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 for free, personalized advice and recommendations on finding the best all-mountain skis for your needs.
- Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
- Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023
- Salomon QST Spark Skis + M10 GW Bindings · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023
- K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
- Völkl Revolt 95 Skis · 2023
- Rossignol Experience 76 Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2023
- Rossignol Experience 76 W Skis + Xpress 10W GW Bindings · Women's · 2022
- K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · 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.













Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023
In case you were wondering how much I like these, I bought em for my old man! The QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon, despite it being the narrowest of the QST line. The 92 has less rocker in the tip and tail, giving it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. And though the 92 is narrow enough to be considered a carving and trail specialist, the cork damplifiers in the the tip and tail combined with the carbon material woven into the frame keep the ski very nimble and playful when going off trail or into more varied terrain, like trees. Because Salomon constructed the QST without metal, it is surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski and can turn intuitively in tight spots. this is a great all-mountain option for a skier looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.

Salomon QST Spark Skis + M10 GW Bindings · 2023
A great ski from Salomon that includes bindings and has a great 85mm waist width for those groomers in New England. The rocker profile on this ski will help you get some float in some light powder and when navigating through some late afternoon crud! This is a great ski to learn and to grow on!

Any terrain, any snow! This ski is fun and forgiving - bindings included in the price too makes it an awesome price point option!

K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023
The K2 Mindbender 85's combine a forgiving design but still offer the edge hold and carvability that most entry-level skis don't. This ski is perfect for shredding groomers out east but will also be a great asset to your quiver if you're ever skiing out west. With all-terrain rocker these skis will truly perform great in all conditions. The short low rise in the tail will also help add extra control when you're in variable snow. The aspen core is lightweight but still resilient enough to dampen the chatter at fast speeds. Once you realize the capabilities of this ski, you'll wonder how you were ever riding those crusty old rentals.

K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023
This is a nicer ski that is made to be accessible to beginners and intermediate skiers alike. A short turning radius (12.1 m) combined with a minor rocker profile (slight rise in both the tip and the tail) makes it a super maneuverable and playful ski. This is something that will be great to learn on, but it will keep right up with you as you progress and move in to more technical terrain (powder, moguls, trees, etc.). At 85mm wide underfoot, this is a little wider than the other options. This adds to the ski's versatility as it can still carve easily on groomed snow, but it will float a little easier in fresh snow and powder.
The 85mm waist combined with K2's all-terrain rocker profile makes this an incredibly versatile and fun ski. This will do great for someone who is learning and wants to focus more on the groomed snow for now, but also wants to leave the door open to skiing all over the mountain later on. The lightweight aspen wood core and fiberglass laminate add to the skis durability so it will last you many seasons while you progress! The short turning radius means this ski will be comfortable doing slower, controlled turns, but it will still hold it's own at speed!

K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
Without any metal, this skis keeps things light and playful while the carbon braid and strips stiffen the mid section of the ski for grip and edge control. The loosening of the braids at the tip and tail soften the flex and make this ski incredibly fun off-piste, in light powder, trees, and moguls. Great for the less aggressive skier who wants both a ski that can perform on the blue and blacks but has the versatility to jump into those side hits when they call. Skiers looking for a versatile ride that remains stable and nimble in a variety of terrain and conditions!

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!

Rossignol Experience 76 Skis + Xpress 10 GW Bindings · 2023
A beginner-intermediate skier who wants an approachable, bare-bones ski for everyday use. The Experience 76 is the most beginner-friendly ski of the Experience line of skis, and it has just enough tech and features to keep you in-line with the latest ski trends without breaking the bank. This ski has an all-wood core which will make it lightweight and simple no carbon, metal, or other more high-end features that aren't necessary for beginner skiers. The wood core is reinforced with a fiberglass exterior that will be super durable to last you many ski seasons. Skip the rental line and have a great time with the Experience 76!

The Rossignol Experience 76 Skis with Express 10 GW Bindings included, are the perfect setup for a beginner to intermediate skier. Tired of the lines and the shotty rental gear and ready to explore the mountain on your own terms, this may be the answer. As you begin to expand on your skill set, the poplar wood core, reinforced with fiberglass laminates, will be a reliable platform to progress and have fun. The price tag does not break the bank either.

