Most recommended / Winter sports
Most Recommended Women's 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 women's 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 women's skis for your needs.

Result summary
  1. K2 Mindbender 85 Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
  2. K2 Mindbender 98Ti Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
  3. Volkl Flair 76 Skis + vMotion 10 GW Ski Bindings · Women's · 2023
  4. Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
  5. Volkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
  6. Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023
  7. Dynastar E 4X4 2 Skis + Xpress 10 GW Ski Bindings · Women's · 2023
  8. Volkl Blaze 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023
  9. Salomon Stance W 84 Skis · Women's · 2023
  10. K2 Mindbender 106C Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
1
K2 Mindbender 85 Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
#1 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
K2

K2 Mindbender 85 Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022

$239.95
$399.95
40% off

K2 uses an 85mm waist width with their All-terrain Rocker (giving a gradual rise in the tip with a short, low rise in the tail) to produce an incredibly versatile ski for the intermediate to advanced skier. The ski's shape provides versatility for both easy turn initiation on groomed snow, and floatation in soft snow when you travel out west. They also have an Aspen Veneer Core for lightweight and long life. K2 uses a short turning radius on this ski, for a skier who prefers controlled, shorter turns.

Ski Expert Luke Mislinski
Luke Mislinski
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
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2
K2 Mindbender 98Ti Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
#2 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
K2

K2 Mindbender 98Ti Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022

From $357.90
$397.67 to $699.95
Up to 30% off

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!

Ski Expert Nicholas Burr
Nicholas Burr
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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.

Ski Expert Alan Dewey
Alan Dewey
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
Level Nine Sports$499.99
3
Volkl Flair 76 Skis + vMotion 10 GW Ski Bindings · Women's · 2023
#3 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Völkl

Volkl Flair 76 Skis + vMotion 10 GW Ski Bindings · Women's · 2023

$419.99
$599.99
30% off

Great ski to handle a variety of snow conditions. You will feel confident on this ski on any given day with a wide range of terrain.

Ski Expert Ali Hathorn
Ali Hathorn
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$479.99
4
Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
#4 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Nordica

Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023

$454.99
$649.99
30% off

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.

Ski Expert Shannon Rooney
Shannon Rooney
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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!

Ski Expert Mariah Wear
Mariah Wear
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$519.99
Level Nine Sports$519.99
5
Volkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
#5 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Völkl

Volkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023

$419.99
$699.99
40% off

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.

Ski Expert Gunnar O
Gunnar O
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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.

Ski Expert Riley Weathers
Riley Weathers
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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.

Ski Expert Nikolas Otte
Nikolas Otte
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$559.99
REI+ free shipping$559.93
Outdoor Gear Exchange$559.99
Level Nine Sports$559.99
High Mountain Sports$699.99
6
Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023
#6 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Elan

Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023

$454.99
$649.99
30% off

The Elan Ripsticks seemingly defy physics: How does such an incredibly lightweight ski turn so effectively and hold such a strong edge?? Elan lays down carbon rods through the length of the Ripstick to give it incredible torsional strength as you lay arcing turns down groomers and ice. But with a 94 mm waist, the Ripstick is just as capable of venturing off-piste through trees and surfing over soft snow. The Ripstick is incredibly light, maneuverable, and fun ski that can appeal to both upper intermediates all the way to experts. Its a ski that doesn't ask too much of you, but gives a whole lot in return!

Ski Expert Luke Hinz
Luke Hinz
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Oct 17, 2022

Anyone and everyone can have fun on this ski. Its reinforced inside edge makes the ski want to turn rather than not to. This ski seriously seems to ski itself. It's light, fun, and responsive great for the entire mountain

Ski Expert Mason B.
Mason B.
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Oct 17, 2022
Powder7 Ski Shop+ free shipping$649.99
Level Nine Sports$649.99
7
Dynastar E 4X4 2 Skis + Xpress 10 GW Ski Bindings · Women's · 2023
#7 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Dynastar

Dynastar E 4X4 2 Skis + Xpress 10 GW Ski Bindings · Women's · 2023

$311.97
$479.95
35% off

A short turning radius and soft flex helps you develop pinpoint precise turns especially at lower speeds. Versatile enough to tackle the whole mountain, this ski is happiest on groomers, spring corn, and moguls.

Ski Expert Zachary Simon
Zachary Simon
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Oct 17, 2022

Parabolic shape allows for ease of initiation with carves, nimble and trusty- this ski setup will last for several seasons and has more of a focus on groomed terrain!

