We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Our industry experts have tested over 50 of the best all-mountain skis over the last decade and recently purchased 11 of the best options available for a head-to-head on-the-snow comparison. Whether you're going to be ripping groomers, blasting through chop, or floating through powder, we'll help you find the best skis for the conditions and your skiing ability. Our hard-charging testers spend hundreds of hours on the mountain to identify which ski carves the best, which cuts through the crud, and which will keep you afloat in the white room. This comprehensive review and our expert recommendations will help you select your optimal “quiver of one.”
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 12, 2023, to add new skis from Blizzard, Salomon, Faction, and Head, remove discontinued products, and update our award-winning lineup, including new recommendations for alternative skis.
Sidecut: 135-96-119 mm Available Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm Length We Tested: 177 cm
REASONS TO BUY
Stable at all speeds
Confidence-inspiring
Magnetic ride quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Damp
3D radius sidecut takes getting used to
The Volkl M6 Mantra has truly earned our approval as the best all-mountain ski, keeping the Mantra series atop the podium. With high scores across all testing metrics, the M6 transmits a magnetic and confidence-inspiring ride to the skier through all types of terrain and snow conditions. Whether the forecast is unclear and snow conditions uncertain, staying true to your “Mantra” is what we recommend. With three of Volkl's Tailored Technologies underfoot, be prepared to tackle anything the mountain throws your way.
This version of the M6 Mantra comes with Volkl's 3D Radius Sidecut technology. Boasting three different turn radii within the side of the ski, the M6 can achieve a different turn outcome depending on skier input. This new technology admittedly took some getting used to. However, we found the tech especially helpful when merging onto a new run with more traffic or exiting a mogul field back onto the groomer. The M6 Mantra is on the damp side of the spectrum, so if you're looking for a more playful option, we suggest looking at the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti. But we can't really complain about the M6 Mantra when the overall result is the superior combination of stability and maneuverability that this ski offers through icy groomers, afternoon chop and slop, and deep pow days.
Sidecut: 129-92-117 mm Available Lengths: 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm Length We Tested: 184 cm
REASONS TO BUY
Outstanding value
Confident carver
Accessible performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Sinks in powder
Feels heavy
The Salomon QST 92 is an outstanding point of entry or upgrade for the intermediate-level skier, particularly considering its overall value. New technologies help boost confidence in firmer snow conditions, yet this ski can still confidently edge out into new terrain – as long as you keep your speed under control. Our testers were especially impressed with the carving performance of the QST 92, which rivals other skis geared towards advanced-to-expert skiers. This ski represents Salomon's effort to connect with all skiers – it is a very accessible option that can grow with you as your skills and techniques improve.
At 92mm underfoot, this ski shines on groomers and even in easy off-piste terrain in predictable snow conditions. However, the QST 92 is challenging to maneuver through heavy snow and doesn't do particularly well on deep powder days. If you want to work on your powder skiing, we'd recommend something lighter weight and a bit more playful, like the Faction Agent 2. Regardless of its powder performance, we're still confident that the QST 92 is the right ski to help you explore more of the mountain as you work towards a more advanced level of skiing.
Sidecut: 127-94-115.5 mm Available Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186, 191 cm Length We Tested: 179 cm
REASONS TO BUY
Carving machine
Stiff construction
Explosive rebound
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor floatation in deeper snow
The Nordica Enforcer 94 is our favorite ski for carving and ranks well overall in our all-mountain lineup. The Enforcer 94's Carbon Chassis and TWO Sheets of metal combine to create our favorite blend of edge grip, rebound, and overall precision while carving at higher speeds. Coming in at a versatile turn radius of 17.1 meters, we found it intuitive in shorter SL and longer GS turns. While the Enforcer is ideal for carving on the groomers, it also provides excellent versatility across the mountain in all snow conditions.
