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 for free, personalized recommendations on the best skis for you.
- Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
- Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
- Rossignol Sender 90 Pro Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2024
- Rossignol Rallybird 90 Pro Skis + Xpress W 10 GW Bindings · Women's · 2024
- Salomon QST Spark Skis + M10 GW Bindings · 2023
- Rossignol Black Ops Sender Skis · 2022
- K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023
- Völkl Revolt 95 Skis · 2023
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
Just in for the 2022 season the QST's have been a super popular and very approachable lineup of skis over the years! With a new modern tip/tail rocker shape for easy turn release and a 98mm waist this ski is meant to handle a plate full of different skiing types. A double sidewall design helps to transmit power on the turn while the cork damplifier and C/FX help keep the ski damp and predictable. Also, they made this ski slightly lighter than the 2021 99mm QST.
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
The Blizzard Rustler 9 remains one of the most versatile skis on the planet. A narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, the Rustler 9 carves better than expected while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer and a true master of off-piste terrain and conditions. Built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, we get a blend of attributes that lead to the well-rounded nature of the ski. Two sheets of carbon/fiberglass add stiffness and energy while a single, partial sheet of metal brings the dampness and edge grip to the equation. The metal laminate is full-width underfoot and tapers to the tips and tails, ending precisely where the rocker begins. This leads to a playful feel and a lighter swing weight in the tips and tails while keeping the underfoot/middle-zone of the ski a bit more business-like. This is one of those skis, that if you don’t know what you want, the Rustler 9 is as good a choice as any.
Rossignol Sender 90 Pro Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2024
This ski is for the intermediate skier who want to go all-mountain. It's a bit more optimized for off-piste than staying on the groomers but it can handle both with ease. This is great if you plan on spending time off the groomed runs and going out to explore. The bindings that come with this ski are demo-style bindings which means if you have to switch boots you can keep using the same ski, no matter what. Definitely geared toward an intermediate skier looking to advance their skiing. Great price for the binding/ski package!
Rossignol Rallybird 90 Pro Skis + Xpress W 10 GW Bindings · Women's · 2024
The Rossignol Rallybird 90 is a lightweight and energetic freeride ski made for intermediate-advanced lady skiers who want a playful ski that can handle a variety of conditions. At 90mm wide, the Rallybird performs well in soft snow and off trail, while still getting edge to edge quick, and being plenty capable of linking tight turns on the hard pack. Paired with the Xpress 10 GW bindings, this is a great daily driver set up for skiers looking for versatility and playfulness in a lightweight package.
Salomon QST Spark Skis + M10 GW Bindings · 2023
A great ski from Salomon that includes bindings and has a great 85mm waist width for those groomers in New England. The rocker profile on this ski will help you get some float in some light powder and when navigating through some late afternoon crud! This is a great ski to learn and to grow on!
Any terrain, any snow! This ski is fun and forgiving - bindings included in the price too makes it an awesome price point option!
Rossignol Black Ops Sender Skis · 2022
The Sender is a new lightweight 104mm underfoot ski from Rossignol. Compared to the metal-laminated Sender TI, the Sender has a more forgiving flex and is considerably lighter, making for a more playful and maneuverable ski. With its wide tips and tails this ski initiates turns easily and is a blast to carve, and the balanced flex pattern provides a smooth ride and good stability at speed.
Awesome brand new ski from Rossignol that performs incredibly well in all conditions. Not too heavy, but has enough weight behind it to feel very stable with no tip chatter at high speed. Carves extremely well on groomers and hardpack while also charging in post-storm powder and leftover soft stuff.
High speed long turns or tight tree pivoting. Very capable even at slow speeds—as long as you're thinking of where you'd like to be, the Senders will go.
K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
Without any metal, this skis keeps things light and playful while the carbon braid and strips stiffen the mid section of the ski for grip and edge control. The loosening of the braids at the tip and tail soften the flex and make this ski incredibly fun off-piste, in light powder, trees, and moguls. Great for the less aggressive skier who wants both a ski that can perform on the blue and blacks but has the versatility to jump into those side hits when they call. Skiers looking for a versatile ride that remains stable and nimble in a variety of terrain and conditions!
