The Top Frontside Skis of 2024
Photo by Jag CZ
TL;DR: Frontside skis can be divided into two categories: carving and narrow all-mountain skis. Carving skis are solely dedicated to tearing up groomed terrain, whereas narrow all-mountain skis are better equipped for variable conditions and off-piste terrain (though they also excel on hardpack). The best frontside ski for your needs should be decided by your ability level and the proportion of time you spend on-piste.
Got a need for speed? Do you dream of early-morning corduroy? If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into 2024’s best frontside skis. Rest assured, these frontside rippers will have you carvin’ it up from dawn to dusk.
What is a Frontside Ski, Exactly?
We can divide the umbrella qualifier “frontside” into two categories: narrow all-mountain skis, and carving skis. Let’s start with what they have in common. Both types of frontside skis—narrow all-mountain and carving—are designed to spend more time on groomers than in off-piste terrain.
When you visualize the full spectrum of ski types, racing skis are the farthest to the left. Next to those is our friend, the carving ski. Smack dab in the middle we’ve got the narrow all-mountain ski, then wide all-mountain skis, and, finally, powder skis. Skis on the leftmost end of the spectrum are optimized for groomed terrain, and skis on the rightmost end of the spectrum are optimized for everything else: bumps, lumps, cliffs, etc.
So, technically, how do frontside skis differ from other ski types? What sets them apart? For our purposes, there are three compositional features to consider:
Waist Width
This is the one most folks can identify. Generally, the skinnier the ski, the more optimized it is for on-piste terrain, as edge-to-edge transfer is quicker. Carving skis usually sport a waist width between 80 and 90mm. Narrow all-mountain skis, on the other hand, lean into the 90-98mm underfoot range, which promotes float, crud-cutting, and backside versatility, as well as carving.
Sidecut
These days, skis are so much more than planks of wood: they have a distinct curvature from tip to tail. Frontside skis have a more pronounced curvature—that classic hourglass shape, with a narrow waist and wider tips and tails, is what’s referred to as sidecut. Sidecut affects the way the ski turns; the more sidecut, the easier the ski is to carve. Frontside and dedicated carving skis will have a more pronounced sidecut.
Rocker Profile
We won’t go too far down the camber-rocker rabbithole, but frontside skis tend to have a more traditional camber profile, which means they have less tip and tail rocker. Carving skis have more camber than narrow all-mountain skis, and narrow all-mountain skis have more rocker than carving skis. Both types, however, have less rocker than true all-mountain and powder skis.
Less rocker means that the skis’ effective edge (the part of the ski that is in direct contact with the snow) which is vital for stability at speed, edge grip, and reliable performance on hard snow, is longer than in all-mountain or powder skis.
Ultimately, this makes frontside skis less versatile. They can’t tackle off-piste terrain the way, say, a pair of Salomon QST 106’s can, but that’s not their job. Carving skis are for tearing up that hardpack. Narrow all-mountain skis are for carving and dabbling in variable terrain.
What to Consider When Buying Frontside Skis
So, you know you want a dedicated frontside ski, but you also want the right ski for you. Here are some things to consider to help you find that perfect match:
Your Skier Type
Far and away, the type of skier you_ _are and the type of terrain you enjoy are the most important factors to consider when picking out a set of skis. If you’re an intermediate skier looking for a more playful ski, don’t go with a hard-charging titanal option. If you’re an expert skier looking for a serious set of carvers, don’t go for a soft, narrow all-mountain pair. Understanding your style and your ability level are critical factors when considering a shiny new pair of skis.
Composition
A ski’s core will affect its on-snow performance. Carving and narrow all-mountain skis are designed for high-speed, precise handling, and are constructed to promote stability, responsiveness, and predictability. All skis are a delicious materials sandwich, but skis with an eye towards carving generally consist of specific components you can keep an eye out for:
- Wood Core: Poplar, ash, beech—skis can have any number of species at their core. Völkl favors poplar and beech, while K2 goes out-of-the-box with fir. Regardless of the type of wood, skis containing a wood core offer enhanced flex, energy transmission, and dampness.
- Composite Materials: Fiberglass and carbon fiber are also often incorporated into carving ski cores, as they add stiffness and responsiveness without adding a ton of weight.
- Dampening Layers: In addition to a wood core, some carving skis use additional layers of strategically placed rubber or polyurethane to reduce chattering at rippin’ high speeds.
- Titanal Inserts: Many carving skis feature titanal inserts which vary in placement, depending on brand philosophy/testing. Titanal is a branded aluminum alloy that enhances edge grip and stability during high-speed turns.
