If you're on the hunt for freeride skis, check out this list of the top most recommended freeride skis by Curated Experts. 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. Be sure to chat with a Ski Expert here on Curated for free, personalized advice and recommendations on the best freeride ski for your needs.
- Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2022
- Elan RIPSTICK 94 Ski · 2022
- Völkl Yumi 84 Skis · 2022
- Atomic Backland Women's 85 Dark Blue Light Blue Skis
- Line Outline Skis · 2022
- Blizzard Zero G 105 Blue/orange Skis
- Dynafit Free 97 Skis · 2022
- Atomic Backland 85 Dark Blue Blue Skis
- Armada ARV 116 JJ Skis · 2022
- Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2022
Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2022
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.

Elan RIPSTICK 94 Ski · 2022
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.

Elan makes incredible skis, and these are no exception. 94 underfoot gives you enough width to handle new snow and variable conditions, but their unique right and left designed ski offer superior stability while carving as they are designed specifically for both the inside and outside edge. Their amphibio concept allows for an ultra light weight ski while still being stable, and up for the task of conquering whatever the mountain throws at you that day.

Honestly, it can be skied all over the mountain. These really excel in soft snow and blasting through crud. Great long term and one ski quiver for where you ski! If you plan on spending most of your time poppin around the soft bumps, taking some quick turns through trees, and then laying down some carves on the groomers these will be perfect.

Völkl Yumi 84 Skis · 2022
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.

This skis is a freeride favorite that shines wherever you point it. A hardwood core and thin titanal layer make this ski stiff enough to shine on groomers, with tip and tail rocker to help get you through crud and loose snow. The design of the sidecut incorporates 3 different turning radii, so no matter what kind of turn you are making, the ski moves easily and with stability.

These are immensely popular skis from Volkl. Very light and playful, these all-mountain skis will perform similarly to the Kenja 88s, however they are a bit narrower, shorter, and lighter, therefore more maneuverable.

Atomic Backland Women's 85 Dark Blue Light Blue Skis
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.

Light enough for the climb and skiable enough for the descent! You can feel confident in these skis on the downhill but are made of lightweight material such as carbon stringers that run from tip to tail. Carbon is a super lightweight but also stiff material!

Line Outline Skis · 2022
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!

Blizzard Zero G 105 Blue/orange Skis
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!

Dynafit Free 97 Skis · 2022
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.

Atomic Backland 85 Dark Blue Blue Skis
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.

Armada ARV 116 JJ Skis · 2022
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'.

Drift, slide, smear, surf. The profile and 3d bevel ion the bases make these a dream in deep snow. Just think where you want to go and they seem to follow. Pivot and make quick turns in the trees, then let them run out in the open, they are fairly stable for their versatility. Overall versatile, fun and ready for just about anything the resort can throw at you.

Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2022
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!

The QST series from Salomon are some of the best performing and selling skis on the market. They are easy to ski but hard to out-ski. These 92s are a great width for a first ski and should be able to serve you in nearly any snow condition. They rip on the groomers, turn easy off-piste, and can handle pretty much anything you throw at them!

K2 Mindbender 108ti LTD Skis Orange Burst
A more directional option than the Enforcer, this ski will carve well, and feel best when driven through the tips. On days with fresh snow, you can lean back and have it surf a bit more. This is still a fairly charge-y, heavy ski that loves soft chop and speed. If you're looking for a surfy, easy turning ski I would go elsewhere, but as an all-mountain ski that is going to preform well in a wide range of conditions, and keep playfulness in mind, this is a great option.

Fischer Transalp 82 Skis · 2020
This is a great option for learning how to ski and really use your edges on the groomers, perfect for building skills and confidence!! Will be able to ski all-terrain but with the fairly narrow waist, it will have a groomer bias.

Voile Hypercharger Skis
104mm waist this is a great touring ski! Light wood core with carbon stringers for stability and torsional rigidity this ski is great for bagging peaks and then cruising the powder field on the way back down!!

Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!
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