain ski, and you like a stable, damp, and predictable ride—and you’re willing to sacrifice a little powder performance to have a ski that carves incredibly well—then put the Mantra 88 at the top of your list.
Best all-mountain skis for soft snow: Black Crows Atris
Weight (individual ski): 1800g (for the 172 Atris Birdie, length and model tested)
Ski length options: 172, 178, 184, 190
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 138-105-122
What we liked: Great float and performance in soft snow, excellent balance of stability and maneuverability
What we didn’t like: While the updated 105 underfoot model is better at carving than the older version, it’s still not the best all-mountain ski for carving performance
The Black Crows Atris has been a longstanding favorite of our testers, and for good reason. This is a versatile and well-balanced all-mountain ski that’s particularly fun in soft snow conditions.
We’ve tested multiple generations of this ski in just about every condition imaginable and while we’ve rarely had a bad day on the Atris, it shines in soft conditions and is a whole ton of fun to ski, while still maintaining good performance on hardpack and groomers, too.
If you want a very versatile all-mountain ski that leans toward the wider side of the spectrum, and you prioritize soft snow performance, the Atris won’t disappoint.
Black Crows Atris
men's
Women's
-
The Atris has a pretty simple construction overall. Traditional camber underfoot is paired with a double rocker in the tips and tails. The ski is made with a poplar wood core and a layer of fiberglass—no metal in this model. That makes this ski fall somewhere in the midpack for weight, which helps add to its versatility and wide appeal.
-
A lot of skiers may be familiar with the original Atris, which was 108 underfoot. That ski carved just fine, but not excellently—and that’s noticeable especially when compared to an exceptional carver like the Volkl Mantra 88. But the current 105 underfoot version of the Atris has greatly improved carving performance with minimal sacrifices in soft snow. The Atris is a lot of fun on fresh corduroy and can lay down a carve fairly well, especially for a ski of this width. But, it’s not a category leader in this regard.
-
Soft snow and powder are where the Atris shines. It’s not the widest all-mountain ski out there, but it floats very well for its width in powder. The ski is fairly easy to pivot and slash around in soft snow, making it a lot of fun. Our favorite conditions for the Atris are soft chop, or powder day leftovers. Off-piste terrain that’s still soft, even if it’s not totally fresh, are what this ski is made for.
-
Given that this ski isn’t overly heavy and has relatively generous rocker lines in the tip and tail, it’s fairly easy to maneuver. It’s not the most playful ski in our test, but it is snappy and pretty easy to get in the air or slash around. We think this ski has an excellent balance between suspension/stability and playfulness/maneuverability.
-
The Atris is quite good at absorbing chatter and while it’s not nearly as heavy, damp, or directional as something like the Volkl Mantra 88, we rarely found conditions that this ski couldn’t handle. Overall, the Atris is a very balanced ski, but it leans slightly in the direction of stability and suspension compared to other skis, like the Atomic Bent 100, which lean more in the light and playful direction.
-
Our primary tester has logged countless days on the Atris and it still reigns as one of her favorite all-mountain skis she’s ever ridden. East Coast skiers who spend most of their time on hardpack and groomers may find a better companion in something like the Volkl Mantra 88. But skiers who spend a lot of time skiing softer snow, but want a ski that can hang no matter the conditions, will likely have a lot of fun on the Atris.
Note: The Atris is available in a women’s version, the Atris Birdie, which comes in shorter lengths, but is otherwise the same ski as the Atris.
Best playful all-mountain skis: Atomic Bent 100
Weight (individual ski): 1900g (for the 186, length tested)
Ski length options: 158, 165, 172, 179, 186
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 128-100-119
What we liked: Light, playful, and easy to maneuver; relatively affordable
What we didn’t like: Not as stable as others in choppy snow
Atomic’s line of Bent skis are a longstanding favorite for many skiers—and have even garnered a bit of a cult following for their unique graphics each season. The playful pro model skis come, in part, from the mind of Chris Benchetler, a renowned professional skier and artist. The Bent 100 is the most versatile all-mountain oriented option in the lineup, and is designed with a playful skiing style in mind.
