For starters, we highly recommend that you first read our Guide to the Best Skis for Beginners, since that article provides a good foundation for the characteristics that we think newer skiers ought to be looking for. Check it out if you haven’t done so already.
With that said, we think that all of the skis below could work for a wide range of people who are either getting into skiing or returning to skiing, and we’ve broken them out into a few different categories to help you figure out which one might work best for you.
The Good News
Just because a ski is listed here does not mean that it won’t also be a great option for some intermediate, advanced, or even expert skiers. We know a lot of very good skiers who love some of these skis (many of our reviewers included), so you would be wrong to write off these products as “beginner-only” skis.
This is actually another reason we’ve chosen the particular skis listed here, because these are skis that you will not immediately outgrow as you become a better skier. We can’t say the same about many of the rental skis out there, since they are often too piste-specific, too narrow, and/or too short.
Other Useful Articles
If you’re newer to the sport, it’d probably be useful to check out some of our Skiing 101 articles. Particularly, our Snowsports Glossary, which explains many of the terms we’ll be using here to describe snow conditions and ski performance, and our article on How to Think About Ski Length, which provides invaluable information on how to choose the best length for a given ski.
Price (and Past-Season Models)
Price certainly can be a factor when purchasing your first ski. So to provide you with a rough sense of the price of some of these skis, we’ve included the listed MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price). But it is important to note that what you actually end up paying for the ski might be lower than the MSRP, as some shops will sell them a bit below MSRP, or you might find the ski on sale, etc.
And again, keep in mind that, while none of these skis are the cheapest out there, these are skis that we think you could use season after season, and that you won’t want to immediately replace.
On the topic of price, we highly recommend reaching out to local shops to see if they’ve got past-season models on sale, particularly their old demo setups, which you can often get already mounted with bindings for a seriously discounted price. (Many of the skis here have been constructionally unchanged for multiple seasons, just receiving new graphics each year.) Good shops take care of their demo fleets, so this is a great way to get a solid setup at a much more reasonable price. For some shops that we can vouch for, see our Blister Recommended Shops.
We’ve noted which model years are applicable to the skis we’re discussing (e.g., 21/22 refers to the 2021-2022 model year), so if you find a previous version of a given ski, you can know whether it’s the same ski, in terms of construction, as the one we’re discussing here. And if you’re hunting the used market, check out our previous ‘Best Skis for Beginners’ article. We highly recommend looking into past-season versions of these skis, since you can often find them still new for almost half the MSRP of the latest version, or even less for used versions.
Trying Before You Buy
Testing (“demo-ing”) multiple skis can also be a great way to figure out what works best for you, and if you want to do so with our reviewers, pro athletes, and the very people who designed the skis, be sure to check out our Blister Summit. It’s a consumer-focused demo event that, in addition to including multiple days of gear demos, also includes daily discussions with the industry’s leading designers, company founders, athletes, artists, and more. If you’re excited about skiing, no matter your ability level, it should definitely be on your radar.
Get Our Personalized Recommendation for You
If you want to get our recommendation for the best ski for you, become a Blister Member, send us a note via the Blister Member Clubhouse page, and one of our reviewers will work one-on-one with you to put together personalized gear recommendations for you.
Other Good Options?
If you have experience with other skis that you think deserve to be listed here, let us know in the comments section below. We’re able to spend a lot of time on a lot of skis, but obviously not every one out there, so we’d love to hear from you! And if you want to learn more about 270+ skis, plus a ton of boots, touring gear, apparel, and more, see our Winter Buyer’s Guide.
Best Beginner Skis for Carving / Groomer / Piste Skiing
The skis here are best suited to those who plan on using their skis solely on groomed trails / slopes. The “all-mountain” skis in the sections below make more sense if you plan on spending time in moguls, trees, etc., but the skis in this category are going to make it easier to get solid edge hold on firm groomers, and they’re better for building solid carving technique. So whether you’re not interested in going off piste or want a ski that you can learn and improve on when it comes to carving clean turns on groomers, these are worth a look.
K2 Disruption 78C
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $650 w/ bindings
The Disruption 78C stands out in the piste-specific class because it’s a very intuitive, relatively easy carving ski that encourages good technique but by no means demands it. It’s easy to get on edge and carving across the slope / fall line, making mellower-angle runs feel engaging, but as you improve, it can still be a lot of fun on steeper slopes. It also provides solid edge hold on firm slopes while being fairly easy to scrub / slide when you need to shed speed (though not as easy at all-mountain skis). The K2 Disruption 78 Ti is a better call if you’ve already got solid carving technique and/or prefer longer, faster turns, but the Disruption 78C is a much more accessible and engaging ski at more moderate speeds.
Renoun Atlas 80
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $999
The Atlas 80 is an interesting ski because it doesn’t require a ton of speed or very aggressive technique to get its edges to dig in and make it carve across a slope, but it’s also much more capable at higher speeds than a ski like the Disruption 78C. I.e., there are lots of expert skiers who could get along just fine with the Atlas 80, but compared to most other piste-specific skis we’d recommend to very experienced skiers, the Atlas 80 is far more approachable and easier to ski with a less aggressive stance and less speed. The Disruption 78C is a better choice if you want something more lively / energetic / poppy as you learn to really bend a ski (or just something much more affordable), and the next ski is a better call if you think you might want to dip your feet into skiing moguls and trees. But the Atlas 80 has an uncommonly broad demographic in terms of the number / variety of skiers who could enjoy it.
