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The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

For many skiers, a quiver of one makes practical and financial sense. From hard and fast groomers to soft and deep powder, here are the best women's-specific all-mountain skis for the season.
(photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)
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We’re perpetually on the hunt for the quiver-killer, daily driver: a pair of skis that we reach for whether the forecast calls for powder or firm and fast conditions. A great all-mountain ski will put a smile on your face in any conditions anywhere on the mountain, from the steeps to trees, moguls, and groomers, and in a variety of weather and terrain.

We tested the best women’s-specific all-mountain skis and many unisex skis in all the types of terrain to find the best all-mountain skis for women. We skied in snow ranging from deep powder to East Coast ice. And we pushed the limits of terrain at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole, more than half a dozen resorts in Idaho, and at Utah’s Powder Mountain. Below is our A-List, the cream of the crop of women’s all-mountain skis. Whether you’re looking for the overall performance of the Atomic Maven 103 CTI or something a bit more budget-friendly like the Blizzard Black Pearl 88, we’ve got the spread covered.

If you’d like to learn more about all-mountain skis and how they’re defined, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ section at the end of this article. For a quick look at how these skis stack up, see our comparison chart.

Otherwise, scroll through to see our recommendations for the best women’s all-mountain skis of the year.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Women’s All-Mountain Skis buyer’s guide on September 23, 2024, adding 8 new skis, updating the 2 carryovers to reflect 2024/25 updates, and revising the guide to include more helpful information.

The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025


Best Overall All-Mountain Skis for Women

Atomic Maven 103 CTI

Specs

  • Price $975
  • Lengths (cm) 156 cm, 162 cm, 170 cm, 178 cm
  • Dimensions (mm) 128.5/103/116.5 (162)
  • Turn Radius 16m (162)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 84. 86, 86C, 93C
  • Best For Skiers looking for a one-ski quiver, skiers who like to carve, all-mountain skiers who prefer a slightly wider setup
Product Badge The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Fun everywhere on the mountain
  • Excels at both high and low speeds
  • Comes in 178 cm for taller/more aggressive skiers

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the grip of a pure frontside ski
  • Not as agile as some others
Best Budget All-Mountain Skis for Women

Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Specs

  • Price $700
  • Lengths (cm) 146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176
  • Dimensions (mm) 126.5/88/108.5 (164)
  • Turn Radius 14m (164)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 84, 94
  • Best For Beginner to intermediate skiers who plan to stay on the slopes
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • One of the top-selling skis in the world in any category
  • Designed from the snow up specifically for women
  • Comes in short lengths

Cons

  • Not a quick handler in the trees
  • Not the favorite of more advanced skiers
Best Powder Day All-Mountain Skis for Women

Black Diamond Impulse Ti 104 W

Specs

  • Price $850
  • Lengths (cm) 158, 165, 172
  • Dimensions (mm) 135/104/123 (165)
  • Turn Radius 16m (165)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 98
  • Best For 70% soft snow, 30% hard snow
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • A powder ski that grips in challenging and low snow conditions
  • Same weight as the non-metal version
  • Impressive performance all over the mountain

Cons

  • Longest women’s ski is 170
  • Only two waist widths available
Most Versatile All-Mountain Skis for Women

Peak 98 By Bode

Specs

  • Price $869
  • Lengths (cm) 160, 168, 178, 184, 190
  • Dimensions (mm) 126/98/114 (168)
  • Turn Radius 25m
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 78, 88, 104, 110
  • Best For East Coast skiers, including those who plan to travel to ski; icy groomers to anything else the mountain can dish out; skiers who want maximum control
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Best in-class grip in variable conditions
  • Superb float and flex in a ski with so much metal
  • Confidence-inspiring

Cons

  • Possibly too many options to choose from
  • On the heavy side, so frontside only
Best All-Mountain Skis for Women Who Love the Park

K2 W Reckoner 102

Specs

  • Price $750
  • Lengths (cm) 149,156, 163, 170, 177
  • Dimensions (mm) 134/102/127 (163)
  • Turn Radius 14.3 m (163)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 92, 110, KF (114), and 124
  • Best For Smearing, slarving, and riding park
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Soft and playful
  • More durable than previous versions
  • Fun graphics

