The 2026/27 ski test results are in! Together with Ski & Board Test GmbH (Snow Society) and Riml Sports in Gurgl, we’re once again presenting the ski experts’ selection and their picks in each category. Ready for new skis? From sporty slalom carvers to comfortable all-rounders and models designed for women, we list the tested skis with their key features and specs. Let the testers’ expertise point you towards skis that suit your ability and style.
Buying new skis starts with one question: what suits you? Do you like short, sporty turns, or would you rather cruise all day at an easy pace? The choice is huge and the differences between models aren’t always obvious at first glance. The ski test by Ski & Board Test GmbH (Snow Society) and Riml Sports in Gurgl helps you compare more effectively. For winter 2026/27, the selection covers 29 models across eight categories.
In each category, the experts picked a favourite. They explain what sets that ski apart, from edge grip and stability to how it behaves in the turn and how easily it steers. You’ll find sporty models for precise carved turns alongside skis built for comfort and relaxed skiing. For the eight favourites, you can read the verdict supplied by the testing organisation. For the other models, we draw on the manufacturers’ official product information. We also list the available lengths, radius, sidecut and prices from the test overview, so you can compare models within each category.
The experts’ pick isn’t automatically the best ski for you. Your ability, build and preferences for terrain, speed and turn shape decide which model suits you. Use the ski test as a starting point and, if you can, try a ski before you buy. These are the experts’ picks for 2026/27 in each category:
Below, you can read for each category why the experts chose that ski and how the other models in the selection differ from one another.
The test is run by an independent testing organisation. The test team is made up entirely of state-qualified ski instructors. For three weeks they ski in the Ötztal on hard, icy pistes, in wet snow, on artificial snow and on spring snow. After every run, testers fill in an anonymous test form. Because the skis are rotated, every tester skis every model. All skis are machine-tuned beforehand so they start under the same conditions. Around 2,500 data points are analysed per test.
Here are the results of the 2026/27 ski test. Scroll down for the different categories, brands and models.
Freshly groomed corduroy in the morning, softer snow and bumps in the afternoon: all-mountain skis are designed for changing conditions. They’re usually a little wider underfoot than pure piste skis, but the differences within this category are big. Some models are mainly built for carving on piste, while others have more to give in ungroomed snow. These are the four models selected by Snow Society and Riml Sports.
The Atomic Redster Q7.8 is the experts’ pick in the all-mountain category. Testers highlight its stable handling, precise edge grip and well-balanced feel. That makes it, in their view, a versatile choice for dynamic turns across a wide range of piste conditions – a ski for anyone who wants to keep going when the firm morning snow softens up as the day goes on.
The K2 Blur XT is aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers who love to carve but also want to cope with changing snow. According to K2, its H-Beam construction and flax fibres provide damping and smooth turn initiation. At 83 mm underfoot, it’s a relatively wide piste ski. The focus is on combining stability with manoeuvrability, so you can lay down clean carves or let the ski pivot and skid.
The H-Power 89 is the widest model in the H-Power range. VAN DEER combines a sporty on-piste character with extra width for soft and ungroomed snow. A beech and poplar core, two sheets of Titanal and full sidewalls are designed for damping, edge grip and direct power transfer. An interesting option for skiers who love to carve but want more scope off the groomers.
With the Völkl Peregrine 80 Lowride, accessibility and a balanced feel come first. According to Völkl, a Titanal band adds stability, while carbon fibres in the tip keep the ski agile and help with turn initiation. At 80 mm underfoot, it’s mainly designed for the piste and changing snow conditions. An option for recreational skiers who want sporty turns without giving up comfort.
Carving at speed, solid edge grip and precise steering: the high-performance category is all about sporty performance on piste. These skis suit experienced skiers who ski actively and have solid technique. The category includes models for both short turns and longer carved arcs. For 2026/27, Snow Society and Riml Sports selected these four skis.
The Head Worldcup Rebels e-Race Pro is the experts’ pick in the high-performance category. Testers praise its precise edge grip, outstanding stability at speed and the power of this race carver. In their view, it comes into its own in fast, dynamic turns and precise carving on piste. A ski for experienced skiers who like to steer actively and make the most of their kit’s sporty character.