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023
The K2 Mindbender 85's combine a forgiving design but still offer the edge hold and carvability that most entry-level skis don't. This ski is perfect for shredding groomers out east but will also be a great asset to your quiver if you're ever skiing out west. With all-terrain rocker these skis will truly perform great in all conditions. The short low rise in the tail will also help add extra control when you're in variable snow. The aspen core is lightweight but still resilient enough to dampen the chatter at fast speeds. Once you realize the capabilities of this ski, you'll wonder how you were ever riding those crusty old rentals.
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023
This is a nicer ski that is made to be accessible to beginners and intermediate skiers alike. A short turning radius (12.1 m) combined with a minor rocker profile (slight rise in both the tip and the tail) makes it a super maneuverable and playful ski. This is something that will be great to learn on, but it will keep right up with you as you progress and move in to more technical terrain (powder, moguls, trees, etc.). At 85mm wide underfoot, this is a little wider than the other options. This adds to the ski's versatility as it can still carve easily on groomed snow, but it will float a little easier in fresh snow and powder.
The 85mm waist combined with K2's all-terrain rocker profile makes this an incredibly versatile and fun ski. This will do great for someone who is learning and wants to focus more on the groomed snow for now, but also wants to leave the door open to skiing all over the mountain later on. The lightweight aspen wood core and fiberglass laminate add to the skis durability so it will last you many seasons while you progress! The short turning radius means this ski will be comfortable doing slower, controlled turns, but it will still hold it's own at speed!
Völkl Revolt 95 Skis · 2023
It takes a lot of self-control on my end to not buy the Revolt. With a tip to tail rocker, the Revolt 95's are a very playful ski that combines a multilayer wood core and full sidewalls to create a great a very impressive performance. A high density and molecular polyethylene base are included to give the ski power and energy as you head down the hill, as well as great gliding characteristics that won't disappoint when you're trying to keep up with the pack. They are great for jibbing around the mountain as well as hitting those jumps in the park. Check out the X Games and you'll see a lot of skiers on these bad boys!
With a tip to tail rocker, the Revolt 95's are a very playful ski that combines a multilayer wood core and full sidewalls to create very impressive performance. A high density and molecular polyethylene base are included to give the ski power and energy as you head down the hill, as well as great gliding characteristics that won't disappoint when you're trying to keep up with the pack. They are great for jibbing around the mountain as well as hitting those jumps in the park. Check out the X Games and you'll see a lot of skiers on these bad boys!
Line Pandora 94 Skis · Women's · 2023
The Line Pandora 94 is a lightweight all mountain ski designed to keep the weight down and the fun up! The aspen wood core paired with Carbon Filaments keep the weight of the ski down, but maintain high performance. A little bit of early rise in the tips and tails allow for easy turn initiation and effortless flotation through crud and powder! This ski will be perfect for the lady shredder that wants the do it all ski that keeps the weight down.
Key Features:
Thin tips keeps the weight in the tips down to reduce swing weight making turn initiation easier.
Directional flex: Soft tips helps the ski float and initiate turns, stiff tails provide power and stability.
5 cut multi-radius allows you to make different turn shape at different speeds!
Rossignol Experience 76 Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2023
A beginner-intermediate skier who wants an approachable, bare-bones ski for everyday use. The Experience 76 is the most beginner-friendly ski of the Experience line of skis, and it has just enough tech and features to keep you in-line with the latest ski trends without breaking the bank. This ski has an all-wood core which will make it lightweight and simple no carbon, metal, or other more high-end features that aren't necessary for beginner skiers. The wood core is reinforced with a fiberglass exterior that will be super durable to last you many ski seasons. Skip the rental line and have a great time with the Experience 76!