Cons

  • Not a ski for hard-driving groomer skiing
  • Not as intuitive as some skis
Best of the Rest

Blizzard Sheeva 10

Specs

  • Price $800
  • Lengths (cm) 156,162,168,174,180
  • Dimensions (mm) 133.5/102/122.5 (174)
  • Turn Radius 16m (174)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 96, 112
  • Best For Beginner to advanced resort skiers who like to ski all over the mountain
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • A great choice for aggressive skiers, and beginners who want to grow into their skis
  • Solid edge hold and a smooth ride
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

Cons

  • Not available in narrow widths
  • Don’t perform well if ice and hardpack are the most common surfaces you ski

Elan Ripstick 94 W

Specs

  • Price $699
  • Lengths (cm) 147, 154,161, 168, 175
  • Dimensions (mm) 129/94/109 (all sizes)
  • Turn Radius 14.8m (161)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 88, 100, 106
  • Best for Groomers, light powder
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Stable, confident, predictable
  • Easy to ski
  • Lively feel

Cons

  • These skis do everything well but nothing exceptionally well
  • Asymmetrical, so you have to remember which foot the ski goes on

Völkl Secret 96

Specs

  • Price $850
  • Lengths (cm) 149, 153, 166, 170, 177
  • Dimensions (mm) 139/96/121 (all sizes)
  • Turn Radius 18m 166)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 80, 84, 88, 102
  • Best For Hard-charging skiers who want all-conditions versatility
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Aggressive
  • Confidence-inspiring in difficult conditions
  • Sizing up or down gives this ski different characteristics

Cons

  • Too stiff for bumps
  • Too much ski for most beginners

Faction Dancer 2

Specs

  • Price $799
  • Lengths (cm) 155, 163, 171, 177,182, 187
  • Dimensions (mm) 127/96/117 (all sizes)
  • Turn Radius 18m (177)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 86, 106, 116
  • Best For New schoolers
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Light and agile
  • Excellent eco profile
  • Playful and versatile

Cons

  • No longer women-specific
  • A quiver ski

Line Pandora 106

Specs

  • Price $650
  • Lengths (cm) 155, 162, 169, 176, 183, 189
  • Dimensions (mm) 134/106/125
  • Turn Radius 16.7m (176)
  • Other Available Waist Widths (mm) 85, 92, 99
  • Best For All-Mountain freeriding, all-mountain, all conditions, and everything in between
The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women of 2024-2025

Pros

  • Incredibly playful and lightweight
  • Easy to maneuver and nimble, yet reliable
  • Very reasonable price point
  • Predictable and energetic

Cons

  • Not the best on icy groomers
  • No longer women-specific
All-mountain skis should enable you to ski just how you want, where you want, no matter the conditions — no compromises; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Women’s All-Mountain Skis Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns.

All-Mountain Skis for WomenPriceLengths (cm)Dimensions (mm)Turn RadiusBest For
Atomic Maven 103 CTI$975156, 162, 170, 178 128.5/103/116.5 (162)16m (162)Skiers looking for a one-ski quiver, skiers who like to carve, all-mountain skiers who prefer a slightly wider setup
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
$700146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176126.5/88/108.5 (164)14m (164)Beginner to intermediate skiers who plan to stay on the slopes
Black Diamond Impulse Ti 104 W
$850158, 165, 172135/104/123 (165)16m (165)70% soft snow, 30% hard snow
Peak 98 By Bode
$869160, 168, 178, 184, 190126/98/114 (168)25mEast Coast skiers, including those who plan to travel to ski; icy groomers to anything else the mountain can dish out; skiers who want maximum control
K2 W Reckoner 102
$750149,156, 163, 170, 177
134/102/127 (163)14.3 m (163)Smearing, slarving, and riding park
Blizzard Sheeva 10
$800156,162,168,174,180133.5/102/122.5 (174)16m (174)Beginner to advanced resort skiers who like to ski all over the mountain
Elan Ripstick 94 W
$699147, 154,161, 168, 175129/94/109 (all sizes)14.8m (161)Groomers, light powder
Völkl Secret 96
$850149, 153, 166, 170, 177139/96/121 (all sizes)18m (166)Hard-charging skiers who want all-conditions versatility
Faction Dancer 2
$799155, 163, 171, 177,182, 187127/96/117 (all sizes)18m (177)New schoolers
Line Pandora 106
$650155, 162, 169, 176, 183, 189134/106/12516.7m (176)All-Mountain freeriding, all-mountain, all conditions, and everything in between
We tested a variety of all-mountain skis to find the best performers for women of all abilities; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

