The Best Women’s All-Mountain Skis of 2023
This article originally appeared on Outside
This article was first published by SkiMag.com.
The best all-mountain skis can tear up the groomed, demolish chutes with ease, and eat bumps for breakfast. A wider waist and more tip rocker make these skis party in the front, business underfoot, and capable in everything but the deepest powder. This roundup of women's all-mountain skis is for ladies who explore all aspects of the mountain, from frontside groomers to tracked-out bowls, and everything in between. If you're seeking one pair of planks to do it all--and do it all well--these versatile all-mountain skis with a little more underfoot will help you tackle the whole mountain, whatever the conditions.
Looking for the best unisex all mountain skis? Check them out here.
How to Use These Reviews
The following skis appear in ranked order, with the ski that tested best at our 2023 gear test in Sun Valley, Idaho listed at the top. At the top of each ski review, we list the ski's overall score, a product of how 8 female testers scored the ski across nine different skills categories. SKI's scoring system exists to determine and call attention to the skis that most impressed our testers, a crew of ski industry professionals and advanced and expert skiers from across the country. We believe these skis set the benchmark for what an all-mountain ski is designed to do. That said, remember that ski testing (and skiing) is somewhat subjective. While we're big fans of the category-winning Blizzard Sheeva 9, it may not be the best choice for every skier. So don't just look at a ski's score--read our testers' feedback to understand the nuances of each ski and who it's best suited to. Otherwise, you might wind up with a great ski, just not the right ski for you.
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Meet the Testers
Avery Pesce
Age: 39 | Height: 5'6" | Weight: 138 lbs
Pesce lives in Whitman, Mass., and calls the ski areas of Vermont and New Hampshire home. She's an expert skier with an aggressive style that she applies to any and all type of terrain and snow conditions. Safe to say that as the head ski buyer for Boston Ski & Tennis in Newton, Mass., she knows a thing or two about skis--how they're built, and how they perform.
Michelle Nicholson
Age: 37 | Height: 5'4" | Weight: 145 lbs
Nicholson hails from Driggs, Idaho and is on the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort race/events team. When she's not working events for JHMR, you'll find her tearing up the bumps and extremes of Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. She's a veteran gear tester who has tested skis for Powder and SKI.
Jenny Wiegand
Age: 34 | Height: 5'4" | Weight: 140 lbs
Wiegand is SKI's gear test director and managing editor. She grew up in Garmisch, Germany and cut her teeth on the slopes of the Hausberg. She started out as a competitive figure skater before realizing skiing was more fun. She ski raced in high school and college, then promptly got herself a job in the ski industry, first as a ski instructor at Crested Butte, Colo., then as an editor at SKI.
Reviews: The Best Women's All-Mountain Skis of 2023
No. 1: Blizzard Sheeva 9 ($650)
Overall score: 8.31/10
Lengths (cm): 148, 157, 164, 172
Dimensions (mm): 124-92-114
Radius (m): 14
Pros: Crud performance, Hard-snow integrity
Cons: Forgiveness, Responsiveness
Looking for the Black Pearl 97? You won't find it on this list. Instead, allow us to introduce you to this year's chart-topping women's all-mountain ski: the more freeride-oriented Sheeva 9. Cut from the same cloth as Blizzard's popular unisex Rustler line but with a lighter core, it features the same construction designed to focus more on performance off-trail than on groomers. And that's exactly where the Sheeva 9 shines, with testers praising the ski's ability to plow over and through variable snow conditions above all else. That said, it's just as comfortable on groomers and hard snow, and its balance of skills and perfect mix of dependability and energy are what make it the category winner. Intermediates will find it an approachable and confidence-boosting all-mountain tool, so long as they size down. In the longer lengths, the Sheeva 9 packs a punch best suited to experts willing to dial it up to 11. "A super-dependable ski you can reach for in all conditions and not be let down," said East Coast-based tester Avery Pesce.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 2: Head Kore 91 W ($800)
Overall score: 8.21/10
Lengths (cm): 149, 156, 163, 170
Dimensions (mm): 130-91-113
Radius (m): 14.7
Pros: Versatility, Playfulness
Cons: Flotation, Crud performance
If we had to choose just one ski to universally recommend to women--no matter their ability or where they ski--the Kore 91 W might be it. Thanks to a lightweight caruba/poplar core and moderate tip and tail rocker, this ski is incredibly agile, energetic, and just so easy to swing around, making it the perfect playmate in moguls and glades. For a ski with no Titanal, the Kore 91 W also holds its own under expert pressure, and testers say it won't let you down even when conditions get sketchy. One little shortcoming: It does have a speed limit, and because it doesn't have metal in it, it's not the most natural carver on hard snow. But as a playful, user-friendly, and versatile all-mountain tool, this ski is hard to top. "An intermediate-level damp ski or a playful cheater for advanced skiers," summed up Ariella Gintzler, one of our more petite female testers.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 3: Salomon QST Lumen 98 ($725)