The Atomic Redster X9S Revoshock S is designed for sporty piste skiers who like to switch between short and long carved turns. Its multi-radius sidecut combines the qualities of slalom and giant slalom skis. The Revoshock S system dampens vibrations, while the wood core and Titanal reinforcement deliver stability and direct power transfer. Atomic aims this model at experienced skiers who want to ski fast and precisely, even on hard pistes.
The H-Power 68 combines a narrow 68 mm waist with a construction built for sporty piste skiing. According to VAN DEER, it’s designed for dynamic slalom turns as well as longer, powerful carved arcs. Two sheets of Titanal and an ash and poplar core support damping and power transfer. The focus is on quick response, stability and edge grip on hard, groomed snow.
With the Firebird HRC, Blizzard targets performance-minded skiers who want to mix different turn shapes. The multi-radius shape is designed for short turns as well as long, powerful carves. The Trueblend Race wood core has different stiffness zones: firmer underfoot for grip and stability, softer at the tip and tail to help you start and release the turn. The Titanal construction and race plate transfer your movements straight to the ski.
Love short turns on piste? Slalom skis are built for quick edge changes and precise steering. Their relatively narrow waist and short radius suit an active skiing style. These sporty models do demand good technique, though: it’s mainly experienced skiers who build pressure deliberately and put the ski on edge who will get the most out of them. These are the four slalom skis selected by Snow Society and Riml Sports.
The VAN DEER – Red Bull Sports SL Comp is the experts’ pick in the slalom category. Testers single out its direct handling, strong edge grip and dynamic response in the turn. In their view, this sporty slalom carver really shines in short, quick turns on piste. A ski for fans of an active style who like to flick from one turn straight into the next.
The Fischer RC4 Noize ST is a slalom specialist for advanced and expert piste skiers. Fischer designed it for dynamic short turns with a powerful rebound out of the turn. Noize Control technology reduces vibrations and keeps things calm at higher speeds. The wood core, Titanal reinforcement and Super-Flex plate are geared towards grip and lively turning. A model for anyone who carves actively and sportily.
The Head Worldcup Rebels e-SL is designed for experienced skiers who love short carved turns. Head focuses on quick turning and sporty performance you can enjoy all day. With its narrow waist and short radius, the e-SL is built for precise piste skiing and snappy edge changes – an option for slalom fans who like to link turn after turn on edge.
The Salomon Equipe SL 12 is aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers who want to make short, slalom-style turns on groomed pistes. According to Salomon, the PowerControl System adds stability underfoot and absorbs shocks, so you can carry speed through the turn. The emphasis is on controlled, sporty carving. With 68 mm underfoot and a short radius, it suits skiers who like to keep up a brisk rhythm.
Sporty carving and switching between different turn shapes: sport skis are designed for skiers who like to ski actively on piste. How much technique and strength a model demands varies from ski to ski. This category includes accessible piste carvers as well as models for experienced skiers looking for more speed and precision. For 2026/27, Snow Society and Riml Sports selected these four sport skis.
The Salomon S/Max 10 is the experts’ pick in the sport category. Testers single out its agility, strong edge grip and quick response to steering input. In their view, that combination delivers plenty of fun for anyone who skis the piste sportily and precisely. A model for active carvers who want a ski that responds instantly.
The Head Supershape e-Magnum is a piste ski for experienced skiers who like to mix short and longer carved turns. Head highlights its versatility, edge grip and energetic rebound out of the turn. A slight tip rocker helps with smooth transitions, while camber underfoot adds grip. At 72 mm underfoot, it suits sporty skiers who like quick edge-to-edge changes.
The Nordica Spitfire CA is designed for skiers who want to vary their turn shape on an accessible sporty model. Its multi-radius shape pairs a slalom-inspired tip and tail with a midsection that has giant slalom characteristics. According to Nordica, this supports quick edge changes and stable steering. The wood core and Energy CA construction make it a piste carver that lets you switch between short and wider turns as you please.
The Völkl Racetiger SRC has a clear on-piste character and is geared mainly towards short turns. According to Völkl, the wood core and Titanal band support damping and stability, while tip rocker makes it easier to start the turn. With a 73 mm waist, it’s a sporty piste carver for skiers who like to keep up a brisk rhythm. The sidewall construction transfers your movements directly to the edges.
