Best Carving Skis of 2025
Are you looking for a pair of alpine skis with excellent grip on ice and fantastic carving capabilities? We’ve thoroughly tested many of this year’s new alpine skis designed for groomed runs. Here, you can read reviews and ratings.
If you plan to stick to lifts and groomed runs, then a piste ski is your ultimate companion beneath your boots. A good piste ski is an absolute delight to ride, enabling you to enjoy beautiful carving turns whether you’re heading to Vail, Aspen, Park City, Canada, or anywhere else.
Phenomenal grip on ice, stability at speed, and quickness from edge to edge are just a few of the features that set a piste ski apart from other categories of alpine skis, such as the wider all mountain skis.
If you’d like to know more about this topic and are considering a purchase, we have created an extensive guide on buying skis. In the review of piste skis below, you will also find a specific Questions & Answers section dedicated to carving skis.
In the past, and still by some, they were called slalom skis. Today, we commonly refer to them as piste skis, which is a category of skis meant for groomed runs. Within the segment of piste skis, you’ll also find slalom skis with a very short turn radius for quick, tight turns typical of the alpine sport slalom, while giant slalom skis have a longer radius.
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Best Carving / Piste Skis 2025
- 1. Stöckli WRT pro
- 2. Fischer RC4 CT
- 3. Salomon S/Race GS
- 4. Völkl Peregrine 82
- 5. Salomon Addikt Pro 76
- 6. Stöckli Laser SC
- 7. Elan Primetime 55+
- 8. Elan Voyager
- 10. Rossignol Hero Elite LT Ti
- 11. Völkl Peregrine 76 Master
- 12. Fischer the Curv 76 GT
- 13. Head e-Race
- 14. K2 Disruption 78 Ti
- 15. Blizzard Thunderbird
- 16. Head Supershape e-Magnum
- 17. Atomic Redster Q 9.8
- 18. Rossignol Forza 70
- 19. Rossignol Hero Elite MT
- 20. Elan Ace SCX Fusion X
- Comparative Table
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Buying Guide for Piste Skis
- What is a piste ski?
- What’s good about a piste ski?
- What’s bad about a piste ski?
- How wide is a piste ski?
- Why shouldn’t I just focus on a piste ski?
- Why shouldn’t I just focus on skis in general?
- What bindings should I have on a set of piste skis?
- What about the plates everyone talks about on piste skis, what are they good for?
- Do I need to buy new piste skis?
- How are piste skis constructed and what materials are involved?
- What is the difference between piste skis for men and women?
- What is the difference between piste skis for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers?
- Are genuine race skis sold to consumers?
- How long should piste skis be?
- What turning radius should I choose?
- What do rocker and camber really mean?
- But rocker and camber shouldn’t be an issue on groomed runs, right?
- What is flex, and how does it really matter?
- How do I take care of my skis over the summer?
- How often should I wax and sharpen my skis?
About the Ski Test
Freeride was on location in Vemdalen at the beginning of the winter 2024, testing several exciting new piste skis that are now available in stores and online. The test also includes some piste skis we tested in winter 2023; these skis have remained unchanged structurally, though some models have received new graphics.
Before you purchase skis we always recommend testing them yourself and/or reading additional ski tests. In the pre-season before Christmas, ski demo days are available at locations like Vemdalen, Aspen, and Park City where you can test skis for free.
Without further ado, here are some of this year’s best piste skis! The skis are sorted by ratings from our test skiers, best first.
Best Carving / Piste Skis 2025
1. Stöckli WRT pro
Lengths: 162, 172, and 180 cm
Dimensions: 118-66-100 mm
Radius: 14.8 meters (@172 cm)
Weight: –
About the ski: This ski is a Swiss masterpiece. The wooden core is reinforced with double layers of titanal and also features longitudinally integrated carbon fiber for even better performance on the slopes. It is a piste ski in its purest form, equipped with technology straight from the World Cup; the base has a higher proportion of soot, providing maximum glide. The price tag, including bindings and plates, is a modest 19,000 SEK.
Review: The Stöckli WRT pro is a stable ski that is sharper than a Swiss Army knife. It performs well in both large and small turns, and all test skiers agreed on how fun and competent this ski is when it comes to hard-packed skiing. Enough said!
Rating: 4.9
2. Fischer RC4 CT
Lengths: 165, 170, 175, 180, and 185 cm
Dimensions: 113-65-98 mm
Radius: 15.5 meters (@175 cm)
Weight: 2350 grams (@175 cm)
About the ski: The Fischer RC4 CT hit the market four years ago and was updated for 2023. Notably, they’ve added plexiglass to the cutout in the tip to prevent snow from getting in your face (a problem with previous models). Otherwise, it’s a ski that turns with full performance, constructed with double layers of metal and reinforced with carbon fiber. The price for the RC4 CT is around 13,000 SEK, including plates and bindings.
