Review: Salomon QST 106 Skis · 2024
By Curated Experts
Kyle J and Claire Rogers
Salomon QST 106 Skis · 2024
$449.97
$749.95
40% off
4 photos
The Curated Take
4.7/5
The Salomon QST 106 skis are well suited for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking an all-mountain option. These skis provide stability and responsiveness and are particularly noted for their maneuverability, floating capability in powder, and high-speed stability. However, they might be challenging for carving on hardpack snow and are less forgiving on firm terrain. The skis are heavier and less playful, making them more suitable for aggressive skiers rather than novices. Ideal for those who enjoy charging and carving, the Salomon QST 106 skis are a solid choice for skiers looking for a durable and responsive all-mountain ski.
Ideal for
- Stable, sturdy ski
- Nice float in soft snow and deep powder
- Responsive and energetic
Not ideal for
- More difficult to carve on hardpack snow
- Less forgiving on firm terrain
Turn Ease
I've never used a pair of skis that have been easier to initiate turns with in so many different conditions, especially crud and packed powder. The freeride rocker profile with...Read more
On hardpack, whether it be iced over or freshly groomed, the turns are easy to initiate and feel stable throughout the turn, allowing for the skier to really trust that...Read more
Playfulness
The QST 106s are especially playful in off-piste variable terrain. They're enjoyable, popping off bumps and jumps, and give excellent rebound when one drives the skis on mixed terrain. I...Read more
I choose this ski because of its versatility, though I believe it lacks playfulness in some regard when compared to other freeride skis. The QSTs feel a bit heavier, allowing...Read more
Flotation
Off-piste terrain, including bumps, powder, and packed powder, is where these skis will make someone feel like they're floating on the freshies. The early rise in the tip (tip rocker)...Read more
A waist of 106 helps stay atop almost all snow packs. That being said, for flotation in the powder, these wouldn't be the first ski I would pick because they...Read more
Durability
These skis' poplar full-wood core gives them great durability and makes them very stable in all types of conditions and terrain. Another unique feature that contributes to their durability is...Read more
These skis have been through all sorts of conditions for multiple seasons. They have withstood rocky terrain well on the bases and top sheets and have no sign of wear...Read more
High Speed Stability
I found the QST 106s to be relatively stable at high speeds in off-piste terrain and packed powder with minimal vibration in the tip of the skis. However, on hardpack...Read more
All skis should feel stable at higher speeds — after all, the goal is to get down the mountain with as much style and speed as possible, right? All jokes aside,...Read more
Carving
While I didn't expect the QST 106s to shine as a carving ski, they had a pretty decent response when I drove their forward pressure and flex into my boot....Read more
On hardpack, whether it be iced over or freshly groomed, the turns are easy to initiate and feel stable throughout the turn, allowing for the skier to really trust that...Read more
Versatility
An all-around high-performance ski for terrain across the mountain, the QST 106 excels in most areas of resort riding except for firm hardpack terrain that requires superior edging and grip...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Claire Rogers
About the ski gear
- Model: Salomon QST 106 Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- While I have been skiing all my life around the Rocky Mountain West (Utah, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming), I tend to try to get the most bang for my buck in buying skis. That means I am going to look for a ski that I can use in multiple conditions. I'm drawn to a great all-mountain, freeride ski. I actually bought my QST 106s used off Facebook Marketplace after having researched them and ridden Salomon skis growing up. They've treated me well thus far in all sorts of conditions. I usually go for these skis when the snow is quite a bit heavier and I need something to charge through the thicker, chunkier snow, or else when I'm looking to have a faster groomer day and need a ski I can trust to hold an edge, even on sheets of near ice. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a ski that will take them far, wide, and FAST!
- How many times I've used it: 50
Expert Reviews of the Salomon QST 106 Skis
Kyle J The Salomon QST 106s are a great pair of skis for a range of skier types, from intermediate through advanced abilities. The first thing I noticed when I hopped on the 181cm skis was their maneuverability and playfulness. These skis responded well to where I wanted to take them down the hill, and I especially enjoyed them in glades and trees where quick maneuvers are often required.