Relaxed runs, easy steering and enjoyable skiing all day long: in the comfort category, accessibility comes first. These all-round skis appeal to recreational skiers who value control and ease of use. Even so, the models differ in width, construction and character. For 2026/27, Snow Society and Riml Sports selected these four comfort skis.
The Rossignol Arcade 80 is the experts’ pick in the comfort category. Testers emphasise its versatility, pleasant handling and reliable control. In their view, that combination gives a comfortable feel across a wide range of piste conditions. A model for skiers who like to take it easy and want a ski that stays easy to steer as the snow changes through the day.
The Atomic Redster Q4 is designed for beginner and early intermediate piste skiers. Its relatively wide waist and multi-radius shape are intended for both short and longer turns in changing piste conditions. A mix of wood and a light core material keeps the ski accessible, while Titanal reinforcement adds stability. According to Atomic, the focus is on predictable handling, from firm morning snow to softer snow later in the day.
The Völkl Peregrine RXT belongs to the Peregrine range, Völkl’s piste skis. Its lengths, radius and sidecut match those of the Peregrine XT, which Völkl aims at recreational skiers who want to progress on piste. A wood core with a PU construction and a partial sidewall underfoot transfer your movements directly to the edges, while tip rocker makes it easier to start the turn. At 76 mm underfoot with a 15.7 m radius, it suits medium-radius turns at a relaxed to moderate pace.
The Blizzard Stormbird 7.2 is all about confidence and easy turning. Blizzard describes it as a ski with a soft, forgiving flex for recreational skiers who have mastered the basics and want to keep improving. Its shape and slightly raised tip and tail help with steering. At 72 mm underfoot, it’s a relatively narrow comfort ski designed for relaxed skiing on piste.
From relaxed turns to sporty carving, there’s plenty of choice in women’s skis for winter 2026/27 too. In the ski test by Ski & Board Test GmbH (Snow Society) and Riml Sports in Gurgl, the experts put models in three categories under the microscope: comfort, high-end and sport. Which ski suits the way you ski? Below you’ll find the testers’ pick for each category plus the other models in the test overview. Where no test verdict was supplied, we’ve added the manufacturer’s description.
Do you like skiing at a relaxed pace and want skis that turn easily? In the women’s comfort category, ease of use and control take centre stage. The experts at Ski & Board Test GmbH (Snow Society) and Riml Sports chose the Völkl Shine 72 as their pick. The Blizzard Phoenix 7.7 and Nordica Belle 72 CA are also in the test overview.
The Völkl Shine 72 is the experts’ pick in the women’s comfort category. Testers emphasise its smooth, forgiving character. In their view, it’s easy to steer and offers reassuring control on relaxed runs. A model for skiers who want to turn comfortably and enjoy the pistes at their own pace.
With the Belle 72 CA, Nordica targets beginner and early intermediate women who mainly ski on piste. According to the brand, the ski has a playful character and offers the stability to build confidence. A shorter binding plate makes it easier to flex the ski and start turns. The heel of the binding also sits slightly lower, which is designed to support a natural, centred stance on the ski.
According to the brand, the Blizzard Phoenix 7.7 is designed for women who have mastered the basics and want to progress with confidence. Blizzard combines a stable ski with a soft flex, so it’s easy to bend as you start a turn. The slightly raised tip and tail make turning easier, while camber underfoot adds grip on piste. A model for anyone who wants to ski comfortably and in control.
This year’s individual category features the Atomic Cloud C14, Rossignol Nova 10 and Volant 7000. Three skis, each with its own character: from sporty carving models to a ski where the experts praise its smooth handling and comfort. The testers at Ski & Board Test GmbH (Snow Society) and Riml Sports chose the Volant 7000 as their pick in this category.
The Volant 7000 is the experts’ pick in the women’s individual category. Testers emphasise its elegant, precise character and smooth handling. In their view, the ski combines comfort with control, making turns on piste enjoyable and precise. A model for skiers who value a calm feel on snow and want to ski in control.