Review: This is a ski that looks fast—and is fast. The Fischer RC4 CT is a challenging, stiff, torsionally rigid, and heavy ski with excellent grip on ice. “I struggled a bit, but it was fun,” says one of the testers — a telling review for these race skis from Fischer.
Rating: 4.25
3. Salomon S/Race GS
Lengths: 170, 175, and 180 cm
Dimensions: 115-68-97 mm
Radius: 18 meters (@175 cm)
Weight: 2115 grams (@175 cm)
About the ski: The Salomon S/RACE GS 12 is designed for advanced skiers looking to carve giant slalom turns (GS = Giant Slalom) on groomed runs and is released in a limited edition. Salomon has introduced what they call “Blade technology” into the skis, which consists of a titanal layer that is partially cut and replaced with flexible polymer inserts that are said to help the ski bend and turn without losing speed. The ski is a lighter version of what competitive skiers use in the World Cup, thus catering to us regular skiers. It has an ash wood core, two layers of titanal, and a sandwich construction that offers “excellent conditions for smashing all competition,” according to the French ski manufacturers at Salomon. The bases are also race-ready.
Review: This is an easily maneuverable and playful piste ski that still handles significant speeds without being overly twitchy. Compared to the Fischer RC4 CT, which achieved the same average rating, some testers found this ski from Salomon to be more user-friendly. The price tag for these retro-designed skis is 10,200 SEK, including the X12 binding.
Rating: 4.25
4. Völkl Peregrine 82
Lengths: 162, 167, 172, 177, and 182 cm
Dimensions: 128-82-111 mm
Radius: (R1) 27 m, (R2) 15 m, (R3) 23 m (177 cm)
Weight: 3130 g (including binding – LOWRIDE 13 FR GW)
About the ski: The Völkl Peregrine 82 is a brand new ski and the successor to the popular Deacon series. Völkl describes this as an all-mountain ski for groomed runs. Whether the snow is hard or soft, this ski delivers. Constructed with double layers of titanal, it features tip and tail rocker as well as three different turn radii.
Reviews:
– I thought it was a very nice experience. It turned easily. And you could vary between large and small turns if you like. It went well! I give it 4 out of 5, says Andreas Calleberg.
– I found it to be a very responsive ski. Very easy to initiate turns. It has a pretty short radius, so it responds immediately… maybe a bit too short for me, I found it easy to get a carving throw when I pushed. But quick and fun. I would say it performs best on soft yet freshly groomed snow. I give it 3.5 out of 5, says Petrea Norgren.
– This one suited me well. We got along very well. I was able to make nice turns. Now it’s not so icy, but I think it has good grip on ice. It was easy to get it to turn. I give it 4.5, says Selina Wallin.
– Suitable for heavier skiers like me. It’s quite stable at speed. A bit slow to get on edge, but that’s probably because it’s a bit wider underfoot. But I think it’s a fun ski. It gives a lot of response out of the turn, which I like. Torsionally stiff, so it can be pushed pretty fast. It’s a really powerful ski, I would say. It gets a strong four, says Jesper Hayland.
– This is a really fun ski. It’s quick into the turns. It’s incredibly fun. It’s agile and enjoyable. If I’m on groomed runs, I want quick turns. I give it a five, says Cornelia Evelyn.
Rating: 4.2
5. Salomon Addikt Pro 76
Lengths: 156, 163, 170, and 177 cm
Dimensions: 125-76-109 mm (@170 cm)
Radius: 14 m (@170 cm)
Weight: 2805 g (@170 cm)
About the ski: The Addikt Pro 76 is a playful ski from Salomon featuring a 15-meter radius (177 cm) and a fishtail. Constructed with a poplar wood core reinforced with titanal and a traditional camber profile with tip rocker.
Reviews:
– I really like this ski for carving. It’s a short-turn ski, so 14 meters is very short for me. But since it’s a bit wider underfoot, it felt like it handled conditions well throughout the day. If you want a snappier ski, you might consider a 66. It gets a strong 4.5 rating. It’s a solid carving ski even for skilled skiers, says Jesper Hayland.
– I thought they were fun. They turned well. It handled both large and small turns, and had good grip on ice. It was still quite calm and harmonious, no jerkiness. I give it 3.5, says Selina Wallin.
– I thought it was a good ski. I give it extra points for being environmentally conscious and reusing materials, which I appreciate. And it was fun to ride. I would describe it as a quite calm ski but still easy to get on edge. I give it 3.5; it suits most skiers, says Petrea Norgren.
– This ski was really fun to ride. It was quick in the turns. Fishtail…I find it very lively and responsive; I’m sure it helps, but I have a bit of trouble attributing that solely to it since the ski is lively in general. It gets a five, says Cornelia Evelyn.
Rating: 4.1
6. Stöckli Laser SC
Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170, and 177 cm
Dimensions: 123-72-104 mm
Radius: 14.9 (@170 cm)
Weight: 3500 g
About the ski: The Stöckli Laser SC Worldcup is a piste ski with a turn radius suited for slalom turns, set at 14.9 m (170 cm). It features a wooden core reinforced with shaped titanal.