The Rossignol Experience 76 Skis with Express 10 GW Bindings included, are the perfect setup for a beginner to intermediate skier. Tired of the lines and the shotty rental gear and ready to explore the mountain on your own terms, this may be the answer. As you begin to expand on your skill set, the poplar wood core, reinforced with fiberglass laminates, will be a reliable platform to progress and have fun. The price tag does not break the bank either.
Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis · 2023
The Dynastar Menace is a great all-mountain ski that will perform in a variety of conditions! At 90mm underfoot and a rocker/camber/rocker profile, there's enough floatation for the occasional powder day, but it's still narrow enough for versatility and performance on groomers, packed snow, trees - you name it!
Great all-mountain, a resort-focused ski that will hold up in any conditions and offer a very versatile ski. A poplar wood core which will have you feeling like this ski can handle anything: will absorb any sort of crud on the trail, be elastic enough that you can really push its turning ability, and won't be too heavy in general. The cap construction on this will make it feel lighter while not giving up any of that stability and control you will find in a heavier ski. It will initiate turns well and go from edge to edge with ease.
Great carving ski for someone looking to progress their ski but can also be used in the backcountry. Dynamic and flexible, made for a lighter skier. Very versatile, making it a great ski for all kinds of conditions.
Line Pandora 84 Skis · Women's · 2023
A nice directional flex provides a softer tip with an early rise that makes initiating turns so much easier, while the stiffer tail gives control and stability when picking up some speed. This set is recommended for skiers on the lighter/slimmer side of the spectrum with its 100% aspen wood construction for a highly nimble and versatile feel underfoot. 84mm in the waist means these are going to do best on packed trails but the early rise still grants you some awesome performance for when there's a bit of a fresh layer. The Pandora's feature 5 different radii blended into the sidecut profile and carbon filaments from tip to tail so that you can pivot on a dime to create any turn shape without sacrificing anything in the stability department. Carving will feel like a dream and flying through tight spaces is a breeze with these 84's!
Salomon S/Max N°6 Skis + M10 GW Bindings · Women's · 2023
These skis are narrow (76mm) underfoot, so venturing into powder or off piste terrain may be difficult, but if you are sticking to groomed trails anyways as a developing skier, these will give you great edge control as they are designed for carving! They have a poplar core which will absorb vibration, minimizing chatter, and they include bindings which is fantastic! Perfect for the progressing beginner skier looking to reach the next level and focus on carving hardpacked terrain/groomers!
Line Honey Badger Skis · 2023
These certainly lean more towards a park ski with a playful feel, low weight and symmetrical flex but have great qualities to take out on the rest of the mountain! Early rise tips and tails helps keep you afloat in deeper snow while the thin tip design reduces the tip weight but 100grams making those 180's a walk in the park! 5 Cut side radius allows for a variety of turn shapes and sizes with ease while carbon stringers in the ski give you that extra energy to launch from edge to edge or get that little extra pop when you launch off a jump! Lastly they have 30% thicker edges to be able to handle some rails and harder skiing.
The Line Honey Badger is a ski designed to live up to its namesake. The honey badger is fierce, aggressive, and can take a beating, and the same is true for this ski. Built for those who push the limits in the park, on resort side hits, and during their local urban staircase sessions, these skis are made to survive anything. At 92mm underfoot and featuring a full twin tip with symmetric flex, these skis are meant for the dedicated park skier.
K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · Women's · 2023
the Mindbender 90C is geared toward women skiers wanting to build their skills off trail and in more technical terrain, but want to do without the added weight of metal in their ski. By using Carbon Fiber filaments as opposed to metal in the frame of the 90C, K2 keeps the ski lightweight and nimble, yet surprisingly stiff and confidence-inspiring in rougher snow due to the carbon. But yet, it can still turn a dime when you need it to!
Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2023
The Blaze 94 was crafted with Volkl's quintessential edge hold and precision feel. Known for being stable and damp with titinal underfoot you can carve this ski on groomers or head off-piste in search of left over powder. With 3D radius technology this ski is intuitive and makes variable turns depending on speed and terrain. Truly a versatile ski!