Turn Radius
Long story short: the shorter a ski’s turn radius, the quicker the turns. Let’s talk about why! Firstly, a ski’s “radius” refers to the natural arc the ski creates when tipped on its edge and pressure is applied during a turn. Turn radius influences how easily and tightly a ski can turn. A ski with a large radius can make tight turns and a ski with a short radius can make large ones, but neither is optimized for that behavior, so it won’t be as easy or feel as smooth. Here are a couple of factors that affect turn radius:
- Sidecut: As we’ve discussed, sidecut refers to the hourglass shape of the ski, where the waist (the ski’s skinniest section) is narrower than the tip and tail. The difference in width between the waist and the tip/tail creates an arc or curve along the ski's length. The deeper the sidecut (the bigger the difference in width between the skis’ tip/tail and waist), the shorter the turn radius, making that ski more agile and well-suited for quick turns.
- Effective Edge: The part of the ski's edge that is actually in contact with the snow during a turn is called the effective edge. This is the portion of the edge between the points where the ski starts to curve at the tip and tail. A longer effective edge typically means a longer turn radius, while a shorter effective edge corresponds to a shorter turn radius.
- Turn Radius Measurement: Turn radius is typically measured in meters and refers to the radius of the circle that the ski would theoretically trace if it continued its arc uninterrupted. Skis with smaller turn radii make tighter turns, while skis with larger turn radii make wider turns.
- Flex and Torsion: Skis with softer flex patterns and less torsional stiffness are easier to bend into tighter arcs, resulting in shorter turn radii. Conversely, stiffer skis require more force to bend and typically have longer turn radii.
- Skill and Technique: While ski design influences turn radius, the skier's skill and technique are also critical factors. An experienced skier can manipulate turn shape and radius by varying edge angles, pressure distribution, and weight transfer.
- Application and Preference: Different ski designs cater to different skiing styles and preferences. Skis with shorter turn radii are preferred for quick, dynamic turns on groomed slopes or in moguls, skis with longer turn radii are favored for high-speed stability and wide, sweeping turns.
Check out Ski Expert Gunnar O’s excellent article breaking down turn radius if you want even more_ _juicy radius-related details.
The Best Frontside Skis
Now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s take a peek at my top recommended frontside skis for skiers of all types. I’ll start with carving skis, then move on to narrow all-mountain skis.
1. Stöckli Laser WRT Pro
- Lengths (cm): 162, 172, 180
- Dimensions (mm): 118-66-100
- Radius (m): 14.8 (172)
Stockli’s Laser WRT Pro is a true carving ski. WRT ST’s beefed-up older brother, the Laser Pro, is nigh-universally heralded by testers as the carving ski of the year. A direct descendant of Stockli’s race lineup, the WRT Pro borrows wide metal edges and resin-reinforced sandwich sidewalls from the pros. With Stockli’s Carbon Power Turn and Full Edge Contact technology, this ski is exceptionally responsive, grippy, and poppy, even in the iciest, cruddiest conditions. The WRT Pro also sports a wood core, lending a high-performance dampening effect. As a result of its weight and no-holds-barred build, this ski is an absolute tank on the hill.
The Laser WRT Pro isn’t a playful ski; it is stiff, unforgiving, and decidedly not for beginners. This ski is for the advanced/expert level, and hard-charging skiers looking to bump hip. If you’re looking for a reliable speedster with phenomenal edge-hold, these are the skis for you.
2. Atomic Redster Q4
- Lengths (cm): 147, 154, 161, 169, 177
- Dimensions (mm): 109-77-124.5
- Radius (m): 16 (177)
With slightly more to work with underfoot (a cushy 77mm) and Multi Radius Sidecut, Atomic presents the Redster Q4—a forgiving and dynamic carving ski for beginning- to advanced-level skiers. That 77mm waist lends the Redster a little extra underfoot stability for mid-level skiers, and combined with the skis’ sidecut construction (multi-radius means you can rip arcs of all shapes and sizes), you get a ski that inspires confidence in its beginner handlers and promises a rip-roarin’ good time for its more seasoned rider. Its relatively wide waist and torsional strength makes the Redster downright awesome on-piste, regardless of conditions.
The Redster’s foam core, coupled with its underlying Titanal layer and a Dura Cap Sidewall make for a damp, stable, durable ski. I’ve been lucky enough to take this ski out on some early-season, late-afternoon, “groomer” Alta runs, and I can confirm that this ski is some serious fun. Bottom line? The Atomic Redster Q4 is a great carving ski for beginners, advanced skiers that enjoy a lighter set of sticks, and everyone in between. These Redster Q4’s will grow with you!
Atomic Redster Q4 Skis + M 10 GW Bindings · 2024
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3. Blizzard Thunderbird
- Lengths (cm): 139, 146, 153, 160, 167, 174
- Dimensions (mm): 104-72-121
- Radius (m): 13 (160)
The Blizzard Thunderbird, you’ll notice, offers the greatest size range of any of the skis on this list. Starting at 139cm and stretching all the way up to 174cm, the Thunderbird is a great option for beginner skiers. With a wood core, reinforced partial sidewalls, and very slight (6mm) rocker structure, this is an easy-turning, flexible, dependable ski to get your beginner more confident riding that fall line.
