The 2024 Rossignol Hero Master ST is a prime example of a short-turning ski done right. This thing totally rips on the firm snow, and if you’ve been looking for a slightly friendlier version of the real-deal race room slalom ski, this Hero Master ST is the way to go. Sure, it’s more specific and narrow in its application, and is more of a tool than a toy, but what you’re getting is some of the best construction, the most precise shape, and the ultimate in energy when it comes to citizen’s race skis. The Hero Master series from Rossignol is pretty unique in the ski world today, offering up race-room construction to go along with a slightly different set of turn and shape requirements. While the FIS versions of the race skis have to adhere to very specific measurements, the Master series gets a moderately relaxed set of rules.

The Master ST is built the same way as the WC FIS SL ski with a full beech wood core and two thick sheets of titanal. There’s not a whole lot of bells and whistles going on here—this ski is race stock and built to rip. They do use Prop Tech in the forebody of the ski in order to maximize power in the initiation phase. The only other technology involved here is the use of Line Control Technology, which uses vertical strips in the central spine of the ski in order to prevent counter flexing and keep the ski smooth and stable. When you’re ripping slalom turns on hard snow, it’s very helpful to have the ski do exactly what the driver says at any given time. The timing and balance needed for slalom skiing is incredible, and if your skis aren’t up to the task, it’s going to be a rough run, whether you’re using them in the gates or just out in the open trail. The power and feedback are simply extraordinary. Available in 150, 156, and 165 cm lengths, the 156 hits 2050 grams on the scale, so while not totally light, they’re narrow enough to keep the overall weight down. 

The shape is where this ski differs a bit more from the FIS ski, with a slightly wider waist and more generous of a cut. With a size-maximized sidecut, the ski makes some of the cleanest and shortest turns on the planet. In the 156, we’re looking at a 12-meter arc, so in order to keep up with that shape, you definitely need some quick feet to ensure proper rhythm and grip. When that radius is combined with a fully cambered profile, it makes for an insanely precise overall feel. That said, it’s not super easy to run this thing flat—it prefers to be on edge all of the time. For skiers that are using this ski not in the gates, beware of long runs, as they require many, many turns on the way down. It’s tough to let them run—the blend of build and shape make them twitchy and grabby. That’s how the racers need them.

While it’s a whole lot of fun on the feet of the right skier, the 2024 Rossignol Hero Master ST can be somewhat brutal for those who aren’t fully committed. If you’re lazy or lacking in the skills department, you’re in for a rude awakening. This ski is able to make sharp and crisp turns, but it’s not quite as happy when the skier isn’t as strong and outgoing. As a result, this Master ST has a fairly narrow audience—make sure you’re up for the task at hand.