These are a perfect ski if you want to do mainly resort skiing with the occasional day of touring! Lightweight, yet powerful and stable, to ski as hard as you want! One of my favorite features on these is the 3D radius sidecut that allows for varying turn size and shape with ease all from the same ski for unmatch maneuverability!
Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2022
Lightweight performance ski that's happy everywhere from ice to powder! A solid hybrid touring ski or happy just as a daily driver. Volkl's 3D radius for intuitive and easy turning at any speed, wide enough to float.
Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
Ladies looking for stability and speed with a healthy dose of playfulness. The Volkl Kenja 88 is a ski for lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. 88mm underfoot is snappy edge to edge and dominates hardpack--perfect for East Coast skiers or ladies who prefer the groomers--and the 3D radius sidecut lets you change your turn radii based on speed and edge angle. The rocker tip and tail keeps the ski afloat through the woods or in variable snow and the Titanal Frame and carbon tips adds stability without losing playfulness.
Killer front side ski. Fast edge to edge and great for pushing through PNW heavy snow. Outside Mag's lady's front side ski of the year, strong yet light. With Volkl's 3D side cut, you can't see it but you sure can feel it, short radius turns underfoot but if you work the tip and tail it makes strong long radius turns.
Advanced skiers with good form! A little tip rocker offers a more stable platform for off-piste performance, but deeper camber lines underfoot make these really fun once you get them flexed! This offers an 88mm waist, so a little wider than most groomer focused skis.
K2 Mindbender 98Ti Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
People who love to ski groomers as well as play in the woods or shred some bumps, the Mindbender 98 TIs hold their own wherever you point them! The Aspen Veneer Core and PowerWall sidewalls lend themselves to a great turn and Titanal Y-beam keeps the ski damp at speeds. This ski is really great all over the mountain and is wide enough to hold its own when the snow falls!
With a specifically-structured metal layer in the ski, the Mindbender puts the reinforcement where you need it and cuts weight where you don't. These are wide enough for deep days, but not so wide that they're going to be an issue when there's no fresh snow to be found. This is basically a one-ski quiver for 80% of mountain conditions.
Armada ARV 86 Skis · 2023
Full tip/tail rocker and true twin tip design! This options really shines in the park! 86mm underfoot with plenty of pop underfoot, smooth edge to edge transitions, and easier to get your spins around! Balanced flex rating in tips and tails and symmetrical build/shape is conducive to a more playful ride!
Faction Prodigy 1 Skis · 2023
This is a directional twin-tip which means it packs equal performance for pointing them down the hill as it does for getting them in the air off any angle. The skinnier tail provides ideal downhill performance on those days when you just want to bomb your favorite slope lap after lap, while the elliptical sidecut results in easier turn initiation and pivot maneuverability that puts you in the drivers seat to meet any trail head-on with versatile confidence. The Faction brand is known for its park & pipe, and the Prodigy 1.0 is no outlier with 2.5mm XL edges, full-strength microcap sidewalls, and a rocker-camber-rocker profile with full-twin tips that ensure you're able to stomp that new spin you've been trying to master and ride switch as you please.
Salomon Stance 90 Skis · 2023
If you want to ski moguls one run, then hit a fast groomer the next and lap your favorite tree run after lunch then this is the ski for you. Salomon does it again and packs versatility, stability and responsiveness all into a ski that will go bell to bell no matter the conditions. A polar core adds durability and is light with a poppy nature. Titaial and carbon in the ski smooth out the ride and have a forgiving nature. A middle of the road flex adds to the versatility. Load up the ski and get some pop then lean them over and crack and they will remain stiff enough through hard turns.
The Salomon Stance is the anti-thesis to Salomon's popular QST line: Whereas the QST is playful and nimble, the Stance is built more for driving trenches down the fall line on groomed runs and hardpack. The Stance sports two layers of metal to give it extra strength and stability, but Salomon milled out the metal in the front and rear of the ski to keep it lighter and a bit more approachable. The Stance is a daily driver for skiers looking for a confident ski that can rip up groomed runs at high speed.