Overall score: 8.11/10
Lengths (cm): 152, 160, 168, 176
Dimensions (mm): 131-98-119
Radius (m): 15
Pros: Playfulness, Quickness
Cons: Crud performance, Stability at speed
This ski blew the rest in this category out of the water in the Playfulness, Quickness, and Forgiveness departments, so if those are your jam, pull the trigger. There must be magic in the poplar wood core, because the QST Lumen 98 majorly impressed testers with its pop and pizazz--traits that have been hard to come by in some Salomon skis, which can feel a little dead inside. But not the QST Lumen 98. When asked about the ski's weakness, a common response was, "It's too fun." Don't let that fool you into thinking it isn't dependable or serious enough for experts, though. True, it's not the most stable at speed, but it will perform just as happily and intuitively for intermediates as it will for advanced skiers. "98 Lumen? More like 98,000 lumens--it's so energetic," said Erika Northrop, tester and hardgoods buyer for Christy ski shop in Taos, N.M. "Feels more at home in soft snow, but will show ya a good time on hardpack if you promise her a good time in the trees later."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 4: Armada Reliance 92 Ti ($825)
Overall score: 8.09/10
Lengths (cm): 156, 164, 172, 180
Dimensions (mm): 130-92-116
Radius (m): 16.5
Pros: Versatility, Playfulness
Cons: Flotation, Forgiveness
You're right to expect playfulness from an Armada ski, but you'd be wrong to think this is a noodly park stick best suited to beginners and intermediates. The new generation of Armada skis means business, and that's especially true of the Reliance 92 Ti. A narrower all-mountain tool featuring a poppy caruba core, articulated Titanal banding, elongated tip rise, and a fully cambered tail, it was built to bite into groomers and firm snow as well as plow through crud. Testers were also quite impressed by the ski's playfulness and energy, and because it's both a high performer on hard snow and fun in variable conditions, testers named the Reliance 92 Ti the most versatile in the category. It really comes alive for experts who know how to drive a ski. Intermediates may not find it the most forgiving, but they'll benefit from all this ski has to teach them. "Does everything and does it well," said tester and SKI editor, Jenny Wiegand. "An incredible all-mountain choice for strong intermediates to experts."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 5: Nordica Santa Ana 93 ($700)
Overall score: 8.08/10
Lengths (cm): 151, 158, 165, 172, 179
Dimensions (mm): 125.5-93-112.5
Radius (m): 15.5
Pros: Responsiveness, Versatility
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness
It's hard to find true weaknesses in the Santa Ana 93, a jack of all trades that performs on hard snow and in soft, in variable terrain and on groomers. Featuring a healthy mix of wood and intentionally placed metal, as well as both tip and tail rocker, it was built from the inside out to charge the whole mountain. Pressure the front of this ski and it will respond immediately, which makes it a great choice for advanced and expert skiers. Don't mistake responsiveness for quickness, though; it takes a skilled skier to get the Santa Ana 93 to fire off short-swing turns. Though it's not the most user-friendly or playful ski in the bunch, it's dependable and stable--a great choice for women who gravitate toward a ski with some backbone. "Super-fun ski for all-mountain adventures," said Pesce. "Can handle hard charging and smears really well, but is a lot of work in short turns."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 6: Stockli Nela 96 ($875)
Overall score: 8.08/10
Lengths (cm): 156, 164, 172
Dimensions (mm): 134-96-121
Radius (m): 15.8
Pros: Hard-snow integrity, Stability at speed
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness
This ski didn't repeat the category win this year, but let's be clear: Testers still love it. Like all Stockli thoroughbreds, it rails on hardpack and on edge, but it's much more versatile than that. The ski's tip and tail rocker encourage smearing and pivoting, which makes skiing bumps and tackling chop not only doable, but enjoyable, earning it the highest scores in Crud Performance. Add to that Stockli's Titanal technology and a beefy sidewall, and the Nela 96 offers up one smooth ride when you crank up the speed or the going gets tough. However, it falls a little short in approachability. While it's definitely more user-friendly than the Stockli skis of yore, it's still not the most playful, intuitive, or forgiving. If you're ready to drive a sports car, give 'er; otherwise, you'll just be holding her back. "For the hard-charging advanced or expert New England skier who wants one ski to handle everything," said Pesce.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 7: Volkl Secret 96 ($750)
Overall score: 7.74/10
Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170, 177
Dimensions: 135-96-119
Radius: 14
Pros: Stability at speed, Carving
Cons: Playfulness, Flotation