With that being said, this ski is likely to appeal to a wide range of skiers, given that it’s fairly accessible and maneuverable, but can also stand up to freestyle-oriented expert skiers. If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski that prioritizes playfulness, the Bent 100 should be at the top of your list.
Atomic Bent 100
-
The Bent 100 has traditional camber underfoot with early rise in the tips and tails. A poplar wood core helps to keep the ski light and springy. Atomic also uses what they call HRZN 3D in the tips and tails of the Bent 100—this is essentially a convex bit at the tips and tails of the skis that help with both flotation and stability.
-
The Bent 100 can be a lot of fun to carve, especially on softer groomers. While expert skiers will certainly be able to push it at fairly high speeds, it won’t compare to the stable edge grip and carving performance of something like the Volkl Mantra 88. But on the other hand, this ski is quite easy to initiate a turn with. It’s not particularly demanding, which is part of what makes this ski so accessible to a wide range of skiers.
-
With plenty of rocker in the tips of the ski, the Bent 100 performs fairly well in powder, especially for a ski of this width. The rocker in the tails also helps to make this ski easy to pivot and slash in soft snow. The ample amount of rocker in the tips help this ski float well in fresh snow, and in a couple inches of fresh the Bent 100 is quite fun.
-
Maneuverability is where the Bent 100 shines. This ski is light, snappy, and easy to pivot both on snow and in the air. It’s quick and nimble, and overall fairly forgiving, too. That makes this ski a lot of fun for freestyle-oriented skiers who like to pop off of everything in sight, and slash and spin their skis. And if you dip into the park, these skis will reward you with maneuverability in the air too, with their light tips and tails making them easy to spin and jib.
But, the qualities that make the Bent 100 so good at all of that also translate to tight terrain like trees and bumps. So even if you’re not keen on catching air, if you’re looking for a ski that’s snappy and maneuverable in bumps and tight trees, the Bent 100 is a great option for that, too.
-
Because it’s on the lighter end of the spectrum for an all-mountain ski, the Bent 100 is naturally a little less stable and damp than heavier skis in our test, like the Volkl Mantra 88 and even the only slightly heavier Black Crows Atris. This ski doesn’t want to plow in a straight line through choppy snow; it would rather pop, slash, and play its way down the mountain. But that being said, the ski can hold its own on the hardpack, even if it’s not the most damp or stable option out there.
-
We tested this ski over multiple seasons from the West Coast to the Rockies of Utah and Colorado. One of our ski testers spent many seasons on this ski, and as our most freestyle-oriented tester, he had a lot of fun popping off jumps and bumps, spinning off of jumps and sliding rails. Our more directional skiers who like light and maneuverable skis had a ton of fun on the Bent 100, too, which speaks to the wide appeal of this ski. We think a lot of skiers from a wide range of preferences and abilities could have fun on these skis, especially those who prefer something light and maneuverable.
Best beginner all-mountain skis: Salomon QST 94
Weight (individual ski): 1810g (for the 180, length tested)
Ski length options: 156, 164, 172, 180, 188
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 133-94-119 (for the 172)
What we liked: Forgiving, easy to maneuver, will appeal to a wide range of skiers
What we didn’t like: Not the most stable at high speeds or in rough snow conditions
For the folks who are still honing their skills on the snow, having skis that are forgiving and easy to maneuver will make the experience a lot more fun. There are plenty of true starter skis out there—the ones you’re likely to be handed at a rental shop as a first time skier. But most skiers will grow out of a ski like that pretty quickly, and they’re often not as fun to ski as others. That’s why we recommend the Salomon QST 94 for skiers who are still fairly new to the sport.
This ski is easy to turn, fairly light, and very forgiving overall—which means you don’t need excellent form to get the ski down the mountain. But it’s also a well-built and designed ski that strong intermediate and even expert skiers can still push and have a lot of fun on. That means that while this ski will suit beginners particularly well, as you progress as a skier, this ski can progress with you.
