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Specs

Style: All-Mountain Wide
Weight: 7 lbs. 11.5 oz.
Terrain: Groomed and Powder
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 17 meters
Waist Width: 96 millimeters

Features

Edges Grip The Snow To Deliver More Control
Able To Carve With Stability Even At High Speeds
Lightweight Wood Is Layered To Deliver High Performance In Most Conditions

BEST FOR: ANY AND ALL CONDITIONS

If you’re a beginner of any kind, chances are you want to ski everything! From hitting the main slopes with friends to exploring fresh powder on your own, the Dynastar Legend X96 is the right pair of skis for just about any terrain.

Sporting Tip and Tail Rocker, meaning the fronts and backs curve slightly upwards, these skis are buoyant enough to float in powder while also having enough spring to fly down groomed runs and power through turns.

A shorter sidecut radius lends itself to tighter turns, making them easier to turn on a dime. With many high remarks for this set of skis, it has been difficult to find any drawback at all. The closest we could find was one skier mentioning that they still use their powder specific skis when the snow gets really deep.

Other than that, these are the gold standard of skis and are an excellent pair for a skier of any skill level. Actually, on second thought, there is another downside – the potential to spoil new skiers and set high expectations as their standard.

Line Sakana Skis

Specs

Style: All-Mountain Wide
Weight: 7 lbs. 13 oz.
Terrain: Groomed and Powder
Ski Camber: Tip Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 15 meters
Waist Width: 105 millimeters

Features

Overall Design Balances Power, Stability, And Speed
Named Top 13 Best Skis Of 2019 By Powder Magazine
Smart Design Can Be Ridden At Shorter Length Without Sacrificing Performance

BEST FOR: CARVING

Are you looking for a set of skis that will get you into the groove of skiing and help you shred a mountain like string cheese? If so, then the Line Sakana are just the right pair for you.

These All-Mountain Wide skis are made for carving, delivering exceptional control through each and every turn and helping you provide power through switchbacks. The Sakana have the shortest sidecut radius of all the skis on our list at just 15 meters. This extremely aggressive shaping means you can take turns tighter and faster without sacrificing control.

Some skiers may not like the aggressive shaping, as it focuses it less on all-mountain ski-ability and more on handling carving and powder. For that reason, we recommend these skis for those who know they want to spend their snow days carving.

The focus on carving with the Sakana is shown with its Tip Rocker, turning up the front slightly to enhance maneuverability. The “Swallowtail” shaping of the rear helps push the tails of the skis down in soft snow thereby creating more traction. More traction = more control.

Beginners will love how easy these skis carve, providing a little bit of “cheat” that makes each run smoother, more efficient, and less tiresome. That translates to more time on the mountain!

Salomon QST 85

Specs

Style: All-Mountain
Weight: 10 lbs. 3.2 oz.
Terrain: Groomed
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 16 meters
Waist Width: 85 millimeters

Features

Reinforced With Titanium For Strength And Grip
Heavier Weight Can Help Beginners Feel More Stable
Excels On Groomed Runs And Hard Snowpack, Offering Speed And Stability

BEST FOR: TRUE BEGINNERS

True beginners that have no experience on skis will likely spend a majority of their time on groomed runs practicing their skills and nailing down the fundamentals. There’s no better set of skis for this application than the Salomon QST 85.

With a waist width of 85 millimeters (the narrowest part of the ski), these All-Mountain skis will perform decently in most conditions but really excel on groomed runs. The narrower width makes them perfect for gaining speed while the Tip and Tail Rocker help you navigate through powder.

A potential downside to these skis are their heavier weight, topping the scales at just over 10 lbs. Although this aspect is subjective, depending on the rider. Some more advanced beginners and experienced riders prefer a lighter ski for increased control and maneuverability, but true beginners may actually end up liking the heavier weight as it can create a feeling of being “grounded” or having more stability.

Overall, Salomon skis have a cult following and are always considered to be some of the best skis money can buy. True beginners can feel assured that the QST 85’s are a great investment that will last you for years to come.

Atomic Vantage 90 Ti

Specs

Style: All-Mountain
Weight: 7 lbs. 11.5 oz. Men’s / 7 lbs. 8 oz. Women’s
Terrain: Groomed and Powder
Ski Camber: Tip Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 18 meters Men’s / 16.5 meters Women’s
Waist Width: 90 millimeters

Features

Stiff But Light Design Creates Fast Skis On Groomed Runs
Can Carve Even The Hardest Snowpack Without Losing Control
Edges Provide Extra Grip When Making Turns, Providing Extra Stability For Beginners

BEST FOR: THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS SKIER

Many of us in the outdoor adventure community have a crossover passion between our outdoor pursuits and caring for the environment. If you’re like us and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with gear that’s responsibly and sustainably made, then the Atomic Vantage 90 Ti are going to be your best friends as they’re made with recycled materials!

