Whether you’re an experienced skier or just hitting the bunny slopes (no judgement!), we have the right pair of skis for you. We work with skiers and gear experts to review products for flex and shape, and update our rankings weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
The Rossignol Hero FIS SL Pro skis are designed for elite slalom racers. LCT technology provides precise control and superior grip at high speeds, while a Full Camber maximizes power transfer. These high-performance skis deliver exceptional results on the World Cup circuit.
The Rossignol Hero FIS SL Pro Skis are premium race skis that are targeted at the absolute highest level of skiers out there. They’re actually approved by FIS—the International Ski and Snowboard Federation—for use in professional events and, as you’d expect, they’re packed full of the latest and greatest ski technology. You don’t necessarily need to be a pro to rip some runs in these, but you really do need to know what you’re doing. I’m not a pro, but as an expert skier, I can tell you that you feel powerful skiing in them because you can really get close to your limits.
Adrian Ryan
The K2 Mindbender skis are a line of high-performance freeride skis featuring a range of waist widths to suit different skiing styles and conditions. Wider skis are better for a deep powder, while narrower skis are more agile on groomers. The Mindbender skis have All-Terrain Rocker, which provides a balance of stability and maneuverability, making it easy to turn and float in powder.
I get why it’s the case, but it can be frustrating that so many freeride or powder skis are either too pricey or too advanced for intermediate skiers. Thankfully, the K2 Mindbenders are here for those looking to dip their toes into bowl or backcountry skiing without breaking the bank or needing expert-level skills. They provide a great entry point into more adventurous skiing while keeping you comfortable and in control, making them a solid choice for those who aren’t quite ready for high-end models like the Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis.
Adrian Ryan
The Rossignol Hero Athlete GS skis are designed for serious giant slalom racers. Inspired by World Cup race skis, they feature Carbon Laminate for enhanced edge hold and responsiveness. This high-performance ski delivers maximum speed, stability, and control on the slopes.
The GS Skis are the first pair of race skis that many kids get to own, and that makes a lot of sense, since that’s exactly who Rossignol designed them for. They certainly fit the bill, providing enough speed and edge control to take on Giant Slalom and Super G courses. In many ways, they’re the obvious choice for parents who are looking to get a competitive pair of race skis for their children. On the other hand, if that doesn’t exactly describe what you’re looking for, you might want to try to find more versatile skis that will open up more of the mountain.
Adrian Ryan
The Völkl Racetiger GS skis offer exceptional performance on the giant slalom slopes. Tailored Carbon Tip technology provides precise torsional control, allowing for a more direct and agile approach to the gate. These skis also feature Full Sidewall ABSm which offer durability and impact resistance, protecting the ski from the rigors of racing. These skis are a top choice for competitive skiers seeking speed, stability, and precision.
Although Volkl doesn’t quite have the profile of some other ski manufacturers, I’ve always enjoyed heading up the chairlift clipped into a couple of their skis. The Volkl Racetiger GS Skis are my favorite skis for those days you’re going to spend on hard or even icy slopes, since they have the strength and bite to keep you feeling confident in challenging conditions. They’re fast enough to be used in junior competition, if that’s what you’re looking for, but they’re also versatile enough to work as a day-to-day ski.
Adrian Ryan
The Atomic Redster S9 is a high-performance slalom ski designed for experienced skiers who prioritize speed and agility. It features an Ultra Power Woodcore for explosive acceleration and Revoshock Technology for improved stability at high speeds. Popular among World Cup racers, the S9 is known for its exceptional responsiveness, edge hold, and stability.
The Atomic Redster S9s are my go-to skis when I’m in the mood to work on my tight, technical, turns. They're light and respond well to quick changes of direction, unlike some heavier skis that are meant for more sustained carving, which is a result of their Ultra Power Woodcore. That’s exactly what you would expect from purpose-built slalom skis. Although these are often seen as advanced level skis, I’d also recommend them to an intermediate skier who wants to build good technique and habits instead of just bombing every run.
Adrian Ryan
The Rossignol Hero Athlete SL skis are designed for advanced skiers seeking agility and responsiveness. LCT technology provides precise control and superior grip at high speeds, while Carbon Laminate enhances edge hold. These high-performance skis deliver exceptional results on the slalom slopes.
The Rossignol Hero Athlete SL Skis are the slalom version of the company’s incredibly popular junior competition ski, the Hero Athlete GS Skis. They strike just the right balance between speed and maneuverability, like all the best slalom skis, as well as well-optimized sidewalls that ensure your edges with grip. As a result, I’d say that they’re the perfect ski for the budding slalom champion. Especially since they’re easy to find used and are usually really well taken care of!
Adrian Ryan
The HEAD World Cup Rebels e-GS RD Skis are designed for elite-level giant slalom racers, offering exceptional speed, stability, and precision. The e-GS RD skis feature Titanium Stabilizer which provides stability and vibration dampening, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. These skis also feature HEAD's innovative EMC technology, which provides enhanced vibration control and improved energy transfer.
The HEAD World Cup Rebels e-GS RD Skis are a serious pair of skis for serious skiers. They also feel amazing whatever type of conditions you’re skiing, as a result of the vibration-dampening technology they contain. And, yes, I’m even talking about those terrible icy marbles. All and all, these are some of the best performing skis that you can get for an affordable price when buying used.
Adrian Ryan
The Rossignol Experience ski offers a balanced blend of stability and agility. LCT technology ensures smooth turns, while the progressive sidecut and HD Core TI provide a dampened ride. This versatile ski is perfect for skiers of all levels seeking a reliable and enjoyable experience on the slopes.
Although Rossignol is mostly known for World Cup-inspired carving skis, they really did knock it out of the park with their take on the all-mountain concept. I wouldn’t be going out on a limb by saying that they didn’t quite produce a dedicated pair of freeriders, but that wasn’t really what they were going for. These skis are more than able to handle some off-piste and glade skiing while also keeping together on groomed runs as well as you’d expect a Rossignol product to perform (which is quite well, for the record).
Adrian Ryan
The Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis offer a versatile blend of power and playfulness. The wood core and titanal layers provide a strong, energetic feel, while the progressive shaping allows for easy maneuverability. Whether you're cruising the groomers or exploring the trees, the Enforcer delivers a smooth, confident ride.
I know that not many people will travel to the mountain with a variety of different skis so that they can adjust to changing conditions, which makes a pair of great all-rounders like Nordica Enforcers incredibly valuable. The skis are wide enough to perform well in powder, even if it’s very deep, while the base’s tapered shape still allows you to carve on groomed trails. You’ll really feel the full range of possibilities that these skis afford you when you’re skiing groomed trails in the morning, but get enough extra snow during the day to ski some powder by your last few runs.
Adrian Ryan
The Salomon QST series is a versatile all-mountain ski. With various shapes and rocker profiles, these skis excel in both on-piste and off-piste conditions. Carbon Powered C/FX technology enhances dampening and power, while full ABS sidewalls and Powerframe Ti ensure edge grip and stability.
I’ve tried out a number of skis within the Salomon QST family since they were introduced back in 2016. There’s a huge number of different models out there, but they all share a few common features: namely, ease of control and maneuverability across a variety of conditions and terrain types. Keep an eye out for QST 106s and later models, as that model is the first to feature a large swathe of updates to improve performance.
Adrian Ryan