How We Tested Women’s All-Mountain Skis

Our Expert Testers

The GearJunkie product testing team is made up of alpine and backcountry skiers who test skis worldwide. Lead women’s all-mountain ski tester Berne Broudy is an avid skier who calls Stowe Mountain Resort home. She regularly ventures as far and wide as she can to ski. Recent adventures include Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Greenland. This season, her adventures took her to Jackson Hole, where 66” of powder fell in a week. She also skied at Powder Mountain, Utah. There was so much snow she was evacuated from a backcountry hut in a blizzard by snowcat. Senior Editor Morgan Tilton started alpine skiing in her backyard at Telluride Ski Resort at age 4. Three decades later, she backcountry skis in addition to snowboarding and splitboarding in Gunnison country, where she lives today.

Our Testing Grounds and Process

We’ve been testing women’s all-mountain skis for over a decade. We’ve skied hut-to-hut all over North America and bell-to-bell resort powder from Virginia to Japan. We’ve trained for the country’s toughest skimo races, guided expeditions, and donned costumes on the slopes. We’ve skied the East, we’ve ridden chairs from singles to six packs, we crushed couloirs and slarved through spring slush.

We put this season’s newest all-mountain skis to the test for hundreds of runs at more than a dozen resorts. While we focused on skis made specifically for women, we also included a few unisex options. If you’re looking specifically for men’s skis, check out our guide to the best all-mountain skis.

We took to the slopes in a range of conditions, including thigh-deep pow, below-zero temperatures, blizzards, blustery wind, ice, intense sun, and even rain. While testing skis in-bounds, we assessed each design’s stiffness, maneuverability, and playfulness, as well as the ski’s energy, damping, chatter, weight, shape, edge hold, and turn initiation. we also considered how the size, width, base, and edge tune influenced a ski’s performance. The entire time, we were focused on figuring out the type of skier and conditions that were the best fit for each ski.

In addition to our team’s experience, we considered the most innovative, award-winning, and best-selling skis on the market, as well as a wide range of price points, features, and applications.

Lead tester, Berne Broudy enjoys the versatility of the Line Pandora 106 as she charges through variable conditions; (photo/Clayton Hermann)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best All-Mountain Skis

‘All-Mountain’ Defined

All-mountain skis are designed to perform well everywhere on the mountain. From steeps to moguls to groomers and in any snow conditions from powder to crust to icy hardpack, an all-mountain ski is made to be all-around awesome, though each ski excels in certain conditions.

With any of the skis listed in this guide, you’ll be able to explore the resort as you please, from wide-open groomers to pow-laden trees. But if you’re a storm skier, choose one on the wider side. If you routinely hit the hardpack and really love groomed terrain, a ski under 100mm in the waist will be the best choice. Most all-mountain skis have a mid-wide waist between 85 and 105 mm. Additionally, most skis in this category have a traditional shape and profile. With camber underfoot and rocker at the tip and the tail, all-mountain skis are versatile masters of the mountain. Within this jill-of-all-trades category, all-mountain skis can have particular strengths and weaknesses:

  • All-Mountain: Classic all-mountain skis are built to do it all and usually feature a rocker-camber-rocker construction, like Blizzard’s Black Pearl 88.
  • Freeride: Freeride-specific skis are meant for hard-charging, expert skiers who want to ski fast, drop cliffs, and ride at max speeds. Skis that are best for freeride generally feature a longer turning radius and are a bit wider for powder skiing. Two of our favorites are Line’s Pandora 106 and Black Diamond’s Impulse Ti W.
  • Backcountry: The best skis for the backcountry are on the lighter side, and some all-mountain skis are perfectly suited to mounting with a hybrid binding so that you can tour on them, too.
best women's all-mountain skis
A classic all-mountain ski, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is as approachable as ever but gives skiers more confidence and control; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Types of All-Mountain Skis

All of the skis on this list prioritize versatility and can readily venture onto all parts of the mountain. Still, “all-mountain” is ultimately a spectrum that contains multiple subcategories of skis. Many skiers like to explore the whole mountain while also maintaining a preference for a certain style of skiing or type of terrain.

