Salomon QST

Yes, it is designed specifically for that versatility. The 98mm waist and progressive rocker profile allow it to handle soft snow and crud well, while the sandwich sidewall construction provides the edge hold you need for groomed runs.

The cork inserts in the tip and tail act as a dampening agent. They help absorb high-frequency vibrations, which reduces chatter when you are skiing at higher speeds or through choppy, uneven snow.

The QST 98 is generally geared toward advanced skiers. While it is maneuverable, the carbon laminate construction and responsive poplar core require a confident technique to get the most out of the ski's performance capabilities.

While the progressive rocker helps with float, the 98mm waist is narrower than a dedicated powder ski. It will perform admirably in moderate fresh snow, but if you are skiing exclusively in deep, bottomless powder, you might prefer a wider model.

With a 15-meter turn radius, this ski is quite agile and prefers medium-radius turns. It is quick edge-to-edge, making it fun in tight trees or bumps, but it remains stable enough to hold a line when you open it up on a groomer.