Ski Reviews

2022-2023 Salomon MTN 96 Carbon, 174 cm

Reviewer Username: Abcdethan

Reviewer Height: 5’9″

Reviewer Weight: 173 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 15 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Eastern Sierras Backcountry, San Gorgonio Wilderness Backcountry, San Gabriel Mountains Backcountry

TEST TERRAIN: Backcountry

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 7/10

FORGIVENESS: 4/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 4/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 9/10

STABILITY: 7/10

SUSPENSION: 7/10

EDGE HOLD: 9/10

PLAYFULNESS: 3/10

SKI LENGTH: It felt a bit too short (174 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees | Long spring tours

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Firm, off-piste chop or crud | Corn, windboard, firm conditions

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Backcountry skiers who want to go for long spring tours harvesting corn or for ski mountaineering objectives. Choosing backcountry gear is about finding the right balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance for each individual. This is very stable ski for mid 90mm-waisted skis in the 1400g to 1500g range.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

The MTN 95 Explore in a 177 cm was my go-to ski until this season. Its softer shovel added versatility in fresh powder, but my direct comparison with the MTN 96 in winter conditions is based on just one day. The MTN 96, however, showcases a more consistent and smoother stiffness across the ski. It has a freeride influence on its shape, with more tip and tail rise than the former ski, making it easier to break free from a turn and more maneuverable.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

Its smooth and stiff flex pattern instills confidence in steep couloirs and excels on extended 6k corn runs. It performs admirably in various snow conditions, including corn, windboard, chalk, refrozen snow, and suncups. Its moderate weight allows it to be driven with confidence, particularly with a lighter boot in the 1200-1300g range. A highly directional ski, it penalizes any inclination toward backseat skiing.
During a late spring storm, skiing a foot of steep powder, I didn’t find it as intuitive as other rockered skis designed for fresh snow. Whether this was due to the shorter length, the stiffness in shovels and tails, or just a case of bad skiing remains uncertain. Further assessment in winter conditions is necessary.
The ski falls in the middle of the spectrum of mid-90-waisted touring skis, striking a good balance of lightness for big ski objectives where shedding weight is crucial, while still maintaining predictable dampness and edge hold for the descent.