Looking for a pair of skis that will take you anywhere without the bulk of a wider waist width? Curated experts make thousands of recommendations to skiers every season taking into account key factors, such as skill level, preferred terrain, and skiing style. Check out this list of Curated experts' top recommended skis with a 95-100mm waist width. 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 recommendations on the best skis for your needs.
- Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
- Völkl Revolt 95 Skis · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis · 2023
- Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 98Ti Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
- Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
- Line Vision 98 Skis · 2022
- Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024
- DPS Pagoda 100 RP Skis · 2023
- Völkl Secret 96 Skis · Women's · 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.
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!
K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis · 2023
All-terrain rocker and 99 mm width allow these bad boys to go anywhere on the mountain. Great for the trees and moguls and any amount of powder.
Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis · 2023
If you enjoy skiing the trees/bumps and exploring off trail in the mornings and burning groomer runs in the afternoon consider the Nordica Enforcer 100's. These have a layer of titanal combined with wood in the core. These are damp and absorb a lot of energy when jamming. The rocker camber slight tail rocker shape is designed to keep this ski stable. The slight rocker in the tail instead of a full rocker helps the ski remain stable and will have you felling confident on every turn.
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.
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
The Blade Optic is all-new for the 2023 season, and is a bit of an enigma of a ski: it is built with Line's 'Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive", which is unique layers of segmented Titanal metal, which then tapers into the tip in the tail. The result is a ski that is stiff underfoot, but much softer and much more playful in the fore and aft of the ski. This is a ski that can go fast, but it is not a big, heavy, and stiff directional ski like other similarly shaped all-mountain skis. Instead, this ski is ideal for skiers wanting a freeride ride ski with a bit softer and more playful side. Incredibly light!
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!
Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024
This is a super fun ski from Rossignol. With a partial twin tip design, the Black Ops 98 is built to be the ultimate jack-of-all-trades ski for the discerning skier looking for a freeride, all-mountain, epic ski. Thanks to a lively wood core that keeps it popping, but Titanal metal layers that give it stability at high speed, the Black Ops can do it. Hit jumps in the park? Check. Rail high speed turns on groomers? Check. Rip through trees and steeps off-piste? Check. Many brands claim to have finally built the quiver-killer ski, but this ski is as close as anyone has actually come.
DPS Pagoda 100 RP Skis · 2023
Incredibly well rounded ski for someone who wants/needs a one ski quiver. 15mm turning radius makes weaving through the trees a breeze. Strong enough to rail medium length turns on groomers, and providing stability and dampness to blow through chop.
Völkl Secret 96 Skis · Women's · 2023
The Secret pairs a 3D sidecut with a Titanal frame to reduce chatter and prevent deflection away from your active edge. The 3D sidecut places different radii along different parts of the edge so you get instant bite when initiating your turn while retaining the ability to carve longer turns at speed.
Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis · Women's · 2023
These Santa Anas have that more neutral stance with a more tapered and lifted tail, a progressive sidecut with a 14.5mm turn radius, and dynamic flex pattern. The big difference is in stiffness and stability. These have more metal in the build. It will feel a bit heavier and take more effort to drive, but will reward a strong skier with edge hold on anything (makes them one of the most popular East Coast skis, where you see sheets of ice on runs). The lowered length at 158cm would keep them on the maneuverable side for you, but you may still find them less stable at speed due to not having as much board in front of you / behind you.
Fischer Ranger 96 Skis · 2024
The new fully unisex Fisher Ranger Line is breaking boundaries on a lightweight and powerful ski - fun at any speed and any snow condition, these skis are ready for you to have a great day!
All-mountain skiing. This is a great carving ski that will be fun in a variety of conditions all over the mountain.
Black Diamond Impulse 98 Skis · 2024
Skiers who find themselves getting into steeper and more technical terrain more often than not! This is an ultra light, precisely balanced ripper that is reinforced with fiberglass inlays and epoxy resin throughout that results in a super accurate gas pedal that can rebound you out of one turn and propel you right into the next! Inside you find a plethora of elastomeric materials that really improve the dampening and shock absorptive qualities of this ski. Doesn't feel noisy or chattery in the tips at higher speeds. Has a titanal binding plate so the mounting and bindings considerations are stress-free. These are serious business once you point 'em down the line, but can be incredibly playful as well. One of the best quality speed sticks that you can get at this price!