Groomer-Leaning All-Mountain Skis

Skis in this category will perform at their best on groomed runs and firm snow conditions. Typically, groomer-leaning all-mountain skis have a relatively narrow waist width between 85 and 95 mm. On firm snow, an ultra-wide ski can be harder to control.

Skis in the groomer-leaning category prioritize stiffness, high-speed stability, and edge hold. While groomer-leaning all-mountain skis tend to sacrifice float in the deep powder, they’re unbeatable for hard carving and sending it down firm runs with control.

Groomer-leaning skis are especially worth considering for people in the Midwest and East Coast. The Peak 98 and the Blizzard Black Pearl are both exceptional on groomers.

best all-mountain skis for women
Blizzard’s Sheeva 10 is a high-performance ski, one that skiers can grow into and one that performs everywhere on the mountain; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Skis

Powder-leaning all-mountain skis are built to thrive in the deep stuff. Generally, skis in this category have a waist width between 95 and 110 mm. If powder lines (and backcountry skiing) are your jam, these are the skis for you.

Skiers in regions with lots of snowfall such as the Cascades and the Wasatch — should certainly consider this category. If you’re a powder hound, check out the Blizzard Sheeva.

Backcountry-Leaning All-Mountain Skis

Some all-mountain skis excel both in-bounds and out. These skis generally feature a lightened-up construction with integrated materials like carbon to add stiffness without the weight penalty of metal. Skis in this category are a great option for getting into the backcountry without the need for an additional pair of skis. A hybrid setup won’t be the lightest setup, but it’s a great place to start for the backcountry curious. Both the Faction Dancer and the Atomic Maven are great choices if you’re going back and forth between the resort and the backcountry.

best all-mountain skis for women
Atomic’s Maven is ready to rip fresh corduroy, crush crud, and sniggle between the trees when you’re on the hunt for freshies; (photo/Mike Donohue)

Waist Width

Waist width is the width of a ski at its narrowest point. All-mountain skis typically have a waist width between 85 and 105 mm. Within this range, narrower skis are generally better for high speeds and carving on hard surfaces, while wider widths are better for surfing through soft snow and powder.

Many ski models are available in various waist widths. If you like a specific ski and lean toward a certain type of terrain, be sure to select the best waist width for you. For every ski on this list, we’ve listed the available waist widths. For most snow climates, we’d recommend something in the 85 to 105 mm underfoot range for an intermediate to advanced skier.

Ski Length

Ski length is an important consideration, and all skis are available in multiple lengths.

A skier’s size, skill, and aspirations determine the appropriate ski length. Shorter skis are easier to handle and maneuver, which often makes them a better choice for beginners. Longer skis often float better in powder, they’re faster, and they’re usually best suited to advanced skiers. A skier’s weight can impact a ski’s flex, maneuverability, and power transfer. And terrain can influence what ski length is right for you. Even if you’re an expert skier, if you ski a lot of tight East Coast trees, you might want a shorter ski than if you only ski wide-open groomers and powdery bowls. Check each manufacturer’s recommendations and chat with your local sho’s ski and ride expert to find the right ski and ski size for you. Volkl’s Secret and Elan’s Ripstick both have exceptional size ranges.

For 2024/25, Elan redesigned its women’s Ripstick, which comes in a wide variety of lengths. While the skis are still left and right-boot specific, they’re not as asymmetrical as in previous versions; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Ski Profile: Camber versus Rocker

A ski’s profile impacts its overall performance.

Skis with a more traditional camber profile are shaped like a gentle arch and rise up underneath the foot, making contact with the ground at the tip and the tail. While skiing, your body weight pushes the base of the ski against the snow. For pure carving purposes, traditional camber is still the leading ski profile, and many skis on this list feature some variation on the traditional camber shape. Traditionally cambered skis tend to be rockered or flat in the tip and tail.

