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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 Line Pandora 84 Skis · Women's · 2024 are a versatile all-mountain carving ski, perfect for groomers and firm snow. They offer a refined flex profile with plenty of pop for quick turns and carbon reinforcement for stability at high speeds. The skis are lightweight and agile, making them ideal for those looking to level up their beginner setup. However, they may struggle in deep snow and lack control for more advanced skiers.
by Curated experts Charlotte H, Zachary Simon, Blake J.
Ideal for
- All-mountain carving
- Groomers and firm snow
- Quick turns
- High speed stability
- Leveling up beginner setup
Not ideal for
- Deep snow
- Advanced skiers seeking more control
Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2025
$454.97
$699.95
35% off
The Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2025 are a top pick for freeriders and skiers seeking a versatile and responsive ski. With a slightly wide waist width of 94mm, they excel in freestyle riding and light powder skiing. The wood core and firm flex rating provide solid edge hold and stability, while the light swing weight allows for easy maneuverability. These skis offer smooth transitions from edge to edge, making them a great choice for skiers looking for agility and performance in various conditions.
by Curated experts Hunter Williams, Hayden Wright, Chris D.
Ideal for
- Freestyle riding
- Light powder skiing
- Skiers seeking maneuverability
- Skiers seeking versatility
- Skiers seeking solid edge hold and stability
Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2025
$454.99
$699.99
35% off
The Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis are a dream come true for intermediate to expert skiers seeking a versatile, fun, and lightweight ski. These skis are incredibly maneuverable, making them perfect for groomers and off-piste adventures. They feature a strong edge hold for confident turns and a 94mm waist for stability in various conditions. The Ripstick's full-length carbon rods provide impressive edge grip and stability, making it a top choice for those who value both performance and enjoyment on the slopes.
by Curated experts Billy Marcial, Zach Johnson, Luke H.
Ideal for
- Intermediate to expert skiers
- Skiers seeking a versatile and fun ski
- Skiers who value lightweight and maneuverable skis
- Skiers who enjoy both groomers and off-piste adventures
- Skiers looking for a ski with strong edge hold and stability
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K2 Mindbender 90C W Skis · Women's · 2025
$302.47
$549.95
45% off
The K2 Mindbender 90C W Skis are a top pick for intermediate and advanced female skiers seeking a lightweight, nimble ski that performs well on groomed runs and off-piste terrain. They offer a well-rounded ride, carving admirably on groomers and ice, while also being fun and maneuverable in trees or fresh powder. The skis' Spectral Braid technology and Torsional Control Design provide stability and energy, making them a user-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice performance.
by Curated experts Chris D., Billy Marcial, Jamie H
Ideal for
- Intermediate and advanced female skiers
- Skiers seeking a lightweight and nimble ski
- Skiers who want to progress into off-piste terrain
- Skiers who prefer a softer, more user-friendly ski
- Skiers who want a ski that performs well on various mountain conditions
Not ideal for
- Skiers who prefer the heaviness and stiffness of a metal ski
- Skiers who often ski at very high speeds
The Line Pandora 94 Skis are a perfect fit for intermediate skiers or progressing free-riders who crave a lightweight, poppy ski that boosts confidence. With an Aspenlite core and Carbon Magic Fingers reinforcement, these skis are both stable and playful, making them ideal for side hits, small jumps, and all-mountain skiing. They may feel a bit cumbersome in tight spaces, but they excel in open glades and can handle any snow condition on the mountain. The 94mm underfoot width is a versatile size that can handle everything from deep powder to icy groomers.
by Curated experts Charlotte H, Sara Beeken, Brandon Wachter
Ideal for
- Intermediate skiers
- Progressing free-riders
- All-mountain skiing
- Side hits and small jumps
- Various snow conditions
Not ideal for
- Tight spaces
- Icy conditions
- High speeds
Atomic Maven 93 C Skis · Women's · 2024
$349.98
$699.95
50% off
The Atomic Maven 93 C Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski for women, perfect for those who demand performance and fun from their skis. With a balance of stiffness and flex, precision milled poplar wood, lightweight carbon layers, and a carbon backbone, these skis provide effortless performance, stability, and agility. The profile combination allows for easy turns and floatation in powder or hardpack. Ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers, these skis handle all terrains comfortably, making them a top recommendation for skis under $500.