Reviews:
– Good grip on ice. I believe this is a quite stiff ski, but the tail felt a little softer, so I lost it when I was riding. Otherwise, I think it requires a more powerful, experienced skier. 3.5 rating, says Selina Wallin.
– I thought it was a comfortable ski. I think it will suit many types of skiers. I found it fun; it felt stable and easy to initiate turns. Fun ski. I still give it a four, says Petrea Norgren.
– A very good ski, I had fun on it. I primarily did short turns and found it very enjoyable, it was quick to enter and bouncy out and responds very well to your inputs. It gets a four from me, says Cornelia Evelyn.
– This is a short-turn ski. It’s relatively robust; when you lay the ski on edge and push, it’s essential to keep up because this is as close to a real race slalom ski as you can get. It doesn’t flex back in the same way as the World Cup skis I have at home, but there’s a lot of bounce in the ski, making it fun to ride. It has incredible grip, maintaining excellent contact with the surface. It’s an amazing piste ski. I find it hard to find anything wrong, so I must give it a five, says Jesper Hayland.
Rating: 4.1
7. Elan Primetime 55+
Lengths: 144, 151, 158, 165, 172, and 179 cm
Dimensions: 130-74-111 mm (@172 cm)
Radius: 14 m (@172 cm)
Weight: 3175 g (including binding @172 cm)
About the ski: Elan continues to develop its Amphibio profile, implemented in their more advanced skis. The technology allows for a right and left ski. Primetime is designed with a stiffer material over the inner edge for a rigid ski that can generate substantial power. Over the outer edge, a softer wood material allows for a more flexible and compliant ski.
Review:
– This ski was fun, incredibly responsive in turns; I carved on various turn sizes and had a really great time. I didn’t have any expectations for this ski and was positively surprised. It deserves a four since it provided very enjoyable turns on it. The upper tier of a good piste ski but I don’t find the little extra, says Erik Hammarsten.
– As the rebel I am, I tried switching skis so I had the left ski on the right and the right ski on the left, just to check. I notice there is a difference, so if you have the skis on the right feet, which is right on right and left on left, it holds beautifully in the snow and feels more torsionally stiff. When I switched back, I actually noticed a difference. Aside from that, it’s a very lively and alert ski, stable at speed, turns a lot, and is fun. I think it’s a solid four, says Jesper Hayland.
– I had a “primetime” indeed! They were really fun! I dared to go deeper into carving too. You can feel how they snap back more than my other skis usually do. As this is my first piste ski, it gets a four from me, says Cornelia Evelyn.
Rating: 4
8. Elan Voyager
Lengths: 160, 166, and 172 cm
Foldable length: 90 (@166 cm)
Dimensions: 127-78-110 mm
Radius: 13.7 meters (@166 cm)
Weight: 3400 grams (@160 cm)
About the ski: The Elan Voyager is the world’s first foldable (and probably quirkiest) ski for groomed runs. It folds up using a rotating plate made of carbon fiber. The core is also reinforced with titanium, and the rocker profile is different on the right and left skis (more rocker on the outside of the skis).
Review: The Elan Voyager is an easy-to-ride and fun piste ski that is quick in turns without being overly aggressive. Surprisingly versatile, it also performs relatively well in crud, making it a good option for someone who primarily skis on groomed runs and wants a ski that is easy to travel with. However, the technology comes with a price, and these unique skis retail for around 13,000 SEK.
Rating: 4
10. Rossignol Hero Elite LT Ti
Lengths: 162, 172, 177, and 182 cm
Dimensions: 121-71-101 mm
Radius: 18 m (@177 cm)
Weight: 2300 grams (@177 cm)
About the ski: The Hero Elite LT Ti is Rossignol’s upgraded giant slalom ski. At first glance, this ski resembles what the elite use on the World Cup, but in reality, it is a top-class traditional piste ski. This ski is for those who love to ski fast. Structurally, the ski is made with beech wood instead of poplar, as seen in other Rossignol models like the Forza and Nova. The Hero Elite LT Ti also features double layers of titanal and some rubber to prevent the ski from feeling jumpy.
Reviews:
– It holds incredibly well on edge… it has excellent ground contact. So you can stand and trust it. I don’t find it stiff enough; I want some flex back out of the turn so I can send the ski into the next turn. I miss that. But it’s an incredibly fun ski. Competent. Suits me as a skier. So it gets a four from me, says Jesper Hayland.
– A bit heavier. Very stable. Longer turns. Feels as close to race skis as one can get with piste skis. 4.5 rating, says Selina Wallin.
– I’m an old racer. I would say this is as close as I have come to old race skis with a set of piste skis. I find that positive. It’s a fun ski. Today was a bit soft and messy, and choppy at the bottom. It might not be ideal for that. But up top, the conditions were nicer, and it was delightful. I give these a four, says Petrea Norgren.