Environmental considerations aside, these skis shred all across the mountain on pretty much any snow condition you throw at it. Groomed runs? Check. Powder? Yup. Off-piste? You bet. These All-Mountain skis really can do it all.

The Tip Rocker helps you float in fresh powder by upturning the front tips of the skis, which also translates well on groomed runs to help you initiate turns more easily. A potential concern for advanced beginners and more experienced skiers is that, as a true All-Mountain ski, the Vantage 90 Ti’s are very good at handling a variety of conditions but don’t tackle any one type of condition exceptionally well.

For those who prefer a more specific set of skis, these may not be the ideal candidate. However, most beginners will love these skis and their ability to take them all across the mountain with their friends.

Black Crows Daemon

Specs

Style: All-Mountain Wide
Weight: 8 lbs. 2.6 oz.
Terrain: Groomed and Powder
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 20 meters
Waist Width: 99 millimeters

Features

Increased Edge Traction Through Full Length Of Ski
Engineered To Blend Lightness With Extremely Agile Design
Focus On Stability Through Both High Speeds And Quick Turns

BEST FOR: PROGRESSING WITH EACH NEW SKILL LEVEL

We can honestly say that there is a wide variety of great skis for beginners, and the Black Crows Daemon is one great option. Why? Because if your beginner-friendly skis stay in the beginner category even as you progress, then you’re left using a pair that holds you back despite your improvements in skill level and this isn’t the case with the Black Crows Daemon skis.

These are both the perfect beginner skis and amazing expert skis. Whether you’re practicing the fundamentals of skiing, learning how to carve, pushing your limits off the beaten path, or executing insane aerial stunts, the Daemon’s deliver exactly what you ask of them.

With a waist width of 99 millimeters (the narrowest part of the ski) and a sidecut radius of 20 meters, these skis sit right in the sweet spot of the All-Mountain Wide ski category. This translates into an ability to ski well in just about any condition you’d find yourself in, including the terrain park!

A potential drawback is for those who may want a more aggressive ski with higher carvability that’s easier to turn. While you won’t necessarily get that much assistance (read: cheating ability) from the Daemon’s, most skiers find this pair to perform better down the road when their increased skill level can coax those results.

As a result, the black crows Daemon’s are an outstanding long-term investment and will last many years.

Salomon QST 92

Specs

Style: All-Mountain
Weight: 10 lbs. 3.2 oz.
Terrain: Groomed
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 16 meters
Waist Width: 92 millimeters

Features

Smooth, Buttery Turns Are The Focus Feature
Vibration Absorbing Qualities Create A Smooth Ride
Lightweight Design Focuses On Stability Even At High Speeds

BEST FOR: ALL SKILL LEVELS

These downhill skis are an excellent performance ski that can be used by anyone and everyone, regardless of their skill level. Salomon has a penchant for building high-quality skis with an emphasis on accessibility and ease of use.

The QST 92’s are a unique version of the QST 85’s. Adding extra width to the waist area (the narrowest part of the ski), these skis float exceptionally well on powder yet perform even better on groomed runs. More interestingly, these wider skis are paired with an aggressively short sidecut radius, meaning they turn on a dime with ease.

The combination of these two features creates something special – a truly distinctive design that excels at quick turns, making these perfect for anyone that is interested in skiing moguls (making quick turns over a series of small mounds).

A peculiar ski such as these are bound to have critics. Those preferring an All-Mountain ski that has a wider repertoire may desire something else. However, if you’ll be skiing mostly groomed runs then the Salomon’s QST 92’s are deserving of your attention.

Armada ARV 106

Specs

Style: All-Mountain Wide
Weight: 8 lbs. 11.2 oz.
Terrain: Groomed and Powder
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 20.5 meters
Waist Width: 106 millimeters

Features

Wide Skis Float Well In Powder
Tip And Tail Rocker Excels At Carving Especially In Deep Powder
Poplar Ash Wooden Core Adds Power And Spring For Responsive Turning

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND USE

The Armada ARV 106’s are a true All-Mountain Wide ski capable of going anywhere and doing anything you ask of them. If you’re looking for a pair of skis that can add variety to your winter diet, then these bad boys are for you.

Play on powder, hone your skills on groomed runs, push your limits on the trail less traveled, or exercise your abilities in the terrain park. It doesn’t matter what you do, these all have one thing in common: they are attainable with the ARV 106’s.

These wide skis increase floatability in fresh powder while not being too wide to easily handle groomed runs. The Tip and Tail Rocker create a dynamic profile that balance the needs of each type of terrain. With camber (arch that creates power) in the middle of the ski, the ARV 106’s will propel you through turns and increase speed when you need it.