by Curated experts Leo Cocchiara, Fiona Orel, Mary B
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced women skiers
- All-mountain skiing
- Versatile snow conditions
- Skiers seeking balance of stiffness and flex
- Skiers seeking effortless performance and stability
Not ideal for
- Freestyle skiing
- Beginner skiers
The K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are a top choice for intermediate female skiers looking to explore more challenging terrains. These skis are versatile, stable on choppy or hardpack snow, and offer a fun and poppy platform for jibbing around the mountain. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and available in shorter lengths for smaller skiers. They are also a great choice for those who ski with younger kids due to their easy pivot. However, they may not be the best choice for skiers who prioritize carving precision above all else.
by Curated experts Ben Bialek, lisa e, Elias Lawson
Ideal for
- Intermediate female skiers
- Skiers looking to explore more challenging terrains
- Skiers who prefer a versatile, stable, and fun platform
- Smaller skiers due to availability in shorter lengths
- Skiers who often ski with younger kids
Not ideal for
- Skiers who prioritize carving precision
The K2 Mindbender 90C W Skis are a versatile choice for intermediate to advanced female skiers looking to venture off-piste. These skis are lightweight and nimble, thanks to their carbon construction, which replaces the traditional metal. They offer a well-rounded ride, carving admirably on groomers and ice, while also being fun and maneuverable in trees and fresh powder. The Spectral Braid technology and Carbon Boost add control and rebound, making these skis energetic and stable.by Curated experts Luke H., Elias Lawson, Mary B
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced female skiers
- Skiers looking for a lightweight, nimble ski
- Skiers wanting to progress into off-piste terrain
- Skiers who prefer a softer, more user-friendly ski
- Skiers seeking a well-rounded ski for various conditions
Not ideal for
- Skiers who prefer a heavy, stiff ski
- Beginner skiers
- Skiers who primarily ski at very high speeds
The Salomon Stance 84 Skis · 2024 are perfect for those who enjoy a playful and versatile all-mountain ski. With a more aggressive flex than its competitors, it offers stability in chattery conditions and quick edge-to-edge transitions in tight terrains. Its tip rocker makes it forgiving in variable snow and aids in off-piste adventures. The skis are geared more towards carving than freeride, with a shape that allows for a playful feel that can be disengaged instantly, even in tricky terrains like moguls and trees. The Stance 84 uses less titanal than its wider cousins, making it an even more approachable flex profile.
by Curated experts Mary B, Phil Chandler, Sandy Zhang
Ideal for
- All-mountain skiing
- Carving
- Off-piste adventures
- Variable snow conditions
- Tricky terrains like moguls and trees
The Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis · 2024 are perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski. With a TrueBlend Woodcore, reduced rocker profile, and a unique blend of Beech and Poplar woods, these skis offer a balance of power and agility. They perform well in hard-packed snow, trees, and moguls, providing stability and precision for those who want to dominate the slopes. However, they are not recommended for beginners due to their weight and need for a forward skiing position.
by Curated experts Bryant Leech, lisa e, Chris D.
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski
- Skiers who enjoy medium radius turns
- Skiers who want to carve on hard pack or play in the trees
- Skiers who want a ski that offers stability and precision
Not ideal for
- Beginners or casual skiers
- Skiers who prefer a lightweight ski
- Skiers who do not ski in a forward position
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
- Line Pandora 84 Skis · Women's · 2024
- Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2025
- Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2025
- K2 Mindbender 90C W Skis · Women's · 2025
- Line Pandora 94 Skis · Women's · 2024
- Atomic Maven 93 C Skis · Women's · 2024
- K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- K2 Mindbender 90C W Skis · Women's · 2024
- Salomon Stance 84 Skis · 2024
- Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis · 2024
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