A handful of skis feature a reverse camber design, which looks like a banana. That shape is more inclined to slide turns than to carve them, but reverse camber skis can be a ton of fun in soft, deep snow.

Many of the best all-mountain skis have a hybrid profile that combines aspects of camber and rocker. To learn more about ski profiles and the complex differences between them, check out this handy video from snowsports retailer Evo.

A ski’s profile impacts its overall performance. Today, the market is full of skis with all kinds of different profiles, from traditional to experimental and everything in between.

best women's all-mountain skis
Razor-thin metal over a poplar core gave the lightweight Faction Dancer 2 grip, agility, stability, and edge hold even when we opened up the throttle; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Flex and Stiffness

How stiff your ski is will determine how it feels on snow. Soft and flexible skis are easier to maneuver. They’re more playful and better suited for beginner to intermediate skiers. Park and pipe skiers who love to hit boxes and rails may also want a relatively soft and flexible ski, like K2’s Reckoner or Faction’s Dancer 2. A downside of a soft ski is that it’s prone to chatter at high speeds and feels harder to control. Soft skis don’t always grip well in hard-packed conditions.

Advanced and expert skiers who like to ski fast and carve hard often prefer stiffer skis. Stiffer skis usually use metal in their construction. A stiff ski requires power and good technique to ski well. Volkl’s Secret is one of the stiffer women’s skis made.

Most all-mountain skis fall somewhere in the middle of the soft-to-stiff spectrum. Groomer-leaning skis are usually on the stiffer side to best support speed and stability. Powder-leaning skis are more flexible to maximize surfability and playfulness. If you’re looking for pure versatility, midrange flex is the way to go. Many of the best skis are stiff underfoot and more forgiving in the tip and tail.

The Volkl Secret’s aggressive performance will keep you smiling in any conditions; (photo/ Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Turn Radius and Sidecut

The sidecut of a ski, also known as its turn radius, refers to the shape of the curve along either side of its length. To some degree, all skis have an hourglass shape, but the radius of these curves has a crucial effect on steering, speed, and stability.

Short Turn Radius

Skis significantly wider at the tip and tail than in the waist will have a short turning radius. A shorter turning radius is great for quick and nimble movements in the trees and moguls. Anything less than 16 m has a short turning radius. Elan’s Ripstick 94 and the K2 Reckoner both have a short turn radius.

Long Turn Radius

Skiers who ride fast and carve hard in wide-open bowls and groomers prefer skis with a longer turning radius. While a long turning radius can make small, quicker turns more difficult, a ski with a long turning radius like the Peak 98 By Bode (turn radius of 25) may have better edge hold and stability when laying down fast, GS-style turns. Anything over 20 m has a long turning radius.

Other Types

Some skis land right in the middle and give you the best of both worlds, like the Black Diamond Impulse.

Some brands are now building multiple-turn radii into one ski to enhance their versatility, like the Volkl Secret 96. This highlights that while a ski’s sidecut does partially define its personality, it won’t tell you everything about how a ski will actually feel on the mountain. Other factors — including flex and profile — combine with the shape of the sidecut to define the performance personality of any given ski. The sidecut often changes according to a ski’s length, and some skis are way more versatile than their sidecut on paper suggests.

Skier Darian Boyle rails the Black Diamond Impulse Ti, which was just as fun in East Coast chalk as Rocky Mountains powder; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Parts of a Ski

All skis have laminates, sidewalls, core, base, and edges.

Core and Laminates

The core of a ski is the innermost material that defines the ski’s basic structure, shape, and flex. Most all-mountain skis use a wood core made from aspen, poplar, beech, or a combination. You will commonly find foam cores in cheaper, beginner-level skis.

Around the core, brands add carbon fiber, metal, fiberglass, and other materials to give a ski pop, rigidity, and dampness.

best all-mountain skis for women
While it’s flexible enough for park and pipe, K2’s Reckoner can also lay down trenches on the groomers. And we love the fun graphics; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Base

A ski’s base is the surface that comes in direct contact with the snow. Bases are either extruded or sintered.