Elan Wingman 86 Ti (& Wingman 86 CTi)
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23
MSRP:
- Wingman 86 Ti: $599 w/o bindings; $799 w/ bindings
- Wingman 86 CTi: $699 w/o bindings; $949 w/ bindings
We tested the Wingman 86 CTi and found it to be a surprisingly accessible, intuitive, and versatile piste-oriented ski. It’s pretty easy to initiate turns and get on edge at a variety of speeds (though not as much so as the two previous skis), and is just maneuverable enough to be a feasible option for taking on the occasional off-piste run. The Wingman 86 CTi could be a great choice if you’re getting pretty comfortable carving turns on piste but would like to both improve your carving technique and feel more comfortable hitting a widely spaced mogul or tree run every once in a while. The all-mountain skis below are definitely better if off-piste performance is a priority, but the Wingman series does a nice job of bridging the gap between true piste-specific skis like the two previous options and more off-piste-oriented models like those below.
All that said, Elan also makes the Wingman 86 Ti, which is almost identical to the Wingman 86 CTi, with the difference being that the CTi version is slightly stiffer, due to the addition of Elan’s carbon rods. So while we’ve only hand-flexed the Wingman 86 Ti, we think it will be a better choice if you like the sound of the Wingman 86 CTi but spend more time on lower-angle slopes (e.g., green and blue runs in the U.S.), as it’ll make it slightly easier to initiate carved turns at lower speeds.
If you only plan on spending your time on groomed slopes and/or your main mountain’s groomers tend to be quite firm / icy, we’d recommend the K2 Disruption 78C.
Best Beginner Skis for All-Mountain Use on Firmer / Shallower Conditions
The skis here aren’t quite as good as the piste-specific ones when it comes to carving on firm / icy groomers, but they’re a lot easier to slide / skid / pivot around, and they’re far better choices if you eventually want to ski some moguls, trees, or other ungroomed (“off-piste”) terrain.
Folsom Spar 88
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $1450
This one comes with a caveat: Folsom is a custom ski manufacturer, so their skis cost notably more than non-custom brands. But if you’re a newer skier who’s looking for a ski that can handle firm groomers and a wide variety of off-piste terrain and conditions, the Spar 88 is worth a look. The version we tested is one of the most versatile <90mm-wide skis we’ve tried, with very good carving performance and excellent maneuverability (for its class) in moguls, trees, shallow chop, etc. Given Folsom’s custom process, you could work with them to figure out how to tweak the Spar 88 to fit your preferences (for newer skiers, it’d likely make sense to go with a slightly softer flex pattern than the version we tested).
Line Blade Optic 92
Model Year Range: 22/23
MSRP: $549
This is a pretty easy going ski that should be particularly appealing to those who want to spend more time in moguls and trees, but who still want to be able to carve nice turns when the snow isn’t super icy. The Blade Optic 92’s deep rocker lines make it very easy to slide and skid when you want, whether that’s off piste or on a groomed run. At the same time, it offers impressive edge hold on most groomed slopes. It’s also a particularly good choice if you’re at all interested in swinging through the park or testing the waters of freestyle skiing, due to its more centered mount point and tail that’s high enough to ski and land switch.
If you do encounter icier snow and/or like to make tighter / smaller carved turns, check out the Blizzard Rustler 9.
And if you want a ski that’s a bit more predictable when skiing faster in more challenging conditions like chop and crud, consider the Line Blade Optic 96.
Blizzard Rustler 9
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $720
The Rustler 9 shares a lot in common with the Blade Optic 92, with a few exceptions. Both skis are very maneuverable, which is a big plus in moguls and trees (or just while learning to put a ski on edge), and both carve quite well, given that. But the Rustler 9 is a slightly better carver overall, particularly when it comes to edge hold on firm snow and the ability to make tighter turns / carve on lower-angle slopes. It’s a ski that a ton of people can get along with; it’s more maneuverable and playful than many all-mountain skis around this width, but it’s still really fun to carve on groomers. So if you’re not sure what you need but you know you want a ski that’s pretty easy and fun to carve and also not a major burden when you decide to head into some mogul or tree runs, the Rustler 9 is worth a close look. If you ski at a mountain that often has soft / deeper snow, consider the wider Blizzard Rustler 10.
Best Beginner Skis for All-Mountain Use at Mountains That See Frequent Fresh Snow
These skis aren’t quite as easy to get on edge and carve as the narrower, firmer-snow-oriented models above, but they do deal with softer, rougher, and less consistent snow conditions in a more predictable manner. So if you ski somewhere that rarely sees a lot of icy conditions and instead frequently has some soft, chopped-up, and/or variable conditions, these skis are worth considering.
Season Kin
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $600
The Kin doesn’t fit into most established categories of skis, but it could be a great choice for beginner and intermediate skiers who are interested in freestyle skiing but who also want to have fun on groomers. The Kin’s centered mount point means that it’s not the best choice if you are looking to work on traditional, directional carving technique, but from a more centered stance, it still carves really well, even on low-angle slopes. At the same time, its deep rocker lines and soft flex pattern mean that it’s quite capable in off-piste terrain and softer conditions. If you don’t plan on getting in the air or skiing switch, see the following skis. But for a freestyle-oriented ski, the Kin’s fun carving capabilities, modest price point for a “boutique” brand, and versatile performance inside and outside of the terrain park make it an interesting option. (The Kin could also slot into the firmer-snow all-mountain category; its edge hold is quite good for a freestyle-oriented ski.)
