December 12, 2024

best women freeride skis

During my research, I examined multiple threads on Reddit (r/skiing, r/Skigear, and r/Backcountry) as well as review articles on Freeskier.com and Theskigirl.com. These sources provided a variety of opinions and recommendations on the best women's freeride skis. There was a good level of consensus on some options, such as Blizzard Black Pearl 88, Salomon QST 106, and Nordica Santa Ana 93. The sources were generally related to the original query, with discussions focusing on ski performance, versatility, and suitability for different skiing styles. However, there was some variation in the specific models mentioned, reflecting the individual preferences of different skiers. Given this, there may be some uncertainty in determining the absolute best option.

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Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Blizzard Black Pearl 88

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is a popular option among freeride women skiers. According to a Reddit discussion on r/skiing, the Black Pearl 88 skis are a good balance between sturdy and playful, but some skiers don't like the way it forces them onto their inside ski in their turns. They are recommended for skiers who don't want to struggle in fresh snow. Blizzard Black Pearl 94, a wider variant, was praised for its empowering design in a Freeskier article.
Salomon QST Series

Salomon QST Series

Salomon's QST series was mentioned in several discussions. The QST 106 was praised by users on a Reddit thread for being stable with cork damper technology, suitable for beginners to intermediates. The QST 99, a slightly narrower model, was recommended for regular day tours and found light enough for such use. Notably, a user's wife tours on the women's version of the QST99, using it both in the resort and the backcountry.
Nordica Santa Ana 93

Nordica Santa Ana 93

Nordica Santa Ana 93 was another model frequently mentioned. According to a discussion on r/skiing, these skis were described as sturdy but forgiving, and the most versatile and fun choice. They were recommended by high-intermediate skiers for fresh snow. The Santa Ana 97 and 102 models were also praised on Freeskier.com for their energy and versatility.

Faction Dancer 2X

The Faction Dancer 2X was highly recommended on Freeskier.com for being stable yet playful, with a flat tail and durable construction. They are considered versatile enough to ski the entire mountain in all conditions.
Atomic Bent Chetler 100

Atomic Bent Chetler 100

The Atomic Bent Chetler 100 freeride skis were recommended for intermediate skiers in a Reddit discussion on r/Skigear and were described as powerful and great for freeriding.
Elan Ripstick 94W Black Edition

Elan Ripstick 94W Black Edition

The Elan Ripstick 94W Black Edition was recommended by Freeskier.com for expert female skiers due to its stability and performance. It was also mentioned positively in a Reddit thread on r/skiing.
Line Pandora

Line Pandora

Line Pandora was recommended on a Reddit thread for women's ski recommendation. The Line Vision 108s were highly praised in a discussion on r/Skigear for being light, playful, and performing well at high speeds.

Other Recommendations

Several other skis were mentioned but with less consensus. These include the Volkl Kendo 92 , Atomic Backland 107 , Icelantic Maiden 91, and Blizzard Sheeva 9. Furthermore, Black Crows Atris was mentioned in two different Reddit threads as a good option.

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Research

"https://theskigirl.com/best-freeride-skis/"

Here are my notes from the webpage:

  • Freeride skiing is a style of skiing that is off-piste, on challenging terrain and requires quality freeride skis.
  • The webpage provides a list of the “5 best freeride skis to get in 2024” and reviews each of them in-depth.
  • The picks for the best freeride skis include the Volkl Kendo 92, Atomic Backland 107, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Salomon QST 106, and Icelantic Maiden 91.
  • Each of the skis is recommended for different ability levels and skiing styles.
  • The Volkl Kendo 92 is recommended for intermediate to expert ability levels and is great off-piste but not ideal for groomed runs.
  • The Atomic Backland 107 is recommended for intermediate to expert ability levels and is best for touring.
  • The Atomic Bent Chetler 100 is recommended for intermediate ability levels and is powerful and great for freeriding.
  • The Salomon QST 106 is recommended for beginner to intermediate ability levels and is very stable with cork damper technology.
  • The Icelantic Maiden 91 is recommended as the best women’s specific freeride ski and is suitable for beginner to advanced ability levels.
  • The difference between freeride and touring skis is that freeride skis are generally wider and more aggressive than touring skis.
  • Freeride skis may not always hold up on groomed runs but are capable of handling challenging conditions in the backcountry.
  • The post provides useful information on how to choose the best freeride skis based on factors such as weight, stability, and size.
  • The webpage includes a section with useful freeride ski tips and a video with additional tips on how to enhance the off-piste experience.
  • The author of the post is Christine, who created TheSkiGirl.com to provide skiers with a resource to explore everything great about skiing.
  • There is a brief Q&A section that answers questions about the best freeride skier in the world and whether freeride skis can be used for touring.
  • The webpage includes links to websites where the recommended skis can be purchased, such as Maxi Sport, Evo, Outdoor Gear Exchange, MEC, and Salomon.
  • The post has a list format and is easy to read, with clear headings and a table of contents for easy navigation.
  • The post is engaging and informative, using

"Good freeride skis?"