Salomon QST 94
The Salomon QST 94 is a great ski for beginners to progress on. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
-
The Salomon QST 94 features traditional camber underfoot with rocker in the tips and tails. The layup consists of a poplar core paired with a basalt and fiberglass fiber. This makes for a light ski with a responsive and smooth flex pattern. Additionally, Salomon adds a lining of cork to the tip and tail of the ski, which helps with damping and suspension, making for a smoother ride overall.
-
The QST 94 is a fun and forgiving carving ski, easy to coax into a variety of turn shapes, from shorter and snappier ones to longer, bigger ones. It does have a speed limit, though. While this ski does quite well for its weight and ease maneuvering, it’s not the most stable of the skis we tested, and the tips will chatter a bit when you really push them. But for most skiers, especially beginners and intermediates, this ski will be plenty of fun on groomers without punishing a lack of technique.
-
With a decent amount of rocker in the tips, these skis plane fairly well in soft snow, especially for their width. They won’t float or surf quite as well as the Black Crows Atris, Atomic Bent 100, or even the Nordica Enforcer, but they’re notably better in soft snow than narrower, carving-forward skis like the Volkl Mantra 88. But most importantly, the Salomon QST 94 is easy to maneuver in both untouched and chopped up powder, which is one reason we think this ski is great for beginners and intermediates who still want a fun and capable all-mountain ski.
-
Maneuverability is where this ski shines. The QST 94 is rather light, easy to pivot, and forgiving across many types of snow and terrain. It’s not the fastest, hardest charging ski out there, but instead a nimble and accessible option that a lot of skiers, particularly those a little newer to the sport, will enjoy.
In the same vein, even advanced and expert skiers can have a lot of fun on this ski, particularly if your preference is towards something that’s snappy and easy to pivot in tight terrain like trees or bumps. But more than anything, the maneuverability and accessibility of this ski make it something that beginners will be able to grow into as they progress towards intermediate and expert skill levels.
-
While the added cork in the tips and tails of this ski does help with some vibration dampening, this is not the most stable ski in our test. If you’re looking for a particularly damp, stable ski that has excellent composure at high speeds and in rough terrain, consider something like the Volkl Mantra 88 or Blizzard Black Pearl 94. But those skis will not be as easy to turn and pivot as the QST, and they won’t be as nimble in tight terrain, either. And those factors are something to look for if you’re a beginner or intermediate skier.
-
We tested the Salomon QST on multiple spring days at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. The ski performed well, particularly once the snow had a chance to catch some sun and soften up a little. Those conditions made the QST a lot of fun. We found the ski to be forgiving white carving and nimble on steep bump runs.
While there are plenty of skis out there labeled for “beginners,” if you’re a newer skier looking to buy your first pair of skis, we think the QST 94 is an excellent, versatile, and accessible all-mountain ski that’s forgiving enough for beginners but well rounded enough to still be in your quiver as you progress.
Other all-mountain skis we tested
K2 Mindbender 99Ti
Weight (individual ski): 1900g (for the 172, length tested)
Ski length options: 166, 172, 178, 184, 190
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 134-99-120
What we liked: Versatile, performs incredibly well across varied terrain and conditions, great option for aggressive skiers
What we didn’t like: A little more demanding overall than the Nordica Enforcer
The K2 Mindbender 99Ti was a strong contender for our best overall award. This all-mountain ski is a strong and powerful option that’s incredibly versatile across different types of terrain and snow conditions. We had a lot of fun testing this ski on firm groomers and on spring powder days, and on all the soft chop and firm off-piste terrain in between.
Overall, we think the Nordica Enforcer 99 is a slightly more accessible ski that will appeal to a wider range of skiers, hence securing our overall award. But advanced, aggressive skiers who want a very capable all-mountain ski will find a great companion in the Mindbender 99 Ti. It holds an edge incredibly well on firm groomers (still not as good as the Volkl Mantra 88, but not far off, either) and floats well in up to a few inches of fresh powder.
We think this ski will appeal to a wide range of skiers since it balances performance so well, but do keep in mind that while it’s not the most demanding or aggressive ski out there, it will be better suited to advanced and expert skiers.
