Published October 17, 2025 12:28PM
If you want one pair of skis that can do it all, you’re looking for an all-mountain ski. Designed to handle everything from groomed runs to soft snow, trees, open bowls, and variable conditions, all-mountain skis are the most versatile tools in a skier’s quiver. They blend the edge hold and stability of frontside skis with the float and playfulness of wider powder boards, making them ideal for skiers who chase variety across the mountain.
What separates a good all-mountain ski from a great one comes down to balance—between power and forgiveness, precision and fun. We partnered with the experts at SKI to test 175 models to find the best all-mountain skis of 2026. Whether you’re an advanced rider looking for a daily driver or an intermediate ready to level up, our top picks deliver confidence, versatility, and fun.
Best All-Mountain Skis of 2026: At a Glance
The Reviews: The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2026
Editor’s Choice: 2025 Stöckli Stormrider 95
Lengths: 170, 176, 182, 188 cm
Dimensions: 132-95-120 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Exceptionally versatile
+ Powerful and playful
– Too narrow for powder days
The 2025 Stöckli Stormrider 95 earned our Editors’ Choice award for blending power, finesse, and versatility in a way few skis can match. Handcrafted in Switzerland with watchmaker-level precision, the Stormrider 95 delivers the signature Stöckli feel: smooth, stable, and confidence-inspiring.
Testers called it a “sports car on snow” for how seamlessly it transitions from edge to edge. Two sheets of metal make this ski feel planted and reliable in crud and on firm snow, while the wood core adds just enough energy to keep it lively without feeling twitchy. Its 95-millimeter waist hits the sweet spot for versatility—providing just enough float in soft snow without sacrificing hardpack performance. It carves like a GS ski on firm snow, devours chop, and flows effortlessly through moguls or mixed conditions.
While the Stormrider 95 is incredibly versatile, it’s not mindless. It rewards a skier who can drive the ski and stay on top of it. Strong intermediates, advanced riders, ex-racers, and aggressive all-mountain skiers will get the most out of this model. It may feel a bit stiff for casual riders and too narrow for storm chasers, but for everyone else, it delivers best-in-class all-mountain capability.

Most Versatile: Head Kore 100 Ti
Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm
Dimensions: 133-100-122 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Accessible to intermediates
+ Confidence-inspiring
– Lacks rebound energy
Head’s all-new Kore 100 Ti is balanced, dependable, and energetic enough to satisfy a wide swath of skiers—from confident intermediates to strong experts. Our testers skied it in everything from packed powder and choppy groomers to soft bumps and off-piste crud, and came away impressed by how composed and capable it felt across the board.
“It’s a great option for a variety of abilities looking for a solid, dependable ski that can do it all—from groomers to off-piste. And it’s super easy to turn,” said one tester. The ski’s predictability—courtesy of the metal added to the wood core—made it a favorite for anyone chasing that elusive one-ski quiver—especially those who value smoothness over snap.
While some testers wished for a little more early-turn energy, most agreed that this ski’s calm, composed nature made it easy to trust in any condition. It’s lightweight enough for quick transitions, burly enough to charge, and damp enough to feel comfortable in variable snow. We also tested the women’s version of the ski, the Kore 99 Ti W, which testers also recommended as one of the best all-mountain skis for women of varying ability levels.
For skiers who crave reliable performance with a forgiving edge, the Kore 100 Ti is a standout.

Best Value: Salomon QST 94
Lengths: 156, 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
Dimensions: 134-94-120 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Playful and nimble
+ Confidence-boosting ride
– Less composed on firm snow
Salomon’s QST 94 is the kind of ski that meets you where you’re at, and then quietly coaxes you further. Built with a full wood core for stability and responsiveness with fiberglass and basalt laminates for a predictable flex, this ski balances strength with just enough softness to feel forgiving underfoot.
Testers threw the QST 94 into just about every scenario: loose powder, chop, soft bumps, and groomers. Across the board, it earned praise for being nimble, predictable, and confidence-boosting. “Super fun and reliable. It makes a great round turn shape, and turn entry and exit are really smooth,” said one tester.
This is the ski you want if you’re new to the all-mountain category, or if you’re an intermediate-to-advanced skier looking for a friendly platform that won’t punish lapses in technique. Centered skiers especially will appreciate its balance.
That’s not to say the QST 94 is perfect: it can feel planky on firm, icy snow and tents to feel a little loose at high speeds. But for most resort skiers who split their time between groomers, trees, and soft bumps, the QST 94 is a versatile, energetic ride that invites you to have fun and take chances without fear.