  • Reddit post that discusses options for good freeride skis for an intermediate skier.
  • User wants to upgrade the skis to either Bent Chetler 100 or Black Crow Atris.
  • Bent Chetler 100 is good for smooth and stable skiing, while Black Crow Atris is a bit poppier and lighter.
  • Blister Buyers Guide is recommended for inspiration, comparing skis, and understanding the characteristics of skis.
  • Recommendations for different ski models - some of them include Line Vision 108s and Moment Meridians.
  • One user recommends staying away from expensive luxury brands like DPS, Kastle, and Stockli, and finding other brands that offer better pricing.
  • Users recommend considering the ski’s width based on the conditions you tend to ski in.
  • The discussion is briefly shifted to the size of the skis and whether the user prefers short turns in tight spaces at slower speeds or bigger turns on rough snow at fast speeds.
  • One user gives a rating to Bent Chetler 100 as Dentists Powder Skis, which might mean they are overpriced.
  • Another user recommends Moment Meridians as daily drivers and mentions some negatives about Chetty Hunnids.
  • Line Vision 108s are recommended as light, playful, super fun powder skis that perform well at high speeds.
  • Characteristic comparisons of skis - Line Vision is a bit soft in the tail, Bent Chetler is playful, Volkls are more directional and charging.
  • A recommendation for Faction Dictators - suitable for experts/advanced skiers, they can handle aggressive and high-speed turns.
  • The tip rise on Line Vision is noticeable, which lifts the skis in powder, while Moment Meridians are less playful and poppy and more directional, stable, and smooth.
  • Fischer Ranger FR and Blizzard Rustler 9 are both lightweight and fun to ski on.
  • Moment Deathwish is a playful all-mountain ski with rock (metal?) underfoot.
  • Salomon QST 106 is recommended for mixed-use - they are versatile and lightweight.
  • One user recommends that OP try to demo the skis before making a purchase.
  • Additional recommendations - ON3P Wrenegade 108, Faction Candide 2.0, Armada ARV 106.
  • The user should consult with an experienced skier or ski store pro before making a purchase decision.
  • Skis are suitable based on the conditions where you ski.

"https://freeskier.com/stories/the-best-womens-skis-of-2025"

  • The webpage provides a comprehensive list of the best freeride skis for women in 2025.
  • The list includes 15 skis from various manufacturers, including Dynastar, Blizzard, Elan, Völkl, Nordica, Black Diamond, Icelantic, K2, Rossignol, and Salomon.
  • For each ski, the page lists lengths, dimensions (in millimeters), and radii (in meters).
  • The Dynastar M Pro W 92 is designed for frontside groomers and off-piste terrain and strikes a balance between forgiveness and performance.
  • The Blizzard Black Pearl 94 is the widest ski in the collection and is designed to make any woman the boss of her ski day.
  • The Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition has a narrower tip for more stability and performance in variable conditions and a wider tail to boost power and strength at the end of the turn. It’s geared more towards expert female skiers.
  • The Völkl Secret 96 provides unwavering stability with its tailored Titanal frame, which varies based on ski length. It’s like a healthy relationship on the mountain.
  • The Nordica Santa Ana 97’s core construction, a combo of poplar, beechwood, and a rubber elastomer layer sandwiched with metal, offers more energy to play when carving turns.
  • The Black Diamond Women’s Impulse 98 TI is versatile enough to take you through steeps, bumps, and glades on in-betweener days.
  • The Blizzard Sheeva 10 is designed for aggressive, freeride women who like to push the speed limit. It’s playful yet burly.
  • The Icelantic Maiden 102 features four carbon stringers and a poplar wood core for livelier and poppier rebound from edge-to-edge and tip-to-tail.
  • The K2 Reckoner 102 W offers playful design and maneuverability making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize fun and versatility on the mountain.
  • The Nordica Santa Ana 102 is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a fast-and-furious ski.
  • The Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102 features a new Air Tip, which reduces swing weight and makes the ski more maneuverable and nimble, while maintaining its strong and stout qualities underfoot.
  • The Atomic Maven 103 CTI has more tip and tail rocker for easier turn initiation and release in both soft and firm snow and is highly versatile.
  • The