Salomon QST 98
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $799
The QST 98 is a very maneuverable ski that’s easy to get along with in a variety of scenarios. It’s quite easy to slide and pivot through off-piste terrain and conditions, but it still carves quite well on groomers that aren’t icy (and is still predictable to slide on groomers that are). The J Skis Masterblaster is a bit better if you frequently end up skiing backseat in moguls and trees, but the QST 98 is still a pretty forgiving ski overall, and it’s lighter than the Masterblaster without feeling very harsh or unstable when conditions are firm. If you think you’ll be encountering softer / deeper snow more often, see the QST 106.
J Skis Masterblaster (& Allplay)
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $799
J Skis’ models are often seemingly contradictory — in the case of the Masterblaster, it’s a ski that we think a lot of advanced and expert skiers could love, but it’s also easy enough that it could be a great choice for less experienced skiers who are looking for a ski that they can grow with. That’s because the Masterblaster is a fairly heavy ski that consequently offers a nice, smooth, composed, predictable ride in rough snow like chop and crud, but unlike most skis that match that description, the Masterblaster isn’t super stiff and has pretty deep rocker lines. This means it’s pretty easy to pivot / slide / skid around, but quite capable at higher speeds. It’s not the best carver in this wider all-mountain category, and it’s also a bit more physically taxing to ski than some of the other options here. But if you want a ski that doesn’t demand perfect technique while still being capable of handling faster skiing when you feel like it, the Masterblaster could be a great choice. If you’re more interested in getting into freestyle skiing and less concerned with higher-speed stability, it’s also worth checking out the J Skis Allplay (or wider Vacation). For a wider, more soft-snow-oriented alternative to the Masterblaster, see the J Skis Hotshot.
4FRNT MSP 99
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $739
Similar to the J Skis Masterblaster, the MSP 99 manages to cover a lot of bases — aggressive skiers can really enjoy it, but for how capable it is under the feet of those skiers, it’s surprisingly accessible and easy to ski for less experienced folks. Compared to the Masterblaster, the MSP 99 (and women’s MSP CC) isn’t quite as “loose” — easy to slide / skid around in moguls and trees — but the MSP 99 does a bit better on very firm groomers, and it’s a bit lighter. If you place a higher priority on maneuverability in softer, deeper snow, check out the 4FRNT MSP 107.
Liberty Origin 101
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $699
The Origin 101 is a great alternative to the two previous skis if you are looking for something that’s lighter and less physically taxing to ski. Of course, there’s always a tradeoff — the Origin 101 gets knocked around considerably more in chop, crud, and at higher speeds, and feels a bit harsher / more jarring on really firm snow. But the Origin 101’s notably lower swing weight comes in handy when skiing moguls and trees, and given how maneuverable it feels in those scenarios, it’s still a pretty good carver. Like the two previous skis, the Origin 101 is fairly easy to ski while still being capable of being skied hard, provided that you’re willing to deal with the tradeoffs inherent to lighter skis. It’s also worth noting that, if you plan on eventually skinning or hitting the backcountry, the Origin 101 is a good candidate for mounting with a downhill-oriented touring binding (e.g., Salomon Shift, Marker Duke PT, CAST Freetour) for use in the resort and for uphill travel.
Liberty added the Origin 101 to their lineup for 21/22, when they also tweaked all the Origin skis, but the previous versions of the Origin 96 and Origin 106 that we tested are also well worth a look for the same reasons as the Origin 101.
RMU Apostle 3.0 106
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $799
The Apostle 106 is one of the most maneuverable skis in its class, yet certain advanced and expert skiers can still have a blast on it. Especially if you’re looking to make moguls and trees easier, it’s an excellent choice, thanks to its loose, maneuverable ride, low swing weight, and forgiving flex pattern. But once you get used to it, you can still ski it quite hard (when you feel like it). The previous skis offer better carving performance on firm groomers, but the Apostle 106 is still fun to carve on non-icy groomers, and it’s considerably easier to ski in tight moguls, trees, and softer snow. It’s also a solid choice if you think you might want to get into skiing switch, doing some spins, and otherwise dipping your toes into the freestyle realm of skiing.
Salomon QST 106
Model Year Range: 22/23
MSRP: $749
The latest QST 106 isn’t as forgiving of backseat skiing or as light as the Apostle 106, but it’s still a pretty easy-going ski and offers better composure and predictability than the Apostle when skiing faster or when encountering more challenging conditions like chop and crud. So the previous two skis are better choices if you’re pretty new to moguls and trees and want to make them as easy as possible, while the QST 106 is a better choice if you want something that’s pretty maneuverable but also just heavy and stable enough to handle some bigger, faster turns in more open terrain (and some hard carves when the groomers aren’t icy).
Best Women-Specific Beginner Skis
While there are plenty of unisex skis that can work great for both men and women alike, these are skis that our female reviewers have spent a lot of time on, and they stand out for their ability to be both intuitive and predictable, while also being worthwhile long-term investments for skiers looking to improve.
Several of the skis listed below feature a “women-specific” construction, which can mean anything from having less metal than their unisex counterparts, to being a bit softer, or a range of other differences. Others are simply the same ski as a corresponding unisex model, but the women’s versions are available in shorter lengths and with different graphics. In some cases of both women’s and unisex skis, the sizes offered can actually be limiting depending on the height or weight of the skier. Given all that, we primarily encourage anyone to check out any ski they think could be a good fit for them in terms of performance, available sizes, graphics, etc., regardless of whether it’s labeled as men’s, unisex, women’s, etc.