As with any ski that can handle a variety of conditions, these skis tackle each condition pretty darn well but not perfectly. If you desire more float in powder or more speed on groomed runs, then you’ll need a more specific pair.

Overall, the Armada ARV 106’s score high marks across the board and most beginners would be happy with their high-level performance.

Line Sick Day 94

Specs

Style: All-Mountain Wide
Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz.
Terrain: Groomed
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 17.6 meters
Waist Width: 94 millimeters

Features

Unique Shaping Gives Extra Grip On Hard Snowpack
Tips Provide Glide And Tails Create Stability In Soft Snow
Extra Flex Initiates Turns More Easily, Helping You Work Smarter, Not Harder

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BEGINNER

We understand that snowsports are expensive and as such, you need a solid pair of skis that will get you on the mountain without draining your wallet. Line’s Sick Day 94 are just the right pair of skis to get your feet wet (frosty?) in the sport while being financially strategic.

Just because these skis don’t include a hefty price tag doesn’t mean they don’t pack a whole lot of features. Au contraire mon frère!

Starting with an Aspen wood core that is both strong and flexible, carbon fiber (which is 10x stronger and 3x lighter than steel) is then added to the construction for lightweight yet durable performance.

It’s worth noting that the Sick Day 94’s are the lightest skis on this list meaning you can deftly maneuver through obstacles, transition quickly from one turn to the next, and speed gracefully down groomed runs with ease.

While being lightweight is usually considered a pro, some beginners may prefer the feel of heavier skis that provide more stability. This is a personal preference that some may love while others may not like so much.

Aside from that, these skis will have you shredding mountains like a weekend warrior and calling in for mid-week “Sick Days” just to fulfill your newfound snow craving.

Rossignol Black Ops 118

Specs

Style: Powder
Weight: 11 lbs. 3.9 oz.
Terrain: Powder
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 21 meters
Waist Width: 118 millimeters

Features

Fat Tips And Tails Make Turning Much Easier
Deep Cut Edges Grip Surprisingly Well On Groomed Runs
Wide Design Focuses On Peak Performance Through Deep Powder

BEST FOR: FRESH POWDER

Topping out as the widest skis on the list, the Rossignol Black Ops 118’s are designed to keep you afloat even in the deepest powder. You could say they’re the snow shoes of skis.

Sporting the longest sidecut radius of any skis on our list, you’ll initiate turns with ease, transfer out of turns with elegance, and carve down fresh powder with buttery smooth fluidity. Are you drooling yet? Because I am!

While the Black Ops 118’s handle groomed runs well, it’s on fresh powder and off-piste (off-trail) runs where these skis shine the brightest. Best suited for advanced beginners and up, true beginners might find these skis a little specific for their needs. However, if you’re a true beginner (or intermediate beginner) that salivates over the idea of hitting powder all day long, then go ahead and grab these.

If there’s one drawback to the Black Ops 118’s, its that they are the heaviest pair of the bunch weighing in at just over 11 lbs. (for the pair). While more experienced skiers may find their weight cumbersome, many beginners may welcome the additional weight as it adds stability and traction.

Faction Candide 2.0

Specs

Style: Park & Pipe
Weight: 8 lbs. 4.6 oz.
Terrain: Park & Pipe
Ski Camber: Tip and Tail Rocker
Sidecut Radius: 16 meters
Waist Width: 102 millimeters

Features

Lightweight Performance Feel
Great For Beginners Looking To Trick Out
Symmetrical Front And Back Allows You To Switch (Ride Backwards and Forwards At The Same Time)

BEST FOR: LEARNING TRICKS AT THE TERRAIN PARK

So you want to bust a move, eh? For a truly exceptional pair of skis that excel at acrobatic stunts while also being beginner friendly, the Faction Candide 2.0 are your best choice.

A true “Park & Pipe” ski designed by professional skier Candide Thovex, these skis are symmetrical (identical fronts and backs) meaning you can easily ski “switch” (riding backwards the same as forwards). This helps when executing tricks such as a 180° where you’d land backwards.

The 102 mm wide waist (narrowest part of the ski) helps maintain stability and control, especially when grinding rails. These also crossover when riding in powder as well.

As for other awesome attributes, the Candide 2.0 feature “stomp pads” which reduce the amount of impact to your feet. This helps you land more comfortably and keeps your feet feeling fresh even after a long day on the slopes.

Being such a specific ski aimed at use mostly in the terrain park, the Candide 2.0 aren’t the best when it comes to everyday skiing on groomed runs and in fresh powder. Rather, these are meant for those who obsess over the terrain park and will spend the majority of their day tearing up boxes, hitting jumps, and grinding rails.