The all-mountain women’s ski category equals adventure—no matter what part of the mountain you like to ski. Skis in this category are designed to be versatile, that is, to perform well in various snow conditions and terrain. All-mountain skis often have a high-performance construction, with expanded waists and rockers added for maneuverability and flotation. Typically, cores are made from wood, sometimes with a layer of titanium or carbon, or a blend of hard and soft material that makes the ski strong underfoot and softer in the tip and tail.
Women’s All-Mountain Skis: Choosing the Right Ski Length
Women’s all-mountain skis may have a hard-charging, down-the-fall-line feel, or a surfy, playful personality. The ski you choose will depend on the type of terrain you love to ski and how you like to ski it.
When you walk into a ski shop, an experienced shop employee will ask you where you like to ski. If your answer has a variety of terrain choices, like groomers, bumps, and off-piste, then you’ll be directed to the all-mountain category. Next, you’ll pinpoint the waist width range and the personality of the ski that will best suit your skiing preferences and style.
Ski Waist Width and Turn Radius Explained
Women’s all-mountain skis have waists that range between 86mm and 100mm underfoot. The narrower the waist in this category, the tighter the turn radius the ski will have, but it will still be able to handle some variable terrain and light powder that you might find on the backside of the mountain. The wider the waist width, the more flotation in soft snow and stability in cut-up powder the ski will have, though the ski will have a larger turn radius on the groomers. Overall, this category is the place to go to find a one-ski quiver that can handle everything from groomers to bumps to fresh snow.
Different All-Mountain Skis for Different Skiers
“The term ‘all mountain skis’ can mean different things for different skiers,” says Matt McDonald, creative marketing manager for Powder7 Ski Shop, located in Golden, Colorado. “The ex-racer rad mom thinks it’s one thing and her kid thinks it’s another, but that’s why this category is loaded with options. Generally, brands are chasing the ski that’s accessible, but also versatile and strong enough for advanced and expert skiers. Specifically, the 88mm ski is hot.
If you like that waist width, you’ve got lots of choices for women’s all-mountain skis. If you’re looking for a wider all-mountain ski, most brands make at least one do-everything ski in the upper 90s. Brands are doubling down on families of skis, zeroing in on a particular design, often with a single name, and then offering that ski in two or three waist widths across this category for a tailored approach that gives skiers a huge array of options.”
Skiing the Mountain — Frontside and Backside
Before you go into the store, however, educate yourself by reading the following roundup of women’s all-mountain skis. Remember that skiers shopping in this category ski the entire mountain—frontside and backside—and need a ski to handle a variety of snow conditions. Some of the skis lean toward the narrower side in waist width and will favor carving with occasional trips off-piste or out-of-bounds, while others have waists that can float through powder and perform well in different terrain features. Whichever terrain and snow conditions you lean toward, women’s all-mountain skis will provide you the access to a great adventure. Now let’s get into the best all-mountain skis for women.
More reading
How to Choose the Right Ski Length
Top All-Mountain Women’s Skis
Nordica Santa Ana 92 (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $700
Updated for the 24/25 season, the entire Santa Ana family got a major facelift. New waist widths, topsheets, and major construction changes have elevated this ski above its already high status in the all-mountain ski category. Easier, smoother turn initiation, an updated sidecut, a repositioned inner Titanal layer, and more rocket in the tails help expand this skis performance to suit a wider range of skiers. The Santa Ana 92 is great for carving on groomers, eating bumps, bouncing through glades, and everything in between. According to Nordica, “the Santa Ana 92 is at home making powerful and precise turns,” with a waist width that offers the most versatility. There is also a wider and narrower version in the Santa Ana family to suit all your terrain needs.
Blizzard Sheeva W (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $750
The Blizzard Sheeva 9 is the quintessential one and done ski. It’s maneuverable and playful but still inspires confidence on hardpack. A Freeride Trueblend woodcore and new FluxForm technology create the perfect blend of power and effortlessness for a supremely versatile ski. The Sheeva 9 has a 96mm waist so it will float nicely through medium powder, while still holding an edge on groomers. Advanced riders can appreciate the easy turn initiation while more advanced skiers can push it hard and still have a good time. The Blizzard Sheeva is a great ski no matter what terrain you’re skiing on.
Elan Ripstick 94 W (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $700
The Ripstick 94 W from Elan is an all-mountain ski beast. With a 94mm waist, the Ripstick is wide enough for surfing pow, while still narrow enough for hard carving on groomers and slicing through variable snow. The updated shape in the tip and tail help the ski feel stronger and more precise in a turn. “The weight-to-performance ratio is best in class thanks to a lightweight, yet stable construction we call Tubelite Woodcore,” says Ben Fresco, US Marketing and Product Manager. As Fresco continues:
“It uses carbon rods placed in the core of the ski, adjacent to the edges. This gives the ski an extremely smooth and playful ride without the additional weight of metal. The result is a ski with a huge sweet spot that serves intermediate through expert skiers equally well.”