Best Women’s Ski: Rossignol Arcade W 94
Lengths: 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm
Dimensions: 132–120 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Damp and smooth without feeling dead
+ Versatile
– Lacks a bit of playfulness
The Rossignol Arcade W 94 quickly won over testers for its confident, smooth ride and remarkable versatility across conditions. Thanks to an extended sidecut that makes for quick, responsive turn initiation, this ski shines when carving up groomers. But with a generous tip rocker and 94-millimeter waist that allows for easy steering and pivoting, it’s equally happy in the moguls and in soft snow.
Besides its remarkable versatility, testers praised how confidence-inspiring the Arcade W 94 felt in mixed snow and terrain. Credit Rossignol’s vibration absorption system in the tip of the ski, which dampens chatter and makes it feel stable and composed even in cut-up snow.
It’s worth noting that the Arcade W 94 skis short, so testers recommend sizing up for better edge contact and confidence at higher speeds. And while the Arcade 94 doesn’t feel particularly playful or surfy, it delivers consistent performance across a variety of turn shapes and terrain— carving effortlessly and feeling smooth without being dull.
For strong resort skiers who want to do it all from bumps to groomers to trees—the Rossignol Arcade W 94 is a rock-solid choice that inspires trust and flow on every run.

Best for Carvers: Fischer The Curv GT 80
Lengths: 159,166,173,180 cm
Dimensions: 131-80-113 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Energetic
+ Racey
– Not as playful off-piste
Built for high-performance carving and confidence on firm snow, the Fischer The Curv GT 80 brings Austrian precision to the everyday frontside skier. Featuring classic sandwich sidewall construction, an on-piste rocker profile, and Twin Powerrail for responsive energy transfer, this ski is dialed for edge hold and agility. Testers described it as balanced, energetic, and playful, especially on hardpack, fresh corduroy, and soft bumps.
Testers called the Curv GT 80 the perfect all-mountain tool for strong skiers who gravitate towards narrower skis. With an 80-millimeter waist and shapely sidecut, this ski leans into carving on groomers; but a wide tip and plenty of rocker up front mean this ski does just fine off-piste in light crud.
Some testers wished for a slightly wider platform to better handle variable snow, but most agree this ski shines on-piste, delivering a race-inspired ride with user-friendly energy. As one tester put it, “it’s the perfect tool for living out your racer dreams all over the frontside.”

Most Playful: Blizzard Rustler 10
Lengths: 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 192cm
Dimensions: 134-102-123 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Damp and dependable at speed
+ Lively
– Punishes less skilled drivers
Don’t let the “playful” title fool you—this ski isn’t messing around. With a 102-millimeter-waist and sizes running from 162 to 192 centimeters, the Blizzard Rustler 10 has the range and construction chops to meet the whole mountain head-on. A beech/poplar wood core keeps things snappy and light, while a layer of Titanal paired with carbon-reinforced fiberglass adds strength and stability without dulling the fun.
Testers put it through its paces in a mix of groomers, crud, and frosty bumps, and nearly all walked away grinning. They describe the Rustler 10 as nimble, energetic, balanced, and dependable—a ski that delivers confidence at speed, but still feels springy and fun underfoot.
Its biggest flex? Versatility. Testers love how this ski unlocks the mountain for strong, ambitious skiers, no matter the conditions. One tester went so far as to call it a “unicorn ski”—damp and stable when you need it, yet soft and maneuverable when you want to play. The Rustler 10 is that rare ski that makes hardpack fun and soft stuff even better—an ideal match for all-mountain rippers who want to keep things loose but powerful.
A few caveats: it’s not a ski for passive riders. It punishes backseat drivers and prefers you stay centered and up on the front of your boots. Some testers found it skied a bit short, so sizing up may be wise.

Best for the West: Dynastar M-Free 108
Lengths: 162, 170, 178, 185, 192 cm
Dimensions: 138-108-128 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Damp and dependable at speed
+ Lively and springy
– Not for the Lazy: Punishes backseat skiers
The Dynastar M-Free 108 might not be the loudest ski on the rack, with their simple black and white graphic, but once it’s on snow, it speaks your language—especially if your dialect includes big turns, front-range powder, and cowboy pow. At 108 millimeters underfoot, it’s built to handle everything from wide open bowls to soft bumps to tree lines. A surfy, energetic flex makes the M-Free 108 feel nimble, balanced, and dependable—but only if you stay on top of it.
The M-Free 108 is a true Western workhorse for skiers who drive the ski and don’t flinch at speed. “This ski is made for big mountain rippers who want to ski high-speed turns with confidence. Think big, open faces like Jackson, Aspen’s Highlands Bowl, and Mineral Basin at Snowbird,” said one tester.
The M-Free 108 thrives in soft snow and rewards an aggressive stance. It’s not for Sunday cruisers or those looking to coast—it asks you to commit. Some testers noted it could feel a bit sluggish in tight spots or when throttling back, but that’s kind of the point: This ski likes to charge. It’s a dependable, all-mountain partner that lets you drive hard and ride fast—like a big rig on a mountain highway.