Rossignol Experience 76 W Skis + Xpress 10W GW Bindings · Women's · 2022
The Rossignol Experience 76 W is a great tool for the Beginner to Intermediate skier looking for their first pair of skis. This ski will be great for getting the hang of things and will be a blast for carving up the slopes with ease. The focus of this ski is a forgiving flex and easy turn initiation to give you a relaxed, confidence-boosting ski to have a great day on!
Key Features:
Drive tip technology helps absorb vibration to keep things smooth and under control
Assist Flex - a softer flex to make the ski easy to handle
Poplar Wood core keeps the weight down while giving the ski a good balance of dampness and elasticity.

K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · 2023
This ski will grip well on hard pack and rebound well making for a lively ski. The all terrain rocker will allow for some playful and forgiving turns which will be clutch in the moguls.

Line Pandora 94 Skis · Women's · 2023
The Line Pandora 94 is a lightweight all mountain ski designed to keep the weight down and the fun up! The aspen wood core paired with Carbon Filaments keep the weight of the ski down, but maintain high performance. A little bit of early rise in the tips and tails allow for easy turn initiation and effortless flotation through crud and powder! This ski will be perfect for the lady shredder that wants the do it all ski that keeps the weight down.
Key Features:
Thin tips keeps the weight in the tips down to reduce swing weight making turn initiation easier.
Directional flex: Soft tips helps the ski float and initiate turns, stiff tails provide power and stability.
5 cut multi-radius allows you to make different turn shape at different speeds!

Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis · 2023
The Dynastar Menace is a great all-mountain ski that will perform in a variety of conditions! At 90mm underfoot and a rocker/camber/rocker profile, there's enough floatation for the occasional powder day, but it's still narrow enough for versatility and performance on groomers, packed snow, trees - you name it!

Great all-mountain, a resort-focused ski that will hold up in any conditions and offer a very versatile ski. A poplar wood core which will have you feeling like this ski can handle anything: will absorb any sort of crud on the trail, be elastic enough that you can really push its turning ability, and won't be too heavy in general. The cap construction on this will make it feel lighter while not giving up any of that stability and control you will find in a heavier ski. It will initiate turns well and go from edge to edge with ease.

Great carving ski for someone looking to progress their ski but can also be used in the backcountry. Dynamic and flexible, made for a lighter skier. Very versatile, making it a great ski for all kinds of conditions.

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.

Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2023
The QST 92 is a great all mountain ski that is extremely agile and gets a long really well in all types of terrain and snow conditions.
It is loaded with different materials and tech for a fun ride for more experienced skiers. The QST has poplar for flex, titanal for chatter reduction & stability, and carbon for stiffness &weight reduction. The result is an intuitive and responsive tool to skier input, they can charge groomers and rip steeps. The waist width is also wide enough to handle whatever mother nature has to offer while still being perfect for the harder pack days!

Line Pandora 84 Skis · Women's · 2023
A nice directional flex provides a softer tip with an early rise that makes initiating turns so much easier, while the stiffer tail gives control and stability when picking up some speed. This set is recommended for skiers on the lighter/slimmer side of the spectrum with its 100% aspen wood construction for a highly nimble and versatile feel underfoot. 84mm in the waist means these are going to do best on packed trails but the early rise still grants you some awesome performance for when there's a bit of a fresh layer. The Pandora's feature 5 different radii blended into the sidecut profile and carbon filaments from tip to tail so that you can pivot on a dime to create any turn shape without sacrificing anything in the stability department. Carving will feel like a dream and flying through tight spaces is a breeze with these 84's!

Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2023
Atomic built the Maverick 88 Ti for the everyday skier who wanted a lighter and nimble ski that could happily lay trenches on groomed trails, but still had enough versatility every once in a while to go bang through some bumps or navigate some soft fluff in the trees. The Maverick wraps a poplar core between two thin sheets of metal that give it extra strength while carving turns, but it still has enough rocker and Atomic's patented HRZN tip for some off-piste exploration. These will work great for the groomers, hard pack or any fresh stashes you find, overall an excellent ski.