Great for exploring the mountain at intermediate speeds, this ski caters to a wide range of ski ability. This ski is at home off the beaten path. It can float in powder and in more choppy conditions. Because of its light weight, it is easily maneuverable
Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023
Amazing powerful turns on groomed terrain, and at 96mm underfoot this ski can hack the cruddy and the soft when the skies open up. This ski has a double sheet of metal, so it really grabs those groomers for an incredible turn. It is surprisingly light and can hack pretty much anything you throw at it!
Atomic Backland 98 W Skis · Women's · 2023
The Atomic Backland 98 is made to be a women's backcountry ski that can do it all. With a 98 mm waist and Atomic's HRZN tech tip, it can easily float in powder, but with lightweight wood core reinforced by a carbon backbone, it is stiff and responsive enough for steep descents where you need to trust in your ski. It is also deliciously lightweight, weighing in at just 1200 grams per ski in the 164 cm length. this is a serious touring ski that makes the uphill a delight and the downhill whatever you want it to be.
Lightweight touring with wood core performance + a carbon backbone for stability descents.
Intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a lightweight ski that can do it all!
Dynastar M-Pro 99 W Skis · Women's · 2022
The Dynastar M-Pro 99 for women is packed full of technology, with a Hybrid Poplar PU core backed by titanal it has amazing power on the hardpack. If you fancy a romp in the softer snow, its adaptive sidecut and rocker/camber profile gives it amazing float and surf to keep you high and dry. This is a ski that can do it all!
All-mountain performance - everything from crud to knee deep powder, these are made to charge but also are light and maneuverable!
Skiing it all on a light and reliable package. Dual core keeps weight down and responsiveness up.
Faction Dancer 2 Skis · 2023
Faction is namely known for its freestyle and park skis, so the Dancer line turned a lot of heads when it was first released due to the use of two sheets of metal and a strong fiberglass wrap. The Dancer is Faction's entry into the category of stouter, stiffer, more directional skis, like the Nordica Enforcer; it is strong and precise, but it still has a lower swing weight due to its construction. The Faction is a bit more lively and active than something more predictable, like, say, the Volkl Mantra, but it still likes to charge the fall line and go fast.
K2 Talkback 96 Skis · Women's · 2022
This is an incredible new ski from K2 built mostly for backcountry but it can also shred inbounds. With a light wood core and carbon stringers, this ski stays super light but incredibly stiff for whatever you can throw at it! Hose backcountry rippers that aren't afraid to rip in-bounds and out-bounds all day, everyday.
Dynafit Free 97 Skis · 2023
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.
Decathlon Skis Slash FR500 Skis · Women's · 2023
A great and easy to rip freestyle-focused ski from Decathlon. The Slash has a 100mm waist and is versatile in many conditions but can really stick up to choppy groomers and some fresh snow, especially with a solid tip and tail rocker profile. Stable and progressive, this ski can handle bumps, trees, groomers, and everything in between!
Decathlon Slash 100 Skis + Look NX 12 Konect GW Bindings · 2024
A huge plus to these is they come pre-mounted and are priced really well for skis AND bindings! These are fairly stiff but really easy to maneuver! The 100mm width is great for some deeper powder and off-piste conditions while still offering excellent edge hold when carving hard on groomed trails! Overall a well rounded ski to take you anywhere!
These are basically a slightly more burly version of the Rossignol Sky 7s. Super approachable, one quiver ski from Decathlon (basically the REI of Europe!). These are actually a fantastic option for an energetic all-mountain ski! Not a name brand in the US, but is high quality and comes with bindings!
Dynafit Free 97 W Skis · Women's · 2023
A 100% Poplar Wood core and Carbon Speed Stringers, ABS full sidewall, and a modern new sidecut makes this ski able to conquer any terrain. Balance from tip to tail rocker you will feel how nimble and surfy this ski it on the downhill! Super light weight coming in at around 1400g this ski will let you fly up the skin track. This ski comes with a 2 year manufacture warranty.
Poplar and wood core will be very light to ski but also very well balanced. 162 cm should not be too long and will be easier to maneuver than some longer options.
K2 Wayback 96 Skis · 2023
This is a very forgiving and approachable all-mountain touring ski. A Paulownia Lite tour core keeps it impressively lightweight but a metal laminate gives it strength and stability underfoot and provides impressive edge hold in all conditions. This ski can tackle all the varying conditions you will experience in the backcountry and then some.
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