The QST 92 is the second narrowest in the line, and does perform very well on front side carving but its features make it a good all-mountain option. It uses a less rockered tip and tail compared to the other QST models and combines it with a longer active edge to create a smooth entrance into carves. This along with the poplar core, cork damplifier, and Solomon's unique carbon and flax material create a damper more powerful feel than many other carbon skis. They are not particularly heavy weighing in at 1850g in the 177cm size and they maintain a bit of that rockered tip to help with the ski floating and making it a great all-mountain option.

Great all mountain ski; good in all the terrain font and backside. Good camber for hold on the stiffer snow, metal and wood in the core for durability, damp and good pop in the turns. One of the best reviewed skis, the Ripstick is a very reliable ski with a consistent flex pattern. It's damp and can cut through the crud and frozen chicken heads. The women's specific design on the Elan line was designed in concert with some great women to deliver a product that is excellent. Not a *modified* male or unisex ski; this is designed by women for women.

The Völkl Yumi 84 is the perfect option for the advanced intermediate level skier that spends most of her time on the groomers. The Yumi is quick on edge when carving with added stability. Multiple radiuses along the sidecut mean different turn shapes. Torsion control is added for additional power transmission and strength with the Glass Frame that encases the wood core which will keep you on track when you want to hit the gas pedal.

These are a lightweight ski that will be easy to maneuver on the uphill but have plenty of stability thanks to the carbon backbone of the ski. They've got a great rocker at the tip that'll make step turns easy as well as turn initiation on the downhill. At 85mm underfoot, they're going to be much wider than your cross-country skis without feeling like you're stepping all over yourself. Atomic also has this same ski in wider models if you do want the width.

The convex base contouring in the tips and tails make it easier than ever to float and play above the deep snow in a buttery and very smooth fashion. Even better, they still perform on chandler, chop and any other variable of not so great snow. They’re even fun on groomers! This is such a fun ski that is the true definitely of all mountain, big mountain and a powder ski!

A versatile setup that is efficient on the uphill and fun on descent. Weighs under 7lbs so it’s still light and nimble. It’s made with carbon so it’s light but still sturdy for cruddy downhills. The 105mm width makes it suitable for powder days too!

At 97 underfoot, these skis are a great width for touring in New England. Much more width and it would become difficult to control the edge on the firm surfaces. These skis are light but strong. They'll hold an edge on East Coast ice but won't be a burden to hike with.

A well-balanced touring ski from the Atomic brand that is phenomenally strong and edgy. Thanks to the light wood core and the energetic carbon backbone, the weight gets a spot reduction without sacrificing downhill performance. As a narrow ski, the 85mm under foot and 172cm in length serves perfectly for a front side-oriented skier, but there is enough gradual rise in the rocker with HRZN tech for added surface area to lift a skier up and over any fresh layers they might encounter on their way down.

Recommended for anyone who wants to shed the weight without losing any performance! The 17m turn radius is ideal for hitting tight couloir chutes, trees, and moguls. This one combines Atomic's WC race-inspired construction of one of their narrower winning models with a more versatile 85mm waist that is super suitable for tracking.

These skis are a powder-surfing machine. They have a balanced flex profile that is great for cruising in soft snow, but they maintain some stiffness through the tips and tails so they will still feel solid in tougher conditions. At 116mm underfoot they will offer plenty of float in the soft stuff. With a poplar-ash wood core, they are nice and light with great responsiveness and 'pop'.

This is a good do-it-all ski, and at 153cm in length, it'll be right in the middle of that range that we're looking at for your son. They're lightweight and nimble, with a partial twin tip -- perfect for hitting park features while still handling more than capably elsewhere on the mountain. Between their slight rocker and 92mm underfoot, they'll give you a nice float in powder, but they're overall a very stable and powerful ski with a woodcore and carbon weave laminates that's going to handle remarkably similarly to a race ski!