Today, Salomon unveiled more of their 2026-2027 freeride products, including a brand-new boot, some more info on the new Shift2 16 binding, and new graphics for the S/Lab QST X ski.
Coinciding with this news, they’ve also announced that they signed Canadian freeskier, Cole Richardson, and I know I’m looking forward to seeing what Cole can do on this gear in the future.
On the product side, the big news here is the S/Lab Shift Alpha S BOA boot. It builds on the overall design of the existing Shift Alpha BOA 130, Salomon’s low-volume (98 mm last) freeride boot with a walk mechanism, designed to work for both lift-accessed and human-powered skiing. However, the S/Lab variant is stiffer and generally more downhill-oriented.
The S/Lab Shift Alpha S BOA boot adds an extra layer of plastic on the medial side of the cuff, which reportedly boosts stiffness vs. the Shift Alpha BOA 130. This reportedly also slightly reduces range of motion when you have the boot in uphill mode. We should be testing a pair in the near future to see for ourselves how different it feels vs. the regular Shift Alpha boots.
Otherwise, the S/Lab Shift Alpha S BOA shares most of its features in common with the regular Shift Alpha BOA 130. Both boots come with elastic power straps, GripWalk soles with a generous amount of rubber outside the plastic AFD pads, and Salomon’s “FreeSpine” walk mechanism.
As we touched on earlier in the year, Salomon is also making a 16-DIN version of their hybrid touring binding, the Shift2. Aside from offering higher release values than the other Shift2 models, the Shift2 16 features a different heel piece adapted from Salomon’s Strive 16 and STH2 16 alpine bindings.
This heel piece reportedly offers more elastic travel (16 mm vs. 9 mm on the Shift2 13), but does add some weight. We recently got a Shift2 16 in for long-term testing, and ours weighs 1217 grams per binding (with 110 mm brakes). For reference, our Shift2 13 with the same brakes weighs about 925 grams per binding.
Lastly, Salomon also unveiled the new 26/27 graphic of their 116mm-wide S/Lab QST X ski.
All of these products are available now for early access at select retailers and salomon.com.
For reference, below we’ve pasted the full press release from Salomon:
Salomon Reveals Next-Gen S/LAB Freeride Arsenal for 2026/27
Redesigned skis, boots, and bindings for uncompromising freeride performance
Ogden, UT (January 15, 2026) – Pioneers in alpine sports innovation, Salomon, announces three new additions to its 2026/27 S/LAB collection; S/LAB QST X, S/LAB SHIFT ALPHA S BOA®, and S/Lab Shift² 16 MN. Built for riders who seek out the steepest lines, the deepest snow, and the toughest terrain, the new S/LAB products introduce updated shapes, materials, and construction that deliver greater power, control, and reliability in demanding freeride conditions.
“These new products were shaped by our athletes who dream big and ski hard, and we’re proud to infuse that feedback directly into the new S/LAB Freeride line,” said Lauren Samuels, Salomon’s North American Alpine Category Manager. “Each season we push to give freeride athletes new and innovative equipment that keeps up with their ambition, and this year’s S/LAB additions deliver more stability, power, and control in demanding environments.”
The S/LAB Freeride lineup now includes:
S/LAB Shift² 16 MN
From Salomon’s first product in 1947 to the new S/LAB Shift² 16 MN, the company’s approach has stayed the same: focus on craftsmanship, functionality and performance in every binding. The Shift² 16 MN sits at the top of Salomon’s binding lineup and combines three key features:
● 3-Part Power Heel: Engineered for maximum shock absorption, offering 16 mm of elastic travel, this new heel is an adapted version of the iconic Strive 16 and STH 16 heel engine with a new design to accommodate the uphill mode of a Shift binding.
● Power Block AFD: The new micrometric, height-adjustable AFD introduced with the Shift² 13 in 2024, with a single-block aluminum insert that supports the boot and provides 30% more lateral stiffness compared to the original Shift bindings.
● Dual-Purpose Toe: A toe engine that allows for the best of both worlds. When on the ascent, the toe transforms into a traditional pin toe mechanism providing the best uphill range of motion. When switched into the downhill-mode, the toe functions as a traditional alpine toe with more boot-binding contact for a secure and intuitive feel.
ESS Launch: January 15, 2026
S/LAB QST X
Built for freeride athletes and powder chasers, the QST X is designed to handle big lines and variable conditions. With a 116 mm waist, generous rocker profile, and light weight construction it floats easily in powder and stays quick to pivot and maneuver. The ski uses a Karuba poplar mixed wood core reinforced with flax-carbon fibers, plus cork inserts in the tip and tail to help dampen vibrations. It’s finished with wide steel edges and fully recycled double sidewalls for added durability. In 2026 the S/LAB QST X gets new graphics that speak to the strength and fun that this ski provides.
ESS Launch: January 22, 2026
S/LAB SHIFT ALPHA S BOA®
Designed with input from athletes who want strong downhill performance without giving up the option to climb, the S/LAB Shift Alpha BOA offers power, precision and a dialed-in fit. Its Freespine setup improves energy transfer between the cuff and shell, while the Exobelt and BOA fit system provide micro-adjustments and strong heel hold to keep the boot secure on long freeride days. The boot features a 98 mm last and a more demanding flex for the most powerful skiers.
ESS Launch: January 29, 2026
SALOMON WELCOMES COLE RICHARDSON
Salomon is proud to welcome Canadian freeride skier Cole Richardson to its global freeski team. Forged in the demanding terrain of the Canadian Rockies, the Canmore, Alberta-based skier brings a deliberately loose and playful style to big-mountain lines and deep snow, fully leveraging the performance of Salomon’s new S/LAB Freeride arsenal.
At just 24 years old, Richardson has helped redefine modern Rockies skiing, blending technical precision with instinctive creativity. Raised by ski-racing parents and shaped by years at Lake Louise Ski Resort, he has left his mark through standout performances in Matchstick Productions films as well as his unconventional multi-media exhibition Intermission.
Shortly after joining Salomon, Richardson traveled to Hokkaido, Japan, alongside fellow rising talent Tenra Katsuno to test the new S/LAB Freeride setup in some of the world’s most coveted snow. Watch Cole Richardson’s welcome edit on @salomonfreeski.
The 2026/27 S/LAB Freeride collection will debut the S/LAB SHIFT² 16 MN (Jan. 15) S/LAB QST X (Jan. 22), and S/LAB SHIFT ALPHA S BOA® (Jan. 29) for early access at select retailers and at Salomon.com.