I'm 5'11" and a pretty aggressive skier with a racing background, so I felt like the 189cm ski would have been a bit more suitable for me because of its freeride rocker profile, but I still had a great time on the 181cm skis and felt like they were stable enough at high speeds and very playful in off-piste terrain and packed powder.
Another attribute I noticed after a few runs was how surprisingly lightweight they were. And being 106 underfoot with a tip and tail rocker helped the skis float on top of powder and crud.
I previously owned a pair of 2018 Salomon QST 106s, and I feel like the 2024 model has made some significant improvements, including a beefier ski that's better for charging down the hill and a ski that's more versatile in various conditions except for super hardpack groomers and ice.
Claire Rogers I have used this ski for all sorts of terrain, from powder to spring smuck to icy groomers to backcountry skiing, and it has held up in all conditions. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. I would certainly say that it is a "jack of all trades and master of none." It initiates and holds a turn well but is a bit wider at the waist than most groomer skis. The width does, however, help them float in deeper powder. They are a bit heavier than other skis of a similar size, so touring uphill can be tougher but by no means impossible. I prefer these to my other, more playful pair in my quiver when conditions aren't as pristine and I need something that will get me through snow that is wetter, heavier, or chunkier.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | Freeride, All Mountain |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Turn Ease
5/5
Kyle J gave 5 of 5 stars. I've never used a pair of skis that have been easier to initiate turns with in so many different conditions, especially crud and packed powder. The freeride rocker profile with a 25% tip rocker gives these skis great response when engaging turns — they feel like shorter-length skis without compromising stability. Wherever someone points these skis and whatever radius of turn they're trying to make, these skis are nimble and quick with great response-to-turn cadence.
Claire Rogers gave 5 of 5 stars. On hardpack, whether it be iced over or freshly groomed, the turns are easy to initiate and feel stable throughout the turn, allowing for the skier to really trust that they can lean that much farther into the turn and trust the ski to hold up. For spring skiing and less-than-pristine conditions, I prefer a more stable, heavier ski over one that is lighter and more playful and will choose this ski over the rest in my quiver on any wet, ice, or spring day where I am looking to keep both my feet on the ground.
Playfulness
5/5
Kyle J gave 5 of 5 stars. The QST 106s are especially playful in off-piste variable terrain. They're enjoyable, popping off bumps and jumps, and give excellent rebound when one drives the skis on mixed terrain. I noticed them being quite forgiving as well, allowing for rapid response, quicker recoveries, and a more enjoyable experience in crud and bumps than many other skis I've tried.
Claire Rogers gave 4 of 5 stars. I choose this ski because of its versatility, though I believe it lacks playfulness in some regard when compared to other freeride skis. The QSTs feel a bit heavier, allowing it to charge through anything, but it is more difficult to initiate playful airs and float atop powder. Thus, I say it is a good fit for the all-mountain, freeride, or big mountain skier who likes to show off their versatility while still remaining grounded.
Flotation
5/5
Kyle J gave 5 of 5 stars. Off-piste terrain, including bumps, powder, and packed powder, is where these skis will make someone feel like they're floating on the freshies. The early rise in the tip (tip rocker) helps these skis float on top of the snow and adds to their playfulness in these conditions. I noticed that when I cut across crud fields and packed powder, these skis required less effort to maneuver and stay under control. On a waist-deep powder day, however, I'd opt for a wider ski underfoot (115-125mm) to help float even more.
Claire Rogers gave 4 of 5 stars. A waist of 106 helps stay atop almost all snow packs. That being said, for flotation in the powder, these wouldn't be the first ski I would pick because they are a bit heavier. However, they do have a freeride shape that allows for flotation in off-piste conditions, and they will certainly hold their own compared to their skinnier counterparts.