Line Pandora 84
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $449.95
The Line Pandora 84 is nimble and forgiving, but is also quite lively and even playful. For those who want a maneuverable ski that is easy to turn, whether by carving or sliding / skidding turns, the Pandora 84 is one of the best options we’ve tried. It helps to provide the confidence needed to make quicker or tighter turns, and is a great option for taking into moguls or tighter terrain for the first time. Because of its low weight, the Pandora 84 is also easier to turn with less effort and is just fine for sliding turns. For someone who prefers a more relaxed skiing style, the Pandora 84 is quite ready to make as many or as few turns as you want, and it won’t punish backseat skiing. If you think you’d like to work on making some bigger, faster turns, see the Black Pearl 88.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23 (this still generally applies to 17/18–22/23)
MSRP: $649.95
The Black Pearl 88 has long been one of our go-to recommendations for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike because it is intuitive and predictable, while also offering a smooth ride on firm or cruddy snow. Not only that, but it is a ski that can be a whole lot of fun as you progress. While there are skis that are more maneuverable and easier to turn at slower speeds, such as the Line Pandora 84, the Black Pearl 88 is a great choice for someone focusing on getting better at a variety of turn styles and who wants a good ski for carving, but that’s adaptable off piste. And while it isn’t as versatile as some of the wider options listed, it is surprisingly versatile when venturing into the bumps or off-piste terrain. Worth noting, and not to cause confusion, but the Black Pearl 88 is much more forgiving and accessible than the substantially stiffer, more demanding Black Pearl 97.
Elan Ripstick 94 W
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23 (older versions are still great choices)
MSRP: $749.95
The Ripstick 94 W is an excellent ski to see a beginner through many stages of progression, especially due to its versatility. The Ripstick provides a nice balance of off-piste maneuverability and on-piste carving performance, offering a predictable ride with a slightly wider platform to take into a lot of different conditions and terrain. The Ripstick 94 W makes it easy to skid / slide turns, while also being easy to initiate carved turns, all while not forcing you to be overly committed to finishing a turn (i.e., it’s not quick to punish backseat skiing). The Ripstick 94 W is an intuitive ski that performs quite well in a variety of terrain and conditions, with an easy-going, quick ride that can still be a whole lot of fun under the feet of improving or very experienced skiers.
Liberty Genesis 101
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $699
For all the same reasons as the men’s Origin 101, the Genesis 101 can be a great ski to learn and improve on, particularly for those who plan on venturing off piste. It’s a very maneuverable ski with a big sweet spot; it encourages good technique but doesn’t demand it all the time. It also comes in at a nice weight for a lot of skiers — it’s a bit heavier and more predictable in rough snow than the Line Pandora 104 and Elan Ripstick 94 W, but is notably more nimble than the Salomon QST Stella 106, while being similarly maneuverable compared to both.
Liberty added the Genesis 101 to their lineup for 21/22, when they also tweaked all the Genesis skis, but the previous versions of the Genesis 90, 96, and 106 that we tested are also well worth a look for all the same reasons, and you can find them on sale.
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $649.95
The Pandora 104 is a very playful and forgiving wider ski for those who want a quick, maneuverable, and accessible ride in softer conditions. Even when not in fresh snow, the Pandora 104 is quick and capable, especially when compared to a lot of wider skis (many of which are more sluggish or impractical for daily use). Narrower options will be better for those focused on improving their carving technique (particularly on firm, icy groomers), while the Pandora 104 is a whole lot easier when learning to navigate tight off-piste terrain like moguls and trees. The next two skis offer better stability and predictability when skiing challenging conditions like chop and crud, while the Pandora 104 is a great choice for those who want to prioritize easy maneuverability without feeling held back when working on carving turns.
Rossignol Rallybird 102
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23
MSRP: $699.95
The Rallybird 102 shares some similarities with the Pandora 104, but it is a little bit more stable, precise on piste, and more demanding. Overall, the Rallybird 102 is a pretty easy ski to turn and skid around on in a variety of conditions. It’s lots of fun in powder / fresh snow, but carves better than most skis around the same width, making it appealing for those who ski at areas that typically see softer snow but who also want to work on their carving technique. It also has a slightly higher speed threshold than the Pandora 104, meaning that the Rallybird 102 might be a better option for bigger skiers and/or those who are looking to ski faster and harder in the near future.
[Note: From 20/21–21/22, this ski was called the “Blackops Rallybird,” but the construction was the same.]
Salomon QST Stella 106
Model Year Range: 22/23
MSRP: $750
The QST Stella 106 can do a lot of things really, really well for a lot of different people. The Stella 106 is a great example of a wider ski that is both maneuverable and predictable, without requiring the skier to really drive it from an aggressive forward stance. For someone looking for a wider all-mountain ski that is a blast in soft snow, the Stella 106 is a long-term investment that will be difficult to outgrow in terms of ability. While the Rossignol Rallybird 102 and Line Pandora 104 are both a bit lighter and better in terms of on-piste carving (particularly on firm groomers), the Stella 106 is more composed through choppy or roughed-up snow conditions, and more maneuverable in soft snow. This stability can be helpful for those who want a more predictable ride through chop, or a smoother feel at the end of a long powder day.
Best Beginner Skis for Backcountry Touring
This section requires a big caveat: before ever going into non-avalanche-controlled, backcountry terrain, it’s imperative that you take an avalanche education course, carry — and practice using — essential avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel, at the very least), and do everything you can to reduce the risk of you or anyone around you being caught in an avalanche. For those in the U.S., head to the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education for more info, and we encourage anyone to reach out to their local avalanche center to learn more if they’re considering getting out into the backcountry.