Because of its weight and versatility, the Ripstick 94 W is also a great hybrid ski that excels just as well in the backcountry. For a smooth ride and more confident feel with a similar weight, check out the Ripstick 94 W Black Edition.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $700
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 has garnered a reputation as being an absolute ripper of a ski. Widely regarded as the top selling ski in the all-mountain category, this fan favorite got a major upgrade for the 24/25 season. A new wood core and updated titanal layer help push the Black Pearl further and make it feel more maneuverable without sacrificing any confidence. It carves hard and with precision over groomers and cuts through choppy snow with ease. At 88mm underfoot, this ski is on the narrow side of this list, which makes it less floaty in deep powder, but provides top-tier control on hardpack and soft snow. According to Blizzard: “The 88mm-waisted ski provides an unmatched level of versatility for intermediate to advanced skiers but is also strong enough for expert skiers who like to up the ante.” Props to Blizzard for making an already legendary ski that much better.
Völkl Secret 96 (Speed)
MSRP: $850
For high-level skiers with an affinity for charging hard down the mountain, the Völkl Secret 96 is your partner in crime. The 2025 version is a little less demanding than the previous model but keeps that aggressive Völkl energy you’ve come to know and love. It absolutely crushes choppy snow while the all-new Four Radius Drive sidecut lets you command the skis and lay down turns with confidence over any terrain. The 96mm waist is an ideal width for variable snow conditions; it’s wide enough to stay on top of the powder and narrow enough to not be clunky on groomers. Plus, Völkl Secret 96 still has some of the best hardpack stability in the game.
Armada Reliance 92 Ti (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $800
The character of the Armada Reliance 92 Ti is reflected in its name; it’s simply a standby, reliable ski. For the intermediate skier looking for a vehicle to bridge the gap to the world of the advanced, the Armada Reliance 92 Ti is it. This is a flexy and playful ski, yet still responds like a charm, cutting through crud as good as any. New tech upgrades for the 24/25 season include a full poplar core and redesigned rocker profile. These updates make the ski feel less demanding without sacrificing stability. The new rocker profile allows for easier turn initiation and pivot, making the Armada Reliance 92 Ti an ideal pick for progressing skiers. The Reliance has top notch groomer performance coupled with stellar versatility. This really is a do-it-all ski for the do-it-all skier.
K2 Mindbender 90 C (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $550
The K2 Mindbender 90 C is a lightweight and playful ski, perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to work too hard to enjoy their day on the hill. The lightness in the tip and tail helps it feel energetic in bumps and off-piste, while the carbon core provides a sense of balance and maneuverability. The Mindbender 90 C is an approachable option for intermediate skiers that is easy to control. Experts at K2 describe it as a “tool designed for easy progression that will satisfy your urge to charge.” The 90mm waist width sits comfortably in the middle range of the all-mountain category and is suitable for carving up groomers and floating through softer snow. Quick edge to edge and effortlessly playful, the Mindbender 90 C from K2 is a perfect pick for intermediate skiers looking to advance their skills.
Stockli Nela 88 (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $1,200
No doubt the priciest ski on this list, the Stockli Nela 88 is not without it merits. It can do everything that other all-mountain mid-width rippers can, just with a smoother, more confident feel. The Stockli Nela 88 is surprisingly lightweight for how stable it feels. The 88mm waist makes it a ripping carver and the updated rocker profile provides that signature smooth turn initiation. It won’t push you too hard, but you can have a ton of fun taking it down long, flowy groomers. Playful with beautiful edge-to-edge performance, the Stockli Nela 88 is luxury at its finest.
Black Crows Captis Birdie (All-Mountain Beginner)
MSRP: $600
The Captis Birdie from Black Crows is a playful and forgiving ski, great for those newer skiers looking to get out of their rentals. It has a double rocker for optimal maneuverability and pivot, while the camber underfoot provides stability and control. This ski has a soft flex, great for rebounding over cut up snow, and bouncy, playful riding. “The Captis Birdie is one of our most popular skis,” said Tristan Droppert, North America Marketing Manager at Black Crows. Droppert continues, “They are super versatile and forgiving but high performance when you need them to be. With the 90mm width and double rocker these skis are playful, consistent, and a pleasure to enjoy in all winter conditions.”
Salomon QST Lumen 98 (Powder)
MSRP: $700
The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is a real force to be reckoned with in the all-mountain category. This ski is the best on this list for floating through powder with ease. While not ultra-wide, it’s strategic construction and playful shape helps pack a punch in softer, deep snow. Full poplar woodcore provides maximum stability and a carbon weave and cork damplifier keep things light and nimble in the tip. “Capable all-mountain rippers will happily go from navigating trees and steeps to zooming groomers without missing a beat,” writes the experts at Salomon. The QST Lumen 98 is a great option for experienced skiers or those looking for a light yet stable option to toss an Alpine Touring binding on.
December 18, 2024
