The Best All-Mountain Wide Skis of the Year
This article originally appeared on Outside
This article was first published by SkiMag.com.
If you're a soft-snow connoisseur or just prefer a wide platform for everything you encounter at the resort, you need an all-mountain wide ski in your life. The skis in the All-Mountain Wide category are slightly girthier than your typical all-mountain ski--typically 100-110mm--and usually feature a more pronounced rocker profile than their all-mountain counterparts.
Wide all-mountain skis are ideal for skiers who are lucky enough to ski deep, soft snow more often than not, but they also cater to East Coast powderhounds and Western skiers who prefer float over finesse. With a wider waist and more rocker, you sacrifice some edging capabilities, but many skiers think the crud-busting and surfing abilities you get in return are well worth the trade-off.
If you find yourself in that camp, check out the 15 unisex all-mountain wide skis that performed best at SKI's 2024 gear test in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Looking for the best women's all-mountain wide skis of 2024? You'll find those here.
How We Test
Number of skis tested: 21
Number of testers: 24
Testing location: Sun Valley, Idaho
Average age of tester: 39
Average height of tester: 5'9"
Average weight of tester: 170 lbs
SKI has been running its annual ski test for decades now, but we're always tweaking and perfecting the process. As in the past, we invited a crew of seasoned industry professionals--ski instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and former World Cup racers--to join us for a week-long gear test in Sun Valley, Idaho, a resort known for its steep and manicured groomers, legendary bump runs, perfectly gladed tree runs, and of course, "the Burn," sidecountry terrain that powder dreams are made of.
The mission: Jump on every pair of skis entered into our five categories (Carving, Frontside, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Wide, and Powder), put them through their paces all over the mountain, and then fill out a digital scorecard with comments and impressions of how each pair of planks performed across various skill categories--from carving chops and crud performance to stability at speed and responsiveness. We ask our crew of 24 testers to identify a ski's primary strengths, its weaknesses, who it's designed for, and what terrain and snow conditions it's most adept at. At the end of the week, we have enough hard data on the 100-plus pairs of skis tested to make your head spin, and we use it all to bring you these reviews of the best skis of the year.
When judging an all-mountain wide ski, we primarily assess well it performs in deeper snow, be that fresh pow or days-old crud. Lucky for us, we didn't have to make do with stale powder during our test in Sun Valley--it was nuking on the day of our All-Mountain Wide category test. The skis that impressed us the most with their ability to float through pow, charge through crud, and hold steady in variable conditions made this list of the best all-mountain wide skis of the year.
Meet the Testers
Jon Sexauer
Age: 36 | Height: 5'7'' | Weight: 155 lbs
A self-proclaimed gear nerd when it comes to skis and mountain bikes, Sexauer grew up skiing in Northern California, spending the majority of his time getting loose and sendy in terrain parks. He now lives in Colorado and calls Copper Mountain his home hill. Though he still gravitates towards playful and wide all-mountain skis, he's developed a more open mind when it comes to skis since joining SKI's official gear test crew six seasons ago. These days, you'll find him ripping around Copper on his trusty Nordica Enforcer 100s.
Otto Gibbons
Age: 24 | Height: 5'6'' | Weight: 135 lbs
Gibbons has spent 22 of his 23 years on this earth on skis. The son of Sturtevants Sports' head buyer, Tracy Gibbons, Otto has basically lived in the ski shop his whole life and has worked there for the past seven years as a hardgoods buyer. If he's not in the shop, he's ripping laps at Washington's Crystal Mountain.
Chad Jacob
Age: 41 | Height: 5'10'' | Weight: 195 lbs
Jacob is a ski race coach from the East Coast and skis like one. At his home hill of Bristol Mountain, N.Y., you'll likely find him carving up icy groomers on a set of skinny skis. Jacob is a veteran gear tester who has tested skis for both Outside and SKI.
Luke Larsen
Age: 41 | Height: 5'10'' | Weight: 195 lbs
Larsen owns and operates Salt Lake City's Lifthouse ski shop with his brother, Zac Larsen. He practically grew up in the shop, a family-owned business, and spent his free time chasing gates on the Snowbird Ski Team. He's been testing skis for SKI for more than a decade.
