2026 Salomon QST 100

If you’re looking for a well-rounded and solid ski for mixing all-mountain and freeride use, the Salomon QST 100 is tough to beat. This ski utilizes an amazing blend of shape and construction in order to provide smoothness, confidence, and sweet steering properties in a variety of conditions and terrain. This is a no-brainer ski. We’ve said it before about skis within the QST line—if you don’t know what to get, get this one. That theory certainly applies to the QST 100, especially if you find yourself in softer snow and in a variety of terrain. With a renovated construction and shape for 2026, these skis are picture-perfect when it comes to modern freeride styling.

The QST line, and this 100 specifically, is built with full poplar wood cores. They play with the thickness this year to get the proper flex out of the ski. It’s a smooth and predictable flex that is both supportive and amenable to variability. Salomon uses more of a horseshoe shape with their new cork damplifier laminate, as they are found in both tips and tails of this ski. By extending the cork further down into the sidewall, the QST 100 becomes quieter and smoother with less chatter. It serves as a suspension system for the ski, and while it appears that the ski is bouncing around on camera, it does not feel that way on the feet. The central portion of the ski is buoyed by basalt stringers embedded in the fiberglass laminates and they deliver a lot of energy to the ski. Tester Kim Leslie notes that “This ski was zippy and energetic. It was like a dog doing zoomies. Super fun!”

The shape of the 100 is very fun and versatile. There’s more rocker and taper in this ski than in the narrower 94, emphasizing the 100’s intent to be used in more of a freeride format. We’re even seeing a lot of skiers using this as a park and freestyle option for mixing all-mountain and slopestyle applications. Salmon uses 21% rocker in the tip and 17% rocker in the tail to go along with a more central mount point to create balance and predictability. In the 180, the ski gets a 17.5-meter turn radius, but it enjoys being used in both longer and shorter formats as well—it's certainly not locked into a particular turn shape or style. Adrian Hayden calls it “A ski that feels comfortable immediately and inspires good skiing. Does not break loose easily from carves but feels great in chop and strong skiing.”

So far, this has been one of the most impressively versatile skis we’ve been on in quite some time. The QST 100 is a prime example of fantastic shaping, smooth turning, and wonderful edge grip. It turns on a dime for any ski, much less a 100 underfoot freeride ski and will make a variety of skiers feel like they’ve come a long way in a short time. it promotes good skiing and ensures that technique is rewarded with clean energy and poise.