Adjustments introduced with the 2021-2022 model include Nordica's Carbon Chassis and True Tip technologies. Along with a slightly wider 94-millimeter waist width, the Enforcer 94 gains slightly better off-piste performance than its predecessor's 93-millimeter width underfoot. Despite these improvements, this ski can be challenging to pilot through heavy or deep powder. Skiers spending lots of time in softer or deeper snow is better suited for a ski that is a touch wider, like the Blizzard Rustler 9. But for the more experienced skier looking to tip and rip across most snow conditions, look no further than the Enforcer 94.
Sidecut: 131.5-98-121 mm Available Lengths: 162, 168, 174, 180, 186 cm Length We Tested: 186 cm
REASONS TO BUY
Superior floatation
Versatile and nimble
Slick feel
REASONS TO AVOID
Experts only
Relatively heavy
The Blizzard Rustler 9 is our favorite all-mountain ski for its powder prowess. With a clear preference for softer snow, the Rustler 9 offered our testers an impressive combination of floatation, precision, and overall feel when skiing the deep stuff. Blizzard's rocker-camber profile and 98-millimeter waist width promote predictable and exciting performance in any powder field. Yet, this hard-charging ski can still cut up soft snow like some of the best frontside carvers we tested, making it a truly versatile option.
The Rustler 9 continues building on the successes of its predecessors. Despite the change in tested models, we remain thoroughly impressed with Blizzard's Rustler collection. This 98mm-waisted ski simply fits within our lineup better than the wider Rustler 10. Our testers noticed a bit more tip chatter on the Rustler 9. Although it wasn't necessarily an annoyance, it could bother the carving crowd, who may be better suited to a damper ski like the Volkl M6 Mantra. But if there's fresh snow to be skied, you won't ever be disappointed choosing the Rustler 9.
Plow your own powder path on the Blizzard Rustler 9.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Compare Products
The Faction Agent 2 makes bouncing through powder easy.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Why Trust GearLab
Our test team sought out the expert opinions of a wide panel of experienced skiers. Aside from our lead testers, a group of 8 other friends and colleagues provided input for each test model to temper our head testers' (sometimes) strong opinions. This group of ski industry professionals reflected a variety of skier types and tested these skis on a wide variety of terrain and in every type of snow condition. Our extended test period of several months allows in-depth examination, lengthy conversation, and, ultimately, a well-rounded conclusion of each ski's pros, cons, and specialties.
Our testing of all-mountain skis breaks down into five rating metrics:
Stability at Speed tests (20% weighting of total score)
Carving Ability tests (20% weighting)
Powder Performance tests (20% weighting)
Crud Performance tests (20%weighting)
Terrain Playfulness tests (20% weighting)
These skis undergo more than 50 individual tests to compare and assess their performance. We directly compare them using side-by-side testing to rank each pair of skis within each metric. The all-mountain skis included in this review represent some of the most popular options on the market, so a low score does not mean that a particular pair of skis isn't worthy of your consideration. It simply means that they did not perform as well relative to the rest of the competition.
The most important aspect informing our expertise in ski testing is the total amount of time spent on snow – over the past decade, our expert panel has logged thousands of hours while testing more than 70 of the best all-mountain skis. We design our testing metrics to be both comprehensive and mutually exclusive to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of every ski. We also assign awards when a ski excels for a particular purpose. We put in the work of testing so that you can more easily pick out your next perfect pair of skis.
Our lead testers are two industry professionals from different backgrounds, have unique ski styles, and differ in their tastes in what makes up the perfect ski. Bobby Garrett is a PSIA Western Region Alpine Examiner and has instructed at Bear Mountain and Mammoth Mountain in California and Perisher, Australia. Bobby is 5' 11" (178 cm) tall and weighs 225 lbs (102 kg.) Andrew Pierce is an avalanche forecaster and control specialist in Washington, and during the summer months works as a ski patroller and heli-ski guide in Chile. Andrew is 6' 1" (185 cm) tall and weighs 185 lbs (84 kg.)
The strong flex and pop of this ski allows it barrel through practically any wind lip.
Despite its moderate flex profile and design tuned towards intermediate-to-advanced skiers, the Salomon QST 92 is still plenty fun for hard-chargers, too.