K2 Mindbender 99Ti
men's
Women's
The K2 Mindbender 99Ti is another one of our favorite all-mountain skis and a close runner up to our best overall pick. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Weight (individual ski): 1800g (for the 170, length tested)
Ski length options: 162, 170, 178, 185, 192
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 133-99-123 (for the 170, length tested)
What we liked: Excellent in soft snow conditions, very fun off-piste
What we didn’t like: Lacks carving precision
The Dynastar M-Pro 100 TI was another ski our testers had a hard time putting down during our weeks-long spring testing. This freeride-oriented all-mountain ski is quite versatile, but particularly fun in soft snow conditions given the notably deep rocker lines in the tip of the ski. Our testers often felt like they were on a ski much wider than a 100 underfoot all-mountain ski when in the powder and soft chop. And while this ski performed respectably on the groomers, all that rocker in the tip does sacrifice a little carving performance. But if soft snow and off-piste terrain are what you ski most, you’ll likely get along very well with this ski.
Dynastar M-Pro 100 TI
Our testers loved the Dynastar M-Pro 100 TI for off-piste and soft snow conditions. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Weight (individual ski): 2150g (for the 188, length tested)
Ski length options: 156, 164, 172, 180, 188
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 136-102-126
What we liked: Accessible yet able to be pushed, great in soft snow
What we didn’t like: Not the most stable at speed
The Sender Soul 102 was another award contender that didn’t quite make the cut. Our testers had a lot of fun on this ski and it has an incredibly wide appeal—we think both newer skiers and experts can enjoy this ski. The light tips with their honeycomb design are reminiscent of Rossignol’s now discontinued Soul 7, which was a wildly popular ski for its flotation and maneuverability. We think the Sender Soul 102 is a little more balanced–it still floats very well and is particularly good in soft conditions, but it’s a little more stable than the old Soul 7 was.
Rossignol Sender Soul 102
The Rossignol Sender Soul was a lot of fun to ski in a couple inches of fresh spring powder. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Weight (individual ski): 1850g (for the 186, length tested)
Ski length options: 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 192
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 134-102-123 (for the 180)
What we liked: A lively and playful all-mountain ski for freeride-oriented skiers, good performance in powder and soft snow
What we didn’t like: Not as maneuverable for beginners and intermediates or in tight terrain
The Rustler 10 is another excellent, well-rounded option for an all-mountain ski that offers an excellent balance of hard-charging performance with some nimble liveliness. It’s a freeride-oriented ski and, because of that 102 waist width, it leans more in the soft snow direction but is truly very versatile. This ski is best suited to advanced intermediate and expert skiers, and it’s a great option for folks looking for a more playful but still directional all-mountain ski.
Blizzard Rustler 10
The Blizzard Rustler 10 is another excellent option for a balanced and lively all-mountain ski. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Weight (individual ski): 1800g (for the 174, length tested)
Ski length options: 156, 162, 168, 174, 180
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 133-102-122 (for the 168)
What we liked: Well rounded and nimble yet hard charging women’s specific ski
What we didn’t like: While it’s relatively nimble overall, this ski can be a bit much in particularly tight terrain
We love the stability, suspension, and carving performance of the Blizzard Black Pearl 94, which is why it takes our award for the best women’s-specific ski, but our testers had fun on the Sheeva 10, too, particularly in softer snow. It’s not quite as damp or stable as the Black Pearl, but it does better in soft snow, holds an edge incredibly well for its width, and is a little more lively of a ski overall. If those qualities appeal to you, or if you’re looking for a powerful women’s-specific ski that’s wider, livelier, and better in soft snow than the Black Pearl, consider the Sheeva 10.
Blizzard Sheeva 10
The Blizzard Sheeva 10 is a great all-mountain ski for ladies who want something a little wider and better in soft snow than the Black Pearl. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Weight (individual ski): 2080g (for the 168, length tested)
Ski length options: 168, 175, 182, 189
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 133-101-115 (for the 175)
What we liked: A versatile option for firm conditions that freeride-oriented skiers will enjoy, excellent edge hold for its width
What we didn’t like: Not ideal in powder, somewhat limited length options
Our testers had a lot of fun on Volkl’s newest addition to the lineup—the Revolt 101. Unlike much of the Revolt line, which is freestyle oriented overall, the Revolt 101 is more of a directional and versatile all-mountain ski (it’s similar in shape to the more freeride and powder oriented Revolt 101, but better in firm conditions).