– They were very fast. A fun ski, but a very challenging one. I think this is better suited for someone with a racing background. I’m more of a free skier. It’s a bit tricky. It prefers larger turns. I prefer shorter quicker ones. But overall, a very fun ski. It gets a 3.5, says Cornelia Evelyn.
Rating: 4
11. Völkl Peregrine 76 Master
Lengths: 171, 176, and 181 cm
Dimensions: 124-76-104 mm
Radius: 17.6 meters (@176 cm)
Weight: 2420 grams (@176 cm including binding)
About the ski: The Peregrine 76 Master was previously known as the Deacon 76 Master. Völkl has brought race standards to the consumer market, featuring a solid ash wood core that is used in the World Cup scene along with two full layers of titanal. The Peregrine also has a carbon fiber reinforcement to reduce vibrations and increase torsional stiffness. The Peregrine 76 Master has a camber construction with some tip and tail rocker. The material choices have been reduced to one thing — maximum performance.
Review: This is a true charger ski that requires a skilled skier to tap into its full potential. A ski suited for larger turns, perfect for those who love speed. A race plate combined with tip and tail rocker means edge transitions are lightning-fast.
A strong wooden core and two layers of titanal were appreciated by testers who enjoy skiing fast and aggressively. With a strong construction, the ski still adapts well to the surface, providing incredible stability. At the turn’s exit, all accumulated energy is released, allowing the ski to flex back beautifully, providing outstanding acceleration out of the turn and into the next one. Three standout features are the ski’s precision, strength, and responsiveness.
This model is likely best and most justly appreciated in the presence of an advanced skier. Starting with carving and buying this ski is not recommended as it requires a relatively experienced skier with a racing inclination.
Rating: 4
12. Fischer the Curv 76 GT
Lengths: 152, 159, 166, 173, and 180 cm
Dimensions: 125-76-109 mm (@173 cm)
Radius: 14.5 m (@173 cm)
Weight: –
About the ski: The Curv is a new series of piste skis from Fischer, replacing the RC One GT series. Available in widths of 76, 80, and 85. The ski is reinforced with titanal and features Fischer’s E-Triple Radius.
Reviews:
– A very pleasant ski. Quick on turns, but still stable, I would say. I think it suits fairly advanced skiers. They feel like an enjoyable ski, and I’m quite tall and heavy. It gets 4 out of 5, says Andreas Calleberg.
– I think it’s very fun. When I ski on groomed runs, I want quick, agile turns, and I feel like this one delivers. It gets a four from me, says Cornelia Evelyn.
– I found it enjoyable. It gave a lot back; you could feel that when you pushed it, you got a boost out of the turn, which was very fun. I still found it quite sturdy. Most people who like skiing on groomed runs will likely have a good day on this one. I give it 4, says Petrea Norgren.
– I believe this one suits my colleague Jesper very well, haha. Someone experienced and taller than me. 3 out of 5 rating, says Selina Wallin.
– I think it’s fun. An incredibly fine ski. Suits me as an advanced skier and a bit heavier. An incredibly pleasant and competent ski, it gets 4.5 from me, says Jesper Hayland.
Rating: 3.9
13. Head e-Race
Lengths: 160, 165, 170, 175, 180 cm
Dimensions: 117-68-102 mm (@170 cm)
Radius: 14.8 m (@170 cm)
Weight: 1960 g (@170 cm)
About the ski: The Head e-Race is a piste ski with a wood and titanal core, available in three different cuts, and this is the middle variant. There is also an e-Race Pro; the difference is that the Pro ski has a race plate and phenol edges. Both ends of the ski feature plates or chips that convert movement energy in the form of vibrations into electrical energy, which should eliminate micro-vibrations and help the ski feel calmer and more stable.
Reviews:
– It felt quite monotonous, but it suits me since I’ve competed a bit before. You can’t do much more than large carving turns, but it’s excellent for that! It gets a three from me, says Selina Wallin.
– It was like riding a high-speed train in Switzerland, incredibly enjoyable. The ski stayed put, was incredibly stable, and I could fully trust it, and it was really fun. However, it’s quite heavy and not very nimble. In terms of rating, it gets a weak four since it’s quite monotonous, but what it’s good at, it excels in, says Erik Hammarsten.
– This is a ski that thrives at high speeds, and so do I, so we have a good symbiosis. I don’t notice the built-in chip designed to help stabilize the ski and stiffen the fibers as it flexes out. However, I find it stable at speed, holds turns well, and has good ground contact. I miss that it “pops” out of the turn. It gets a solid 3.5 rating, says Jesper Hayland.
Rating: 3.5
14. K2 Disruption 78 Ti
Lengths: 156, 163, 180, 177, and 184 cm
Dimensions: 124-78-109 mm
Radius: 17.8 meters (@177 cm)
Weight: 1886.6 grams (@177 cm)
About the ski: The K2 Disruption 78 TI is a wider piste ski that tends to fall into the all-mountain category. Featuring an aspen wood core, it behaves quietly and gently on the snow. The I-Beam is a new concept from K2 that reinforces the middle section of the ski with titanal. The I-Beam aims to balance the stiffness of the ski, but since the metal does not extend to the edges, the ski remains relatively light and nimble to turn.