Analysis and Test Results
The perfect all-mountain ski may seem like a unicorn, especially when searching through the plethora of options out there. Before choosing a ski, we encourage you first to identify your true skier ability. It's common to hear skiers describe themselves as advanced or expert even though they avoid this type of terrain when the snow conditions are tricky or bumped up. Be honest with yourself and choose a ski that you can grow with rather than hope to grow into. Another key consideration is to be aware of your own style preferences regarding things like waist width, sidecut, camber profile, and weight. Wider skis can be more versatile in softer conditions but can also feel slow edge to edge, seemingly providing less confidence in turn transition. The skis that score well across the board are the most versatile and represent the characteristics of a true all-mountain ski – these are the skis that can handle all-terrain and perform well no matter the snow type.
Value
If you're looking to choose one ski to do it all, the chances are that value is an important factor in deciding on your next pair to purchase. Fortunately, the all-mountain category generally offers plenty of bang for your buck. The Salomon QST 92 offers solid all-mountain performance at an unbeatable price point. Although it is a bit more of an investment, the Volkl M6 Mantra is the most versatile ski we tested and still costs less than other top models in our lineup.
The QST 92 easily slices through suncups.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Stability at Speed
A ski's stability is particularly important at speed. A ski is stable when it stays on the ground, doesn't chatter too much through a turn, and always allows you to stay in control. We assess stability by testing in steep terrain where edge hold is critical, by going fast and challenging a ski to hold an edge, and by testing on firm and icy snow where vibration can sometimes shake your confidence.
A ski's stability is related to many factors, including its rocker-camber profile and its construction and stiffness. Stiffness is measured torsionally (think twist) and along the length of the ski, particularly in the tip and tail. Stiff models take more energy to flex and drive, but the result is better edge hold and stability at speed. Stiff models like the Black Crows Justis handle speed and firm snow easily and punch through variable conditions. Models like the Volkl M6 Mantra and the Nordica Enforcer 94 offer some of the highest stability scores. These skis can hold an edge at high speeds while suppressing vibration on firm and icy slopes.
Plenty of burliness in this Enforcer 94; how fast can you go?
Credit: Scott Rokis
Softer-flexing models like the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition chatter more at speed and struggle to hold an edge on hard-packed snow. They prefer to dance through harsh, bumpy snow rather than plow through it. Some of the chatter does come from the rocker-camber-rocker profile, but the soft flex and lack of a metal laminate do not help them when things get firm and steep. The Rossignol Black Ops Sender Ti is one of our lowest scorers for this metric. It is playful and easy to use but is nothing short of spooky at high speed, especially on firm snow.
Keep the speed down and enjoy flowing through the unique terrain on the Black Ops Sender Ti.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Weight
Weight often plays a significant role in the overall stability of a ski and is primarily the result of the materials used for construction and the ski's dimensions. Heavy models like to stay on the ground and can be more stable at speed. Lighter-weight skis tend to be easier to use and more maneuverable but also vibrate more, especially in icy crud.
However, a heavier weight ski doesn't necessarily mean it is stiffer, and lightweight ones aren't always soft. Testers who enjoy being light on their feet and playing with the terrain tend to prefer lightweight and nimble skis such as the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti. Friends that push their gear hard and shred aggressively – plowing through bumps and going fast – seemed to like heavier, stiffer models like the Kastle FX96 Ti.
The Kastle FX96 and Volkl M6 Mantra are two skis for which you will be hard-pressed to find a speed limit.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Carving Ability
Ski resorts are typically well-maintained playgrounds. Groomed terrain accounts for most beginner and intermediate trails at most resorts. For the expert, groomed slopes are opportunities to open it up, make big turns, and push your limits in a more controlled environment. We scored each model based on its edge-to-edge quickness, carving ability, and edge hold for this metric. With plenty of groomers at our ski tips this season, we could lay each ski over on edge, and there were quite a few contenders for the best carving ski this year.