We have also tested the Volkl Revolt 104, which is notably softer and more freestyle oriented than the 101. The Revolt 101 is actually more like a smaller version of the Revolt 114. The 101 is, like a lot of other Volkls our testers have loved, very precise and reliable on edge. Overall, it’s a great all-mountain option for freeride-oriented skiers who want something a little narrower and more precise on edge than many other offerings in the freeride category.
Volkl Revolt 101
The Revolt 101, a new ski from Volkl for the 25-26 season, is a great option for freeride skiers who want a narrower ski for firm days at the resort. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Weight (individual ski): 1800 (for the 167)
Ski length options: 150, 155, 161, 167, 173, 179
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 123-92-111 (for the 167)
What we liked: Well-rounded, versatile, and suited for a wide range of skiers, wide range of sizes
What we didn’t like: Not as stable at high speed as others in test
The Santa Ana is Nordica’s women’s-specific version of the Enforcer. This is another well-rounded ski that performs across a wide variety of terrain and snow conditions. The Blizzard Black Pearl 94 is still a little more stable and planted overall, but much like the Enforcer, the Santa Ana 92 has a nice balance of maneuverability and stability.
Nordica Santa Ana 92
Weight (individual ski): 1900g (for the 186, length tested)
Ski length options: 165, 172, 179, 186
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 129-96-114.5 (for the 179)
What we liked: Excellent edge hold, relatively light
What we didn’t like: Not great in rough, choppy conditions
The Maverick is another excellent all-around option for an all-mountain ski that performs well across conditions and terrain. Unlike the Nordica Enforcer, this ski has a wood core but no metal in the layup. And compared to the Atomic Bent 100, the Maverick is much more directional and not nearly as freestyle oriented. We think this ski is particularly well suited for off-piste soft snow conditions in a lower waist width.
Atomic Maverick 96 CTI
Treeline Review writer Chris Meehan testing the Atomic Maverick on a spring day at Arapahoe Basin. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Weight (individual ski): 2150g (for the 189, length tested)
Ski length options: 158, 167, 177, 183, 189
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 135-104-131 (for the 177)
What we liked: Unique design blends freestyle playfulness with a long effective edge, great sustainability initiatives from the brand
What we didn’t like: More centered mount point not for everyone
The Season Nexus is an all-mountain ski that falls on the wider end of the spectrum, but it has a bit of a unique shape. Unlike many skis in the 100-110 underfoot width range, the Nexus has a lot more camber underfoot and less rocker overall in the tips and tails. Most of Season’s skis, including the Nexus, also have a more forward mount point that favors a more centered skiing stance.
What this all amounts to on snow is a unique freestyle-oriented ski that’s still stiff and solid on edge. This ski is particularly fun in a few inches of powder or soft chop. So, if you want a soft snow-oriented ski with more camber and less rocker than something like the Black Crows Atris, the Nexus is worth considering.
Season Nexus
Weight (individual ski): 1780g (for the 184, length tested)
Ski length options: 176, 184
Width (Tip-Underfoot-Tail): 134-96-120
What we liked: Light, nimble, and playful while still being a more directional ski overall
What we didn’t like: Gets knocked around in choppy conditions at speed, limited sizing options
The Apostle is another ski some of our testers have loved for multiple seasons of riding. In some ways, it’s similar to the Atomic Bent 100 in that it’s both light, nimble, and playful. We’d say the Apostle is a little more directional overall than the Bent 100, so if you want the lightweight and nimble characteristics of a freestyle-oriented ski in a more directional package, this ski is worth considering.
RMU Apostle 96
What to look for in all-mountain skis
The author’s garage was a little full during our spring ski test. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Waist Width
Waist width is likely one of the first factors that comes to mind when considering which skis to buy. A mixture of the conditions you most often encounter and your personal preferences will play into this. Generally speaking, narrower skis are better suited for firm conditions, and will often have better edge hold and carving performance. Wider skis are often better for soft snow and float better in powder. On the flipside, those narrow skis lack float in powder while the wider ones lack edge hold.
