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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
Best All-Mountain Women’s Skis
Nordica Santa Ana 92 (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $749
The Nordica Santa Ana 92 consistently locks down a spot around the top of the all-mountain category for women who demand unwavering performance everywhere. Thanks to the Nordica’s innovative TSM pulse core, which combines wood, rubber and metal, this model delivers a remarkably smooth, stable, and powerful ride. For the skier looking for versatility, the Santa Ana 92 is an excellent choice—its True Tip design and Unlocked Tail Shape removes weight, enhancing maneuverability for slick performance on moguls or in glades. The 92mm waist floats through powder without sacrificing the response needed to rip laps on harder snow.
Rossignol Arcade 94 (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $799.95
Designed for in and out-of-bounds conditions, the Rossignol Arcade 94 is an outstanding choice for the advanced all-mountain female skier. The versatile 94mm waist provides a perfect balance between floatation and edge control, while the Rossignol Arcade 94’s responsive wood core and progressive rocker profile ensure smooth turn initiation and stable performance at higher speeds. Lightweight construction ensures all-day-long performance for marathon days on the mountain. Whether you’re carving on hardpack or floating through powder, the Rossignol Arcade 94 delivers.
Elan Ripstick 94 W (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $749.99
Seeking all-mountain versatility and high-performance precision? Look no further than the Elan Ripstick 94. This model’s third generation features Elan’s Amphibio profile, which provides a relentless trio of grip, rebound, and maneuverability. The brand’s new Carbon Deck Technology provides an even smoother ride through carbon rods and unidirectional bands. Those environmentally-conscious skiers will appreciate the construction of the Elan Ripstick 94, which uses Flax Fiber, a natural renewable material that also dampens vibration for a smooth ride. This is the do-everything all-mountain ski—take it down groomers, chutes, bowls, through the trees, and everywhere in between.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $749.99
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 continues to live up to its name as one of the most beloved all-mountain intermediate skis for women. Blizzard’s 2025–26 model builds on its legacy with refined precision and versatility. Featuring Blizzard’s TrueBlend All-Mountain woodcore, crafted from beech and poplar, and a single layer of titanal integrated with Women’s Specific Design Fluxform technology, this ski balances power and patience for confident carving and smooth cruising. The 88mm waist remains ideal for hardpack and mixed conditions, offering quick edge-to-edge transitions and reliable grip without sacrificing agility. Whether you’re venturing off-piste for the first time or laying trenches on powdery groomers, the Black Pearl 88 is designed to deliver joy, freedom, and control for intermediate to expert skiers alike.
Völkl M7 Mantra W (Speed)
MSRP: $850
The 2026 Völkl M7 Mantra W is built for women who crave speed and precision across the mountain. With a 96mm waist and a multilayer wood core reinforced by tailored titanal frame construction, this ski delivers exceptional edge grip and stability at high speeds. The 3D Radius Sidecut allows for dynamic turn shaping—short and snappy or long and fast—while the tailored carbon tips reduce swing weight for quicker transitions. The Völkl team state that this technology “sets a new benchmark for the ability to vary the turn radius to combine easy handling with rock-solid stability.” Designed to handle aggressive descents and variable terrain with confidence, the M7 Mantra W is a powerhouse for advanced female skiers who want to push their limits without compromise.
Armada Reliance 92 Ti (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $825
The 2025–26 Armada Reliance 92 Ti continues its legacy as a dependable, go-anywhere ski for women ready to elevate their all-mountain game. Designed with a full poplar core and Armada’s Articulated Titanal Banding, it strikes a confident balance between playful flex and powerful edge hold. The updated rocker profile enhances turn initiation and pivot control, making it easier to navigate variable terrain without compromising stability. Whether you’re carving groomers, slicing through corn, or venturing off-piste, the Reliance 92 Ti offers a smooth, responsive ride that supports progression and rewards precision. It’s a true all-mountain workhorse for intermediate to advanced skiers who want reliability with a touch of flair.
K2 Mindbender 90 C (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $549.95
The 2025 K2 Mindbender 90C Women’s Skis continue to shine as a lightweight and playful option for intermediate skiers who want to maximize fun without overexertion. This year’s model features K2’s trusted Aspen Veneer core paired with Spectral Braid and Torsional Control Design, offering a responsive yet balanced ride across varied terrain. The reduced swing weight in the tip and tail keeps the ski lively during bumps and off-piste, while the carbon construction ensures maneuverability and edge hold. With a 90mm waist, it sits comfortably in the all-mountain sweet spot—nimble enough for hardpack and versatile enough for softer conditions. K2 calls the Mindbender 90 C “a tool designed for easy progression that will satisfy your urge to charge.” It remains a top pick for intermediate skiers looking to level up with confidence and style.
Stockli Nela 88 (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $1,299
The 2026 Stöckli Nela 88 continues to set a benchmark for premium women’s all-mountain skis, combining Swiss craftsmanship with cutting-edge performance. This year’s model features a refined construction that enhances its already legendary smoothness and stability. With an 88mm waist, it excels as a powerful carver on groomers while remaining agile enough for mixed terrain. Updated rocker and flex profile allow for effortless turn initiation and fluid transitions, making it approachable yet exhilarating for advanced skiers. Lightweight yet incredibly composed at speed, the Nela 88 delivers precision and playfulness in every turn—making it a top-tier choice for those who demand the best.
Black Crows Captis Birdie (All-Mountain Beginner)
MSRP: $649
The 2026 Black Crows Captis Birdie remains a top pick for female skiers seeking a playful, approachable ski that doesn’t compromise on performance. Designed with a double rocker for enhanced pivot and maneuverability, and classic camber underfoot for reliable edge grip, this ski thrives in varied terrain. Its medium flex offers a lively, responsive feel—perfect for rebounding through chopped-up snow and cruising groomers with ease. With a 90mm waist, the Captis Birdie sits comfortably in the all-mountain category, offering quick edge-to-edge transitions and versatility across winter conditions. Whether you’re stepping up from rentals or refining your technique, the Captis Birdie delivers a smooth, confidence-building ride that’s as fun as it is dependable.
Salomon QST 94 Black (Powder)
MSRP: $700
The 2026 Salomon QST 94 is a stellar powder ski for women who want float, finesse, and versatility in deep snow. With a rockered tip and tail and a 94mm waist, it offers excellent buoyancy in soft conditions while maintaining agility for quick turns and tree runs. The full poplar wood core paired with C/FX carbon and flax fiber reinforcement delivers a smooth, damp ride that absorbs chatter and keeps the ski stable at speed. This ski’s lightweight construction makes it easy to maneuver in powder, yet powerful enough to charge through variable terrain. Whether you’re chasing fresh lines or navigating tracked-out bowls, the QST 94 is built to keep you floating and smiling all day long.
September 23, 2025