The Disruption 78 Ti also features Power Wall technology, meaning a thicker sidewall integrated with the wood core beneath the foot, combined with the I-Beam to provide extra torsional rigidity mainly under the binding. Dark Matter Damping—a mix of carbon fiber and rubber—helps absorb vibrations without adding a lot of weight through other materials in the ski. Additionally, it has a traditional camber profile with rocker at the tip and tail.
Review: This is a ski that excels at higher speeds, where the ski remains calm and collected. Vibration absorption generates incredible edge grip. The ski feels a bit sluggish and needs power to be generated out of the turn. Similar to the Fischer RC One 78 GT, the rocker design allows the ski to handle an afternoon when the snow is more chopped and challenging since it’s slightly wider than typical carving skis.
The ski isn’t particularly nimble and can be relatively difficult to influence through the turn but maintains excellent stability once on edge. Overall assessment is that it’s a speed-stable ski that is easy to turn with, meaning it’s user-friendly—but unfortunately lacks flex.
Rating: 3.5
15. Blizzard Thunderbird
Lengths: 170, 175, 180, and 185 cm
Dimensions: 115.5-70-98.5 mm (@180 cm)
Radius: 18.5 m (@180 cm)
Weight: 3600 g (@180 cm)
About the ski: The Thunderbird R18 is a high-performance ski with giant slalom characteristics. It features a wooden core reinforced with double layers of metal and is softer at tip and tail.
Reviews:
– I thought it was a good ski. Today was very soft and a bit chopped, and you could tell they were narrow, but on the other hand, they were very easy to put on edge. They feel stable nonetheless. This one gets a four, says Petrea Norgren.
– Easy to get on edge. It might not be at its best today when it’s a bit choppy on the slope; this ski is best used on a manicured morning when you’re the first out, when the snow is hard, I believe it will really shine. A solid carving ski for most skiers. It gets a 3.5 rating, says Jesper Hayland.
– I find it enjoyable. I don’t have the right technique to fully appreciate this ski. It’s still quick in the turns. The competent carver will find this one fun. It scores a 3 from me, says Cornelia Evelyn.
– It was a bit challenging. They weren’t as responsive as I expected since they’re quite narrow in the waist. They don’t feel too rigid, I think. It gets a three, says Selina Wallin.
Rating: 3.3
16. Head Supershape e-Magnum
Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170, and 177 cm
Dimensions: 129-72-111 mm
Radius: 13.1 m (@170 cm)
Weight: 2170 g (@170 cm)
About the ski: The Heads Magnum series has been around for many years but is completely redesigned for 2025 with new construction and geometry. The ski has also received carbon fiber under the binding to keep the weight down while remaining stiff underfoot.
Reviews:
– This was quick. Very good grip on ice and very maneuverable. I think it works extremely well both on ice and in softer, flatter areas, so I think it performs very well overall. It does what it should. This one gets 3.5 from me, says Selina Wallin.
– I found it quite soft, unfortunately, and a bit unstable. Not a ski for me. It’s easy to initiate and easy to turn, but maybe not for someone looking for a more advanced ski. For me, it gets a 2.5, says Petrea Norgren.
– This is a nice ski. A stable and comfortable ski. I give it 3.5, says Cornelia Evelyn.
– This is an entry-level ski, more forgiving for a skier just starting with carving and looking to take it to the next level. But I wouldn’t say it’s a ski for someone who’s an advanced carving skier and a bit heavier; maybe they should opt for something a little more robust. I think it’s fun; however, it’s not a ski for me, as it feels a bit soft and fluttery at higher speeds. A very nice ski, 3.5 rating, says Jesper Hayland.
Rating: 3.3
17. Atomic Redster Q 9.8
Lengths: 159, 166, 173, and 181 cm
Dimensions: 134-84.5-118.8 mm (@173 cm)
Radius: 14.4 m (@173 cm)
Weight: 3283 g (@173 cm)
About the ski: The Atomic Redster Q 9.8 is a 100% piste ski that shares DNA with Atomic’s World Cup-winning Redster program. Featuring Revoshock, Power Woodcore, and a Titanal-driven laminate, the ski has racing in its blood and exploration in its soul. However, it’s not designed for race gates or speed suits; it is slightly softer for regular skiers to handle. This ski is the widest in the piste segment we tested, measuring 84.5 millimeters underfoot.
Reviews:
– You can tell it’s a bit wider, and it’s a bit slower to get around. But it’s quite stable at speed, holds on edge, and has great ground contact, but yeah, it’s not as lively in short turns. Overall, it lacks the bounce back out of the turn that I want in a piste ski. I give it a steady three, says Jesper Hayland.
– It wasn’t anything special. Nice, but nothing extraordinary. I think they’ll be helpful if you haven’t skied much— they do what you want. It gets a three from me, says Selina Wallin.
