2026 Salomon S/Lab QST Echo

The 2026 Salomon S/Lab QST Echo gets a new name and a new graphic but otherwise returns unchanged. There’s a new look here, but this ski still fits in the realm of somewhat lighter versions of more downhill-oriented models. While the new QST 106 gets a new shape and build, the Echo keeps the older mold going. These work great as either a sturdier touring ski or as a lighter freeride ski—either way you want to look at it, we’ll support you.

From a construction perspective, these 106’s have a lot of capabilities. There are still alpine-specific skis in this width range that are lighter than this ski, so it’s not like it’s a feather or anything like that. Still tipping the scale at 1760 grams per ski in the 181 cm length, this ski blurs the line between touring and resort. The big thing here is the use of a karuba and poplar wood core with basalt fibers. We still see cork damplifier in the tips and tails and double sidewall technology, but those sidewalls are 100% recycled, so we’re adding an eco-friendly and sustainable story to the mix. While the basalt does a great job at keeping things light and responsive in the ski, the karuba is the element that makes the biggest difference. Tester Hans de Boer notes that his 189 “Seemed long and seemed to be a little heavy on the swing weight (probably because I sized up in length). Once I started to gather a little momentum, they seemed to get a lot lighter and more playful. Once I figured out the amount of input the ski wanted, they got a lot more playful/snappy and the swing weight seemed to disappear.”

By using the same shape and profile as the older QST 106, we’re dealing with a very known quantity here. With a 19-meter turn radius in the 181, it’s a bit straighter of a shooter, but with the weight and flex, skiers should have no problem meeting and exceeding that arc if the desire arises. This is a bit longer of a cut, and it makes sense as the QST 106 is more athlete inspired. Salomon calls the profile a 25% tip and 17% tail rocker, which is super-smooth and easy to use. While not as turny or drifty as the more rockered skis in the QST line, it’s still got its own personality, and there’s a lot to like about this philosophy. Hans also states that “This ski is built for everything but groomer/icy groomer days. If you want to explore the whole mountain, this is a good ski for that with the exception of slow speed cornering.”

It’s fair to say that these are athlete-driven skis, mainly due to high-profile skiers like Cody Townshend who seem to use these skis to their utmost abilities. We think there’s a lower end here, too—you don’t have to ascend huge mountains in the distant backcountry in order to enjoy a S/Lab QST Echo. It’s an intermediate-accessible ski that can also be used in very extreme formats, giving it an insane range of performance and possibilities.