2015 Women's All Mountain Ski Comparison
Don’t you just hate it when you walk into a ski shop or browse your favorite ski forum and you get a bunch of men telling you what you should or shouldn’t be skiing on? How would they even know? While some of the best all mountain skis in the men’s category range from 90-100mm underfoot, the bulk of women’s skis sit in this 80-90mm range.
It’s important to remember that picking a ski really depends on the skier, the type of terrain they typically ski, and the personal preferences of that skier. While the trend to go wider has made an impact on the ski industry as a whole, the need to talk about the narrower skis, not only for Eastern and Midwestern skiers but the westerners alike, is still important.
The All-Terrain Rocker in the tip of this ski gives it the versatility to really ski most of the mountain. While it certainly lacks girth to be optimal on a waist-deep pow day, it is great in fresh/soft snow conditions. The metal laminate construction gives it the stability it needs to carve well on groomers.
Overall, the ski suits your average skier, who doesn’t necessarily “charge hard” and wants something with easy turn initiation, but is stable and versatile enough to ski most of the mountain. We like this ski a lot for developing skiers, thanks to its dependable, easy going ride that’s not too demanding.
If you’re looking for a great ski and you’re on a budget, this ski should be one to seriously consider. I’m often a firm believer in “you get what you pay for”, but Rossi outdid themselves with the performance of this ski for the price point.
The Air Tip reduces swing weight and overall weight of the ski. Extended sidecut gives you the most effective edge in this category, making it an amazing carver, perfect for skiers who either have good technique or who are working on improving it. It skis effortlessly and is a solid intermediate ski for your casual/frontside skier.
This is another one of those amazing-for-the-price skis. A lightweight, yet stable ski that can go anywhere on the mountain. Only 83mm at the waist, but the tip-rocker and soft flex allows for a playful feel that’s equally at home arcing big carved turns as it is snaking through soft bumps off-piste.
It is not a particularly forgiving ski. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who are looking for a fun freeride feel that is more lively and energetic rather than damped and powerful.
At 85mm, this ski is in the middle of the pack as far as width goes, but its construction and design certainly aren’t average. This is a good, versatile ski for front side skiers who go off piste from time to time. Remarkably for a ski this light, it cuts through the crud without losing integrity and handles weird snow conditions with ease.
All skiing abilities can have fun on this ski, it’s just that versatile and capable. It’s a lightweight ski that can be skied at an easy moderate pace or charging through the moguls. Definitely worth checking out.
This ski at 88mm underfoot is an excellent confidence builder. It’s extremely stable and easy to layover on hardpack. I usually ski skis around a 160cm length, but actually liked this ski better when I sized down to the 153cm.
The stability of the ski isn’t compromised at the shorter length and the added maneuverability was a bonus. The Wilde Belle does lack flotation in deeper or heavier conditions. It is best suited for frontside skiers who love to charge down any run.
This ski is by far one of the most versatile skis I have ever skied, and I mean it. It could easily be the one ski wonder for a strong female skier. At 88mm underfoot with subtle tip and tail rocker, you can take it anywhere on the mountain, and it isn’t punishing if you’re off your game a little bit, or getting tired towards the end of a long day.
It is not only great for skiing in the west, but suitable for the midwest and eastern ladies as well. Sometimes a Jill of all trades is a master of none, but this ski doesn’t give up much compared to more specialized skis in the category.
This ski, at 90mm, is the widest ski in the category. With tip and tail rocker and effortless control, it is very freeride oriented. It is stiff in the tail, for added stability, and best in this category for float. The softer tip makes it great for soft/new snow and weaving in and out of the trees, but it is not as strong for hard pack carving.
This is a great option for both skiers who are transitioning into off-piste skiing, and more advanced skiers looking for a great all-round ski with a soft-snow bias.