Volkl's Tailored Titanal Frame, which adjusts the amount of metal around the edges according to the ski's length to ensure an appropriate flex, has made all the difference in how approachable and fun the Secret 96 is. But it's never been more important to get the right ski length for your physique and ability. Skiers who normally prefer a 170cm-plus ski really enjoyed the Secret 96 in a shorter length, calling it playful and energetic, yet still stable and dependable. Testers who skied it at 170cm found it less agile and snappy, but raved about its knack for digging in on hardpack. The lesson here: The Secret 96 is a versatile all-mountain ski no matter how you slice it. If you prefer a ski with some pop and pizazz, size down. If you're an expert who values stability, you'll dig the dampness of the Secret 96 in the longer lengths. "Surprised by the mix of stability and energy," said tester and Jackson Hole local, Lily Krass.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 8: 4FRNT MSP CC ($729)
Overall score: 7.66/10
Lengths (cm): 159, 165, 171
Dimensions (mm): 132-99-121
Radius (m): 16
Pros: Crud performance, Stability at speed
Cons: Forgiveness, Playfulness
This ski has been around for years and is an all-mountain staple. Every season, though, we have a few testers who have never skied the MSP CC, then go home ready to buy it. This year, that tester was Pesce, an experienced hardgoods buyer and skier from the East: "First glance at flex, sidecut, and profile, I thought this was going to be a twitchy, chattery little whip--but boy, was I wrong! Smooth as butter and fun as hell. This ski blew me away!" Those who've had the privilege of skiing the MSP CC in years past continue to love it for its stability and dependability, no matter the conditions or terrain. Thanks to a poplar wood core reinforced with a Titanal laminate, this ski is damp without feeling overly stiff or burly, which makes it one of the best for charging crud and manky snow. It also holds an edge nicely on groomers, though it does this better on softer snow than on true boilerplate. One shortcoming: You need some skill and weight to appreciate its greatness. Because it is one of the stiffer, wider skis in the category, petite testers didn't feel like they could tap into the MSP CC's energy, and found it a little boring as a result. But stronger, more athletic skiers called the ski one of the best all-rounders in the category for hard-charging women. "Whips around trees easily, is fun in the bumps, and holds up on a rail turn," said tester Michelle Nicholson, a Jackson Hole ski patroller. "Outstanding women's all-mountain ski that charges the terrain top to bottom."
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 9: Elan Ripstick 94 W ($850)
Overall score: 7.48/10
Lengths (cm): 146, 154, 162, 170, 178
Dimensions (mm): 136-94-110
Radius (m): 15
Pros: Quickness, Carving
Cons: Hard-snow integrity, Stability at speed
Some testers still question the need for Elan's Amphibio technology----where each ski has a cambered inside and rockered outside edge and therefore becomes a dedicated "left" and "right" ski--but they don't question the performance of the Ripstick. The Ripstick 94 W is a tried-and-true all-mountain tool favored by advanced and expert women skiers who split their time evenly between groomers and crud. Testers loved how quick it was to initiate turns and get up on edge--traits that make this ski very accessible to intermediates who are still working on their skills, but ready to level up. Because it doesn’t boast a full sheet of metal, and instead uses strategically placed carbon rods to reinforce the ski's light wood core, the Ripstick 94 W is missing the heft and dampness to crush crud and grip on hard snow like some of the other skis in this category. These weaknesses are easy to turn a blind eye to if you're primarily in the market for a user-friendly and agile all-mountain ski, because this offering nails those skill departments. "Energetic and stable through the bumps, nimble and floaty in the trees, stable on the groomers," said Pesce.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 10: K2 Mindbender 89 Ti W ($850)
Overall score: 7.27/10
Lengths (cm): 146, 152, 158, 164, 170
Dimensions (mm): 130-89-114
Radius (m): 13.1
Pros: Versatility, Quickness
Cons: Hard-snow integrity, Stability at speed
The women's-specific Mindbender 89Ti is technically new this season, though it's based on the previous 88Ti model. This updated version features a slightly different sidecut and turning radius and increased tail rocker, but fans of the previous iteration won't be disappointed with these changes. In fact, they make Mindbender 89Ti quicker and more user-friendly. The old model was slow to release out of a turn, but the bumped-up tail rocker in this new one takes care of that issue and makes the ski significantly more agile without sacrificing too much stability. Testers loved it in the bumps and tight terrain, where that newfound playfulness and effortless turning made life easier and more fun. But, like the old version, the Mindbender 89Ti isn't a fan of hard snow, and the increased tail rocker makes it less stable at speed, in big arcs, and on the groomers. All this makes it a ski best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers who like to play all over the mountain--with the emphasis on "play." "An amazing ski for the everyday skier, it does what it is told and is loose in the tail to keep things playful," said Colorado-based tester Renee Cernichiari.
Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.
No. 11: Icelantic Riveter 95 ($779)
Overall score: 7.25/10
Lengths (cm): 155, 162, 169
Dimensions (mm): 130-95-117
Radius (m): 14.5
Pros: Quickness, Forgiveness
Cons: Carving, Stability at speed
Within the Centennial State, this Denver-based brand enjoys a cult following, thanks in no small part to its beautifully designed topsheets. But there's more to the Riveter 95 than pretty graphics. The middle child of Icelantic's all-mountain line for women, this ski was built with versatility in mind, and testers praised its willingness and ability to tackle anything you throw at it--without making you work for it. In fact, thanks to a short turning radius, ample rocker, and lightweight yet snappy wood core, this ski's biggest strengths are forgiveness and user-friendliness. Testers highly recommend the Riveter 95 to any budding all-mountain skier who needs something dependable yet effortless to begin exploring. Our advanced and expert testers also enjoyed this ski, particularly in soft snow stashes in the trees and bumps. But the Riveter 95 does have a speed limit, and, due to its shape and lack of metal, it's not a natural-born carver or hard-snow slayer. That shouldn't bother anyone who primarily skis the West, though. "I was surprised by the stability and easy turns I got out of this ski, especially in very variable snow conditions," said Nicholson. "Delivers everything you need in an all-mountain ski, in a beautiful design."
No. 12: Rossignol Rallybird 92 ($650)
Overall score: 7.13/10
Lengths (cm): 154, 162, 170
Dimensions (mm): 127-94-117
Radius (m): 14
Pros: Versatility, Hard-snow integrity
Cons: Flotation, Forgiveness
New this season, the Rallybird 92 takes the place of the popular BlackOps Stargazer. But don't worry--it's the same ski, just with a new name. Featuring the exact same dimensions as the original Stargazer, and the same core construction of paulownia wood reinforced with the brand's Diagofiber technology to add stiffness and pop, the Rallybird 92 skis just like its predecessor. It scores high marks in Versatility, thanks to its ability to dig trenches on firm snow but also pivot and smear through trees and bumps. The word used most commonly by testers when describing this ski is "dependable," and they wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to women of varying ability levels--especially strong intermediates in need of a confidence-boosting tool to coax them off the groomers. The chink in this ski's armor? Its tip, where Rossi's Air Tip technology intentionally lightens the load in the tip in an effort to make turn initiation more effortless. But testers found the tip almost too light, causing it to chatter at high speeds and on truly firm snow. That said, if you're not one to crank up the speed, the lighter swing weight is pretty nice. "I love how easily she turns off-piste and carves some 'roy," said Nicholson. "She's definitely a daily driver, dependable and fun."
No. 13: Dynastar E-Pro 90 ($700)
Overall score: 7.03/10
Lengths (cm): 154, 162, 170
Dimensions (mm): 118-88-108
Radius (m): 13
Pros: Playfulness, Quickness
Cons: Hard-snow integrity, Crud performance
This ski held its own in the all-mountain group, but testers claimed it really belongs in the frontside category. With a narrower waist width and an itty-bitty turning radius, the E-Pro 90 W wants to get up on edge and show you what it's got in the carving department. It's also humming with energy thanks to its hybrid core of poplar and PU with a Titanal frame, a nice blend that makes this women's-specific ski noticeably responsive and agile not only on groomers, but in the bumps and trees, too. Where this ski doesn't shine is on really firm snow or in crud; it's just a little too light and squirrely to trust at speed. That said, if you're an intermediate or advanced skier in the market for a skinnier ski to use primarily around the frontside of the resort, take note of this zippy and fun option. "With an easy-to-initiate shovel and a firm tail that'll inspire confidence on the groomers, this one is good for laying down tracks your friends will be jealous of," said tester Jordan Garrett, a hardgoods buyer for Evo in Colorado.
