About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I was gifted by Salomon in December 2021 when my bindings order was delayed.

My take

The Salomon QST Lumen 99 Women's Skis are the best daily skis I’ve ever owned. These skis are ideal for the intermediate to advanced skier who is looking to progress with a ski that will grow with them. They can go anywhere, keep up at high speeds, carve, float; whatever I say goes with these Lumens.

About the skis I own

• Model: 2022 Salomon QST Lumen
• Size: 159cm

About me

• Height: 5’4”
• Weight: 120lbs
• Experience: 20 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: December 2021
• Days tested: 30+
• Mount position: Factory Recommendation
• Boots: Tecnica Mach 1 LV Pro Women’s
• Boot Size: 23.5
• Bindings: 2022 Tyrolia Attack 14 GW (White)
• Where I’ve used it: Brighton, Alta, Big Sky, Snowbasin, Solitude, Snowbird
• Terrain: Groomers, side country, backcountry, powder, spring mashed potatoes

How they perform

What I was looking for

I had been on the hunt for a one-ski quiver for a while. The snow has been changing in Utah, and the mornings often start soft and end mushy. I was looking for something to handle it all.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the QST because it had been recommended by many. I had referred this ski to a friend who was looking to progress her skiing, and she fell in love with hers. I thought, maybe it’s time for me to have my own. The QST Lumen met all of the specifications I was looking for (close to 100mm waist, 159cm) in a daily ski. I was fortunate enough to have a pair sent my way by Salomon, and they’ve become my dream ski.

What I love about them

• Speed: I’ve read a few reviews that have knocked this ski for its ability to hold at speed. I really don’t think they give it enough credit; the tips hardly chatter, and I feel the harder/faster I go, the more sturdy this ski feels.
• Edge hold: The double full-length sidewalls are grippy. I can lay into my edges with confidence and feel like I will be held.
• Turns: The medium turn radius gives me the best of both worlds. If I’m moving at top speed, this ski is going to give me the power to do anything.
• Groomers: These skis just rip on the groomers. It doesn’t take much to get them to top speeds, and when I do, the ski feels powerful and like I can conquer anything.
• Powder: The combination of a rockered and wide tip (132mm) on the QST Lumen allows it to surf when I need it to. I love the transition from groomer to off piste because the rocker/camber/rocker profile of the ski allows me to carve and float—all in one run.
• Trees: These skis are quick. Again, the rocker/camber/rocker profile allows for that solid edge hold and quick release when I need. In the trees, this ski is as powerful as it is nimble.
• Durability: The glossy topsheet is quick to scratch, but the rest of the ski is built to get after any condition. The construction of the ski feels like I can ask it to do anything. The tip and tail rocker allow for pop and quick transitions. When the snow gets chundery, this ski gives me a stable base to charge through. The sidewall construction and camber in the middle feels like I have ultimate contact with the snow, without having an actual race-type ski. This ski is damp, absorbs a ton of vibration, and is not as chattery as many of the reviews make it out to be.
• Weight: The ski feels heavy enough to charge through the crud, but not too heavy that I will sink in the powder.
• Switch riding: The partial twin is helpful when I ski backwards for teaching.
• Stability: Again, not as chattery of a ski as people make it out to be. The dampness conquers vibrations and allows for a smooth ride.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Park: Not an ideal park ski. If one’s rocket-boosting off of jumps, it’ll definitely give them a solid landing, but I’d stay away from rails, boxes, and anything metal.
• Backcountry: This ski performs when I’ve taken it into the side country, but coming in at 1740g (3.8lbs), it’s on the heavier side.

Favorite moment with this gear

As a newer skier to Alta, I was nervous about being able to keep up with my friends. When I finally got my QST Lumens mounted and ready to rip, they gave me the energy to charge with confidence that my previous Volkl Auras did not. As a true all-mountain ski, I felt empowered to keep pushing myself and exploring while trusting that I had a ski that could handle the various terrain Alta offers. When I realized this ski was progressing with me, I felt assured that I could explore anywhere and take on anything.

Value for the money vs. other options

This ski is absolutely worth the money. Compared to skis like the Nordia Santa Ana or the Head Kore Ws, it’s the best bang for the buck, especially if one’s looking for a one-ski quiver.

Final verdict

For those skiing out West, this is the daily driver to have.