tl;dr If you’ve been shopping around for skis, chances are you've likely come across Salomon: a reputable ski company that has been a prominent player in the industry for many years. A high-quality manufacturer of skis, bindings, boots, and more, Salomon has become a trusted name among skiers of all skill levels. In this article, we'll guide you through Salomon's top skis, highlighting their notable features, performance benefits, and the types of skiers they are best suited for. Whether you're seeking versatility across different terrains, stability and control, or a balance of speed and maneuverability, Salomon has a ski for you!

Who Is Salomon?

Established in 1947 in the French Alps, Salomon has always been deeply connected to the mountains and outdoor sports. What started as a small workshop dedicated to crafting ski edges soon grew into a company that revolutionized the ski industry. Salomon has consistently pushed boundaries, introducing advancements such as the first rear-entry ski boot, and pioneering developments in ski design. With a team of passionate engineers, designers, and athletes, Salomon has consistently delivered high-performance ski gear.

Unlike some ski brands that focus mainly on one type of ski (such as powder skis, backcountry skis, or race skis), Salomon has a variety of ski options, whether you’re looking for an all-mountain, freestyle, backcountry, or race ski. They understand that each skier is unique, with different preferences and goals. Their wide range of options ensures that you can find the perfect match for your skiing style.

Top All-Mountain Skis

Skis in the all-mountain category are made to handle a variety of terrain and snow conditions. They typically have a medium width underfoot (88–106mm), allowing them to handle groomed runs with ease while providing enough flotation in softer snow. Whether you're carving on groomers, navigating moguls, or venturing off-piste, an all-mountain ski is a great choice for the skier who likes to do a little bit of everything.

QST 98

The QST 98 is a versatile all-mountain ski that is perfect for a variety of conditions. It is stable on groomers and floaty in powder, making it a great choice for skiers of all levels. The QST 98 features a twin rocker profile, which makes it easy to turn and maneuver. It also has a full poplar wood core with carbon reinforcements that provides a good balance of stiffness and forgiveness. The QST 98 is a great all-around ski that can handle anything you throw at it. It’s great for beginners, but also a solid option for more intermediate or advanced skiers who want an easy ride over any kind of terrain.

QST 106

The QST 106 is a wider version of the QST 98, making it a better choice for skiers who want more float in powder. It is still stable on groomers, but it is not as nimble as the QST 98. The QST 106 has a rockered profile with a bit more taper in the tail, which also helps it float better in powder. Just like the QST 98, the 106 has a full poplar wood core with carbon reinforcement—resulting in the perfect balance of being stiff yet forgiving. The QST 106 tows the line between a freeride ski and an all-mountain ski, making it a great choice for skiers who want something versatile but that is slightly more geared towards powder skiing.

Stance 96

The Stance 96 is a stiffer all-mountain ski that is designed for more aggressive skiers. It is stable at high speeds and can handle hard charging in all conditions. The Stance 96 has a directional-twin rocker profile, which contributes to its stability yet makes it easy to turn. It also has a full carbon fiber core, which provides a lot of stiffness and power. If you’re looking for a slightly more advanced all-mountain ski, the Stance is a great choice.

Stance 102

The Stance 102 is a wider version of the Stance 96, making it a better choice for skiers who still want that stability, but are also looking for more float in powder. It’s not quite as maneuverable as the Stance 96, thanks to the extra width, but if you’re skiing slightly more powder than groomers, the 102 is a better choice. Just like in the narrower version, the 102 also has a full carbon-fiber core with metal reinforcement, which provides a lot of stiffness and power. The Stance 102 will keep you on top of the fresh snow without compromising stability on icy terrain or high-speed groomer laps.

Top Freestyle and Freeride Skis

A freestyle or freeride ski is specifically designed for skiers who enjoy performing tricks whether it be in a terrain park or off natural features. These skis prioritize agility, maneuverability, and playfulness, allowing skiers to spin, twist, and flip with ease. These skis are typically on the wider side, which helps with stability during landing and offers better float in new snow.

QST Blank

Another from Salomons popular QST line, the QST Blank is their top ski in the freeride and freestyle category. It has a 112mm waist width, which gives it plenty of float in powder, and its rockered profile makes it easy to turn and maneuver. The QST Blank's forgiving flex pattern provides a playful feel, facilitating buttering, pressing, and jibbing with style. It has the same poplar wood core with carbon reinforcements seen in the other QSTs, but the Blank also has a double sidewall and Cork Damplifyers in the tip and tail—giving the skier an extra boost of stability when landing a jump.