With that said, “beginner-friendly touring skis” are becoming more noteworthy, especially given the rise of on-resort skinning and just the general popularity of backcountry skiing. Safety and smart decision making will always be the top priorities when it comes to backcountry skiing, but the fact that certain skis will work better for certain skiers still translates from resort-oriented skis to those that you’ll be hauling uphill under your own power.
Given the cost-prohibitive nature of owning multiple pairs of skis, we’ve included here some options that offer a good balance of downhill performance and low-ish weight, to the point that we think they make for appealing pairings with a downhill-oriented AT binding (e.g., Salomon Shift, Marker Duke PT, CAST Freetour) to use for both lift-accessed and human-powered skiing (i.e., “50/50” use). We’ve also included some lighter options that we think of more as “dedicated touring skis” since they’re nicer on the uphill but not as well suited to the rougher, more challenging conditions typically found in the resort. Those lighter skis are better if you’re ready to invest in a setup that will solely be used for human-powered skiing.
[Aside on 50/50 setups & bindings: you can put a touring binding on any ski and use it for uphill skinning and downhill skiing. So if you’re not sure about how much touring you’ll be doing, it might make sense to just put a downhill-oriented touring binding on your current skis (especially if you’ve got an “all-mountain” ski, rather than a groomer-specific one). If you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time skiing in the resort on your “50/50” setup, we recommend touring bindings that are certified for the same safety standards as regular alpine bindings, which currently includes the Salomon / Atomic / Armada Shift 10 and Shift 13, Marker Duke PT 12 and Duke PT 16, and CAST Freetour system. Lighter bindings are generally better for uphill travel, but typically bring with them compromises in terms of safety, release / retention, ride quality, and/or durability, which are even more important to consider if you’ll be doing a lot of lift-accessed skiing.]
Majesty Superwolf
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23
MSRP: $795
The Superwolf is an excellent dedicated touring ski for mostly firm / shallow snow, and a viable 50/50 option for those who primarily stick to groomers and/or low speeds. If you often end up in the backseat and ski a lot of trees and moguls, the Line Vision 98 is a better call. But if you primarily stick to open runs with consistent snow (e.g., groomers or open backcountry bowls), and especially if you’ve learned to make parallel turns, the Superwolf could be a great choice. It’s a good alternative to the Vision 98 if you’re a bigger skier, prefer longer turns over shorter ones, and/or ski a lot of firmer, icier snow.
Line Vision 98
Model Year Range: 19/20–22/23
MSRP: $749
This is an excellent dedicated touring ski for those who will be skiing a variety of terrain and conditions. Its softer flex pattern, deep rocker lines, and slightly more centered mount point all add up to a ski that is engaging and easy to ski at low speeds (and low-angle slopes and tighter trees), but it’s also quite capable (for its weight) when making bigger, faster turns in smooth snow like groomers, spring corn, and powder. We wouldn’t recommend it for a lot of lift-accessed skiing, but it can work for that if you mostly stick to groomers and/or will be using it in the resort when the snow is fairly soft. For the same reasons, the Vision 108 is worth a close look, and could be a better choice if you’ll frequently be skiing softer and/or deeper snow.
Atomic Bent 100
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $599
The Bent 100 is a great 50/50 ski because of its downhill-performance-to-weight ratio. It can also work for everyone from park aficionados to newer skiers looking for a fairly light and maneuverable ski. At least in the 188 cm length we tested, its tail isn’t the most forgiving of backseat skiing, but it’s forgiving enough that it should work well for encouraging good technique without punishing it excessively. The wider backcountry skis here are more maneuverable in soft snow and tight terrain like tree runs, but the Bent 100 is more predictable at higher speeds and offers a good amount of edge hold on firm snow.
[Note: before the 22/23 season, the Bent 100 was named the Bent Chetler 100, but constructionally, they’re the same.]
Liberty Origin 101
Model Year Range: 21/22–22/23
MSRP: $699
For all the reasons we included it above in our “all-mountain” category, the Origin 101 is a solid 50/50 option. It’s more maneuverable and floats better in deep snow than the Bent 100, but is similarly stable and still carves quite well.
Liberty added the Origin 101 to their lineup for 21/22, when they also tweaked all the Origin skis, but the previous versions of the Origin 96 and Origin 106 that we tested are also well worth a look for all the same reasons, and you can find them on sale.
Line Sick Day 104
Model Year Range: 17/18–21/22
Avg. Price as of Publishing: $429
This ski is technically discontinued as of 22/23, but it’s such a good 50/50 option for so many skiers that we felt the need to include it (plus, new and used past-season models are still widely available, at discounted rates). The Sick Day 104 is light enough that many people can put in long backcountry days on it, but it’s quite capable in the resort. Line’s Vision series is lighter, more maneuverable, and more forgiving, but the Sick Day 104 is far more predictable and composed in rough resort conditions, and is more supportive for bigger directional skiers. It’s a great alternative to the Bent 100 if you want something a bit more maneuverable and/or more supportive when driving its shovels with a forward stance.
Volkl Blaze 106
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23
MSRP: $649
This is an excellent all-round ski that’s light enough to be a dedicated touring ski but just stable enough in rougher inbounds conditions that it can work as a 50/50 option. It offers ample float (for its width) in powder, is still an excellent carver, and is pretty maneuverable and forgiving when venturing off piste. The Vision 98 is notably lighter and even more engaging on low-angle slopes, while the Bent 100 is better if you plan on dabbling in freestyle skiing. But for directional skiers who want something light enough to not feel like a major burden on the uphill, and that’s still quite capable on the down, the Blaze 106 is an excellent choice. We haven’t been able to test the narrower Blaze 94, but we suspect it would be a good alternative to the 106 if you like the sound of the 106 but are more focused on carving and firm-snow performance, rather than maneuverability and flotation in softer snow.