This ski is a fantastic option for someone who is looking for a ski that offers a perfect balance of stiffness and flex. With a poplar wood core and added fiberglass, this ski is playful and forgiving where it needs to be - without sacrificing any shock absorption or stability. This ski has a layer of titanal, which truly gives it an "edge" above other skis that do not have this tech, no pun intended! The titanal provides added stability and control. This really makes the Maverick 88 TI shine on groomed / hard pack terrain

Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2023
The Blaze 94 was crafted with Volkl's quintessential edge hold and precision feel. Known for being stable and damp with titinal underfoot you can carve this ski on groomers or head off-piste in search of left over powder. With 3D radius technology this ski is intuitive and makes variable turns depending on speed and terrain. Truly a versatile ski!

These are a perfect ski if you want to do mainly resort skiing with the occasional day of touring! Lightweight, yet powerful and stable, to ski as hard as you want! One of my favorite features on these is the 3D radius sidecut that allows for varying turn size and shape with ease all from the same ski for unmatch maneuverability!

Head Kore 93 Skis · 2023
The Kore is a lightweight, agile platform that's easy to engage a turn on while still having a ton of forgiveness in choppy snow, but it still has the backbone to transfer power when charging hard. Slightly inset contact points help with versatility in mixed conditions and wind-effected snow, but still have the bite to let it rip on corduroy. The construction starts with a Karuba Wood core which is what gives it its lively and responsive feel. The core then gets topped with a layer of Carbon Fiber, Graphene as well as Head's damping layer, this results in a smoother ski overall. These offer up a mixed bag of abilities, from a carve on the groomers, a float on top of some freshies these have the quickness and agility for skiing in tight steep terrain too! This is a stiff ski so it requires a very talented type of skier to drive it forward, but once you do hang on!

K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · Women's · 2023
the Mindbender 90C is geared toward women skiers wanting to build their skills off trail and in more technical terrain, but want to do without the added weight of metal in their ski. By using Carbon Fiber filaments as opposed to metal in the frame of the 90C, K2 keeps the ski lightweight and nimble, yet surprisingly stiff and confidence-inspiring in rougher snow due to the carbon. But yet, it can still turn a dime when you need it to!

Atomic Maven 86 C Skis · Women's · 2023
Atomic built the Maven for intermediate female skiers looking to up their game off-piste, but also for more advanced skiers looking for a strong and confident ski for cruising the groomed blues and blacks of their local mountain. the Maven utilizes carbon in the construction as opposed to metal in order to keep the ski not just lighter, but more approachable and easier to turn. This makes it a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls, and the healthy camber underfoot results in a surprisingly strong edge hold for tight turns on groomed runs. For advanced skiers, the Maven is an awesome tool for executing tighter, more controlled turns on hardpack. This is a strong, versatile weapon in a forgiving package.

Salomon Stance 80 Skis + M11 GW Bindings · 2023
The Salomon Stance 80 is a solid and dependable ski for both the burgeoning beginner, or the confident intermediate looking for a simple ski to cruise on. It features an easy-going sidecut with a rockered tip, meaning that it rises slightly above the snow surface in order to easily initiate turns. But the Stance also sports a metal laminate in the construction, which gives it awesome stability and control at any speed, low or high. It is a phenomenally priced ski for such superior construction, and will give beginners a friendly platform from which to build their skills, and intermediates a reliable and confident ski to push into more advanced territory.

The Salomon Stance 80 ski with M11 GW Bindings are a super versatile all mountain unisex ski for the beginner to intermediate skiers. They are designed with a progressive sidecut and all mountain rocker profile, allowing them to carve short turns, longer turns and everything in between. They are a great setup to cruise around and become comfortable with the mountain. This ski can be taken to the next level too, and when ready, they have a Titanal laminate that will increase the edge hold and remain stable at higher speeds.

Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
Ladies looking for stability and speed with a healthy dose of playfulness. The Volkl Kenja 88 is a ski for lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. 88mm underfoot is snappy edge to edge and dominates hardpack--perfect for East Coast skiers or ladies who prefer the groomers--and the 3D radius sidecut lets you change your turn radii based on speed and edge angle. The rocker tip and tail keeps the ski afloat through the woods or in variable snow and the Titanal Frame and carbon tips adds stability without losing playfulness.