The Reviews: The Best All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024
Editor's Choice: Nordica Enforcer 104 Free ($850)
Overall score: 7.96/10
Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
Dimensions (mm): 134.5-104-123.5
Radius (m): 17.5 (179)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,105 (179)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Flotation
Cons: Forgiveness, Quickness
The Nordica Enforcer lineup is no stranger to the upper ranks of the SKI Test, and the Enforcer 104 Free carries on that tradition by claiming the top step on the Unisex All-Mountain Wide podium for 2023-24. This model combines a wood core, carbon, and two sheets of metal sandwiched into Nordica's Powder Rocker Profile to build a stout ski that earned top scores for Stability at Speed, Flotation, and Versatility. Testers agreed that the Enforcer 104 Free was best suited for strong, aggressive, and expert skiers who are looking for an option that's competent in the soft stuff but can still hold an edge on firm snow. Some skiers found it to feel most comfortable in wide-open spaces and when skied assertively, which explains the low scores for Quickness and Forgiveness. Tester Luke Larsen, who calls Snowbird, Utah, his home hill, summed this ski up well: "It will Enforce your will on pow days."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 2: Volkl Mantra 102 ($800)
Overall score: 7.71/10
Lengths (cm): 170, 177, 184, 191
Dimensions (mm): 142-102-124
Radius (m): 28-18-26 (177)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,209 (184)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness
Testers commented that the Volkl Mantra 102 was almost a carving ski that snuck into the Unisex All-Mountain Wide test, so it's no surprise it received top scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. This is a hefty set of boards, but it's capable in variable terrain and surprisingly willing to make shorter turns in bumps and trees. The most common feedback for the Mantra 102 is that it rewards those who are willing to push their limits; stronger skiers will be able to reap the full benefit of skiing with power and speed in all terrain and snow conditions. This model is a "solid charger that can get into tight spots with ease and make stronger skiers confident to take literally anything with speed," said upstate New York-based tester Chad Jacob in wrapping up his review--a sentiment shared among all the crew.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 3: Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus ($900)
Overall score: 7.68/10
Lengths (cm): 180, 187, 194
Dimensions (mm): 138-106-128
Radius (m): 21 (187)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,200 (187)
Pros: Crud Performance, Versatility
Cons: Forgiveness, Responsiveness
Testers were quick to praise the Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus for its ability to allow intermediates to feel confident, yet also perform well for the most-aggressive skiers. John Jensen, hailing from Carbondale, Colorado, found it to be a ski that "anyone can pick up and improve their skiing with--and do it all." The Sender 106 Ti Plus was smooth in variable snow and had strong edge hold on groomed terrain, earning its highest scores in Crud Performance and Versatility. That stability, especially in inconsistent conditions and on changing surfaces, can be attributed to Rossignol's use of a vibration-absorbing insert in the body of the ski to help minimize feedback. The Sender 106 Ti Plus didn't have a single top-scoring criterion, but was ranked in the top five for nearly all, explaining its wide appeal. Jacob described this offering as the classic "one-ski quiver--something you could own and be happy with daily."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 4: Stockli Stormrider 102 ($1,349)
Overall score: 7.63/10
Lengths (cm): 173, 182, 191
Dimensions (mm): 135-102-125
Radius (m): 19.8 (182)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,890 (182)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Playfulness, Flotation
Testers raved about the Stockli Stormrider 102's smooth demeanor in all terrain and snow conditions. Larsen said it performed best in "crud and beat-up groomers--anything under a foot of snow and this is your go-to." It's no wonder this ski scored highly in Quickness/Maneuverability, Crud Performance, and Versatility. Multiple skiers assumed the Stormrider 102 was going to be a burly and unforgiving ski, yet were quick to forget that assumption: They found it easy to control, and that it didn't punish them for mistakes. However, that's not to say the ski didn't like a little muscle. Our crew reported that the Stockli performed best when skied actively, and its double-Titanal construction earned it high numbers for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. Tommy Flitton, a Snowbird, Utah skier, recommended the Stormrider 102 to anyone--"This is an absolute ripper," he enthused--and encouraged consumers to not be afraid of the price tag, noting that it's "worth every penny."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 5: Blizzard Rustler 10 ($800)