Ski Expert Jake Renner
Jake Renner
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Oct 17, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
8
Volkl Blaze 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023
#8 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Völkl

Volkl Blaze 94 W Skis · Women's · 2023

$399.99
$599.99
33% off

This is an agile resort ski that you could also take to the backcountry considering its light weight. Metal underfoot and suspension tech in the tips and tails should give you the confidence you need to stay on edge while not having to fight the ski to turn. At only 1427g, this is a light ski with a short turn radius. It should be a blast!

Ski Expert Theo Bean
Theo Bean
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

An amazing all-mountain ski that is lightweight enough for true alpine touring, but still stable for handling the hardpack. Great flotation in a 94 underfoot ski, with the well known performance of Volkl.

Ski Expert Steven Paul
Steven Paul
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$479.99
REI+ free shipping$479.93
Backcountry.com+ free shipping$479.96
Outdoor Gear Exchange$479.99
Level Nine Sports$479.99
9
Salomon Stance W 84 Skis · Women's · 2023
#9 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
Salomon

Salomon Stance W 84 Skis · Women's · 2023

$399.96
$499.95
20% off

This ski will also be able to ski everything from groomers to trees and moguls. The blended wood core offers easier maneuverability and predictability when getting on edge and titanal is added for dampness and better control no matter what you are skiing. This will be a really fun ski for carving, and it has an all-mountain profile which is good for playing around in fresh snow.

Ski Expert Kassia Lawrence
Kassia Lawrence
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

This ski will also be able to ski everything from groomers to trees and moguls. The blended wood core offers easier maneuverability and predictability when getting on edge and titanal is added for dampness and better control no matter what you are skiing. This will be a really fun ski for carving, and it has an all-mountain profile which is good for playing around in fresh snow.

Ski Expert Jessica Whittam
Jessica Whittam
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

These are all-mountain skis meant for carving and having fun. They dampen well but are also forgiving. Good for intermediate skiers looking for mostly groomed skiing but will work well in boot-high powder.

Ski Expert Riley D
Riley D
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
Backcountry.com+ free shipping$399.96
Powder7 Ski Shop+ free shipping$399.99
Level Nine Sports$479.99
10
K2 Mindbender 106C Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
#10 in the Top 10 Women's Skis under $500
K2

K2 Mindbender 106C Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022

From $325.90
$407.37 to $599.95
Up to 30% off

A 15 meter radius translates to the ski's capacity to turn on a dime. Furthermore, the carbon construction of these skis ensures they are very lightweight and oriented towards the skier that needs something to point in whatever direction they please without much force. The all terrain rocker allows these skis to float well in fresh snow while maintaining an edge balance on harder conditions.

Ski Expert Michael Wirth
Michael Wirth
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Absolutely rips in every condition with it’s mid-fat waist, lightweight Aspen Veneer wood core and carbon stringers woven into it which’s adds pop and rebound. This is a lively ski that can handle it all. The all terrain rockers has a gradual rise to the tip allowing it a lot of versatility and with the short, low rise in the tail it has added control in the variable snow.

Ski Expert Allie Staffen
Allie Staffen
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Excellent handling in a variety of conditions from big powder days to softer snow on the frontside. No metal in these skis makes them playful and surfy, leading to excellent float when you need it. But with K2's carbon fiber weave, these remain torsionally rigid enough to get on edge when the conditions are not perfect or at the end of a day when everything is tracked out.

Ski Expert Carl Beach
Carl Beach
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
Honorable mentions
Nordica Wild Belle DC 84 Skis + Bindings · Women's · 2023
Nordica

Nordica Wild Belle DC 84 Skis + Bindings · Women's · 2023

$454.99
$649.99
30% off

Smooth, responsive, and stable, the Wild Belle is a solid frontside/groomer ski that features Nordica's Double Core tech that sandwiches a sheet of rubber between the wood core for power and dampness. In addition, the natural stance profile means the skier assumes a more neutral, centered position that allows the ski to flex appropriately into a turn, providing great edge hold and confidence in a variety of conditions.

Ski Expert Tamara M.
Tamara M.
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

These are another option that have a forgiving flex and tighter turn radius. But unlike the Atomic, these skis have the ability to open up and stay stable at higher speeds. A sheet of rubber in the core helps the ski dampen vibration and adds a more energetic rebound out of turns! These and the Rossignols below are more appropriate picks for your skill level and will help you progress. The 84mm waist will be very easy to move edge to edge on hardpack, and is enough ski that you won't get bogged down on a storm day. The tip and tail rocker will keep you afloat as well as help initiate turns.