– This is the widest piste ski we’ve tested, and you can tell. It feels a bit sluggish and heavier than the rest, but it skis smoothly and steadily. It navigates well in both moderate and larger turns, but it’s definitely not something you’d throw around for short turns. It’s pretty muted and damped, but I found it secure, but nothing wow about it. It gets a three rating, says Erik Hammarsten.
Rating: 3
18. Rossignol Forza 70
Lengths: 163, 173, 181 cm
Dimensions: 135-78-111 mm (@173 cm)
Radius: 14 m (@173 cm)
Weight: 3900 g (@173 cm)
About the ski: The Rossignol Forza comes in various grades, from 70 down to 20, with the grades indicating the skier’s level and the corresponding ability to edge the skis. 70 is the highest level in their series suitable for more advanced skiers. The ski features a short radius, similar to Rossignol’s slalom skis “Hero Short Turn,” but is longer. Previously, the longest length was 165 cm, but there was a demand for longer skis with the same short radius, so the longest available length is now 181 cm while still maintaining a short radius.
Review:
– They weren’t the prettiest ski I’ve seen, so my expectations weren’t high, but they exceeded my expectations! Much quicker than I thought for being 170. It was possible to make shorter, snappier turns than I expected, but as speed increased, the turns got bigger. Very stable. They get three out of five, says Selina Wallin.
– If we just judge based on appearance, we’re lucky to say it’s the insides that matter. Overall, I found it nice. It’s a very turny ski that’s fun to do short turns on. However, I feel when I start to pick up speed and make larger carving turns, it becomes a bit too twitchy. I give it a solid 3.5 rating, says Jesper Hayland.
– We didn’t quite get along. I felt these were a bit weak, so it was a little harder to get them to hold. But when I skied calmly on a blue run, they held nicely on edge and were, therefore, a very pleasant ski to turn with. On the black run, they couldn’t keep up; they became too twitchy, and I couldn’t grab them properly. From my perspective, I can’t give more than a 3.5 rating, says Erik Hammarsten.
Rating: 3
19. Rossignol Hero Elite MT
Lengths: 159, 167, 175 and 183 cm
Dimensions: 123-74-109 mm
Radius: 15 meters (@175 cm)
Weight: 1850 grams (@175 cm)
About the ski: The Rossignol Hero Elite Multi-Turn is built for those looking to ski on a race-inspired ski for groomed runs, but it’s simpler in construction (including less metal), which is meant to provide a user-friendly and affordable ski. The Hero Elite MT is constructed with carbon fiber, basalt, and titanal, and has also been fitted with an On-Trail Rocker, which is intended to create a more forgiving ski that is easy to initiate turns. The price is 7000 SEK with bindings.
Review: The Rossignol Hero Elite MT is a soft ski that likely suits beginners to intermediate skiers. Some testers felt that it was too soft and that the kick out of the turn was absent, but they added that there is nothing wrong with the ski, just that it doesn’t suit them.
Rating: 3
20. Elan Ace SCX Fusion X
Lengths: 155, 161, 167, 173, and 179 cm
Dimensions: 113-67-100 mm
Radius: 15.9 meters (@173 cm)
Weight: 2360 grams (@173 cm)
About the ski: The Elan Ace SCX Fusion X is a piste ski designed to allow for a combination of short slalom turns and longer giant slalom curves. This ski is built for intermediate and advanced skiers and is reinforced with double layers of titanal along with Fusion X, which is Elan’s binding system where the binding is mounted on a carbon fiber and composite plate. The Elan Ace SCX Fusion X in the 2022/2023 model year is identical in construction and graphics to the previous year. If you want a pure slalom variant of this ski, check out Elan Ace SLX and for giant slalom, look for Elan Ace GSX.
Review: The Elan Ace SCX Fusion X is a ski that suits skiers who don’t demand too much and want an easy-to-ride ski without surprises. Unfortunately, Freeride’s testers found that this ski did not perform well enough at high speeds and aggressive riding. In summary, it still remains a cozy carving ski.