One of the most appealing features of all-mountain skis is that they tend to balance these performance aspects quite well. Some will lean in the narrower, hardpack direction while others will lean in the wider, soft snow direction. Consider what conditions you encounter most often, and what terrain you most often like to ski. If groomers and frontside terrain is your flavor of choice, err on the narrower side. If you’re out there to find powder stashes and soft snow off-piste, err wider.
Camber/Rocker Profile
As you’ll likely notice throughout the review, many all-mountain skis today have a fairly similar camber or rocker profile. Camber underfoot with some form of early rise or rocker in the tips and tales makes for a fairly versatile all-mountain ski shape. Skis with more aggressive camber underfoot tend to have a longer effective edge, which usually makes them better at carving overall, but often means the ski won’t be quite as maneuverable in tight, off-piste terrain.
Conversely, skis with more rocker, particularly in the tips, will offer more float in soft snow and powder. That rocker in the tip, especially when paired with rocker in the tail, generally makes a ski more maneuverable and easier to initiate and release turns, too.
Ski Flex & Construction
A ski’s construction and flex pattern will affect primarily the ski’s suspension and stability versus its swing weight and pop. Skis with metal laminates in the layup tend to be more stable while ones without metal are lighter and more nimble, but usually not as stable. That construction also affects the flex of the ski. Softer skis with more flex to them are typically more playful, poppier, and easier to maneuver, while stiffer skis can be more demanding and sometimes (but not always) more stable.
If you like to ski straight down the fall line without catching air or slashing around, a stiffer and damper/more planted ski will likely appeal to you—particularly for expert skiers who like to go fast in harsh conditions. Skiers who are more freestyle oriented and want to hop off little jumps or simply “play” more on their way down the slope, are likely to enjoy a slightly softer ski that has more pop and flex. But it’s important to remember that these are generalizations. Skis can be both stiff and light/chattery at the same time and not all freestyle oriented skiers want a soft ski.
Weight Considerations
The weight of your skis greatly factors into its performance, and particularly how and where it performs. Lighter or heavier isn’t always better—it depends on your preferences.
Heavier skis tend to have better suspension overall and offer a damper, more stable ride. This means they minimize the chatter from the snow underneath and are able to plow through chopped-up snow and rough conditions better. But, heavier skis are generally harder to pivot and maneuver, and they’re typically not as nimble or easy to control in the air.
On the other hand, lighter skis will typically be easier to maneuver, easier to get in the air and spin tricks with, and easier to pivot and turn on in tight terrain. But, they will chatter more at high speeds and they won’t dampen the vibrations from the terrain underneath as well as their heavier counterparts.
Length & Turn Radius
Ski length is a little bit of basic calculation, a little bit of personal preference, and a little bit of a ski’s shape and design—all of these factor into finding your ideal length. Generally speaking, folks newer to the sport will want to err on the shorter side, since shorter skis will be easier to control.
But that doesn’t mean that you infinitely get longer skis as you progress. Your ideal ski length is roughly correlated to your height, and depending on your ability, personal preference, and the specific ski, that length usually means the tips of the skis will fall somewhere between your nose to just above your head when you stand the skis next to you. Longer skis are typically more stable at high speeds while shorter skis are less stable; shorter skis are easier to maneuver and control than long ones.
Another important factor to consider when selecting a ski length is how long the ski’s effective edge is. Skis with more effective edge will tend to ski “longer” than those with less, meaning you’ll likely want to err on the shorter side. Conversely, skis with a lot of rocker in the tips and tails will have a shorter effective edge and will tend to ski “shorter.” In this case, you can sometimes choose to go longer for more stability.
The turning radius of a ski is determined by its sidecut, which is the difference in width from the tips and tails to the middle (underfoot) section of the ski. Skis with a bigger difference in these numbers have more sidecut and therefore a smaller turning radius, which means they are designed to make shorter, quicker turns. Skis with less sidecut—a smaller difference between the middle and tips/tails of the ski—will be designed to make bigger, wider turns.