Best Beginner Skis for Deeper / Softer Snow
This is a pretty niche category, but for newer skiers who will be skiing lots of deep, soft, and/or fresh snow, certain skis can make that a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. The all-mountain options above will be far, far more versatile as daily drivers in a ski resort, and most skiers can have a lot of fun using all-mountain skis on powder days. Adding a pow-specific ski to your quiver early on can be an expensive investment, and given how rare deep pow days are in many areas, this is often an upgrade that we recommend delaying until later in your ski career. But if you will (a) be skiing at a resort that gets fresh, deeper (say, 8+ in / 20+ cm) snow on a frequent basis and want a dedicated ski for those days, or (b) you’ll be going cat- or heli-skiing, these are worth a look.
Line Vision 118
Model Year Range: 20/21–22/23
MSRP: $799
The Vision 118 is a great ski for those who want to optimize maneuverability in soft snow, especially at slower speeds and in tighter terrain like trees. It’s a very forgiving ski that’s easy to pilot in deeper snow and has a very low swing weight, but it’ll still let you make big, fast turns when the snow is untracked. Not the best choice if you’re looking to ski fast in resort chop, but a great option for maximizing maneuverability in soft snow. If you’re a directional skier who wants to keep your ski tips from submerging in deep snow but still want something pretty maneuverable in those conditions, check out the Line Pescado.
Blizzard Hustle 11
Model Year Range: 22/23
MSRP: $849
Similar story as the Vision 118, but the Hustle’s slightly stronger flex pattern and more rearward mount point make it a bit more versatile for bigger skiers. It’s light and maneuverable, but fairly stable for its weight and quite versatile for its width. For a resort-only ski that will consequently be used in a lot of chop, you should consider the 17/18–21/22 version of the Blizzard Rustler 11, which is notably more stable and predictable in chop, without being drastically heavier.
J Skis Friend
Model Year Range: 18/19–22/23
MSRP: $849
The Friend is a solid choice for resort skiers who want notably better flotation than most narrower all-mountain skis, and who prioritize predictability in chop and crud that follows most resort pow-day mornings. It’s a fairly heavy ski, so it doesn’t get knocked around nearly as much in cut-up snow as the Vision 118 and Hustle 11, but the Friend is still a fairly soft and easy ski. So it’s not ideal if you ski mostly tight terrain on resort pow days and therefore would benefit from a very low swing weight, but it’s a great choice if you prioritize a composed ride in more challenging snow over a super quick, nimble, lightweight ride in tight spots.
There are skis much less expensive than the skis reviewed here that would satisfy most beginner skiers needs
This review makes skiing look too expensive for new skiers
As we said in the article: “And again, keep in mind that, while none of these skis are the cheapest out there, these are skis that we think you could use season after season, and that you won’t want to immediately replace.”
So while I agree that there are cheaper skis out there that a beginner skier could still have a pretty good time on, the purpose of this article is to outline the models that we think offer a particularly good combination of ease of use without being limiting as a skier progresses. The up-front costs may be higher than other skis (or they might not be; see our notes about past-season models), but for new skiers who are looking to gain confidence and ski more of the mountain, there’s a strong likelihood that they’ll end up being held back by a “beginner-specific” ski and then end up wanting a different pair, bringing the total cost to or above that of most of the skis here.
Obviously, everyone’s budget is different, but our goal with this article is to outline the skis we’ve tested that we think offer the best performance traits for less experienced skiers.
I agree with Rick. I was hoping to see an experts view of what was good for beginners in the intro end of the market. Instead, this is mostly a selection of expert skis that are friendly to beginners.
As we outlined in our “Guide to the Best Skis for Beginners” (linked in the first line of this article), many of the design traits of skis marketed at new skiers actually make the early stages of skiing more difficult, not easier. In particular, skis with minimal rocker and minimal tip and tail taper (which seems to be the standard for “entry-level” models) make it much more challenging to slide / skid turns, which is what all of us were doing when we first started. While a minimally rockered, minimally tapered ski is great for carving clean turns, I don’t think I ever did that until I had a few seasons under my belt; a less piste-specific design can make the initial stages a whole lot easier (and just more enjoyable), while still allowing a skier to improve their carving technique. Of course, a lot of this comes down to personal preference, but I suspect most new skiers are primarily looking to enjoy their time on the mountain, rather than being super focused on technique from the start, and we think the skis here are well suited to those priorities.
Totally agree- but I think there are some skis like that in the sub $600 to $700 market. The line Blade Optic is a great example of a good ski from a well regarded line at a reasonable price that many beginners would be unaware of or possibly be too intimidated to look into. I’d really like to see you all ski some of that $400 to $700 mass market stuff, particularly in the intermediate friendly 84 to 90 mm range, to find the wheat amongst the chaff. There’s no better group then you all to do it, because you don’t care about selling your own in store stock. Love your work- just would like to see more of it aimed at beginners and intermediates.
Great article. People need to stop complaining about the 600-700$ skis. Lift ticket is over 200$ a lot of places. Lunch for 2 will set you back near 100$. Oh and you need a ton of other expensive kit. You want a cheap sport look at playing frisbee. Or running. There probably some really cheap shitty skis out there. But anyone who cares enough to read a several thousand word long form review probably doesn’t want shitty skis. Would you rather spend a couple hundred more on something that works well, or 400 on garbage.
