Most Recommended Skis Under $500
Updated
Sometimes you need to buy skis on a budget. We get that! That's why our experts take customers' budgets into consideration every time they make recommendations. So check out this list of the most-recommended skis under $500 to get started. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists here at Curated – everyone is different and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Want to make sure you're getting the right pair? Chat with a Ski Expert here on Curated to receive personalized recommendations on the best skis for you.
By Ski ExpertsDavid, Owen, Cage and others
The Rossignol Sender 90 Pro Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2024 is a versatile ski set that's perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to explore the whole mountain. With a poplar wood core and rocker in the tip and tail, it offers stability on groomed runs and hardpack, and is playful and easy-going. It's also great for off-piste skiing, and comes with adjustable demo-style bindings. However, it's not ideal for carving tight radius turns or deep snow skiing.
by Curated experts Lucia L, Luke H., Mitchell Hall
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- All-mountain skiing
- Off-piste skiing
- Skiers who want to progress quickly
Not ideal for
- Carving tight radius turns
- Deep snow skiing
- Novices
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024 is a versatile all-mountain ski, perfect for intermediate to expert level skiers. It's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offers a smooth, stable ride. The ski's rocker camber rocker shape allows for easy carving on groomed trails and floatation on powder days. It's a top choice for those looking to progress their skills, offering high speed stability and excellent carving properties. However, it may not be the best choice for very aggressive or heavier skiers, or those looking for a more playful, freestyle-oriented ski.
by Curated experts Lauren Dobbins, Leo Cocchiara, Cat Leonowicz
Ideal for
- Intermediate to expert level skiers
- Skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski
- Those seeking high speed stability and excellent carving properties
- Skiers wanting to progress their skills
Not ideal for
- Very aggressive or heavier skiers
- Skiers looking for a more playful, freestyle-oriented ski
- Skiers who frequently ski in deep powder
The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 are a top choice for skiers seeking versatility and performance. These skis are praised for their lightweight design, easy turn initiation, and excellent carving abilities. They are perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who enjoy a variety of terrains, from groomers to soft snow. The unique asymmetrical design and Amphibio technology provide precision and stability, making these skis a joy to ride. However, they may not be ideal for high-speed runs or hard pack moguls due to some chatter and stiffness in the tail.
by Curated experts Jacob G, Jacob Edwards, Maximilian DeRoest
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- All-mountain skiing
- Carving on groomers
- Soft snow conditions
- Skiers seeking a lightweight, versatile ski
Not ideal for
- High-speed runs
- Hard pack moguls
- Beginners
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The Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis · 2024 is a versatile, all-mountain ski that's perfect for advanced to expert skiers. With a titanium build and rocker construction, it's stiff enough for aggressive skiing, yet playful enough for powder. Its predictable flex profile, light swing weight, and easy turn initiation make it a reliable choice for various conditions. It's particularly good for on-piste skiing, but also handles well off the groomed trails. It's not the best for deep powder, but it's a solid all-rounder that can handle hardpack, bumps, and glades with ease.
by Curated experts David A, Zach Sarantakes, Cat Leonowicz
Ideal for
- Advanced to expert skiers
- On-piste skiing
- Off-piste skiing
- Aggressive, powerful skiing
- Various snow conditions
Not ideal for
- Deep powder skiing
The Atomic Bent 100 Skis · 2024 are a versatile all-mountain ski, ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. With a powder style rocker and a 100mm waist width, these skis offer excellent floatation and maneuverability. They are lightweight, responsive, and perfect for freestyle skiing, making them a favorite among professional athletes like Chris Benchetler. However, they may not provide the same level of stability and edge hold on hardpacked or icy terrain.