Overall score: 7.45/10
Lengths (cm): 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 192
Dimensions (mm): 134-102-123
Radius (m): 17.5 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,995 (180)
Pros: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed
Cons: Responsiveness, Hard-Snow Integrity
The redesigned Blizzard Rustler 10 received heaps of praise for its all-mountain prowess and ability to make you feel like you're shredding like your ski-movie heroes. It is burly enough to ski confidently in all terrain, but also willing to let you skid and slash turns to maintain control. The Rustler 10 earned its top marks for Stability at Speed, Crud Performance, and Versatility--fitting for a ski designed with the modern freeride/big-mountain skier in mind. Multiple testers commented on how snappy and quick this model could be in the trees, yet still behave smoothly and confidently on the groomers--attributes that earned it some of the highest scores in the Unisex All-Mountain Wide test for Quickness/Maneuverability and Playfulness. Jacob, a 41-year-old race coach, was quick to identify the Rustler 10 as "a real-deal ski that can be enjoyed by intermediate skiers who want to progress, but can also be pushed hard by experts."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 6: Dynastar M-Free 108 ($900)
Overall score: 7.42/10
Lengths (cm): 172, 182, 192
Dimensions (mm): 138-108-128
Radius (m): 18 (182)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,200 (182)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Versatility
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness
The Dynastar M-Free 108 is a no-nonsense bulldozer of a ski that wants to be let loose in wide-open terrain, yet still can be finessed into making tight turns in bumps and glades. Testers agreed that stronger, more aggressive skiers would be able to maximize its potential to confidently descend through variable snow. That hard-charging nature earned the Dynastar its highest scores for Stability at Speed, Versatility, and Crud Performance. The M-Free 108 is a more traditional ski that prefers being driven from the front, which rewards assertive skiing but can feel overbearing for less-experienced skiers. It received its lowest marks in Playfulness and Forgiveness, so it isn't going to be the best option for the more new-school-minded big-mountain skier. Washington state-based tester Otto Gibbons described the M-Free 108 as a "dependable platform--no matter the conditions--for someone who will charge confidently down the mountain."
No. 7: Fischer Ranger 108 ($950)
Overall score: 7.41/10
Lengths (cm): 171, 178, 185, 192
Dimensions (mm): 142-108-133
Radius (m): 17 (178)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,120 (185)
Pros: Versatility, Playfulness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
The Fischer Ranger 108 nails the sweet spot of performance and approachability, with testers calling it a great option for intermediates looking to improve their technique. At 108 millimeters underfoot, it provides plenty of lift in soft snow, earning the ski top scores in Versatility and Flotation; with a gentle and forgiving flex, it also captured the best marks for Playfulness and Responsiveness. Our team quickly identified the Ranger 108 as a fun and sporty option for skiers who want to explore all over the mountain, seeking out powder stashes and softer snow. The tips did tend to flop around on firmer snow and at faster clips, which explains the ski's lowest rankings in Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed. Even with those concerns, Larsen--a tester who also owns a Salt Lake City, Utah, ski shop--describes this model as "a poppy, fun all-mountain pow ski. If you're looking for airs and jumps, the Ranger 108 will be your guide."
No. 8: Salomon QST 106 ($750)
Overall score: 7.4/10
Lengths (cm):157, 165, 173, 181, 189
Dimensions (mm): 139-106-126
Radius (m): 19 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,980 (181)
Pros: Flotation, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
For skiers looking to make surfy turns in soft, variable snow without having to think too much or work too hard, the Salomon QST 106 delivers. Testers found it to be intuitive and confidence-inspiring in nearly all terrain, but there was some concern that aggressive skiers might be underwhelmed at higher speeds in firmer conditions. The QST 106 received its lowest scores for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed, but these shortfalls were overshadowed by its highest marks in Versatility, Forgiveness, and Flotation. The Salomon was one of the most approachable skis in the Unisex All-Mountain Wide category and was recommended as a great option for skiers who want one set of sticks that is dependable enough to do it all. Larsen described this ski as "fun to bounce around on" and pointed out that the QST 106 has "plenty of power without getting that planky feel" that can plague skis in this category.