Best for the East: Völkl M7 Mantra/M7 Mantra W
Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm
Dimensions: 139-96-121 mm
Pros and Cons
+ Exceptionally dependable on firm snow
+ More playful than past versions
– Can feel a bit planky
For years, the Mantra has been the ski world’s equivalent of a German sports car—powerful, precise, but maybe a bit demanding. The seventh-gen Mantra M7 still rips, but it’s finally figured out how to have a little fun, too.
Völkl uses a mix of high-tech materials to balance power and play. Each ski length gets its own custom-tuned metal frame (Titanal) and lightweight carbon in the tips, so the ski feels stable and smooth no matter your size or style. In plain terms, that means the M7 grips the snow solidly when you’re carving fast on firm terrain, but it’s not so stiff that you can’t break the tails free and pivot through softer snow or tight spots.
Testers—who ran the Mantra through dust-on-crust, hardpack, and off-piste chop—praised it as nimble, energetic, and dependable. “This is the Ferrari of all-mountain skis,” said one. The women’s version earned just as much praise, with our female testers saying it felt more lively than its predecessor and was “one of the most stable rides that still had some play.”
Backseat drivers need not apply, though. While the M7 Mantra is a tick more playful than its predecessor, it’s still not a set-it-and-forget-it ride—both versions require a strong, engaged skier.

Best for Powder: Nordica Unleashed 108
Lengths: 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 191 cm
Dimensions: 142-108-131
Pros and Cons
+ Good flotation in deep snow
+ Stable at speed
– Too wide for most days at the resort
The 2026 Nordica Unleashed 108 isn’t just built for the soft stuff—it was born for it. Its construction blends a lightweight poplar-beech wood core with two sheets of terrain-tuned metal for stability, plus Nordica’s carbon-reinforced “terrain-specific” tip and tail design that keeps swing weight low and turn initiation easy. The result is a ski that floats effortlessly in powder yet still holds an edge when you need to drive it.
Designed for skiers who see the mountain as one big playground, the Unleashed 108 pops, pivots, and slashes with energy—without ever feeling flimsy. It’s a playful ski with serious backbone, ideal for advanced and expert riders who want surfy freedom backed by real muscle.
Testers raved about the Unleashed 108’s ability to hold an edge at speed while still feeling loose and playful. “This ski has limitless stability and absolutely no speed limit,” said one tester. It’s energetic without being twitchy and surprisingly dependable in varied snow. The ski performs best when steered from the center—it’s less forgiving if you try to drive it too hard from the front of the ski. It also rewards a skier who knows how to read terrain and respond with precision.
While playful in powder, this ski isn’t for the faint of heart. It rewards a skier who knows how to read terrain and respond with precision. It may be too much for intermediate riders, but for strong skiers who chase powder days like it’s their job, the Unleashed 108 is hard to beat.
Best All-Mountain Skis Comparison
See how the best all-mountain skis of 2026 stack up side-by-side.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are all-mountain skis good for?
All-mountain skis are designed to handle a wide variety of conditions and terrain, from groomed runs to powder, trees, and mixed snow. They offer a versatile balance of stability, edge grip, and float, making them ideal for skiers who want one ski that can do it all. Whether you’re carving on hardpack or exploring off-piste, all-mountain skis deliver dependable performance across the entire mountain.
Are all-mountain skis good for beginners?
All-mountain skis can be great for beginners because they’re versatile and easy to control in a variety of snow conditions. Many entry-level all-mountain skis are designed with softer flex profiles and forgiving constructions, helping new skiers build confidence as they progress. For beginners who want one ski to grow with them, all-mountain skis offer the perfect mix of stability, comfort, and versatility.
What is all-mountain skiing?
All-mountain skiing is a style of skiing that covers the entire mountain, from groomed trails to powder, bumps, trees, and variable terrain. It’s all about versatility—using skis and techniques that allow you to access a wide range of terrain and snow conditions. Whether you’re carving on-piste or venturing into open bows, steep chutes or tree skiing, all-mountain skiing lets you explore every part of the resort.
What is the best all-mountain ski?
The best all-mountain ski is one that balances stability, versatility, and performance across a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Top-rated models like the Stöckli Stormrider 95, Völkl M7 Mantra, and Dynastar M-Free 108 consistently earn praise for their smooth handling, edge grip, and playful feel. The right all-mountain ski for you depends on your ability level, preferred terrain, and whether you like a more powerful or forgiving ride.

How We Test Skis—And Why You Can Trust Our Reviews
Every year, SKI, Outside’s sister publication and the authority on all things skiing, runs one of the most rigorous and respected ski tests in the industry. It’s the foundation of the ski coverage you see here on Outside.
At the 2025 SKI Test in Big Sky, Montana, a team of 30 experienced skiers—from instructors to former racers to ski shop employees—tested 175 skis in real-world resort conditions. To keep the process fair and consistent, every tester skied each model on the same day, in the same terrain, and rated it across nine performance categories, including versatility, stability, carving, and playfulness.

When determining the best all-mountain skis, testers focus most on versatility and crud performance—two traits that define the best all-mountain ski. The nine winners here earned top marks across the board.