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

Best Overall All-Mountain Skis for Women: Atomic Maven 103 CTI
Best Budget All-Mountain Skis for Women: Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Best Powder Day All-Mountain Skis for Women: Black Diamond Impulse Ti 104
Most Versatile All-Mountain Skis for Women: Peak 98 By Bode
Best All-Mountain Skis for Women Who Love the Park: K2 W Reckoner 102

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.

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

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

Atomic’s Maven 103 CTI ($975) is a confidence-inspiring women’s ski that we were happy to have on our feet every time we took it out, anywhere on the mountain, in conditions ranging from hardpack to powder. It’s a ski that beginners can grow into and one that’s ready to rock and roll for intermediate and advanced skiers. Redesigned in 2024 by Daron Rhalves, an Olympian and one of the most accomplished downhill racers of all time, according to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, this ski grips confidently in all kinds of snow. Click in and it’s easy to maneuver, and it’s versatile. And, like Daron, it’s not a “slarver,” but a carver.

The 2024/25 Maven is a serious upgrade from the previous version of this ski. You can ski cruisy, smooth runs, soaking in the winter sunshine, or get your skis on edge, trench turns, and soar down the mountain. This all-conditions charger now uses less metal, fiberglass, and resin than its predecessor. It also uses a highly engineered blend of ash and poplar at its core. That enhances the Maven’s stability and reduces its vibration at speed. In short, it turns the Maven from a good ski to a great ski.

The Maven CTI construction blends carbon and Titanal metal. That makes this ski energetic on the slopes and in the woods without compromising its agility on tight trees. The carbon and Titanal are springy in the bumps, and on crowded slopes, they made the ski responsive and predictable. If you’re in the mood to cruise, not hammer, the ski performs just as well. Though Atomic builds this ski to last, even if you ride it hard every time you take it out.

One of our favorite features of the 2024/25 Maven is its HRZN tip. Atomic uses HRZN on many of its skis. It’s a hollow, beveled three-dimensional tip that increases the ski’s surface area so that the tip stays afloat in deep snow. And, when the grooming is less than perfect, and the slopes are littered with icy chunks, the HRZN tip deflects those imperfections without interrupting your flow.

Many women’s skis top out at 170cm. We appreciate that Atomic made a 178 in this ski so that advanced skiers and women who prefer a longer ski can find a good fit with the Maven.

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

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

The Black Pearl was first introduced in 2011, and since then, it’s just gotten better. Women’s-specific designs are a core part of Blizzard’s philosophy, and the 2024/25 Black Pearl 88 ($700) showcases just how every element of this ski’s design is unique to the women’s all-mountain category.

Answering the needs of female skiers from coast to coast who ski anything from firm groomers to chalky steeps to chopped-up bumps, the new Black Pearl 88 uses Titanal, but the metal is in thinner sheets than in the men’s equivalent ski. It’s also segmented into three sections placed in two distinct layers. That makes this ski stable and damp from tip to tail. Because the metal plates shear slightly as you ski, they have less torsional rigidity. That makes entering and exiting turns easy, natural, and instinctive. We never felt like we had to muscle this ski into a turn.

In the core, stringers of dense beech are concentrated underfoot for power and stability where you need it. They taper toward the tip and tail, giving way to softer poplar. The result is a wood core that is specifically designed to be stiffest underfoot and get progressively softer toward the ends of the ski to match the rocker profile and metal layup for a smooth, balanced flex. Because the layout of the stringers is specific to each size, every core for every ski and every length ski is specifically designed. Every ski and every length ski has its own specific core, fine-tuned to optimize the performance of that one ski for that one skier.

The Black Pearl 88 is as approachable as ever but gives skiers more confidence and control. It rips groomers, and it holds well on harder snow better than previous versions. Hit a lump, and it plows through. It’s damp and forgiving. More camber gives it a more lively feel than previous versions. And more tip and tail rocker make it easier to get out of one turn and into the next; whether you’re bopping between bumps or slashing, GS turns down fresh corduroy. It carves at all speeds.

Most women have smaller feet than men, and we carry our body mass differently. The Black Pearl embraces that physiology. Each ski is tuned by length. Shorter skis are slightly softer and more flexible to accommodate smaller skiers with shorter boot sole lengths. In contrast, longer skis are stiffer. to accommodate more weight. This ski has a smooth flex pattern that doesn’t lock you in; it delivers good pop and rebound. It’s a ski you can drive or dance down the mountain.

If you’re skiing deep snow, opt for a wider waist width. The Black Pearl 88 is best for groomers, even when it’s piled with spring corn. It’s comfortable at speed, but you don’t have to drive them hard to have fun.