Top Backcountry/Touring Skis

These skis are designed for skiers who want to explore the backcountry (off-piste terrain that is not maintained by any resort and requires the skier to walk to the top of the run with their skis on their feet). Backcountry-specific skis are lightweight and easy to carry—making them ideal for long days of skiing. They are typically on the wider side to provide more float, since backcountry skiing tends to take you to areas with more fresh snow. It’s worth noting that the low weight of the Salomon QST series makes these skis a good option for a hybrid resort and backcountry ski. But if you want something specifically for backcountry skiing, check out these two options:

MTN Explore 95

The Salomon MTN Explore 95 is a versatile backcountry ski that excels in a variety of conditions. With a 95mm waist width, it strikes a balance between flotation in deep snow and nimble performance on firmer surfaces. The MTN Explore 95 features a lightweight construction of wood, carbon, and a Koroyd tip that allows for efficient uphill travel—making it an ideal choice for ski touring. It offers stability and control on descents with a responsive feel that instills confidence in challenging terrain. This ski is designed to handle steep slopes, variable snow conditions, and long days of backcountry exploration.

MTN Explore 88

The Salomon MTN Explore 88 is a lighter and skinnier version of the MTN Explore 95, making it a better choice for skiers who want a more agile ski and don’t mind having less float in powder. With an 88mm waist width, it offers excellent maneuverability and edge-to-edge quickness, allowing for precise turns on technical descents. Its versatile design performs well on both packed snow and softer backcountry conditions. For that reason, it’s a reliable and versatile option for backcountry enthusiasts looking to cover ground efficiently while enjoying the thrill of off-piste exploration.

MTN 96 Carbon

New in the Salomon lineup for the 2024 season is the MTN Carbon series. It’s the lightest touring ski Salomon has ever made, thanks to the increased amount of carbon in the construction. It still maintains all the maneuverability and stability of the old MTN Explore series, just at a lighter weight and a slightly stiffer flex.

Groomer/Carving Skis

A groomer or carving ski is specifically designed for skiers who enjoy skiing on groomed slopes and carving precise turns. These skis are typically narrower underfoot, ranging from around 70–85mm, which allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and exceptional grip on hard-packed snow. The shape of a carving ski includes a pronounced sidecut, with a narrower waist and wider tips and tails. This design enables skiers to easily initiate and maintain high-speed turns with precision and stability. Carving skis are known for their responsive nature and ability to hold an edge even on icy or firm conditions. They provide a thrilling experience for skiers who enjoy the sensation of carving clean arcs on well-groomed slopes. Check out these groomer ski options from Salomon:

S/Force FX.80

The Salomon S/Force FX.80 Skis are designed to offer a balance of power, stability, and agility. With an 80mm waist width, these skis excel in carving precise turns on groomed runs. The S/Force FX.80 features a full woodcore construction that provides a damp and smooth ride, reducing vibrations and enhancing stability at high speeds. Its semi-sandwich construction combines the benefits of both sandwich and cap constructions—resulting in a ski that is nimble, lively, and energetic. The combination of a wide shovel, moderate tip rocker, and camber underfoot enables quick turn initiation and strong edge grip, allowing skiers to carve with confidence and control.

S/Force FX.76

The narrower version of the S/Force 80s are the S/Force 76. These skis are designed for athletes who want a more forgiving and maneuverable carving ski. With a narrower 76mm waist width, these skis offer exceptional edge-to-edge quickness and precision. The S/Force 76 incorporates Salomon's Edge Amplifier technology, which provides direct power transmission and enhances edge grip throughout the entire turn. This ski features a full sandwich sidewall construction for precise energy transmission and stability. The All-Terrain Rocker profile combines camber underfoot with slight tip and tail rocker, providing effortless turn initiation for skiers who just want an easy, cruiser ski to take on some groomer laps.

Connect With a Real Expert

Whether you're carving on groomed slopes or seeking fresh powder in the backcountry, Salomon skis deliver the performance, stability, and maneuverability needed to make your skiing experience all that much better. With a rich heritage and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of ski design, Salomon has earned its reputation as a leading name in the ski industry.

Hopefully this article has helped you sort out which Salomon ski is the right choice for you. If you’re still deciding between the best options for you, reach out to a Curated Skiing Expert. We offer free, personalized advice as to which equipment is best suited to your exact needs!