Best all-mountain skis 2026

1. Versatility
2. Maneuverability
3. Stability
4. Off-Piste
5. Level
6. Waist width

Versatility

All-mountain skis are designed to provide optimal performance on different types of terrain and snow conditions. The degree of versatility is therefore the main criterion to consider. A good all-mountain ski must be able to transition smoothly from groomed snow to off-piste, while offering a safe and fluid gliding experience. Indeed, not all all-mountain skis have the same level of versatility!

There are 3 brackets for versatility

• Low
  Suitable for skiers who prioritize either performance on groomed slopes with tight and responsive turns, or floatation in powder and stability at high speeds off-piste. These skis are specialized for specific conditions, offering limited versatility in mixed conditions.
• Average
  Suitable for skiers who spend more time off-piste but still want good performance on groomed runs. A good compromise for those who want stability at high speeds with some floatation in powder.
• Big
  Ideal for skiers who regularly alternate between groomed trails and off-piste, offering an excellent balance between maneuverability and stability. These skis provide optimal performance in various snow conditions, including powder and hard snow.

Maneuverability

Maneuverability refers to how easily a skier can control and turn their skis. Maneuverable skis are responsive and allow for precise turns, which is crucial in varied and changing environments like those encountered with all-mountain skis. Maneuverability is both different from and complementary to « versatility. » In the case of all-mountain skis, maneuverability particularly refers to the stiffness of the ski and the weight of the ski.

There are 3 brackets for maneuverability

• Weak
  Stiffer skis, requiring more technique for turns, suitable for more advanced skiers.
• Average
  Skis offering a good balance between stability and responsiveness, suitable for intermediate skiers.
• High
  Light and easy-to-maneuver skis, perfect for experienced skiers.

Stability

The stability of skis influences the confidence and safety felt by the skier, especially at high speeds or on rough terrain. Stable skis reduce vibrations and provide better grip, which is crucial for maintaining control.

There are 3 brackets for stability

• Weak
  Lighter and more flexible skis, which may be less stable at high speeds or on uneven terrain.
• Average
  Skis balancing lightness and sturdiness, suitable for the majority of skiers.
• Raised
  Heavy and stiff skis, excellent for speed and rough terrain.

Off-Piste

Off-piste behavior is crucial if one seeks to venture away from groomed trails and enjoy varied terrains: powder, forest, bumps, chopped snow… A high-performance all-mountain ski in off-piste conditions will confirm the ski’s ability to be used in a true mixed-use setting, and not just on the slopes.

There are 3 brackets for off-piste

• weak
  Track-oriented, occasional outings off-piste.
• average
  Handles off-piste well, good all-rounder.
• good
  Good all-rounder, even very oriented towards freeride.

Level

A ski that is too stiff or technical for a beginner becomes a nightmare. Conversely, an experienced skier on a model that is too soft or basic will quickly become frustrated by the lack of precision or performance. Make sure to choose a ski that matches your current level, not the one you hope to reach by the end of the season!

There are 4 brackets for level

• Beginner
  Discover skiing, seek stability and ease of handling.
• Intermediate
  Track control, starts off-piste, wants to progress effectively.
• Advanced
  At ease everywhere, seeks precision and versatility at a good level.
• Expert
  Total mastery, technical skiing, fast and committed on all terrains.

Waist width

The waist width is the width of the skis between the two bindings (underfoot): the toe piece and the heel piece. This waist width is measured in millimeters. Often, ski models have a name ending with a number. This number is generally the waist width of the ski given in millimeters! For example, the ski « Dynastar M tour 99 » has a waist width of 99 mm! The wider the width, the more the skis float easily on powder snow, but the slower they are to turn on groomed runs. As always, it’s a matter of compromise. It is difficult to have the best of both worlds, but all-mountain skis attempt to combine comfort on-piste and efficiency off-piste by positioning themselves at the boundary of both practices.

There are 3 brackets for waist width

• versatile
  from 3.35 to 3.74 inches at the base
• large
  from 3.74 to 4.13 inches at the base
• large/freeride
  from 4.1 to 4.5 inches at the base