No. 9: 4FRNT MSP 107 ($749)
Overall score: 7.32/10
Lengths (cm): 171, 176, 181, 187
Dimensions (mm): 138-107-128
Radius (m): 20 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,050 (181)
Pros: Crud Performance, Flotation
Cons: Quickness, Responsiveness
Testers couldn't help but describe the 4FRNT MSP 107 as a spirited ski, especially for skiers with a new-school approach to big-mountain riding. It was burlier than some folks expected, requiring a little bit more work to engage in the turns and making it difficult to control in tighter terrain. Accordingly, the MSP 107's lowest scores were in Quickness/Maneuverability and Responsiveness. What it lacked in snappiness, however, it more than made up for in its dependable performance in soft and variable snow, scoring its best in Crud Performance and Flotation. Our crew found the 4FRNT to be reassuring at speed except for on the firmest groomers. Denver, Colorado-based tester Jon Sexauer characterized the MSP 107 as "a super-fun and poppy ski" best suited for "playful skiers who want something a little less traditional to pop around the mountain like a playground."
No. 10: Head Kore 105 ($925)
Overall score: 7.01/10
Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184, 191
Dimensions (mm): 135-105-125
Radius (m): 17.8 (184)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,840 (184)
Pros: Quickness, Flotation
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Crud Performance
The Head Kore 105 surprised several testers with how much performance could be packed into such a lightweight ski. It thrived in soft conditions, and skiers raved about its ability to nimbly navigate through bumps and trees, naturally earning its highest marks in Quickness/Maneuverability and Flotation. In denser variable snow, the Kore 105's lack of heft was a detriment, with some noting it tended to deflect instead of drive through crud. There was also some concern that the ski was chattery on hardpack. Those worries might be worth considering for West and East Coast skiers who manage heavy snow or icy conditions. Jacob thought the Head was "very approachable for most skiers," stating that "experts will figure out it doesn't need to be skied super forward and intermediates will enjoy how easy the turn initiation is on most snow types."
No. 11: Armada Declivity 102 Ti ($975)
Overall score: 6.89/10
Lengths (cm): 172, 180, 188
Dimensions (mm): 135-102-125
Radius (m): 18 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,950 (180)
Pros: Versatility, Quickness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
Armada's Declivity lineup consists of directional skis that are a departure from the brand's park-centric heritage, but that doesn't mean the Declivity 102 Ti isn't worth consideration from a wider audience. Testers showered this ski with praise for its soft-snow performance and surprisingly solid and energetic demeanor, but did observe that it's got a speed limit and left them a little wanting on firmer snow surfaces. The Declivity 102 Ti will resonate with skiers looking to explore off-piste instead of ripping high-speed laps on groomers, as evidenced by its low scores for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed. Jamie Klopp, a Southern California-based tester, called this model a "crud-slaying float monster that loves bouncing around and playing in its native habitat." That home base is anywhere the snow is soft and sporty terrain options are plentiful--the kind of places that show why testers gave the Declivity 102 Ti its highest scores in Quickness/Maneuverability and Versatility.
No. 12: K2 Mindbender 106C ($850)
Overall score: 6.88/10
Lengths (cm): 169, 176, 183, 189
Dimensions (mm): 137-106-127
Radius (m): 18.9 (183)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,089 (183)
Pros: Playfulness, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
K2's all-new Mindbender 106C is a lightweight ski that urges intermediate through expert skiers to rip it from bell to bell. Longtime SKI tester Larsen says this offering is "super approachable and won't beat you up," adding that it's "dependable for nearly any terrain type." The relatively lightweight construction did have a negative effect on the ski's ability to handle hard-snow with confidence and remain stable at speed. Not every skier wants to ski a heavy metal-laminate ski all day every day--or has the legs of steel to do so--and testers were quick to identify this K2 as an easier option that was still plenty capable. The Mindbender 106C's lightweight and energetic construction allowed the ski to remain agile, earning it high marks for Playfulness and Forgiveness. Jacob, who routinely skis Bristol Mountain in New York, called it a "very playful" ski that is a "real smile-maker that appeals to the masses."
No. 13: Faction Dancer 3 ($849)
Overall score: 6.51/10
Lengths (cm): 172, 178, 183, 188
Dimensions (mm): 134-106-124
Radius (m): 21 (183)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,100 (183)
Pros: Flotation, Stability at Speed
Cons: Quickness, Hard-Snow Integrity
Tester consensus was that the Faction Dancer 3 was a stable ski at speed that urged them to put the pedal to the metal, but definitely prefers to stay off-piste. This model will appeal to skiers with a centered stance who are cruising around the mountain looking for the next thing to jump off. It performs best in soft snow and at higher speeds, which makes sense given its top scores in Flotation and Stability at Speed. Our team wasn't so convinced that the Dancer 3 could manage in tight spaces, with its 106-millimeter waist and longer 21-meter turn radius requiring the ski to get up to speed before coming to life; it earned correspondingly low scores for Quickness/Maneuverability and Hard-Snow Integrity. Larsen advised skiers to "hold on tight and have fun, but you'll have to wait for your friends because you'll be the first one down."
