Best Skis Of 2025

14 Skis That Push The Limits 

Published December 4, 2024

With world-class skiing right on our doorstep here in Utah, our in-house Gearhead® Experts log thousands of runs testing the latest ski models from all of our best brands. Follow along to see which skis stood out to us the most for the 2024–2025 winter season! We have men’s and women’s top picks for all-mountain, powder, freeride, touring, carving, and park skiing as well as for beginner skiers.

• Best Men’s All-Mountain Ski: Nordica Enforcer 104
• Best Men’s Powder Ski: Atomic Bent Chetler 120
• Best Men’s Freeride Ski: Black Crows Corvus
• Best Men’s Touring Ski: DPS Pagoda Tour 100
• Best Men’s Carving Ski: Black Crows Octo
• Best Men’s Park Ski: K2 Omen Team
• Best Men’s Beginner Ski: Nordica Steadfast 75 CA + Compact 10

• Best Women’s All-Mountain Ski: Faction Prodigy 3 Capsule
• Best Women’s Powder Ski: Coalition Rafiki
• Best Women’s Freeride Ski: Icelantic Maiden 102
• Best Women’s Touring Ski: Atomic Backland 101 W
• Best Women’s Carving Ski: Women’s Salomon Stance 94 Ski
• Best Women’s Park Ski: Armada ARW 94
• Best Women’s Beginner Ski: Nordica Wild Belle 74 + Compact 10

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14 Skis You Need To Know About 

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2025  

All-mountain skis are the ultimate tool for skiers who demand versatility in their day-to-day skiing. Designed to handle a wide variety of terrain and conditions, these skis excel everywhere from groomers to leftover powder. Their balanced construction combines stability, edge control, and float, making them ideal for skiers who want one pair of skis to do it all. All-mountain skis are typically in the 95–105mm waist range because they need to hold an edge in firm snow conditions yet provide sufficient float for some soft snow skiing as well.

Men’s Nordica Enforcer 104 Ski

When it comes to all-mountain versatility, the Nordica Enforcer 104 Free stands out as a top pick for 2025—and for good reason. Our Gearheads chose this ski as the best all-mountain option for men due to its unparalleled ability to dominate diverse terrain and conditions. The Enforcer 104 features a full wood core sandwiched between carbon and metal layers, delivering a perfect balance of stability and responsiveness. Its 104mm waist width provides ample float in powder while maintaining edge grip on groomers and crud. Whether you’re carving through early-morning corduroy, slashing soft snow in the trees, or navigating chop on a busy afternoon, this ski adapts effortlessly to your style. It also has partial twin tip design, allowing freestyle-oriented skiers to ski and land switch with ease.

Women’s Faction Prodigy 3 Capsule Ski

The Faction Prodigy 3 Capsule Ski earns its place as the best all-mountain ski for women in 2025 thanks to its playful versatility and ability to thrive in any condition. Our Gearheads rave about this ski's balanced performance, which blends a lightweight poplar wood core with a durable full-sidewall construction for both stability and maneuverability. At 106mm underfoot, the Prodigy 3 Capsule leans towards the soft snow end of the spectrum and makes for an awesome all-mountain ski in the Mountain West. The ski provides excellent float in soft snow while maintaining sufficient control and precision on groomers and harder surfaces. Its rockered tips and tails make it a dream for playful riders who love to surf through powder, navigate tight trees, or butter off natural features. Designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who want an all-mountain companion that adapts seamlessly to their creativity on the slopes, this ski is the perfect choice for pushing boundaries and enjoying every run with confidence.

Best Powder Skis Of 2025

Powder skis are purpose-built for one thing: maximizing fun in deep, soft snow. With their wide waist widths, rockered profiles, and float-oriented designs, these skis make it easy to glide through fresh powder, slash turns in open bowls, and maneuver effortlessly through tight tree lines. Their construction prioritizes buoyancy and agility, ensuring that even the deepest days feel light and playful. Unlike traditional all-mountain skis, powder skis excel in soft conditions, where their extra surface area keeps you riding high without sinking.

If you're gearing up for your next powder-filled adventure, we’ve handpicked two exceptional options—one for men and one for women. Whether you’re chasing untracked lines wherever you can or searching for a playful, freestyle approach to deep snow, these skis are designed to take your powder days to the next level. Read on to discover which one might be your perfect match.