by Curated experts Jake Renner, JT Greene, Ryan DiFloures
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Freestyle skiing
- All-mountain skiing
- Powder and soft snow conditions
Not ideal for
- Hardpacked or icy terrain
- High speed stability
The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a versatile choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to explore all types of terrain. They are playful yet powerful, offering quick edge-to-edge rollover and enough width for powder flotation. The skis are designed with carbon fiber stringers and a fiberglass laminate for additional stability and dampening. They are also praised for their soft snow performance and well-roundedness for most conditions. However, they may struggle with stability at higher speeds and in choppy snow.
by Curated experts Bryant Leech, Dallas Peyton, Ian M
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle all types of terrain
- Skiers who prefer a playful yet powerful ski
- Skiers looking for a ski that offers quick edge-to-edge rollover and powder flotation
- Skiers who want a ski with additional stability and dampening
Not ideal for
- Skiers who often encounter icy conditions
- Skiers who prefer high-speed skiing
- Skiers who prefer skiing in choppy snow
The K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2024 are a versatile choice for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to explore the whole mountain. They are easy to turn in all conditions and are particularly forgiving, making them ideal for those looking to advance their skills. They feature Spectral Braid technology, an Aspen Veneer core, and an All-Terrain Rocker profile, offering precise torsional rigidity and a lively ride. However, they may not be suitable for aggressive skiers or those seeking top speeds or deep powder flotation.
by Curated experts Ian Hamilton, max pilling, Sammy S.
Ideal for
- Beginners looking to advance their skills
- Intermediate riders wanting to explore the whole mountain
- Skiers who prefer easy turning in all conditions
- Skiers who value maneuverability and forgiveness
- Skiers who don't need the stability and stiffness of a metal laminate ski
Not ideal for
- Experts
- Aggressive skiers
- Skiers seeking top speeds
- Skiers seeking deep powder flotation
Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024
$454.99
$699.99
35% off
The Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis are a marvel in the skiing world, defying physics with their lightweight yet incredibly effective turning and strong edge hold. Thanks to carbon rods running through the length of the ski, they offer exceptional torsional strength, making them perfect for carving turns on groomers and ice. With a 94mm waist, they're also adept at off-piste adventures through trees and soft snow. They're easy to handle, fun, and suitable for intermediate to expert skiers. Despite their lightweight, they're durable and can handle all conditions, making them a top pick for all-mountain skiing. They're not recommended for beginners.
by Curated experts Emilia Lopez-Ona, Luke H., Hannah Forkell
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- All-mountain skiing
- High speed carving
- Off-piste adventures
- All weather conditions
Not ideal for
- Beginners
Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis · Women's · 2024
$422.49
$649.99
35% off
The Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis are a versatile choice for women skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. They are lightweight yet stable, making them perfect for all-mountain skiing. The skis are designed with Elan's signature Amphibio construction, which offers excellent control and responsiveness in variable conditions. They are particularly good for frontside groomer skiing, but also perform well off-piste. However, they may not be the best choice for the deepest powder days out west.
by Curated experts Emilia Lopez-Ona, Mark Freytag, Sarah Neary
Ideal for
- All-mountain skiing
- Frontside groomer skiing
- Off-piste skiing
- Skiers of all levels
- Lightweight speed
Not ideal for
- Deepest powder days out west
The K2 Reckoner 92 Skis · 2024 are a dream come true for twin tip park enthusiasts. With an all-terrain twin rocker profile and Triaxial Braid technology, these skis are not only perfect for the park but also excel all over the mountain. They are forgiving enough for sketchy landings, yet provide stability in high-speed conditions. However, durability might be a concern as they showed signs of wear sooner than expected.
by Curated experts Mac MacKinnon, Elias Lawson, Fiona Orel
Ideal for
- Twin tip park enthusiasts
- All-terrain skiing
- High-speed skiing
- Carving on groomed slopes
Not ideal for
- Skiers who prioritize durability
Other lists to consider
Curated experts can help
Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!Result Summary
- Rossignol Sender 90 Pro Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2024
- Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
- Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
- Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis · 2024
- Atomic Bent 100 Skis · 2024
- Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024
- K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2024
- Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- K2 Reckoner 92 Skis · 2024
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