Rating: 2.7
Comparative Table
| Brand & Model | Dimensions (tip-waist-tail) | Radius | Weight per ski | Rating |
| Stöckli WRT pro | 118-66-100 mm | 14.8 m (@172 cm) | – | 4.9 |
| Fischer RC4 CT | 113-65-98 mm | 15 m (@175 cm) | 2350 g (@175 cm) | 4.3 |
| Salomon S/Race GS | 116-68-97 mm | 18 m (@175 cm) | 2115 g (@175 cm) | 4.3 |
| Völkl Peregrine 82 | 128-82-111 mm | 3D-Radius | 3130 g | 4.2 |
| Salomon Addikt Pro 76 | 125-76-109 mm | 14 m (@170 cm) | 2805 g (@170 cm) | 4.1 |
| Stöckli Laser SC | 123-72-104 mm | 14.9 m (@170 cm) | 3500 g | 4.1 |
| Elan Primetime 55+ | 130-74-111 mm | 14 m (@172 cm) | 3175 g (including binding @172 cm) | 4 |
| Elan Voyager | 127-78-110 mm | 13.7 m (@166 cm) | 3400 g (@160 m) | 4 |
| Rossignol Hero Elite LT Ti | 121-71-101 mm | 18 m (@177 cm) | 2300 g (@177 cm) | 4 |
| Völkl Deacon 76 Master | 124-76-104 mm | 17.6 m (@176 cm) | 2420 g (@176 cm including binding) | 4 |
| Fischer the Curv 76 GT | 125-76-109 mm | 14.5 (@173 cm) | – | 3.9 |
| Head e-RACE | 117-68-102 mm | 14.8 m (@170 cm) | 1960 g (@170 cm) | 3.5 |
| K2 Disruption 78 Ti | 124-78-109 mm | 17.8m (@166 cm) | 1886.5 g (@177 cm) | 3.5 |
| Blizzard Thunderbird | 115.5-70-98.5 mm | 18.5 (@180 cm) | 3600 g (@180 cm) | 3.3 |
| Head Supershape e-Magnum | 129-72-111 mm | 13.1 m (@170 cm) | 2170 g (@170 cm) | 3.3 |
| Atomic Redster Q 9.8 | 134-84.5-118.8 mm | 14.4 m (@173 cm) | 3283 g (@173 cm) | 3 |
| Rossignol Forza 70 | 135-78-111 mm | 14 m (@173 cm) | 3900 g (@173 cm) | 3 |
| Rossignol Hero Elite MT | 123-74-109 mm | 15 m (@175 cm) | 1850 g (@175 cm) | 3 |
| Elan Ace Scx Fusion X | 113-67-100 mm | 15.9 m (@173 cm) | 2360 g (@173 cm) | 2.7 |
Buying Guide for Piste Skis
What is a piste ski?
A piste ski can be simply explained by its name. Its construction, meaning how it is designed, allows the ski to perform optimally when the edges can have a clinical contact with the surface. The surface should consist of hard, well-groomed, and even snow. And where do you find such optimal conditions? On the groomed slopes.
What’s good about a piste ski?
The carving technology itself! The ski can create round and symmetrical turns given the opportunity due to its deeper sidecut and hourglass shape. Carving is a fun technique for those who enjoy speed. Depending on the run and the day’s conditions, the skier can also challenge themselves by making certain turns tighter or looser.
What’s bad about a piste ski?
The wrong piste ski for the wrong skier can mean that the ski feels difficult to control in terms of maneuverability into turns. Conversely, the ski could feel overly easy to turn or too soft. This usually boils down to two factors: the skier’s technical level and their weight.
How wide is a piste ski?
It varies from ski to ski but personally, I believe skis under 90 millimeters at the waist can qualify as piste skis. A ski that is narrower in the waist turns faster than a wider ski. Because it requires a shorter movement to angle the ski on edge. A narrower ski performs better under optimal conditions, while a wider piste ski also works but performs better when the snow gets chopped and messy, as it often does in the afternoons.
Why shouldn’t I just focus on a piste ski?
For a skier who doesn’t just stay on the groomed runs but values skiing across the entire mountain, a dedicated piste ski could be the inferior choice. Why? They are often heavier, but above all narrower, making them cumbersome in deeper snow. The ski is built to hold an edge and grip on harder surfaces and will feel like two submarines when off-piste.
Off-piste skiing is more beneficial with a wider ski that provides better floatation while this type of skiing requires a completely different ski technique.
Why shouldn’t I just focus on skis in general?
Skis are, like much of life, just like; golf clubs, cars, fishing rods, they are good at different things. No ski is the best at everything, so when choosing skis, you should primarily pick a ski that performs the best for where you will be skiing and that suits you as a skier based on experience and/or weight.
What bindings should I have on a set of piste skis?
Bindings that can handle your weight and skiing level. The heavier or more advanced skiers you are, the greater the stress on the bindings. A lightweight novice shouldn’t have the binding set too tight, as the primary purpose of bindings is to secure the ski to your foot. The skis should never unintentionally release during skiing, only in scenarios where it could cause significant injury if they remain attached, such as during a crash.
What about the plates everyone talks about on piste skis, what are they good for?
Plates can be beneficial for various reasons. For instance, when you want to shift the bindings without needing to drill more holes in the ski, the skier is raised higher off the surface and can thus angle the ski more, increasing power in turns. It can improve flex or add stiffness to the ski. There are different types of plates with varying functions, materials, and heights.
Do I need to buy new piste skis?
It depends on how much you ski and how well you care for your skis. Someone who skis for two weeks a year and just waxes their skis will keep the same skis for a very long time. Meanwhile, a skier who skis twice a week and sharpens their edges before every session will need to replace their skis eventually, as there won’t be any steel edges left.
Another aspect could be that as a novice, you purchase skis to learn to carve. Over time, these skis may feel too soft and floppy. In that case, it may be necessary to buy a more advanced pair of skis that better match your developed skiing style.