All-mountain skis with a more traditional design, like camber underfoot and a slightly narrower waist, are usually preferred for carving and on-piste performance. Stiffer, more powerful skis like the Nordica Enforcer 94 stand out as skis with designs that excel at carving on groomed snow. But slightly softer, more well-rounded skis like the Volkl M6 Mantra and the Salomon QST 92 handle a carve nearly as well, and they are much more versatile across the mountain.
The raw power of the Enforcer 94 will leave deep trenches in even the firmest snow.
Credit: Scott Rokis
The Nordica Enforcer 94, the top carver in the test, has a rockered tip for easy turn initiation, less rocker than other skis in the tail for more grip through the end of the turn, and camber underfoot, which results in lots of pop and energy. These characteristics help the Enforcer 94 earn recognition for its on-piste abilities. Conversely, the Rossignol Black Ops Sender Ti has a more rocker-focused design that looks like a smooth, gradual bend from tip to tail. This design is likely attributed to the Black Ops Sender Ti scoring the lowest in this category.
Rocker, Camber, or Both?
Many all-mountain skis have a certain amount of camber under the foot. This arching shape gives a ski its pop and energy when resting flat on the snow. When compressed, it helps create the arched shape of the turn.
Rockered designs are the opposite – they form a bowl shape when resting flat and pull the snow contact point toward the ski center. This design shortens the ski's effective edge length, and less edge contact with the snow can make for quicker and easier turn initiation. With a more turned-up tip, rockered skis are more likely to float in soft snow without adding width underfoot.
Many all-mountain models feature any combination of camber underfoot, early-rise tips (rocker tip), and/or rockered tails to appeal to a wider range of skiing styles and perform in various conditions.
The Salomon QST 92's rocker-camber profile promotes early edge grip, making it very easy to turn.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Sidecut Radius
A conversation that goes hand-in-hand with talking about carving ability is the discussion over ski geometry, specifically ski sidecut and the associated turn radius of a ski. All other things considered equal, a ski with a “deeper” sidecut – meaning a greater difference in widths between tip/tail and waist – is going to have a smaller turn radius and is going to be better at carving a tighter turn. Our carving champion, the Nordica Enforcer 94, has a turning radius of 17.1 meters, one of the shortest of this lot.
The entire lineup of all-mountain skis we tested has a “medium-length” turn radius, falling somewhere between 15-20 meters. What should come as no surprise is that a mid-length turn radius allows these skis to be more versatile regardless of terrain and use. Although sidecut and turn radius naturally affect a ski's ability to cut a quick turn, these geometries change with ski length. We also know that weight, waist width, the shape of the ski, and especially the camber profile all factor into how easily a ski will engage or release from a turn.
Rocker technology has become commonplace within ski design, and most of the skis in this review have some type of rocker profile and or early rise. Camber purists are critical of this design because it shortens the effective edge of a ski. Rockered ski tips don't make contact with the snow unless the ski is tipped onto a high-edge angle. As a result, rockered skis may not be the best option to carve on hardpack, but they are often quick and easy to turn.
Powder-focused skis like the Blizzard Rustler 9 are also suited to perform in soft spring conditions.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Powder Performance
Once you wander off the groomed trails, the mountain can throw any condition your way. We rate each competitor on its performance in different snow conditions and begin this process by evaluating everyone's favorite: powder. We scored this based on each ski's ability to float through powder and stay on top when the snow gets deep. We looked for a surfy and floaty feel. Almost every model is fun in perfect powder because the perfect powder is fun and easy to ski. There are, however, some notable differences across skis in terms of how they perform in the soft stuff.
Among the competitors, the Blizzard Rustler 9 shows the clearest preference for soft snow. The Head Kore 93 is close behind. They were the obvious favorites in powder conditions with wide waists, big shovels, and lots of rocker. The less obvious favorites were the Volkl M6 Mantra and the Faction Agent 2. Despite these models' sportier profiles, they impressed us in this category and kept up with the very best to provide float and fun in the fluff.