No. 14: Line Pandora 94 ($650)
Overall score: 7.02/10
Lengths (cm): 151, 158, 165, 172
Dimensions (mm): 131-94-117
Radius (m): 14.5
Pros: Quickness, Crud performance
Cons: Hard-snow integrity, Stability at speed
For a ski with no metal and a light aspen core, the Pandora 94 sure does impress in crud. Testers didn't expect this lightweight ski to be very confidence-inspiring in choppy snow, but that's actually where it shines. They also commented on the ski's quickness, courtesy of Line's multi-radius sidecut technology, which allows you to easily access different turn shapes depending on where you pressure the ski. That said, this ski's natural preference is for medium-size arcs at moderate speeds. When you try to open it up and drive in fifth gear, the Pandora 94 becomes a little loose, especially in the tip. So perhaps it's not an all-mountain charger for experts, but it would be a great option for intermediate and advanced skiers who spend the majority of their time hunting for soft snow off the groomers and in the trees. "Put a lightweight teen girl on this ski who wants something she can trust and won't beat her up when following her hard-charging friend into the trees," said Pesce.
No. 15: Kastle FX96W
Overall score: 7/10
Lengths (cm): 156, 164, 172
Dimensions (mm): 133-96-119
Radius (m): 14
Pros: Versatility, Crud performance
Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness
The FX96W has a lot of things going for it. It's significantly lighter than the usual Kastle ski, owing to a multi-wood core that dispenses with metal, which also makes it significantly more approachable than the unisex Kastles. But there's a downside to this lighter, women's-specific construction, especially in the Hollowtech tip: The ski tends to chatter at high speeds, especially on groomers. That aside, it's no pushover, thanks to good ol' Austrian engineering and reinforcements like a sandwich sidewall and fiberglass-wound core. These construction choices give the FX96W just enough backbone without making it overly burly or demanding, something testers really appreciated off the groomers and in the crud. Some felt that the ski's tail could still use some softening up to encourage easier and smoother turn release, and they scored it lower in Forgiveness accordingly. But, on the whole, testers liked this ski's balance of performance, precision, and energy and would recommend it to strong intermediates and up who are ready to test their mettle off-piste. "The reduction in metal over the edge makes this ski more accessible to less-aggressive skiers looking to get on a wider ski," said Pesce. "A Kastle for the average Jill."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best all-mountain skis for women?
Icelantic Riveter 95
Rossignol Rallybird 92
Dynastar M-Pro 90 W
Line Pandora 94
Kastle FX96W
What is an all-mountain ski ?
From groomed runs to moguls to the steep-and-deep freeride terrain, all-mountain skis are designed to take on the entire mountain. They usually feature a waist between 85-100mm and are sold without bindings. The majority of all-mountain skis that our testers prefer feature wood cores and two sheets of metal--but there are exceptions that include no metal at all in favor of keeping the ski light and more playful. It's hard to beat the versatility of an all-mountain ski, though these skis can be too wide for those who spend the majority of their time on groomers, and too narrow for those who ski mountains blessed with regular and bountiful snowfall. Read more: Can wider skis hack it back East?
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.
What's the difference between the All-Mountain and Frontside ski category?
Truth is, the line can be blurry between these two ski categories since ski manufacturers started throwing everything they have at producing well-rounded and versatile skis in both. As a result, you can now find narrow all-mountain skis that also rail on groomers and frontside skis that can hold their own in crud. That said, there are still some key differences between frontside and all-mountain skis, the biggest being that frontside skis are primarily designed for on-trail performance, while all-mountain skis (even the narrower ones) are engineered to tackle conditions and terrain off the groomers. Learn more here.
How long do skis last?
With proper care and regularly performed tuning by a professional ski tech, skis can last for 200-300 days on snow depending on the size and aggressiveness of the skier. Larger skiers and people who are harder on their equipment will not get as many days on snow before the wood core, edges, or other aspects of the ski become compromised. Bindings should be tested by a professional ski tech every season, and replaced when they do not meet standardized norms.
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