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

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

This is the first true frontside ski that Black Diamond has made in a while, and it was worth the wait. The Impulse Ti 104 W ($850)is an all-mountain charger with a 104-mm waist that provides nimble turnability when needed and playful, floaty performance in deep powder. The ski’s flat, solid-core construction has been enhanced by a Titanal sheet and full ABS sidewalls. Both add torsional stiffness and provide power transmission, dampness, and stability which was particularly notable when we were charging on harder snow.

Usually, when a manufacturer adds metal to a ski it increases the weight. For 2024/25, Black Diamond added metal to the existing Impulse Ti but was able to keep the weight the same by reducing fiberglass content and maintaining the poplar wood core. The single layer of Titanal gives this ski a constant level of stiffness across all axis and a high level of torsional rigidity. Black Diamond also upgraded the Impulse Ti’s top sheet to a lighter, more durable material which helps save weight. Women get shorter lengths in the Impulse Ti than men. They also get a women’s-specific graphic. Other than that, the men’s and women’s skis are identical. The shortest Impulse Ti W is 158, and the longest is 170 cm. If you want a longer ski, get the men’s.

Though the Black Diamond Impulse Ti W is primarily designed for soft snow, Titanal has improved its performance in firmer snow, making it more stable at higher speeds and easier to initiate turns. A rockered tip and tail and traditional camber underfoot make this a ski that feels familiar in a good way. It’s made for 70% soft snow and 30% hard snow. It excelled in both. Skiing extremely icy, scraped-off manmade snow groomers one icy Vermont afternoon, this ski gripped with the best of them. In spring corn, when we dipped into the bumps, they were forgiving enough to have fun.

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

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

If you’re scared of wiping out when you hit a patch of ice, get these skis. We skied the Peak 98s By Bode ($869) more than any other skis this winter because whenever the conditions were questionable, we had confidence that this ski almost guaranteed a great day on the slopes. We put these to the test in Idaho while skiing deep powder via lifts and snowcats. We also tackled the bluest hardpack Vermont could dish up, and we never regretted our ski choice.

This is a ski you can dance on and also lay trenches with. Made for 50% on-piste and 50% off-piste, it’s the most versatile ski we’ve skied and the one we defaulted to any time we weren’t sure what the day would hold.

A lot of times, when a ski has a good grip on a chattery hardpack, it’s not fun in the trees. This one was fun everywhere we took it. Inside, a paulownia and ash core is sandwiched by two partial sheets of metal with a vertical cutout in the upper metal that makes for buttery turn initiation. For performance in bowls and on big lines, Peak also cut the bottom sheet of metal short so it doesn’t run wall-to-wall. Peak calls the cutout: KeyHole technology. It made turn initiation a breeze, and it never compromised grip or fun.

For 2025, the Peak 98s will come with an embedded tracking device to help you find them in the lodge rack, in the deep snow, or when the airport loses them. This feature was not available during our testing window. The 98s were made to rip on packed snow at least 50 percent of the time, but you can also rip them off trail, too.

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

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

The new K2 Reckoner 102 W ($750) is a soft and playful all-mountain ski that really hits its stride while you’re jibbing, jumping, sliding, and spinning. If you want to ski everywhere on the mountain, but the terrain park is your favorite zone, this is the ski for you.

Made for intermediate to advanced skiers the Reckoner W–the same ski as K2’s unisex Reckoner with a different top sheet graphic and shorter lengths–uses the brand’s patented Spectral Braid technology, the same construction K2 uses in its freeride and freestyle skis.

Inside the ski, strands of fiberglass are woven around a milled wood core. That weave lets K2 tune torsion by tightening up the weave for stiffness and opening the weave for flex. In these skis, the weave is tight underfoot for stability. At the tip and tail, the weave is more open, so those zones can bend and contour. Longitudinal carbon stringers woven into the braided core give the ski pop and help it rebound after you land a jump. The Reckoner now uses a plant-based BioResin that has superb cold-temperature toughness and increased bond strength, and it’s more sustainable than oil-based resins.

The previous Reckoner lacked durability. The 2024/25 version uses durable, full-length, twin-tech sidewalls for edge feel and performance and a tougher top sheet that’s better resistant to ski impact damage. Together, those elements will increase the life of this ski.

This ski is extremely playful, which means that you have to ski it a little differently than some of the more traditional skis in this review. On groomers, it’ll get on edge and carve hard as long as you’re willing to put some effort into turn initiation. It’s not as intuitive as a lot of skis. You have to think about what you want the ski to do.

On the other hand, this twin-tip ski has near instantaneous edge release, which makes it fun to zip around in the trees, and super forgiving in bumps. If you’re looking for a ski for fast and steep slopes, there are better choices. If you’re a skier who likes to wiggle and play, bumping off side hits and exploring, and you want a ski that will give you some suspension on the landings, the women’s Reckoner from K2 is a great choice.