Line Vision 98 Skis · 2022
The Line Vision came out to blur the line between an inbounds and backcountry ski, making it a great 1-ski quiver for someone who likes to dabble in and out of the resort. Light enough for some skinning at around 1500g, the Vision remains powerful and stable on the downhill with its blended core, THC laminate, and 5-Cut radius.
The new Vision is lightweight and highly versatile! It holds edges well on groomers and can rip turns on hard-packed snow and surf like a dream in soft snow. A true one-ski-quiver!
Nordica Santa Ana 93 Skis · Women's · 2023
A combination of a damp construction and a freeride shape makes for a ski that you can push when you want to, without demanding expert level skiing 24/7. Featuring Nordica's Terrain Specific Metal, the 93 has plenty of metal to dampen the skis for a smoother and more consistent ride in variable conditions, but has targeted zones of less metal for greater flexibility. This makes for a more energetic ride, and keeps things a little more fun and playful when you do get some softer snow or want to dip off trail. 93mm underfoot means the ski is quick edge to edge and easy to maneuver in bumps or trees.
Völkl Blaze 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023
This is an agile resort ski that you could also take to the backcountry considering its light weight. Metal underfoot and suspension tech in the tips and tails should give you the confidence you need to stay on edge while not having to fight the ski to turn. At only 1427g, this is a light ski with a short turn radius. It should be a blast!
An amazing all-mountain ski that is lightweight enough for true alpine touring, but still stable for handling the hardpack. Great flotation in a 94 underfoot ski, with the well known performance of Volkl.
K2 Sight Skis · 2022
An amazing all mountain twin tip ski for a great value. You can shred the park, groomers, trees, moguls and anywhere else on the mountain with these. With an 88mm waist width these skis are narrower park skis that are perfect for the icy east coast but can still take on variable snow and crud with ease making them ideal for occasional trips out west. This ski will do a bit better than the Volkl in Colorado but won't be as easy to maneuver the ski edge to edge when skiing the icy east coast.
The Sight is a great all mountain ski with big park ambitions. The flex pattern of the Sight keeps it stable on landings and flexible in the tips so you aren't limited when trying to progress in the terrain park. Carbon fiber added to the core gives this ski plenty of strength and keeps things damp and due to K2's all terrain rocker, the sight will perform beautifully where ever you decide to take them.
With an aspen wood core and carbon stringers, these skis have a ton of energy and pop to them with some added stability built in that other twin tips sometimes lack. Great for trees, bumps, and making the mountain your playground, the Sight skis are incredibly versatile.
Fischer Ranger 94 FR Skis · 2022
Fun, versatile, and super stable underfoot, these are go-anywhere machines with east or west coast 94 underfoot width. Air Tec titanal laminate and a carbon nose keeps these light but responsive, making these a great ski for on and off-piste performance.
The 94 FR is a slightly narrower, more versatile version of the playful Ranger 102 FR, providing a quicker edge to edge transition. That being said, these perform the best off the trail, but still deliver a quality edge on hard packed groomer days.
All mountain skiing, Groomers, and light to mid-level powder!
Salomon Stance W 84 Skis · Women's · 2023
This ski will also be able to ski everything from groomers to trees and moguls. The blended wood core offers easier maneuverability and predictability when getting on edge and titanal is added for dampness and better control no matter what you are skiing. This will be a really fun ski for carving, and it has an all-mountain profile which is good for playing around in fresh snow.
This ski will also be able to ski everything from groomers to trees and moguls. The blended wood core offers easier maneuverability and predictability when getting on edge and titanal is added for dampness and better control no matter what you are skiing. This will be a really fun ski for carving, and it has an all-mountain profile which is good for playing around in fresh snow.
These are all-mountain skis meant for carving and having fun. They dampen well but are also forgiving. Good for intermediate skiers looking for mostly groomed skiing but will work well in boot-high powder.
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