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4. Volkl Kendo 88
- Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
- Dimensions (mm): 113-88-129
- Radius (m): 17 (184)
If you’re looking for a one-quiver ski, you’re in the right place. Volkl’s Kendo 88 is a highly awarded ski, heralded by ski testers and laymen alike. Sporting revised geometry—a 3D Radius Sidecut, meaning one ski packs a three-radii punch—the Kendo 88 is more versatile than ever. Curated Ski Expert Rob G. comments on the Kendo’s remarkable carvability, turn energy, and edge to edge quickness, calling them “a joy” to turn on—even in icy conditions, and especially at high speeds.
As a narrow all-mountain ski, the Kendo 88 obviously thrives on-piste, chewing up and spitting out crud, ice, and whatever else the mountain can throw at you, no problem. This ski is super fun off-piste, as well, for a couple of runs. Testers note that the Kendo 88 isn’t optimized for off-piste terrain, so if you’re heading into the woods for a pow day, maybe grab your Bent 110s.
It is important to note that while this ski is beloved for its dampness (courtesy of its multi-layer wood core), precision (hello, titanal frame), and responsiveness, it often loses points for its stiffness and lack of flotation, which isn’t surprising given its narrower tip and crud-cutting poundage. This ski is phenomenal for hard-charging, hard-carving skiers, from the advanced to professional level. This ski will likely be too much for beginner and intermediate skiers, as it gives even the pros a gnarly leg workout.
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024
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5. Nordica Enforcer 94
- Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
- Dimensions (mm): 115.5-94-127
- Radius (m): 17.1 (179)
Far and away the burliest ski on this list, the Nordica Enforcer 94’s 94mm waist adds some stability to the carving game, on and off piste. Known for its uncompromising stability at speed, the Enforcer’s phenomenal edge hold, torsional rigidity, and general hard-carving can largely be attributed to its wood core, double titanal layer, and carbon chassis.
The Enforcer 94’s new 2024 design thrives on medium-sized turns, but testers also remarked on the Enforcer’s cross-slope agility: moguls, trees, and crud didn’t stand a chance. Though this ski will make any aggressive rider happy, it is also forgiving enough for intermediate skiers looking to up their all-mountain performance.
Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis · 2024
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How to Choose the Right Frontside Skis
Choosing the right carving ski for you can be tricky. You’ve got to consider your riding style, experience, and preferred terrain while choosing your ideal carving-oriented ski. To help you think about your own choice, I’ll give you examples of a few different skiers, each with different riding styles and preferences. I’ll include what they should look for, and the skis that are most likely to make them happy as well:
Natalia: Ex-Racer & Big Mountain Seeker
Natalia is an ex-racer looking to get more into freeride and big mountain skiing. She loves to throw a ski on edge, but also has been having fun exploring trees and powdery steeps. Natalia is shopping for a true daily driver. She has a dedicated powder ski, but wants something for days that aren’t four feet deep. Natalia should consider some narrow all-mountain carving skis.
Features Natalia should look for:
- A wide waist and even wider tip for float in variable ski conditions
- A wood core and other dampening technology to help her absorb turbulence on bumps and in the trees
- Titanal, or other stiffening components, to keep her happy on tough hardpack/ long groomer runs
Examples: Volkl Kendo 88, Nordica Enforcer 94
Brian: Casual Skier Excited to Grow
Brian has been a casual skier for his whole life, and recently decided to start skiing more often. He’s excited to invest in a new setup. Brian is an intermediate skier, and he wants a pair of skis that will help him improve his carving skills while handling variable weather conditions.
Features Brian should look for:
- A ski maneuverable enough to help him get comfortable initiating turns on-edge, but stiff enough for leave space for future growth
- A small-mid sized turn radius (17 meters or less)
- A middling waist width and small amounts of rocker/sidecut, which will provide stability while still allowing for easy edge-to-edge movement, and make the ski more dynamic
- A medium-flex ski to preserve his legs on long ski days, and plenty of dampening technology
Examples: Blizzard Thunderbird, Atomic Redster Q4
Jesse: Hard-Charging Carver
Jesse is an expert skier looking for a dedicated carving ski to add to his quiver. She wants a set of boards that’ll help her crush groomers, regardless of their condition. Jesse wants a ski that performs best with an experienced, capable handler at the helm.
Features Jesse should look for:
- Titanal inserts to make for a stiff, responsive ski that will keep hard chargers stabilized and happy
- High amounts of edge hold and a long effective edge
Examples: Stöckli Laser WRT Pro, Atomic Redster Q4
Find the Best Frontside Skis For You
This article gave you lots to think about: frontside vs. narrow all-mountain skis, turn radius, waist width, stability at speed, et cetera. Hopefully, you’ve also gained some insight on what you should look for in your perfect pair of carving skis—emphasis on YOU. The skis that will make you happiest and complement/grow your skills are the ones that best suit your ability level and terrain interests.
Still have questions? Good news! There are plenty of Curated Experts excited to help you navigate the great gear that’s out there—so, chat with a Winter Sports Expert today for free, personalized advice on finding the best ski for YOUR needs!