But that’s the thing- because those skis are well below your price range, people assume they suck. But have any experts actually ridden them? I get that a place that reviews what they sell can’t afford to piss off a vendor or lower their own sales, but this would have been really interesting if Blister had tested those skis. Maybe they find something they actually like? Don’t just assume that all skis in that bracket are crap. Maybe the Maverick 86c really is crap- but no respected reviewer who is not selling the skis (again- sorry SkiEssentials! I love your stuff, but you need to move product too) has ridden them to review them. What if Blister actually found a few good sub $500 skis?
This article feels a little out of touch. No beginner is going to drop $1450 on a pair of skis, and most probably would not even drop $500. Most people brand new to the sport are going to rent and get some basic lessons first and take whatever the shop kid hands them. Or, a friend/family will lend them a pair. Or, they will pick up a used pair with bindings for a couple hundred max. For a super keen beginner looking to buy new (which would be rare) I would probably be putting them on something like the Nordica Navigator 85, Dynastar M-Pro 85, Volkl Kanjo, etc. Maybe a Rustler 9 or QST 92/98 if they were on the lower end of intermediate, but beginners don’t regularly go off-piste by nature of being a beginner, and a wider-bodied ski means more time spent off your edges, which is not a comfortable feeling for most beginners. To me, aside from the Disruption 78C, this reads like a list for intermediate skiers who at least know some basics about the sport, like edge control, stance, snow types and conditions, etc.
Totally valid points re: what beginners often *end up* skiing (these are our picks for specific models with performance traits that we think suit less experienced skiers); I tweaked the section on price to make it even more clear how valuable it is to look at the past-season / used / demo market, where you can find most of these skis for far below MSRP.
As for which skis we think are ideal for beginners, I’d echo what I said in my reply to Jonathan, above. Just from my own perspective, I’ve witnessed so many of my beginner-skier friends and relatives become rapidly more comfortable and confident (and just have more fun) when I have them switch from a narrow, non-rockered, non-tapered, piste-oriented rental ski to an “all-mountain” ski, even though they’re still sticking solely to groomers. Many design traits that make skis great for laying over proper carves make them challenging when you’re just sliding / snowplowing your turns.
Rising intermediate here- I skied the M-pro 84 last season at Breckinridge and absolutely loved it. I felt at least one skill level higher at the end of that week than at the beginning. Great example of an accessible, quality ski in a great price range (at least at the end of the year) that many beginners and intermediates would overlook. I bought a pair when they were cleaning them out to make room for the 85. I’ll get a wider, more powerful ski later to compliment it as I continue to grow- likely one that Blister recommends.
While the skis play an important role, I’m not 100% convinced that they are the first thing to tackle. It is true that when you talk to real beginner skiers, or read their questions on the Internet, the skis are their main concerns. But that comes from lack of knowledge. Ski boots are equally as important for how their first days will go – and unless you have God-blessed feet ;-) there is 100% chance that the rental boots will not fit at all and you can have the best beginner-friendliest skis, this won’t matter as your feet will be in hell.
And on top, despite that it may feel counterintuitive, I’d say that clothing is far more important for beginners that it is for experts – as they will have significant challenges with moist and cold…
Totally agree regarding ski boots being hugely important. Our reviewer / bootfitter / former shop employee, Kara, has a “ski boots 101” series in the works that we think will provide useful advice for skiers of all levels.
I also agree with Rick. This disregard for price makes skiing really seem even more elitist than it already is and very out of touch. Not to mention the cost of bindings and ski boots. The first ski being $1000 made me chuckle. O was hoping when I read the title we would see some new low cost skis than the others we’ve seen reviewed previously.
Good article! Definitely a service! I’d suggest a different title – Skis we’ve reviewed that would work for beginners.
Unbelievable. An article about beginning to ski written by an expert skier who i suspect has zero experience of learning to ski as an adult.
A beginner should learn to ski on groomed runs on 70mm skis until they can reliably link short turns, before attempting moguls and the. deep. At that point they are no longer a beginner. Suggesting that a beginner can buy some skis and then ski down a mogul run or an off piste run is irresponsible. It is more likely to lead to a helicopter rescue than enthuse them for the sport.
Ha, ironically, I didn’t get into skiing till I was in my twenties, and the same goes for our founder, who helped write this and our more general guide to buying skis as a beginner (linked in the first line of this article, and highly recommended). We’re also very frequently getting out on the mountain with beginners; talking to them about their perspectives on gear (e.g., having my siblings, neither of whom had skied more than 5 days, test a range of skis with me was really interesting); and have made recommendations to dozens (if not hundreds, at this point) of Blister Members buying skis for their beginner friends, relatives, children, etc., and I have yet to hear that we led them astray.
As for what sort of terrain a beginner should, could, or wants to ski, that seems like a pretty personal preference to me? Some skiers want to stick to groomed runs indefinitely, others don’t, and we’re not telling anyone where or how they need to ski, but we list various options, some of which are better suited to certain terrain, conditions, and preferences, which we highlight in each blurb and section description.
Great article. Thanks a lot. I will be passing this along to several folks.