Some of this decision will come down to personal preference: do you like to make quick, snappy turns, or make large, long arcs down the mountain? But it also factors into the terrain you ski. Skis with a shorter turn radius are often easier to pivot in tight terrain while skis with a bigger turning radius often perform better in wide open terrain.
Intended Terrain & Skill Level
Simply put, some skis are better suited for beginners while others are designed for experts. But, there are also a lot of skis that fall somewhere in between. Generally speaking, stiffer, heavier skis are usually best for folks who have developed some solid technique already, while lighter, more maneuverable skis are best for beginners. It’s also important to select a ski with characteristics that match the terrain you most often ski.
Price & Durability
Skis aren’t cheap—there’s no getting around it—but they should be durable. Look for skis from reputable brands in the industry. Skis also have a fairly wide range of prices and in our opinion, those in the middle are usually (though not always) the best value.
The most inexpensive skis are usually bottom of the line options that rental shops use for first time skiers—and they’re often not all that fun to ski. But on the other hand, in our opinion, you certainly reach a point of diminishing returns as ski prices creep up into the thousands. While there may be some interesting options in those most expensive tiers, you simply don’t need to spend that much to get a great pair of skis.
The other good news is that skis from reputable brands can still often be found on sale. And if you’re still hesitant to splurge on a brand new pair, consider visiting a local ski swap or perusing your local shop for demo sales in the spring to get a quality used pair of skis.
All-mountain skis vs. other types of skis
The Black Pearl is an excellent all-mountain ski, especially in firm conditions. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
All-mountain skis are aptly named (as are most ski categories). We often call them quiver-killers, meaning that you have one ski to do it all. All-mountain skis are meant to be versatile and perform well across all types of terrain and conditions. They’re a jack of all trades and yes, that often means they’re also a master of none. But the all-mountain category is truly impressive and these skis can perform incredibly well in almost all conditions; just know there will always be trade-offs. Here’s how the all-mountain category compares to others out there.
Powder skis
Powder skis, as the name implies, are meant for those special and wonderful powder days. Their purpose is to float in deep and/or soft snow. These skis are wider than all-mountain skis and often have even deeper rocker lines—both of these features help the skis to float better. Powder skis also often have a softer flex than their all-mountain counterparts since they’re made for soft snow conditions. All of this means that powder skis will sacrifice performance in firm conditions and on groomers. Precise and grippy carving skis these are not.
Carving skis
Carving skis are basically the opposite of powder skis. They’re meant to have excellent edge hold and make precise turns in firm conditions. These skis are narrower than all-mountain skis, often quite stiff, and tend to have little to no rocker in the tips and tails. Instead, they have a long effective edge. This means, of course, that these skis are incredibly stable and precise when carving, but they’re not very great off-piste and in the powder they’ll simply sink.
Backcountry skis
Backcountry skis are typically lighter than all-mountain skis since you’ve got to get them to the top of the slope under your own power. That makes for easier uphills, but often sacrifices some downhill performance—for some skis it’s only a little, but for others it’s a lot (looking at you, skimo skis).
Freestyle skis
Freestyle skis are meant for tricks and catching air. And while some all-mountain skis may have a freestyle lean, true freestyle skis are a little more specific. Most all-mountain skis will have a difference in the width, weight, and rise of the tips and tails. Most freestyle skis, on the other hand, prioritize balance so that you have more control in the air and on features like rails. This means the skis will often be symmetrical twin tips, which helps with that balance and even makes skiing backwards easier. Freestyle skis will also often have a mounting point that’s centered or close to center for these same reasons, while all-mountain skis will have a more rearward mount point for better performance across varying types of terrain.
Care and maintenance tips
Your skis should last many seasons—if you take good care of them! Regularly waxing your skis helps to maintain the bases, and of course keeps them going fast. Tuning your skis as needed—sharpening edges, filling dents with P-Tex—will also add to the life of your skis. Some repairs might require pros, but a lot of this maintenance can be done at home with waxing and tuning kits (it’ll save you money, too).
FAQ
-
Yes—all-mountain skis are a good category for beginners to choose from. But, this does not mean that all all-mountain skis are good for beginners. Some are designed with experts in mind, while others are made to be more approachable and accessible. All-mountain skis like the Salomon QST 94 are a great choice for beginners.