"Ski Recommendation: Women's High-Intermediate East Coast"

  • Post title: “Ski Recommendation: Women’s High-Intermediate East Coast”
  • Post was made on r/skiing with a 2-year-old timestamp
  • Poster is looking for all-mountain skis recommendations for his girlfriend
  • The girlfriend is a high-intermediate female skier who spends most of her time on groomed trails on the East Coast but also takes a few trips out West.
  • She’s currently skiing on short Volkls
  • The girlfriend wants skis she can grow into
  • The user is looking at last year’s models to save money
  • Skis the poster has looked into: Atomic Maven 86c, Blizzard Black Pearl 82, Nordica Santa Ana 84, Elan Ripstick 88, Line Pandora 84, and Black Crows Vertis Birdie
  • The skis discussed are all-mountain skis that can handle both hard-pack/icy groomers and fresh snow.
  • Some skis are more playful than others and some are more focused on groomer performance.
  • A user who is a high intermediate recommended using skis Black Pearl 88 and Santa Ana 88 or 93 for fresh snow.
  • The same user said that skis around 80 tend to not be as good in fresh snow.
  • The user found the Black Pearl 88s to be a good balance between sturdy and playful but didn’t like the way it forced him/her onto their inside ski in their turns.
  • The same user found the Ripstick 88s to be a fun ski but chattery and the designated right and left skis made it half the lifespan for the skis.
  • The user ended up buying Santa Ana 93s. They’re sturdy but forgiving, and the most versatile and fun choice.
  • Another user said they have Santa Ana skis and love them, recommending them to anyone.
  • Yet another user recommends demoing skis before making a purchase decision.
  • A user who bought for their wife recommends demoing since it’s worth it to find the right ski.
  • The wife demoed Black Pearls, Santa Ana, and Kenja, preferred the Kenja and bought them.
  • Another user recommends the Head Super Joy (75mm) for hard pack and East coast ice, with emphasis on them being lightweight and forgiving.
  • The same user recommended Salomon Stance 88 for the East coast.
  • A user recommends Pandora Line 98s as a great ski for mixed terrain, highly recommending them.
  • A user asks what the

"Best Freeride Skis 2024?"

Not used in article

"https://freeskier.com/stories/best-womens-skis"

  1. Faction Dancer 2X:
  • Category winner for 4 years running (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).
  • Stable yet playful with a flat tail.
  • Durable Austrian construction powered by 100% renewable energy.
  • Pairs a sustainably-harvested poplar wood core with two full-length, thin sheets of Titanal.
  • Versatile to ski the entire mountain in all conditions.
  • Radius of 15m.
  • Lengths: 155, 163, 171, 177 cm.
  • Dimensions: 127-96-117 mm.
  1. Salomon QST Lumen 98:
  • Incredibly versatile and fun, suitable for average skiers.
  • Modern twin rocker shape for fast turning capabilities.
  • 98-mm waist suitable for most days on the mountain.
  • Performs well in different terrains.
  • Double sidewalls for better edge ease.
  • Cork inserts for improved stability.
  • Radius of 16m.
  • Lengths: 152, 160, 168, 176 cm.
  • Dimensions: 132-98-120 mm.
  1. Elan Ripstick 94W Black Edition:
  • Features QuadRod, four carbon rods for supreme stability and rebound.
  • Asymmetric profile enhanced by a carbon weave along the inside edge.
  • Lightweight for playful skiing.
  • Radius of 16.2m.
  • Lengths: 146, 154, 162, 170, 178 cm.
  • Dimensions: 136-94-110 mm.
  • Sleek matte topsheet with glossy tiger stripes.
  1. Blizzard Sheeva 9:
  • Proprietary Freeride Trueblend wood core for power and play.
  • New FluxForm technology balances stoutness and lightness.
  • Handles high speeds and burly landings with ease.
  • Suitable for all-mountain freeriding.
  • Radius of 15m.
  • Lengths: 150, 156, 162, 168, 174 cm.
  • Dimensions: 129-96-118.5 mm.
  • The brand’s best-selling women’s ski.
  1. HEAD Kore 97 W:
  • Redesigned with graphene for reduced mass and re-balanced swing weight.
  • Blended wood core of karuba and poplar for lightweight skiing.
  • Ideal combination of camber underfoot, shovel taper and tip rocker.
  • HRZN tech in the tip for 10% more surface area.
  • Lengths

"Best Freeride Skis 2024"

Not used in article

"Using freeride skis for ski touring?"