Killer front side ski. Fast edge to edge and great for pushing through PNW heavy snow. Outside Mag's lady's front side ski of the year, strong yet light. With Volkl's 3D side cut, you can't see it but you sure can feel it, short radius turns underfoot but if you work the tip and tail it makes strong long radius turns.

Advanced skiers with good form! A little tip rocker offers a more stable platform for off-piste performance, but deeper camber lines underfoot make these really fun once you get them flexed! This offers an 88mm waist, so a little wider than most groomer focused skis.

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.

Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2023
The Faction Prodigy 2.0 is the most versatile of the Prodigy line, combining a poppy and playful Poplar wood core with a stable and confidence-inspiring 98mm platform underfoot. The result is a cushy and lively ski that can stomp landings in the park, surf over powder and packed snow, and boost side hits all day long. For skiers looking for a playful and all-around fun ski, the Prodigy has built up its reputation for making the entire mountain into a playground.

Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
A ski known for being smooth and stable. This ski is versatile and good for all terrain/conditions. It's built with a wood core, carbon and a sheet of terrain-specific metal. This dampens any vibrations while enhancing edge hold for a smooth and balanced ride.

Smooth turning, great on bumps, powder and definitely on the groomers - very stable and damp (doesn't chatter) - this is a ski that will allow you to continue progressing for a long time but will meet you where you're at now!

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!

K2 Reckoner 102 Skis · 2023
The Reckoner 102 is awesome on jumps, while also holding its own in soft snow. With a versatile mid-fat waist and all-terrain twin rocker profile, these skis have what it takes to hang in the steep and deep, but have zero hesitation when it comes to hucking a big cliff. This is a true all-mountain ski with plenty of versatility!

Whether you're finding good air in side hit city, carving up the ice coast, or dropping cork threes with your eyes closed, this all-terrain twin rocker will be your go to one ski quiver to handle it all - guaranteed to always keep things interesting.

A intermediate+ skier who wants to have great time no matter what conditions the mountain throws at them.

Faction Prodigy 1 Skis · 2023
This is a directional twin-tip which means it packs equal performance for pointing them down the hill as it does for getting them in the air off any angle. The skinnier tail provides ideal downhill performance on those days when you just want to bomb your favorite slope lap after lap, while the elliptical sidecut results in easier turn initiation and pivot maneuverability that puts you in the drivers seat to meet any trail head-on with versatile confidence. The Faction brand is known for its park & pipe, and the Prodigy 1.0 is no outlier with 2.5mm XL edges, full-strength microcap sidewalls, and a rocker-camber-rocker profile with full-twin tips that ensure you're able to stomp that new spin you've been trying to master and ride switch as you please.

DPS Foundation 100 RP Skis · 2023
The camber profile of this ski really allows it to surf in deeper snow, even though it's not as wide as some pure "powder" skis, since 45% of the length of the ski is tip or tail rocker. But, with camber underfoot, it's not going to be impossible to hold an edge on ice/hardback. That being said, while all these skis have a similar width underfoot, the Foundation 100rp is the most powder focused of them all.

DPS's legendary reputation for powder skis is on full display here. Carbon stringers for stability, a light bamboo/poplar core, and an all mountain rocker make this a true all mountain powder ski. Stable at high speeds but nimble through trees and of course, a fun floater on fresh powder.

Salomon Stance 90 Skis · 2023
If you want to ski moguls one run, then hit a fast groomer the next and lap your favorite tree run after lunch then this is the ski for you. Salomon does it again and packs versatility, stability and responsiveness all into a ski that will go bell to bell no matter the conditions. A polar core adds durability and is light with a poppy nature. Titaial and carbon in the ski smooth out the ride and have a forgiving nature. A middle of the road flex adds to the versatility. Load up the ski and get some pop then lean them over and crack and they will remain stiff enough through hard turns.

The Salomon Stance is the anti-thesis to Salomon's popular QST line: Whereas the QST is playful and nimble, the Stance is built more for driving trenches down the fall line on groomed runs and hardpack. The Stance sports two layers of metal to give it extra strength and stability, but Salomon milled out the metal in the front and rear of the ski to keep it lighter and a bit more approachable. The Stance is a daily driver for skiers looking for a confident ski that can rip up groomed runs at high speed.

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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