-
Yes—all-mountain skis can be used in powder and are often a lot of fun in these conditions. All-mountain skis with a wider waist are often best in powder, like the Black Crows Atris.
-
The length of your skis depends on a lot of factors, including your height, weight, ability level, the specific ski, and the type of terrain you want to use it for. But generally, most folks will find the right length when the skis fall somewhere between the top and bottom of their forehead when the skis are next to them (though they can go down to your nose or even be taller than you, depending on those factors).
-
There are some similarities and certainly some overlap in these categories (take the Black Crows Atris, for example, which is often considered both an all-mountain ski and a freeride ski). Generally, all-mountain skis prioritize versatility overall while freeride skis prioritize stability at speed and off-piste performance. Freeride skis also tend to be a little wider than many all-mountain skis.
-
Yes—many all-mountain skis can be used for ski touring. Just keep in mind that some will be heavier than others and it’s all about the weight to performance ratio when you’re human powered skiing. Dedicated backcountry skiers will likely want to choose a lighter backcountry specific ski.
-
No—all-mountain skis use the same alpine bindings as most other skis. You will want DIN-certified multinorm alpine ski bindings for your all-mountain skis.
How we researched and tested
Our ski test consisted of both multiple seasons of experience among multiple testers, along with with a two-day organized ski test consisting of 7 testers, and a couple dozen additional days throughout the season between 6 different testers. In total, we tested 20 different pairs of skis for this review.
Treeline Review writer Chris Meehan testing the Salomon QST 94 at Arapahoe Basin. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The bulk of our testing took place in Colorado—primarily at Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin ski resorts. In addition to that, we had testers on skis in Utah and Oregon, too. While our primary test with all of our testers together took place on two firm spring days at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, our extended testing meant that we tested skis in just about every condition imaginable, from overhead blower powder to bulletproof refrozen spring snow and everything in between.
After each tester spent time on a ski, we took the chance to discuss, make notes, and come to a consensus on which skis stood out for certain categories.
Our testing process
Resort-based testing in Colorado, Utah, and Oregon across firm groomers, powder days, and spring conditions
Testing locations & conditions
- Primary testing at Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin ski resorts in Colorado
- Additional days on skis in Utah and Oregon
- Two-day organized test with all skis and testers together
- Follow-up resort days throughout the season on different skis
- Conditions from blower powder to refrozen spring snow and everything in between
What we test
- Carving and edge hold on firm groomers
- Float and performance in powder and soft chop
- Stability and suspension in rough, variable snow
- Maneuverability in trees, bumps, and tight terrain
- Weight, flex, and overall feel for different skier types
- Versatility for beginners, progressing skiers, and experts
Why you should trust us / About the author
All of Treeline Review’s gear coverage is independently tested and written. Treeline is not obligated to any of the brands in this review, and all awards were chosen by the writer, with input from other skiers who helped her test.
Stasia Stockwell has been a skier since she learned to walk. As soon as her legs were strong enough, her dad had her on the slopes in northern Utah learning to make turns with an Edgie Wedgie. She has since spent every winter of her life on skis and gets out to the resort or the backcountry multiple times a week in the mountains around her home in Breckenridge. She’s been an outdoor gear writer and tester for over a decade and has experience working in ski shops, boot fitting, testing skis, and more. But more than anything, she just loves to get out on the snow—and loves helping more people get into the sport of skiing, with its notoriously high barriers to entry.
Stasia is a true mountain dweller at heart. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She now calls Breckenridge, Colorado and the mountains that surround it her home. In the winters, she racks up as many ski days as possible; she loves long days in the backcountry, but nothing compares to hot laps on the T-bar at her home resort. In the summers, she’s an avid mountain biker and gravel rider who chronically signs up for races for “fun”—and who knows, maybe someday she’ll land on a podium. Sometimes you might even find her on a trail sans bike, running slowly or backpacking to an alpine lake. She’s now a full time writer and editor in the outdoor space and has been testing and writing about gear for over a decade. Stasia is also the managing editor for the print publication for backpackers, Trails Magazine.
Read more about Stasia on her website on her author page.