It’s worth noting that some of the skis listed above are closer to $600-$800 with bindings. They are not all $1k+. Last year, I intentionally waited to get the Line Sick Day 104s as a 50/50 when the season ended. I paid $400 plus bindings. Several of the above options are cheaper if shopping online or at local ski shops and they are a year or two old. It does require a motivated buyer, but I’m not sure an unmotivated buyer would be interested in committing to buying a pair of skis rather than perpetually renting anyway. Notably, I agree with Luke and others in that putting never ever skiers on a less than ideal rental ski is fine for maybe a lesson or two, but after that I encourage folks to pay the demo price ($60 a day at my local hill) at try an all mountain ski to improve their experience. I have seen far too many people quit after renting 6+ times because they don’t feel confident and they stop having fun (huge bummer!!). This is often due to the skis holding them back so I encourage them to demo (often there are skis from the above list in the demo lineup) for a price comparable to renting to improve the experience and keep their grow going upward. I have found that they are 1) happier with their experience, 2) confidence goes up, and 3) more interested in committing to buy their own pair is not dissimilar to what they demoed. I know there are other critical elements to the equation (boots being the biggest), so I’m only speaking to the actual skis experience here. Thanks all for the discussion.
As someone who actually did learn to ski just a couple years ago, as an adult who had previously only skied one day in my life, without a crazy budget, some of the pushback on this article is super weird. Admittedly the deep snow section is a bit confusing- it’s hard to think of someone who is dropping into so many pow lines as a newbie that 118 underfoot truly serves them best while learning (and that’s coming from someone who learned primarily at wolf creek). But on the whole the article seems to have great advice.
Learned on a Rossi Sin 7, a chill, versatile all-mtn ski, 97 underfoot, and was starting to mess around with easy (and short) diamond moguls by like my 4th or 5th day. Why? Cause I wasn’t being locked into carving turns and was much more comfortable trying new things given the ability to skid my turns, and because pushing yourself via terrain is a much quicker way to learn to ski than doing groomer drills all day (unless perhaps you have an absurd budget to blow on regular private lessons). And it’s a vastly more fun way to learn to ski.
Skis/bindings from powder7 were less than $400. It is common to find decent quality setups for less than 600 there on sale. Get a past year’s model that’s a couple years old with a demo-binding, like the article discusses. Get an easy ski that’s fun, versatile, AND that you can still push and enjoy as you can get better, without having to independently fund your local ski school to get enough lessons to learn how to carve everything in sight. (And you really will get better pretty fast if you’re enjoying it, even self-teaching). That seems to be the fundamental point of a lot of the recommendations, with specific examples given to help point people with no ski purchasing experience in a good direction.
As a past middle aged beginner I feel that appropriate equipment as recommended by Blister would ease the learning process immensely. If the goal is to have more fun as soon as possible – the investment in equipment is well worth the expense. Just think about the cost invested to participate apart from equipment. And the criteria that the initial investment will not be quickly outgrown is a wise one. As former low end intermediate I’ve picked skis that have been on Blisters recommendations for beginners and found that the equipment has been a key complement to ski instruction and a fitness program.
And the recommendation that beginners should look at skis 85 to 105 mm is totalling right on!
Also a beginner powder ski is not necessarily a ski for someone entirely new to skiing – but for someone that may well be an intermediate skier that has not ventured into powder skiing as yet. I started skiing powder on narrow all mountains – went to a mid fat – finally a wider powder ski. I now consider myself an intermediate powder skier – but not until I got on the powder ski which made it so much easier. I wish I had started my quest to master powder skiing with the best tool – would have had more fun sooner.
I bought a pair of Masterblasters for my wife for Christmas two seasons ago and I think the review is spot on: “a great choice for less experienced skiers who are looking for a ski that they can grow with.” She progressed from carefully skiing blues to confidently skiing groomed blacks on it. Also got her the Blaze 106 at an end of season demo sale for storm days and fresh snow. That ski has been ok but not great – think it might a bit too light for our wet and heavy snow (Palisades/Alpine, Tahoe).
When I got back on Skis I tried many different ones Incl. QST 99, Rustler,…) but only after buying a used pair of DPS Wailer I was really happy. I know they are expensive and everyone here complains about expensive skies for beginner but you can still sell them if you don’t like them. Especially for Powder seeking people who come back from snowboarding I would recommend nothing else. Maybe a Rossignol Soul 7. I am surprised they are both not on the list, especially compared to a Hustle the Wailer 112 is much easier to ski in my opinion (I only tried the Rustler 11 to be fair).
1. Interesting to hear that beginners won’t spend 1k on skis, when at least at our local mountain people are spending 10k and up for a spring break ski vacation for a family of 4. Not saying I would (or could), but many can and do. I’m not sure the couple learning to ski in a private lesson wearing 5k worth of clothing think of 1k the way we may. And they deserve recommendations too.
2. If you are someone who skis for a week a year, you will be a “beginner” for many years and buying a set of skis you can progress on for 5 years at a week a year, 1k isn’t that much.
3. I learned to ski in my 40s and did what many suggest: rented beginner skis and boots, took some lessons. But eventually I wanted to ski the same skis (and wear the same boots) every time so I didn’t spend so much time adjusting. And my local shop put me on a used pair of sick day 88s. And the thing is, they were SO MICH FUN. Way more enjoyable to skid around on. That fun is what motivated me to get better. A lot of the skis listed here are fun to learn on, even if not the easiest to link classic carves on.
Exactly. Why ‘beginner’ always gets equaled with ‘cheap’ baffles me. There are super skilled rippers on skis or mtb’s who don’t have a lot of money. At the same time, there are plenty of beginners, who can afford a much nicer pair of skis or bike.
And as many others have said above, the way skis are discounted, even ‘mid priced’ skis are not that much over a couple of years.
For all the people complaining about price, you are crazy! All these skis are available on the used market. Everything doesn’t have to be bought new. I wish when I started someone would have pushed me to invest in quality that I would grow into instead of buying crap. Skiing is expensive and for the most part elitist.