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

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

The ski makers at Blizzard describe the Blizzard Sheeva 10 ($800) as a “do-it-all boss lady,” and we wholeheartedly agree. The versatility, reliability, and unflinching edge hold make these skis a solid choice anywhere you love to ski.

The Sheeva 10 is maneuverable and forgiving, and it’s a top performer when pushed into long-radius, GS-style turns, whichever size you ride. The sidecut is graduated with length for a consistent ride feel across all sizes of this ski. Blizzard offers a broad size range in the Sheeva 10, with 156 cm for beginners and smaller women and up to 180 cm for more aggressive skiers.

We found that the Sheeva is equally as at home on firm groomers and steep powder runs. The wood core uses a precise blend of woods — poplar, beech, and pawlownia- which together give it a chameleon-like personality and maximum versatility on the slopes. In this ski, Blizzard has engineered harder flex into the center of the ski for strength, stability, and grip, medium flex in front of and behind the binding for control, and softer flex in the tip and tail for easy entry into turns and release. The result is a smooth and balanced ski that’s a great tool for meeting your skiing goals and reaching your potential on the slopes.

Metal in the Sheeva 10 construction is part of what makes it feel planted, grippy, and reliable in all conditions. But it’s not so heavy that you can’t mount this ski with a hybrid binding for uphill skinning at the resort or dabbling in more remote backcountry adventures.

Blizzard offers several different widths of Sheevas, including the Sheeva 9 (96 cm underfoot) for those who seek fast carving and the Sheeva 11 (112 cm underfoot) for free-riders and powder hunters. For us, the Blizzard Sheeva 10 hits the sweet spot. It’s a great everyday ski for most skiers, inspiring confidence no matter the conditions. We recommend beginner skiers size down and that intermediate and advanced skiers go with your normal ski length.

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

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

A great ski for someone who doesn’t want their ski to ski them, Elan’s Ripstick 94 W ($699) was one of the easiest models to ski. The ski takes input well. You can push it and ski fast and arc turns, or you can meander down the mountain and enjoy the day without having to fight the ski. It’s a frontside ski, but one that’s not so heavy that you couldn’t mount it with a hybrid binding and try some touring.

For this season, Elan improved the Ripstick W’s tip stability, integrity at speed, and turn finish through new geometry, construction enhancements, and a new 3D shape. The ski still uses Elan’s acclaimed wood core with carbon rails. But this year, Elan tweaked the ski toward a more transitional profile, narrowing the tips for more stability and mixed snow performance and widening the ski’s tail to help skiers finish turns with power and strength.

The 24/25 Ripsticks debut a state-of-the-art Carbon Deck Technology, unidirectional carbon edge bands that give the ski a strong, stable platform with top-notch responsiveness and powerful rebound. Elan also adds a layer of flax fiber to the tip to neutralize vibrations and chatter and deliver a smooth ride at high speeds, even in variable conditions. We can confirm that the changes make the Ripstick 94 transitioning in and out of turns a whole lot easier. It doesn’t over hook, and there is more platform to stand on for finishing turns.

The most unique design element of the Elan Ripstick 94 is that skis are left and right-foot specific. Elan’s Amphibio profile integrates both rocker and camber profiles into dedicated left and right skis. This gives the skis a cambered inside edge for best-in-class edge grip and stability, and a rockered outside edge for easy turning. The ski was fun on groomers, in bumps, and bopping around the trees.

The Ripstick is a solid ski, but it’s light and lively because it uses carbon, not metal. This is another ski that can expand a skier’s horizons if you mount it with a hybrid binding like an Atomic Shift. On and off-piste, the ski flexes through bumps without feeling too bouncy. On ice, it doesn’t grip quite as well as skis with metal. For 2024/25, it comes as small as 147 cm, which is great news for beginners and smaller women.

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

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

The Völkl Secret 96 ($850) has been in Völkl’s lineup for years, and for 2024/25 the brand makes the Secret more accessible to more skiers. In the past, this ski was a frontside trencher that only shined when driven hard. This year, the ski is still hard-charging, but it’s easier to get in and out of turns, and it’s fun when you’re dallying down the slope as well as when you’re soaring.

The new Secret 96 is more stable, lively, and maneuverable, which makes it a more versatile ski and better adept both on and off groomers. The ski uses Völkl’s proven Tailored Titanal Frame, a cutout sheet of metal that follows the ski’s profile along the ski’s edges. Völkl’s adjusts the frame width by ski length to minimize ski weight and maximize ski agility with less effort from the skier. That tweaks the ski’s power and stability to a skier’s height, weight, and strength.

Tailored carbon tips contribute to the Secret’s precise control in variable conditions and make the front of the ski nimble for quick turns. The orientation and thickness of the fibers enable the ski to load for energy for entering and exiting turns. In the new Secret, the layout of the carbon stringers has been re-configured to optimize torsion and rigidity in the tip for precise ski control.