No. 14: Peak 104 by Bode ($1,090)
Overall score: 6.42/10
Lengths (cm): 160, 168, 178, 184, 190
Dimensions (mm): 134-104-122
Radius (m): 23.5 (178)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,932 (178)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Forgiveness, Playfulness
The Peak 104 stood out from the crowd with notable edge hold regardless of terrain or velocity, which earned it top marks for Crud Performance and Stability at Speed. The ski has a 23.5-meter turn radius, which seemed a little daunting, but Peak claims their Keyhole Technology allows the turn shape to be adjusted on the fly. Not all testers could find a way to access that adjustability, but those who did were quickly converted into believers in its impact on the ski's performance. The longer turn radius did feel locked in if you couldn't make the KeyHole work for you, and that hurt the Peak 104 with low scores for Forgiveness and Playfulness. Jacob called this one a "burly ski that's approachable to most skier types," but it's important to call out that there is a bit of a learning curve.
No. 15: Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition ($1,100)
Overall score: 6.03/10
Lengths (cm): 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions (mm): 143-106-120
Radius (m): 18.1 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,900 (180)
Pros: Flotation, Playfulness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Forgiveness
The Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition provides an energetic option for experienced skiers who don't want to be forced to constantly drive their skis. This model responds well to a balanced stance without too much pressure or weight in the tip or tail and rewards skiers with a smooth, predictable ride. Testers found the Ripstick 106 Black Edition to be easy to maneuver in softer snow and willing to gracefully navigate through crud and powder or pop to and from push piles in varied terrain, highlighting its top scores in Flotation and Playfulness. There was some disappointment that Elan's burlier Black Edition construction didn't deliver that extra level of energy to compete with some of the other skis in the Unisex All-Mountain Wide category. Gibbons praised the Ripstick 106 Black Edition as a "strong, reliable, and maneuverable" ski that "will happily go with you from bell to bell."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wide all-mountain skis?
Dynastar M-Free 108
Fischer Ranger 108
Salomon QST 106
4FRNT MSP 107
Head Kore 105
Armada Declivity 102 Ti
K2 Mindbender 106C
Faction Dancer 3
Peak 104 by Bode
Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition
What are all-mountain wide skis?
All-mountain wide skis are slightly wider than typical all-mountain skis, with waist widths that hover between 100-110mm. While they’re still versatile all-mountain skis, they cater more to soft snow and powder and less to groomer skiing than slimmer all-mountain skis. Like all-mountain skis, all-mountain wide skis feature tip- and tail rocker and larger turning raddi. However, unlike all-mountain skis, wider all-mountain skis tend to include less (or no) metal in the core to keep the weight of the ski more manageable at wider dimensions.
What is the difference between freeride and all-mountain wide skis?
All-Mountain wide skis are usually narrower and have shorter turn radii compared to freeride skis. This allows all-mountain wide skis to perform on hard-snow and be able to carve more easily than true freeride skis. Some skis in this category bridge the gap between these two classifications.
Who are all-mountain wide skis for?
Wider all-mountain skis are better suited to skiers who primarily ski off-piste, at resorts that see abundant snow fall. Wider all-mountain skis generally handle powder and crud better than narrower all-mountain skis. However, wide all-mountain skis sacrifice edge performance, so skiers who care about making precise turns and carving on groomers occasionally should look to narrower all-mountain skis.
How wide is too wide for a resort ski?
Skilled skiers will be able to manage a wide ski (100mm-plus) in most conditions and will still be able to make these skis carve. But intermediate skiers still working on their skills may find wide all-mountain skis to be more work in the types of conditions you are likely to encounter at the resort. Learn more here.
What's the difference between men's and women's skis?
In truth, most skis are unisex and not gender-specific. Many brands produce the ski with the exact same construction technologies for both genders, but often create two different top sheets to appeal to men vs. women. A handful of brands are making truly women's-specific skis, where the ski takes a woman's physique into account when building the ski. Men and women can ski on the same ski but may want to choose different lengths depending on their height and their skiing ability.
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