Most Recommended All-Mountain Skis under $500
Updated
Curated experts make thousands of recommendations to skiers every season taking into account key factors, such as skill level, preferred terrain, and skiing style. This list brings together their most recommended all-mountain skis under $500. 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. Don't forget to chat with a Ski Expert here on Curated to receive personalized advice and recommendations on finding the best all-mountain skis for your needs.
By Ski ExpertsDavid, Owen, Cage and others
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are a top choice for women skiers, particularly those at the intermediate level looking to progress. These skis are versatile, offering easy turn initiation, excellent carving properties, and high speed stability. They are playful in deeper snow, yet stiff and narrow enough for icy groomer days. The 88mm waist width is perfect for all mountain East to West skiing, with the only limitation being very deep powder. However, experts may find these skis a bit too easy to drive and lacking in responsiveness.by Curated experts Lauren Dobbins, Leo Cocchiara, Cat Leonowicz
Ideal for
- Intermediate level skiers looking to progress
- Skiers who want a versatile ski for all mountain East to West skiing
- Skiers who enjoy both groomed trails and fresh powder
- Skiers who value high speed stability and excellent carving properties
Not ideal for
- Expert skiers who want a more challenging ski
- Skiers who frequently ski in very deep powder
- Skiers who prefer a more playful or freestyle oriented ski
The Atomic Bent 100 Skis · 2024 are a versatile all-mountain ski, ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. With a powder style rocker and a 100mm waist width, these skis offer excellent float and maneuverability. They are lightweight and responsive, making them perfect for freestyle skiing and off-piste adventures. These skis are also used by professional athletes like Chris Benchetler, proving their quality and performance.by Curated experts Jake Renner, JT Greene, Ryan DiFloures
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- All-mountain skiing
- Freestyle skiing
- Off-piste adventures
- Skiers who prioritize versatility and playfulness
Not ideal for
- Skiers who primarily focus on carving on groomed runs
- High-speed stability
The Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis · 2024 is a versatile all-mountain ski that's perfect for advanced-to-expert level skiers. It's a one-ski quiver weapon that performs well in a variety of conditions, from groomed trails to deeper snow. It's built with a titanium core and a rocker construction, making it stiff yet great for powder. The ski's turn ease and stability make it a reliable choice for aggressive skiers who want to tackle any part of the mountain. However, it may not be the best choice for deep powder or extremely icy terrains.by Curated experts David A, Zach Sarantakes, Cat Leonowicz
Ideal for
- Advanced-to-expert level skiers
- Aggressive, powerful skiers
- Skiing on groomed trails and deeper snow
- Skiers who value turn ease and stability
- Skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski
Not ideal for
- Deep powder
- Extremely icy terrains
- Skiers looking for a dedicated powder ski
- Skiers aiming for high-speed straight-line skiing
PROGRESS
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Answer questions to receive a personalized product recommendation from an expert.The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 are a top choice for all-mountain skiers, particularly those who enjoy a mix of on-piste and off-piste terrain. These skis are lightweight, easy to turn, and versatile, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. The unique asymmetrical design and Amphibio technology provide precision and stability, while the wide shovel tips offer excellent float in powder. They are also light enough for touring. However, they may not be suitable for high-speed runs or hard pack moguls due to some chatter and turning difficulty.by Curated experts Jacob G, Jacob Edwards, Maximilian DeRoest
Ideal for
- All-mountain skiers
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Skiers who enjoy a mix of on-piste and off-piste terrain
- Skiers looking for lightweight, easy to turn, and versatile skis
- Skiers who occasionally go off-trail
Not ideal for
- High-speed runs
- Hard pack moguls
- Beginners
The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a dream for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking an all-mountain experience. With a playful yet powerful design, these skis offer quick edge-to-edge rollover and enough width for powder flotation. The carbon fiber stringers and fiberglass laminate provide additional stability and dampening. The QST 98 is also perfect for off-piste adventures, with a soft flex that won't tire your legs. Despite being a mid-fat option, it has a healthy amount of rocker in the tip and tail, and an oversized tip and tail for ample float in powder.by Curated experts Bryant Leech, Dallas Peyton, Ian M
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski
- Skiers who want a playful yet powerful ski
- Skiers who want a ski that can handle soft snow and off-piste conditions
- Skiers seeking a ski that is quick in the turn and holds its edge well
Not ideal for
- Skiers who often encounter icy conditions
- Skiers who prefer high-speed skiing
- Skiers who prefer heavier skis for stability in choppy snow
The K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2024 are a versatile choice for beginners and intermediates looking to explore the whole mountain. These skis are easy to turn in all conditions and offer a fun, lively ride thanks to their Spectral Braid technology and Aspen Veneer core. They're forgiving and maneuverable, making them ideal for those who aren't seeking top speeds or deep powder flotation. However, they may not be suitable for aggressive skiers or those seeking top speeds or deep powder flotation.by Curated experts Ian Hamilton, max pilling, Sammy S.