Men’s Atomic Bent Chetler 120 Ski

When it comes to floating effortlessly through bottomless powder, the Atomic Bent Chetler 120 is in a league of its own, which is why our Gearheads crowned it the best powder ski for men in 2025. On any given powder day in the esteemed ski resorts of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon here in Utah, you’re basically guaranteed to see a few pairs of Bent 120s in the lift line. This iconic ski, designed in collaboration with freeride legend Chris Benchetler, delivers a perfect blend of playful performance and dependable float. Featuring a 120mm waist and HRZN Tech in the tips and tails, the Bent Chetler 120 maximizes surface area for incredible float in deep snow, while the lightweight poplar wood core keeps it lively and maneuverable. Its rockered profile and carbon backbone make it quick to pivot in tight spaces like tree lines and stable when navigating afternoon chop. The Atomic Bent Chetler is the ultimate tool for skiers surfing through resort powder stashes, and it even pairs well with a hybrid touring binding for extra-deep backcountry ski days.

Women’s Coalition Snow Rafiki Ski

The Coalition Snow Rafiki Powder Ski is emerging as a popular powder ski for women in 2025. Our Gearheads selected it for its unique shape that excels in deep snow conditions. With a wide 112mm waist and deep rocker profile, the Rafiki delivers effortless float and maneuverability, allowing you to glide through powder snow and weave through tight tree lines with confidence. Its lightweight yet durable wood core ensures stability and control, even in variable conditions, while the ski’s responsive flex makes it a dream for skiers who love to slash, surf, and slarve their way through untouched terrain. Designed by women for women, the Rafiki is more than just a high-performing ski—it’s a statement of strength, individuality, and progression. Whether you're charging steep backcountry bowls or enjoying resort powder stashes, the Coalition Snow Rafiki is the ideal tool for women who embrace the magic of powder days.

Best Freeride Skis Of 2025

Freeride skis are built for skiers who seek adventure beyond the piste, thriving in steep, rugged, and variable terrain. Designed to handle a mix of powder, wind-packed “buff,” and even spring snow, these skis balance stability and agility to inspire confidence on big-mountain lines. Featuring wider waist widths for float and reinforced constructions for durability, freeride skis excel in challenging conditions where precision and power are essential. Their versatile performance allows you to charge down open faces, drop cliffs, or weave through technical tree runs without missing a beat.

For those looking to elevate their freeride game, we’ve picked out one pair for men and one for women. Whether you’re seeking a ski for charging steep chutes or one that blends playful energy with powerful control, these options are guaranteed to deliver unforgettable freeride experiences. Keep reading to find your perfect fit.

Men’s Black Crows Corvus

The Black Crows Corvus Ski is a freeride legend, and our Gearheads have chosen it as the best freeride ski for men in 2025 because of its unparalleled performance on steep and technical terrain. With a 110mm waist and a flatter tail for precise power, the Corvus delivers the stability required for tackling big-mountain lines with confidence. Its progressive double rocker profile adds versatility, allowing it to float through powder while maintaining edge grip on firm snow. The wood core is reinforced with a titanal layer for enhanced vibration damping in challenging variable conditions. Whether you're charging down chutes, stomping landings, or navigating variable snow, the Black Crows Corvus offers the precision and reliability that freeriders demand. For skiers who push their limits and explore demanding terrain, the Corvus is the ultimate tool for mastering the mountain.

Women’s Icelantic Maiden 102 Ski

For adventurous ladies who thrive in adventurous terrain, the Icelantic Maiden 102 is the ultimate big-mountain ski, earning its spot among our Gearheads as the best women’s freeride ski of 2025. Designed with a perfect balance of power, playfulness, and versatility, the Maiden 102 excels in everything from powder-filled bowls to technical descents and windblown ridges. Its 102mm waist width offers excellent float in soft snow while maintaining precision and control on harder surfaces. Featuring a lightweight poplar wood core and rockered tips and tails, this ski is responsive and nimble, making it easy to maneuver through tight trees and steep chutes. Built with Icelantic's durable construction and striking graphics, the Maiden 102 isn’t just about performance—it’s a statement ski for freeride enthusiasts. Whether you’re carving big lines or dropping into untouched powder, this ski gives women the confidence and capability to push their freeride boundaries.

Best Touring Skis Of 2025

Touring skis are crafted for those who seek the thrill of untouched terrain and the serenity of the backcountry. Designed to be lightweight for efficient skinning while offering reliable performance on the descent, these skis are the cornerstone of ski touring adventures. Their construction balances uphill efficiency with downhill capability, featuring highly-engineered ski materials layups and versatile widths to handle ever-changing backcountry conditions. Touring skis allow skiers to venture beyond resort boundaries, tackle challenging ascents, and surf pristine powder snow, all while embracing the freedom of self-powered exploration.

To help you gear up for your next backcountry journey, we’ve chosen exceptional touring skis for both men and women. Whether you prioritize finding untouched snow or you’re in it for the adventure, these skis are designed to ensure you enjoy the view on the ascent and reap the fruits of your labor on the way down. Follow along to find the perfect match for your touring ambitions.