The Head Kore 93 helps you stay on top of the powder.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Waist Width
Although it's not everything, having a wider underfoot ski will probably make your powder day more fun. A wider tip with a bit of rocker helps to keep ski tips floating above softer, deeper, and more variable snow conditions. But a wider-waisted ski will keep you there simply because it has more surface area to work with. Although they are not true powder skis by modern standards, all-mountain skis with waist widths closer to 100 mm – like the Blizzard Rustler 9 or Rossignol Black Ops Sender Ti – are going to be more playful and surfy in the light and fluffy than narrower models.
The Salomon QST 92 is challenging to control in powder conditions and tends to get bogged down on bottomless days. These skis are a little too narrow and just don't float as well as others we tested. In general, wider waists perform better in softer snow and struggle on-piste and firm conditions. This is certainly true of the Head Kore 93, which is only slightly wider at 95 mm underfoot. This ski excels as an all-mountain powder ski but suffers when you try to carve it on groomers.
Narrower-waisted skis allow you to sink into the powder.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Crud Performance
Variable snow can be a challenge to ski. We all encounter it at some point in the season, and having the right tool to get you through it is key. Variable-condition chargers are often well-rounded models that will always hold their own on the hill – anywhere, at any time. We rate crud performance based on each model's ability to dance through chopped-up powder and plow through variable conditions: think conditions like refrozen choppy snow, breakable crusts, or heavy slush. Can a ski still turn smoothly in the harshest snow conditions, or do they hook an edge? Can they plow through crusts, or do they dive underneath? Does the chatter from frozen snow reverberate through the ski and rattle your brain?
Regardless of conditions, heavier and stiffer models like the Black Crows Justis punch through – it tracks well through variable snow and is damp enough to keep you comfortable and confident through your turns. Rocker tips and wider waist widths on skis like the Justis or Volkl M6 Mantra provide a lot of surface area and help keep you right side up in conditions like breakable crust and heavy slush.
Power through refrozen suncups with support from a heavy ski such as the Black Crows Justis.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Terrain Playfulness
Playful models are easy to use, responsive, adapt well to changing terrain, and are just downright fun. Skis that are a little loose and quick to turn with lots of pop are a go-to choice for those who want to turn the entire mountain into a terrain park. Gullies, little airs, and bumps are playgrounds for those light on their feet and creative with their terrain choices.
The Faction Agent 2 and Atomic Maverick 95 TI are among the most playful skis we tested. Even though they are very different skis, our testers loved their unique feel across various terrain features. The Blizzard Rustler 9 impressed with its playful pop into airs and forgiving flex on the landing and proves its ability to be ridden switch confidently. While we don't expect any of these skis to perform like a designated park ski, we expect them to make the entire mountain feel like a natural terrain park.
The Terrain playfulness metric includes a skis ability to help you navigate tight spaces.
Credit: Marc Rotse
When commuting around the mountain to find the best snow after a storm, you'll inevitably find runs chopped up into some sort of mogul field. These aren't the fun zipper lines with a bouncy rhythm; these moguls are more erratic in shape and spacing.
Take your Atomic Maverick 95 Ti's through tight terrain and be rewarded.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Skis that demonstrate a consistent flex have plenty of energy to pop from turn to turn. These feel light and nimble underfoot and handle this type of terrain the best. While none of the products in this test are designed specifically with moguls in mind, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti handled the bumps best. The combination of tip rocker and slight tail rocker in these skis helps provide easier turn initiation and release, especially in tight spaces with quicker movements.
We are die-hard skiers just like you. From color-coordinated, to shark costumes, and everything in between, we are out there getting after it nearly every day.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Conclusion
We've all been there: we're looking for a new pair of skis for the season, but we don't want to dump our life savings into several pairs of skis. For the all-mountain review, we sought out products that are wide enough to handle soft snow but have dimensions and design features that allow them to rip up the hard-packed snow as well. Rest assured that there is a magical single ski out there for everyone, and we've made it our mission to help you find them.