According to the brand, the Rossignol Nova 10 is designed for intermediate to advanced women who want to refine their carving technique. The wood core with Titanal reinforcement is designed to combine power with a smooth, controlled turn. The slightly raised tip helps start turns, while full-length sidewalls add grip and precision. A ski for anyone who skis actively and likes to get energy out of every turn.
According to the brand, the Atomic Cloud C14 Revoshock S has a lot in common with the Redster race skis. The Revoshock S system absorbs shocks and vibrations, so the ski runs smoothly and responds directly when you change edges. A light wood core and Titanal reinforcement support stability and its powerful character. A model for women who like to carve sportily and want precise control on piste.
The women’s dynamic category features the Atomic Cloud C9, Blizzard Phoenix 76 CA and Salomon S/Max N°10. Each combines control with lively turning in its own way. The experts at Ski & Board Test GmbH (Snow Society) and Riml Sports chose the Blizzard Phoenix 76 CA as their pick.
The Blizzard Phoenix 76 CA is the experts’ pick in the women’s dynamic category. Testers emphasise its accessible handling, pleasant response and the control it offers. In their view, that combination gives a well-balanced feel, both in dynamic turns and on relaxed runs. A model for skiers who like to vary their pace and want a ski that stays easy to steer.
According to the brand, the Atomic Cloud C9 Revoshock Light is all about smooth, controlled skiing on piste. The Revoshock Light system dampens vibrations and makes the ski more forgiving. A light wood core combined with a damping foam core supports its comfortable character, while the sidewalls add edge grip. A model for women who enjoy flowing turns and value a calm feel on snow.
According to the brand, the Salomon S/Max N°10 combines a lightweight build with sporty performance on piste. The Dual Core 2 construction with ash and fibreglass is designed to provide stability at a low weight. Titanal reinforcement supports edge grip and power transfer. Salomon aims this model at intermediate women who want to steer their turns precisely and like to ski actively on edge.
The experts’ pick is a good starting point when you’re looking for new skis. But which ski suits you best depends on your technique, weight, favourite terrain and the way you ski. A ski that feels great in powerful carved turns can be hard work on a relaxed cruise.
So use this ski test to shortlist a few models and talk your choice through with a ski specialist. Can you demo the skis first? Then you’ll feel for yourself which model gives you confidence and suits your style.
Do you spend almost your whole holiday on piste? Then focus on piste skis. Next, think about your favourite turns: short and rhythmic, long and sweeping, or a mix of both. Tell the shop staff how you usually ski, too. Cruising gently with the family asks something different of a ski than active carving on freshly groomed corduroy.
This ski test is split into categories. Use them for a first shortlist, but read the description of each model as well. The category name alone won’t tell you how a ski feels.
Choose a ski that matches what you can do now and what you want to learn. A sportier or more expensive model won’t automatically make you a better skier. Especially if you’re still working on your technique, easy handling and confidence are worth a lot. Describe your ability as specifically as possible. Can you ski parallel with control? Can you do that on steeper slopes and when the snow gets trickier? And do you carve your turns or mostly skid them? With that information, a specialist can give you better advice.
Your height is a starting point, but your weight, technique and the model you choose matter too. So don’t automatically go for the same length as your old skis. A different construction or shape can make a ski feel quite different at a similar length.
Radius and sidecut also help when comparing. Always check which ski length the figures refer to: the values can vary within a single model.
Take your own ski boots to the shop. That way the specialist can check that your boots and bindings are compatible and set up the whole package for you. Simply quoting your boot size isn’t enough: the sole length and sole type matter too.
Check whether bindings are included in the price, and whether mounting and adjustment are too. Ask about any base and edge prep as well. That way you’re comparing complete packages and won’t get any surprises at the till. The prices listed are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices in euros. Actual shop prices and specifications may differ.
If possible, try several models on the same day and on the same pistes. Pay attention to how the ski starts a turn, how much control you have while steering and how much effort it takes. Test it at the speed you normally ski, too.
Jot down what you liked straight after each run. That stops one fast or perfect run from deciding your choice on its own.
Meet Mike, Editor-in-Chief and co-owner of Snowplaza. As a seasoned winter sports expert and former ski instructor, he shares his unique knowledge of ski resorts, technique, and gear.
