2027 Salomon S/Lab QST Echo

The 2027 Salomon S/Lab QST Echo is a carryover model with the same shape, profile, construction, and graphics as last year. These skis are what Salomon refers to as their “Peak Baggers” as having the capability to be versatile and efficient in the climbs while still providing fun and adventure on the way down. We see a lot of pro-level influence in these skis as they do a good job of venturing into more touring-specific skis. Most skiers will use more of a pin and tech binding than any sort of hybrid to fully take advantage of the ski’s lighter weight and uphill lean.

The Echo 106 uses slightly lighter and thinner materials to get the job done on the scale. 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 Jeff Nathan notes that it’s “Tough conditions today for this ski but although it’s soft it felt stifff enough under foot to handle crud or a little hard pack. Softer tips I think this is the ski to rip down the Hobacks or as a touring platform for bigger mountains. These skis ripped on hard packed snow. Light, energetic, and a blast to ride. They will only get better in softer snow.”

These skis have a nice mix of float, directional performance, and smear. 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. With more of an athlete influence, it’s important to note that these are more specific in need and nature.

That athlete-drive is 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. With great flotation and versatility, these skis are fantastic for skiers who are adventure-oriented.