Men’s DPS Pagoda Tour 100 Ski

The DPS Pagoda Tour 100 Ski has earned the title of the best touring ski for men thanks to its spritely feel on the skintrack and rock-solid performance on the descent. Our Gearheads choose it again and again because of its lightweight construction, made possible by DPS’s innovative Pagoda Tour core, which combines carbon, aspen, and paulownia for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. At 100mm underfoot, the ski strikes a balance between stability in variable backcountry conditions and agility for tight skin tracks and technical descents. Its rockered tip provides effortless float in powder, while camber underfoot and a flatter tail ensure reliable edge grip on hardpack and icy traverses. Designed for dedicated backcountry explorers who demand a ski that performs as well on the climb as it does on the descent, the DPS Pagoda Tour 100 delivers a smooth, confident ride no matter the conditions. Whether you're tackling long tours, steep couloirs, or fresh powder fields, this ski is your ideal companion for backcountry adventures.

Women’s Atomic Backland 101 Ski

The Atomic Backland 101 Ski is our Gearheads’ top choice for the best touring ski for women in 2025 thanks to its exceptional balance of lightweight design and downhill capability. Built for ambitious backcountry skiers, the Backland 101 features a lightweight poplar and caruba wood core, making uphill ascents more efficient without sacrificing strength. The ski’s 101mm waist provides versatile float in soft snow, while its HRZN Tech in the tips enhances maneuverability and reduces tip deflection for confidence on tricky descents. With a playful yet stable feel, this ski is perfect for women who want a touring partner that adapts seamlessly to powder, crust, and hardpack alike. Designed for backcountry explorers who prioritize versatility and reliability, the Atomic Backland 101 allows skiers to venture further and ski with confidence, no matter where the mountains take them.

Best Carving Skis Of 2025

Carving skis are engineered for skiers who love the thrill of smooth, precise turns on groomed runs. Designed with a narrower waist, stiffer flex, and pronounced camber, these skis excel at gripping firm snow and delivering powerful edge-to-edge transitions. Ideal for on-piste enthusiasts and speed seekers, carving skis allow you to lay down clean, arcing turns with confidence and control. Their focus on stability and responsiveness makes them the go-to choice for skiers who value precision and enjoy refining their technique on hard-packed trails.

To help you make the most of your time on the perfect corduroy, we’ve handpicked two stand-out carving skis that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re making race-inspired turns or looking to lay trenches in all mixed conditions, these skis are ready to elevate your carving experience. Keep reading to find your next carving ski.

Men’s Black Crows Octo Ski

The Black Crows Octo Ski takes the top spot as the best carving ski for men in 2025 because it’s engineered with precision to excel in groomed terrain. Our Gearheads love how the Octo blends race-inspired construction with a freeride spirit, making it perfect for skiers who want to lay down smooth, powerful arcs at speed. Its narrow 84mm waist and camber-heavy profile ensure maximum edge grip and stability, while a touch of early rise in the tip provides versatility to handle varying snow conditions. Built with a lightweight wood core and reinforced with carbon and fiberglass, the Octo delivers the snappy responsiveness and control carving enthusiasts crave. Whether you’re cruising fresh corduroy or tackling steep, icy pitches, the Black Crows Octo offers the precision and energy to elevate your carving experience to new heights.

Women’s Salomon Stance 94 Ski

The Salomon Stance 94 Ski is our Gearheads’ top pick for the best carving ski for women in 2025, thanks to its capable design and intuitive nature. Its 94mm waist provides some extra surface area to entertain some soft snow shenanigans—but don’t worry. The Stance is all bite thanks to its titanal laminate that provides rock-solid stability for cranking high-speed carves on just about any firm snow condition. With a poplar wood core that offers lively responsiveness and a directional shape that enhances precision, this ski inspires confidence to lace perfect arcing turns. Whether you’re an advanced skier perfecting your turn’s shape or someone looking to explore varied terrain without sacrificing control, the Salomon Stance 94 provides the energy, precision, and reliability to make every day on the mountain a carving masterpiece.

Best Park & Pipe Skis Of 2025

Park and pipe skis are built for riders who thrive on creativity and style, whether they’re hitting rails, sessioning jumps, or throwing spins in the halfpipe. With their twin-tip design and balanced flex, these skis are made to excel both forward and switch, giving freestyle skiers the confidence to stomp tricks and channel their flow state. Lightweight and durable, park skis are designed to handle repeated impacts from rails and jumps while maintaining the pop and agility needed for smooth transitions. From beginners learning their first tricks to advanced riders adding to their repertoire, park skis are the ultimate tool for expressing yourself on snow.

To help you level up your freestyle game, we landed on one top pick for men and another for women. Read on to find out which freestyle skis made the cut.