Generally, beginner skis have extruded bases because they’re more affordable and they’re low maintenance.

Sintered bases are the norm for almost all skis on the market. Though these bases require regular waxing and general maintenance, they’re the best option for consistent all-mountain performance. Consider treating yours with Phantom Glide. This is a permanent waxless base treatment that makes your skis feel like they were recently waxed.

Sidewalls

The sidewalls are the material along the perimeter of a ski. Sidewalls are generally made from plastic that protects the sandwiched core layers. Sometimes, fiberglass and the ski’s top sheet extend to cover the sidewalls. That’s called capped construction. The sidewalls can also use a hybrid construction.

For all-mountain skis, it’s good to select a medium-width waist that can grip hardpack while also floating in soft snow; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Women’s Skis versus Men’s Skis

Whether you ski a women’s ski or a men’s or unisex ski is a personal preference. In many cases, men’s and women’s models are the same with different lengths available and alternate graphics. Volkl’s Secret and Mantra are the same. So are Elan’s Ripstick and Ripstick W, and Black Diamond’s Impulse Ti W and Impulse Ti. Some skis are truly designed for and by women, like Blizzard’s Black Pearl and Sheeva.

When women’s skis are distinct, they’re often lighter and softer. They can sometimes have a slightly setback mounting point.

And ultimately, a ski doesn’t know or care what gender you are. Prioritize performance over whether the ski is labeled men’s or women’s. That’s why we included Peak’s 98. Even though it isn’t designed specifically for women, we loved how it skied and felt it should rank among the best.

best women's all-mountain skis
When it comes to choosing a ski, prioritize your goals, skiing style, and performance over anything ; (photo/ Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

A Note on Bindings & Boots

Without good boots and bindings, the best ski won’t perform. Skis, boots, and bindings work together to make your day on the slopes great.

Most boots and bindings can be successfully mounted to most skis, regardless of brand. Some manufacturers and websites (like Evo and Backcountry) allow you to purchase a ski premounted and paired with bindings.

Types of Bindings

As with skis, there is an overwhelming range of choices for ski bindings on the market. Bindings are generally defined by their DIN rating, weight, and construction. To choose the best one for you, you’ll have to determine a few factors. Consider your ski width, how aggressively you ski, and if you’ll spend any time ski touring in the backcountry.

Alpine Bindings

We generally prefer an alpine binding for skiing on the resort, which will have a DIN-certified heel and toe piece. DIN, or release value, is important because releasing from your bindings at the proper moment is essential for preventing injuries on the slopes. Choose a binding with a DIN to match your level. The lower the DIN, the less force required to eject from your skis. More experienced and aggressive skiers will want to look for bindings capable of a higher DIN setting. We recommend having your DIN adjusted and set by a professional to prevent injuries associated with unintentional release or failure to release. A certified ski technician will set your DIN based on your ability, weight, and height.

Backcountry-Specific Bindings

If you want to ski in the side country or backcountry, you’ll need an alpine touring (AT) capable binding. These systems generally must integrate with your boot, usually by inserting pins into holes in the front of the boot to allow for a pivot that enables walking uphill.

Bindings for backcountry touring come in a spectrum of styles. Hybrid-style bindings, like the Salomon Shift, have pins for uphill movement but transition to a more traditional binding style for downhill. Traditional AT bindings attach the boot to the binding with pins. To find the best touring binding for your needs, check out our guide to the best backcountry bindings.

Ski Boot and Binding Compatibility

When considering an all-mountain ski, it’s essential to confirm that your boots can interface properly with your bindings without releasing. If you’re planning on skiing backcountry boots in bounds with a DIN-certified binding, you’ll need to ensure that your boots work with the toe ledge of the binding in downhill mode.