How are piste skis constructed and what materials are involved?
Skis today are constructed differently, but the most common technique resembles a sandwich with various toppings laying in layers, i.e., a sandwich construction. This includes reinforced plastic or fiberglass, while the core typically consists of one type of wood and there is a plethora of options, such as alder, birch, beech, balsa, poplar, or ash.
For extra reinforcement, one or even two layers of titanal are often added. To reduce unwanted vibrations, rubber is increasingly common in skis. On the side of the skis, steel edges are found, which for piste skis are naturally a little wider to withstand more sharpenings, and last but not least, the base, made of polyethylene.
What is the difference between piste skis for men and women?
There is no astronomical difference between men’s and women’s skis, the most common being length and exterior design. There may be differences in material, as women’s skis often need to be softer since the difference in weight between men and women generally tends to be that men weigh more. A heavier skier inherently has different conditions to flex a piste ski compared to a lighter skier.
What is the difference between piste skis for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers?
The big difference lies in the materials used in the skis. A beginner who hasn’t mastered the technique won’t be able to flex the ski as much as an advanced skier. Therefore, some skis are softer and “more forgiving,” which helps the skier learn the basics. An advanced skier who skis harder and faster, generating more power in turns, therefore needs a ski that is stiffer and more stable at speed.
Are genuine race skis sold to consumers?
Yes and no. Not all sports retailers carry race skis in their inventories. These skis are more robust because they have more material, advanced bindings, and plates, making the skis more expensive. The average person neither has the equipment (boots), technique, nor leg muscles to flex through these skis and can manage perfectly well on a segment aimed at general consumers and, in some cases, novices.
How long should piste skis be?
When it comes to carving, it’s known that a shorter ski turns more than a longer ski. For a beginner, it may tactically be better to choose a shorter and easier-to-handle ski instead of a longer one. This is a topic of debate, but generally, adults are advised to choose skis that are between 0-15 cm shorter than their height.
A guideline to consider is to go a few centimeters shorter if you’re a beginner, and if you’re experienced on skis or just want to make bigger turns, a slightly longer ski. Learn more about how long skis should be.
What turning radius should I choose?
A low radius means smaller turns, and a longer radius means larger turns. There are pros and cons to both too short and too long a radius. With too short a radius, it can result in very tight turns, and skiing on long, smooth slopes can become quite demanding over time. A too long radius can make it difficult to maintain speed control on steeper pitches as the turns tend to become larger, which also builds more speed.
In competition contexts, they use relatively short radii in slalom to navigate closely spaced gates. In Super G, they use longer skis that don’t turn as much but are sufficient to get around the gates, which are spaced much further apart.
What do rocker and camber really mean?
Assuming you know what they are; yes, they matter. Place the skis flat on a table; if the ski’s middle is in the air, it has a camber. If most of the ski’s front and perhaps even back is in the air, it’s a rocker construction. In carving and dedicated piste skis, it’s less common to have much rocker technology; most ski manufacturers now combine both tip and tail rockers in consumer carving skis. The reason is that it makes the skis easier to turn and maneuver. Rocker is now primarily combined with all-mountain skis, which makes the skis float better in powder while also assisting in the groomed runs and makes wider skis easier to ski on and more versatile. The camber is essential, particularly on hard snow, which you often encounter with carving skis. It ensures more even weight distribution, providing better surface contact and grip.
But rocker and camber shouldn’t be an issue on groomed runs, right?
With carving skis, it’s important to create conditions that make the ski turn. When the skis are flat under your body, they won’t be able to turn. This means you need to move for it to happen. You should be aware that when buying carving skis, especially more advanced ones, they will demand more of you as a skier—both mentally and physically.
What is flex, and how does it really matter?
The difference between many skis is hardness and torsional stiffness. A hard ski has better conditions to create more power, which can result in better grip in turns, but primarily acceleration. Flex is very individual, and several factors influencing ski choice include weight, skiing style, and technique. This means a lightweight but advanced skier may experience a ski’s flex quite differently from a heavier and less experienced skier.
How do I take care of my skis over the summer?
Wax your skis before summer storage to give the base a good coat over the summer and keep your skis in a cool place, that’s best for them. One tip is to ease the tension on the spring by slightly loosening the binding settings.
There’s no study I’m aware of, but keeping a spring under constant pressure seems unnecessary, especially when it takes seconds with a screwdriver to adjust. The next time you see anyone click both skis in the third turn of the season, you will understand why. Learn more about how to care for your gear over the summer.
How often should I wax and sharpen my skis?
You should wax for two reasons:
1. To prevent the base from drying out.
2. To achieve good glide.
If you ski throughout the winter, natural variations will occur over the season. It can be prudent to have wax for various temperatures to have an outstanding skiing day and experience. It’s also wise not to ski right to the car so that stones and gravel don’t act like sandpaper and wear off all the wax and dull the steel edges.
Sharpening the ski edges should be done when the edges feel dull or when the surface is icy, and the skis are not gripping.