Durability
5/5
Kyle J gave 4 of 5 stars. These skis' poplar full-wood core gives them great durability and makes them very stable in all types of conditions and terrain. Another unique feature that contributes to their durability is the cork damplifier used in the tip and tail of these skis, which helps absorb unwanted vibrations. When someone puts energy into these skis, they provide excellent rebound and are super fun for charging.
Claire Rogers gave 5 of 5 stars. These skis have been through all sorts of conditions for multiple seasons. They have withstood rocky terrain well on the bases and top sheets and have no sign of wear to the edges. I can genuinely say they look like they did when I bought them used, even without shying away from any terrain.
High Speed Stability
5/5
Kyle J gave 4 of 5 stars. I found the QST 106s to be relatively stable at high speeds in off-piste terrain and packed powder with minimal vibration in the tip of the skis. However, on hardpack skied-off groomers, I experienced some tip flap or vibration when I really let them loose. The cork damplifier in the tip and tail of this ski is said to help with vibration absorption, but at high speeds on firm groomers, I still experienced a bit of unwanted flap and vibration in the tips of the skis.
Claire Rogers gave 5 of 5 stars. All skis should feel stable at higher speeds — after all, the goal is to get down the mountain with as much style and speed as possible, right? All jokes aside, this ski definitely holds its stability at high speeds, similar to how it holds a turn well. The skier can really trust that they can drive the ski that much farther without having to sacrifice stability. For spring skiing and less-than-pristine conditions, I prefer a more stable, heavier ski over one that is lighter and more playful, and I will choose this ski over the rest in my quiver on any wet, ice, or spring day where I am looking to keep both my feet on the ground.
Carving
4/5
Kyle J gave 3 of 5 stars. While I didn't expect the QST 106s to shine as a carving ski, they had a pretty decent response when I drove their forward pressure and flex into my boot. On the groomers, I noticed that adjusting a slightly wider ski stance allowed me to establish more edge angles and make some good carves. If someone primarily skis groomers, however, I'd suggest looking into another option that's slightly narrower underfoot.
Claire Rogers gave 5 of 5 stars. On hardpack, whether it be iced over or freshly groomed, the turns are easy to initiate and feel stable throughout the turn, allowing for the skier to really trust that they can lean that much farther into the turn and trust the ski to hold up. While a thinner ski would be better for holding an edge, this 106 ski can certainly hold its own.
Versatility
4/5
Kyle J gave 4 of 5 stars. An all-around high-performance ski for terrain across the mountain, the QST 106 excels in most areas of resort riding except for firm hardpack terrain that requires superior edging and grip on the snow. This ski is an excellent choice for those looking for a hybrid resort/alpine touring setup and who want a nimble, playful ski for soft snow and technical terrain.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Kyle J The QST 106 skis are very versatile in a variety of conditions and quite playful in all types of terrain. Their rocker (25% tip)/camber/rocker (17% tail) profile makes them very maneuverable and responsive to where I want to take the ski.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Kyle J My favorite moment with the QST 106 skis was in the steep glades of Mary Jane, where the skis effortlessly snaked through the trees and bumps and even felt like they were searching for some air.
Claire Rogers Spring tours with friends — they got me uphill and helped me charge and carve through anything on the downhill.
Why did you choose this product?
Kyle J I had a good experience with my Salomon 2018 QST 106 skis, both as a resort ski and an AT setup, but I wanted to test the new 2024 model before purchasing. The improvements in the 2024 model were very noticeable, with beefiness and stability being the key standout improvements to me.
Claire Rogers I wanted a versatile ski that I could use on the occasional tour that I could count on in any condition.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Kyle J The QST 106 skis are a good value for the price and are comparable to some of the other top freeride skis in this category, including the Atomic Bents, Volkl M6 Mantras, and Nordica Enforcers. While not the best value on the market, these skis compensate for their moderate cost with excellent performance, durability, and longevity. I speak from experience after owning a pair of 2018 QSTs that I skied hard for four seasons both at resorts and in the backcountry.
Kyle J
Ski ExpertClaire Rogers
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