Some backcountry-specific boots, especially those with fully rockered soles or without a toe ledge, like the Dynafit Hoji, will not work with those bindings. Additionally, many backcountry-specific boots will not work properly with a resort-specific binding. Ask your local ski shop if your boots and bindings will work together, and be sure to do your research before committing to a particular combination.

best women's all-mountain skis
Make sure your boots, bindings and skis are compatible with each other and compatible with your skiing style; (photo/ Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Sustainability

While building skis hasn’t traditionally been eco-conscious and environmentally friendly, many brands, including Atomic, Elan, and Blizzard, are recognizing the impact of global warming on their sport and striving to be more sustainable. Atomic operates in a factory that uses 100 percent renewable energy. Brands are using plant-based resins instead of petroleum-based resins. At GearJunkie, we’re always keeping an eye out for sustainable innovations in ski gear. Check out our article on how to makeover your ski gear to be more eco-friendly.

best women's all-mountain skis
The Black Diamond Impulse Ti W has a rockered tip and tail and traditional camber underfoot that add to its appeal and performance; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best all-mountain skis?

The best all-mountain skis are the ones that suit your skill level, skiing style, and budget. On this list, we’ve included many top-quality options across a broad range of design characteristics.

Our current top choice for the best overall women’s all-mountain ski is the Atomic Maven CTI 103.

Are all-mountain skis good for beginners?

Some all-mountain skis are excellent for beginner skiers. As a beginner, your priorities are progression and comfort. With these needs in mind, we recommend you choose a ski that is reasonably flexible and narrow. Flexible skis are easier to maneuver, and they won’t fight you for control.

Skis in the narrower range (about 85-95 mm in waist width) will be easier to shift from edge to edge. They tend to do better on the groomers where you’ll likely spend most of your time as a new skier. The is one of the best on this list for beginners.

Can I use my old boots and bindings with my new skis?

Depending on the quality of your old boots and bindings, it may be worth considering an upgrade in order to get the most out of your new skis. Older bindings can’t be indemnified, which means that they don’t release safely and your shop won’t mount them.

Are all-mountain skis good for the terrain park?

Most all-mountain skis will perform reasonably well in the terrain park. If you’re a pure park skier, we recommend a twin tip. Generally, skis with better-than-average flex and pop are better than stiff and aggressive skis for park riding. The best women’s all-mountain ski that’s also great for park is K2’s Reckoner.

Modern all-mountain skis contain a lot of specific and proprietary technology to ensure the best possible ride in a variety of conditions; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Are women’s skis different than men’s skis?

Women’s skis are commonly lighter and more flexible than men’s all-mountain skis. Many brands are moving away from women’s skis to unisex skis, or the make the same ski for men and women, but give women an alternate top sheet and shorter sizes. There are some skis that are made specifically for women from design through build including Icelantic’s Maiden, and Blizzard’s Black Pearl.

All skiers can enjoy both men’s and women’s models. The differences between men’s and women’s models are often subtle, and we recommend prioritizing performance over a men’s or women’s label.

How do I know what attributes to look for in an all-mountain ski?

First think about how and where you like to ski. Do you like to ski fast or slow? Do you like groomers, bumps, or trees? Big turns or small ones? Where you ski on the mountain and how much experience you have will determine a starting point for what types of skis to consider. Most skis on the market have a “best for” designation that notes in what terrain the ski thrives, and for what type of skier it’s made.

If you’re an East Coast skier, a narrower ski with good edge hold will be great all-mountain option. If you ski somewhere that sees frequent storms, you might consider a powder-leaning all-mountain ski like Line’s Pandora 106.

Female skier descends slope - back view
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing skis; (photo/Jason Hummel)
Can I use my resort all-mountain skis for backcountry skiing?

With touring-capable boots and bindings, you can use any ski for backcountry skiing. But a lighter ski will be less tiring to ski on uphill. Check out our guide to the best backcountry skis for more touring-specific recommendations.

Why does turning radius matter for all-mountain skis?

Although it may seem like a confusing attribute of your new skis to decipher, turning radius — a.k.a. sidecut, changes how the ski will feel more than many other aspects of its construction. A ski with a shorter turning radius will be more playful and more maneuverable, which can be better for beginner or intermediate skiers. A ski with a longer turning radius is best for skiers who like to open the throttle and make large, sweeping GS-turns. Although it provides much more stability at speed, a longer turning radius can also make tree skiing more challenging. Balance your desire for stability and speed with playfulness and maneuverability when choosing a ski.

Bindings are designed to stay on–and come off—when needed; (photo/Jason Hummel)

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