Ideal for
- Beginners looking to advance their skills
- Intermediate riders wanting to explore the whole mountain
- Skiers who value easy turning and maneuverability
- Skiers who prefer a fun, lively ride
- Lighter skiers or those who don't need the stability and stiffness of a metal laminate ski
Not ideal for
- Experts
- Aggressive skiers
- Skiers seeking top speeds
- Deep powder flotation
Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024
$419.99
$699.99
40% off
The Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis are a dream for any intermediate to advanced skier looking for an all-mountain ski that can handle any condition. These skis are incredibly lightweight, yet hold a strong edge due to the carbon rods laid down through the length of the ski. They are easy to turn and wide enough to float on powdery days. The Ripstick is a versatile ski that doesn't ask too much of you, but gives a whole lot in return, making it a top choice for all-mountain skiers.by Curated experts Emilia Lopez-Ona, Luke H., Hannah Forkell
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- All-mountain skiing
- Skiers looking for a lightweight, yet strong ski
- Skiers who want a ski that is easy to turn
- Skiers who enjoy both groomed runs and off-piste adventures
Not ideal for
- Beginners
The K2 Reckoner 92 Skis · 2024 are a dream come true for twin tip park enthusiasts, offering versatility and playfulness. They excel in the park but also perform well all over the mountain, thanks to their all-terrain twin rocker profile and Triaxial Braid technology. They are forgiving enough for sketchy landings, but also provide stability in high-speed conditions. However, durability might be a concern as they showed signs of wear sooner than expected.by Curated experts Mac MacKinnon, Elias Lawson, Fiona Orel
Ideal for
- Twin tip park enthusiasts
- All-terrain skiing
- High-speed skiing
- Carving on groomed slopes
Not ideal for
- Skiers who prioritize durability
Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis · Women's · 2024
$389.99
$649.99
40% off
The Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis are a versatile choice for women seeking an all-mountain ski that performs well on both groomed and off-piste conditions. They are agile, lightweight, and easy to handle, making them suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. The skis' unique Amphibio construction allows them to handle variable conditions with ease. They are particularly noted for their playful carving, lightweight speed, and effortless all-mountain skiing. However, they may not be the best choice for the deepest powder days out west.by Curated experts Emilia Lopez-Ona, Mark Freytag, Sarah Neary
Ideal for
- Everyday, all-mountain women adventurers
- Skiers looking for a versatile ski that performs well on and off piste
- Skiers who prefer a lightweight, agile ski
- Skiers who enjoy playful carving and speed
- Beginners to advanced skiers
Not ideal for
- Deepest powder days out west
The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2024 are perfect for beginner to intermediate skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski that's easy to maneuver and offers good edge hold. These skis are confidence-inspiring, especially on firm snow and groomers, but also allow for off-path exploration. They are the narrowest and most forgiving in the Mindbender range, embodying the fun freeride spirit in a carving-oriented, approachable package. However, they may not be suitable for aggressive skiers or those seeking stability at high speeds or in fresh snow.by Curated experts Ian Hamilton, Zachary Simon, lisa e
Ideal for
- Beginner to intermediate skiers
- Skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski
- Skiers who value snappy turns on groomers and hardpack
- Skiers looking for a ski that's easy to maneuver
- Skiers wanting to explore beyond the groomers
Not ideal for
- Aggressive skiers
- Skiers seeking stability at high speeds
- Skiers looking for versatility in fresh snow
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
- Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
- Atomic Bent 100 Skis · 2024
- Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis · 2024
- Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
- Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024
- K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2024
- Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- K2 Reckoner 92 Skis · 2024
- Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2024
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