Men’s K2 Omen Team Ski

The K2 Omen Team Ski locks in its spot as the best park and pipe ski for men in 2025 thanks to its unmatched blend of durability, pop, and versatility. Specifically designed for K2’s freestyle Team riders, this ski thrives in the park, on rails, and in the pipe, delivering the performance needed to push boundaries of what’s possible. Its twin-tip design and symmetrical flex make it equally effective whether riding forward or switch, while the lightweight aspen wood core provides the responsiveness and pop required for big air and effortless landings. Built with K2’s signature durability, the Omen Team can take a beating, ensuring it holds up to seasons of progression. Whether you're dialing in technical rail tricks, sending it on massive kickers, or styling out grabs in the pipe, the K2 Omen Team Ski is the ultimate tool for guys who love to shred the park.

Women’s Armada ARW 94 Ski

The Armada ARW 94 Ski claims the title of the best park and pipe ski for women in 2025 thanks to its unbeatable combination of durability, playfulness, and freestyle performance. Our Gearheads love how the ARW 94 caters to creative riders, whether they’re perfecting rail tricks, sending jumps, or lacing runs in the halfpipe. The 94mm waist is in line with the modern freestyle skis of today’s world, and it even gives the ski some all-mountain performance. Its lightweight poplar-ash wood core provides the pop and energy needed for big airs, while the durable AR75 sidewall construction withstands repeated impacts, making it a reliable choice for park progression. With a twin-tip design and balanced flex, this ski allows effortless switch riding and smooth spins, giving freestyle skiers the tools they need to express themselves. Whether you’re just starting in the park or always adding tricks to your arsenal, the Armada ARW 94 is the ultimate partner for women who thrive on creativity and fun in freestyle terrain.

Best Beginner Skis Of 2025

Beginner skis are designed to make learning to ski approachable, enjoyable, and rewarding. Tailored to new skiers, these skis prioritize stability, ease of control, and a forgiving flex to help build confidence on the slopes. With lightweight constructions and user-friendly designs, beginner skis allow smooth turning, steady speed control, and the ability to progress without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re navigating gentle greens or venturing onto your first blue runs, these skis are crafted to support your growth and make every day on the mountain a success.

To help you find the ideal skis for starting your journey, we’ve selected one men’s ski and one women’s ski to ensure you find the right tool for the job. Read on to find the right ski to kickstart your skiing adventure.

Men’s Nordica Steadfast 75 CA Skis + Compact 10 Binding

The Nordica Steadfast 75 CA TP2 Compact 10 Ski is our Gearheads’ top choice for the best beginner ski for men in 2025 thanks to its accessible design and user-friendly performance. This ski is engineered to make learning to ski intuitive and enjoyable, with a lightweight composite core that provides stability without feeling heavy. Its narrow 75mm waist makes turning effortless, while the integrated rocker profile enhances maneuverability, allowing beginners to confidently navigate a variety of conditions. The Steadfast 75 offers a forgiving flex, ensuring that mistakes are easily corrected while helping skiers build proper technique. Paired with the super convenient TP2 Compact 10 binding system, skiers can easily adjust between boot sizes. Whether you're hitting the slopes for the first time or refining your fundamentals, the Nordica Steadfast 75 makes progression smooth and fun, earning its reputation as the ultimate beginner ski for men.

Women’s Nordica Wild Belle 74 Ski + Compact 10 Binding

The Nordica Wild Belle 74 TP2 Compact 10 Ski is our Gearheads’ number one pick for the best beginner ski for women in 2025, thanks to its approachable design and confidence-inspiring performance. Crafted specifically for women learning to ski, the Wild Belle 74 features a lightweight composite core that keeps the ski easy to control while offering the stability needed for smooth, predictable turns. Its 74mm waist and gentle rocker profile make navigating green and blue runs effortless, providing an ideal balance of edge grip and maneuverability. The forgiving flex allows beginners to gain confidence and improve their technique without feeling overwhelmed, while the included TP2 Compact 10 bindings ensure a reliable connection to the ski with easy adjustability. Whether you're stepping onto the slopes for the first time or mastering your first carves, the Nordica Wild Belle 74 is the perfect companion to make skiing fun, intuitive, and exciting.

How To Choose The Right Ski Length

Buying Skis At Backcountry

Backcountry is the ultimate destination for ski gear because our Gearhead® Experts are constantly testing gear on-snow to ensure they can provide you with the best possible customer service. Browse our huge selection of skis, boots, bindings, and essentials and reach out to a Gearhead if you have any questions at all!

Connect with a Gearhead: Call 1-800-409-4502 or chat with us online.

If you want to check out ski gear in person, find a store near you. We also provide waxing and binding services! A purchase of new skis and bindings together also comes with a free mount.

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