  • The webpage is a Reddit thread titled “Using freeride skis for ski touring?”.
  • The thread is two years old and has 16 comments.
  • A user mentions finding an offer for a pair of Salomon QST99 2019 skis and asks how hard they would be to use to ascend considering they weigh 2kg each.
  • Other users respond, saying that lots of people tour on QST series skis, that they’re not the lightest skis but light enough, and that the QST99 would be fine for regular day tours.
  • A user with the same skis and Salomon’s MTN tech binding recommends them for backcountry skiing, saying the narrow waist is easy to edge and the wider tip/tail give decent float on deeper days.
  • Another user comments that the QST99 is pretty skinny for the backcountry and that heavier skis are burlier, but ultimately it depends on the day and conditions.
  • Users also discuss using non-touring all mountain skis for touring, touring on Black Crows Atris (108 mm) and Anima (115 mm), and the importance of choosing a setup that won’t fail in the backcountry.
  • Some recommend putting a lighter binding on the QST99 if used as a dedicated touring ski, while others suggest using them for hybrid setups or just touring with the ski you want to shred.
  • One user mentions touring on QST 106, while another tours on Icelantic Natural 111s with Dynafit Rotation 12 bindings.
  • Users discuss the trade-offs between weight and performance when choosing touring equipment, with some preferring lighter equipment for greater distances and longer days and others prioritizing downhill performance and reliability.
  • A user mentions their wife tours on the women’s version of the QST99 with a kingfisher binding in the resort and backcountry.
  • The same user comments that skinning on 2kg skis (like the QST99) sucks, but that he’s happier on actual touring skis.
  • There’s some discussion of specific bindings, with users mentioning ATK, Marker, and Plum, as well as hybrid bindings like the Dynafit Shift 12.
  • Some users mention touring with skis that aren’t typically used for touring, like Scott Lola 2012 or Elan Lipstick 96, for shorter skinning sessions or lift-accessed skiing.

"Women's Ski Recommendation"

  • Name of the webpage: Reddit thread, “Women’s Ski Recommendation”
  • Date of the post: 2 years ago
  • Post title: “Women’s Ski Recommendation”
  • Post content:
    • OP (original poster) is seeking an all-mountain ski with softer snow that is mostly used for bumps in bounds, and is more durable than the Rossignol Sky 7s
  • Comments section:
    • Comment #1: (8 karma) Recommends Moment Sierra 162 skis, which is a stiff and responsive ski for those with finesse over power
    • Comment #2: (2 karma) Recommends the Sierra 162 skis for someone with similar weight and size to OP
    • Comment #3: (2 karma) Recommends Line Pandora skis as a shortlisted option
    • Comment #4: (1 karma) Suggests that the 152 option of the Sierra 162 skis may work better for somebody 5’ tall
    • Comment #5: (2 karma) Suggests even an advanced skier might prefer shorter skis
    • Comment #6: (1 karma) Shares that their Sky 7s are 156 and are the perfect height for them.
    • Comment #7: (2 karma) Suggests that the decision on the ski height ultimately depends on personal preference
    • Comment #8: (6 karma) Recommends the Line Pandora 104 skis for all conditions and bump skiing, and found them versatile
    • Comment #9: (1 karma) States interest in trying out Line skis for the first time and thanks Comment #8 for the suggestion
    • Comment #10: (2 karma) Recommends Black Crows Atris Birdies skis as a good mountain skiing option, mentions other Armada skis; conversation turns to discussing ski width preferences
    • Comment #11: (3 karma) Recommends Mindbender 98s skis for a one-ski quiver approach and asking for suggestions of other women-specific skis
    • Comment #12: (3 karma) Shares that Black Pearl skis by women for women has had good reviews
    • Comment #13: (2 karma) Asks why the atomic Maven might ignite discussion and what skis would be recommended for a Sky 7 skier
    • Comment #14: (2 karma) Recommends On3p Jessie skis, which is lightweight yet responsive and versatile

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