While this ski has a stated turn radius, it turns how you want it to when you want it to, without tip deflection in chunky crud. The new Secret 96 features four different radii along the length of the ski. creates a unique combination of tip precision, resilience, and agility. A tight 20m radius in the shovel helps the ski engage fast. Just behind the shovel and in front of the binding, a more open turn radius, around 40 m, gives the Secret the chops to excel in variable conditions and at higher speeds. A tight radius—15 m—underfoot amplifies the Secret’s agility and ability to respond intuitively to any edge movements from the skier, whether that skier jumps into a series of short turns or lays into sweeping GS turns. A moderate radius, approximately 25 m, in the tail gives the Secret a feeling of control at the end of a turn, and it supports the skier’s entrance into the next turn. Size up for full GS performance. Size down for a ski that’s a little more nimble and turny.

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

Pros

Light and agile
Excellent eco profile
Playful and versatile

Cons

No longer women-specific
A quiver ski

A ski for free spirits and free riders, the super versatile Faction Dancer 2 ($799) uses two razor-thin sheets of metal over a poplar core for a light and nimble ski that balances weight savings, agility, stability, and edge hold even at mach speed.

Generous tip and tail rocker enhances this ski’s turnability and gives it float and the ability to blast through less-than-ideal snow as you explore. For 2024/25, Faction got rid of its X series skis, which were women’s-specific and focused on skis for all freeskiers. The Dancer 2 uses recycled materials. It’s made in Austria in a factory powered 100% by renewable energy.

This is the only ski we tested with three designated mounting positions: classic, progressive, and new school. We mounted our demos classic, which is the best for more traditional skiers, those who like to ski with their tips generally pointing down the mountain not up it, and those who prioritize carving.

The progressive mounting point is slightly forward of the classic mark and still offers excellent carving while also setting you up for success if nose butters, smearing, and slashing are on your to-do list. The new school is the farthest forward mounting point. If you ski switch and generally horse around while on skis, try that one. While Faction is historically a new school brand, the Dancer 2 ski excels when you’re pressuring the tips in a classic, forward-facing stance.

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

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

The Line Pandora 106 ($650) is a hard-charging all-mountain dream ski that somehow manages to make just about everything fun. Weighing just over 1650 grams, this ski feels light and incredibly nimble while maintaining its dampness and reliability at speed. That’s partially thanks to Line’s integrated “Carbon Magic Fingers” system, which saves grams while adding stiffness to the ski.

The Pandora 106 is a quiver killer. Pair it with a hybrid binding, and it can take on anything that the resort, side country, and backcountry throw at you. The Aspenlite core also achieves a delightful balance of responsiveness, pop, and reliability.

These skis inspire confidence from the moment you step in. The only time this ski left us wanting a little more was with the edge hold on icy groomers.

For 2024-25, the Pandora collection is now unisex with gender-inclusive sizing across the full collection. The Pandora 106 (and every ski in this collection) is as energetic a carver as ever, delivering predictability and confidence all over the mountain. The collection utilizes Line Optic-inspired shapes with turn versatility and energy in a price-conscious package. Other new features: the ski uses LINE’s new Bio-Resin, which has better bonding, better cold-temperature toughness, and is more durable and sustainable. It also now has an FSC-certified wood core.

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 Women	Price	Lengths (cm)	Dimensions (mm)	Turn Radius	Best For
Atomic Maven 103 CTI	$975	156, 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	$700	146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176	126.5/88/108.5 (164)	14m (164)	Beginner to intermediate skiers who plan to stay on the slopes
Black Diamond Impulse Ti 104 W	$850	158, 165, 172	135/104/123 (165)	16m (165)	70% soft snow, 30% hard snow
Peak 98 By Bode	$869	160, 168, 178, 184, 190	126/98/114 (168)	25m	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
K2 W Reckoner 102	$750	149,156, 163, 170, 177	134/102/127 (163)	14.3 m (163)	Smearing, slarving, and riding park
Blizzard Sheeva 10	$800	156,162,168,174,180	133.5/102/122.5 (174)	16m (174)	Beginner to advanced resort skiers who like to ski all over the mountain
Elan Ripstick 94 W	$699	147, 154,161, 168, 175	129/94/109 (all sizes)	14.8m (161)	Groomers, light powder
Völkl Secret 96	$850	149, 153, 166, 170, 177	139/96/121 (all sizes)	18m (166)	Hard-charging skiers who want all-conditions versatility
Faction Dancer 2	$799	155, 163, 171, 177,182, 187	127/96/117 (all sizes)	18m (177)	New schoolers
Line Pandora 106	$650	155, 162, 169, 176, 183, 189	134/106/125	16.7m (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.