Ski Expert Colin Evans
Colin Evans
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Smooth, responsive, and stable, the Wild Belle is a solid frontside/groomer ski that features Nordica's Double Core tech that sandwiches a sheet of rubber between the wood core for power and dampness. In addition, the natural stance profile means the skier assumes a more neutral, centered position that allows the ski to flex appropriately into a turn, providing great edge hold and confidence in a variety of conditions.

Ski Expert Carl Beach
Carl Beach
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · Women's · 2023
K2

K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · Women's · 2023

$489.97
$699.95
30% off

Groomers, Hard Pack, Low-tide Tree and Mogul Skiing, A Modicum of New Snow. One of the narrowest of the Mindbender line, the Titinal Y-Beam construction and All-Terrain Rocker construction of the Women's Mindbender 89TI will give you stability at speed; easy turn initiation; and a low-chatter ride that makes this a perfect low-tide/groomer driver that will feel at home on and off piste.

Ski Expert Christopher Catlin II
Christopher Catlin II
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Best for ladies who prefer the groomers, this ski is a great daily driver! This ski offers a damp and stable ride at high speeds and on variable terrain. The Powerwall sidewall construction and Titanaly Y-Beam provide confidence inspiring stability and a high speed edge hold. They also feature an all-terrain rocker to keep the tips up in soft and variable snow.

Ski Expert Gunnar O
Gunnar O
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$559.96
Armada Reliance 82 C Skis · Women's · 2023
Armada

Armada Reliance 82 C Skis · Women's · 2023

$439.96
$549.95
20% off

The Armada Reliance 82 C skis are recommended for skiers looking for narrower-waisted skis to step up their groomer game. A lightweight ski with a Caruba wood core and carbon stringers, these Armada skis will certainly help you step it up on the groomers. A 14.9m turn radius in a 158 means you will be carving with ease, but the rocker/camber/rocker profile means you will still be smiling when the fresh snow falls.

Ski Expert Gunnar O
Gunnar O
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$439.96
Dynastar M-Pro 99 W Skis · Women's · 2022
Dynastar

Dynastar M-Pro 99 W Skis · Women's · 2022

$447.97
$559.96
20% off

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!

Ski Expert Bryson Pereira
Bryson Pereira
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

All-mountain performance - everything from crud to knee deep powder, these are made to charge but also are light and maneuverable!

Ski Expert Mariah Wear
Mariah Wear
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Skiing it all on a light and reliable package. Dual core keeps weight down and responsiveness up.

Ski Expert Edward Clem
Edward Clem
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
Decathlon Skis Slash FR500 Skis · Women's · 2023
Decathlon

Decathlon Skis Slash FR500 Skis · Women's · 2023

$420.00

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!

Ski Expert Grayson Nichols
Grayson Nichols
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
K2 Midnight Skis · Women's · 2023
K2

K2 Midnight Skis · Women's · 2023

$314.97
$449.95
30% off

The K2 Midnight is an all-mountain ski with a park problem. A full lightweight wood core makes the Midnight poppy and playful for stomping landings in the park, but an 88 mm waist and carbon stringers laid throughout the ski give it added strength and stability for carving groomers and ripping though trees. The Midnight begs the question: are they an all-mountain ripper masquerading as a park ski, or vice versa.

Ski Expert Luke Hinz
Luke Hinz
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Oct 17, 2022
evo.com+ free shipping$359.96
Dynafit Free 97 W Skis · Women's · 2023
Dynafit

Dynafit Free 97 W Skis · Women's · 2023

From $487.46
$649.95 to $699.95
Up to 30% off

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.

Ski Expert Bernard Patsky
Bernard Patsky
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 25, 2022

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.

Ski Expert Aaron F.
Aaron F.
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Jul 25, 2022
Backcountry.com+ free shipping$521.53
Powder7 Ski Shop+ free shipping$524.95
Moosejaw+ free shipping$524.99
K2 Mindbender 115C Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022
K2

K2 Mindbender 115C Alliance Skis · Women's · 2022

From $366.63
$407.37 to $839.90
Up to 30% off

Despite its size, the Mindbender 115C is a versatile all-mountain ski, but it especially shines in deep, deep powder. K2 combined a poppy and playful Aspen wood core with their patented Carbon spectral braid, which gives the ski added strength and stability, but without the added weight of something like metal. The generous rocker in the tip and tail makes the ski super surfy and playful in deep snow, but the carbon braid also gives it strong edge hold on groomers. An awesome powder weapon that does surprisingly well on every other aspect of the mountain.

Ski Expert Luke Hinz
Luke Hinz
Verified Ski Expert • Reviewed Oct 17, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
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