2027 Salomon S/Lab QST X

For 2027, Salomon gives the QST X gets a new graphic, but the ski returns otherwise unchanged. These skis fit the bill for powder enthusiasts who spend most or all of their time searching for fresh and soft snow. These skis have a crazy blend of a long turn radius, a smooth and flat overall profile, and a lightweight build. If you ski in an area that gets a lot of snow, this ski should be at or near the top of the list. It’s a powder-specific ski that floats incredibly well and maintains a very playful character while remaining supportive. Each snowy day we get to ski on them is a huge bonus.

Salomon uses an interesting blend of layers and laminates. Built with a lightweight wood core consisting of karuba and poplar, these skis have a priority of keeping the weight down. Flax and carbon fibers adorn the top of the core, adding stiffness and responsiveness to the mix. One of the highlights of this ski from a graphics perspective is the use of recycled double sidewalls. Since the skis don’t necessarily need to have the most rugged sidewall material because of their powder application, the sidewalls can be of a “lesser” quality. In the center of the ski, Salomon’s double sidewall technology allows for increased edge grip and a sturdy feel. At the ends of the ski, the cork damplifier silences the vibrations and keeps the ski engaged and predictable. All told, the 184 sits on the scale at 1900 grams—perfectly light enough for supreme agility and very light given the overall surface area and volume of the ski. Continuing with previous year’s experience, tester Bob St.Pierre states that “there’s no other ski I’d rather have in Alta. Granted, Alta gets a whole lot of snow, but that’s kind of the point. You want something that excels in the ideal conditions, and this one checks that box. It may not check other boxes, but that’s okay—the best powder skiing I’ve done in my life was done on these skis, and that’s no accident.” There were a handful of days here at Stowe this year that the QST X would have been awesome as it does make for good tree performance as well. We find that if you see a good stretch of weather incoming, grab the X.

The flat and capable profile makes for an entertaining powder day for sure. These skis are all about surfing, smearing, and keeping things fun. The shape also seems simple but has some nuance to it that makes the QST X a prime performer in the powder. With measurements of 140/116/127 in the 184, these skis produce a 25-meter turn radius. That straight shape, combined with the longer tip and tail rocker creates a very surfy and smeary character. Throwing these skis sideways in deep snow is a breeze and a blast. Since they’re not terribly stiff, they are amenable to flexing to accommodate the ski’s width and intended nature. With moderate taper to go along with the extended rocker, these skis are shaped for a specific purpose. Matt Stromecki spent a lot of time on these skis last year, and notes that “even the tail is so easy to drift. They have some stiffness to them, but the shape allows the ski to be manipulated and used with ease. I loved my time on these skis in the soft snow and trees.” These skis do seem very happy to be going sideways.

Like most powder skis, this is a fairly specific and one-dimensional ski due to the shape and weight. The on-trail application is basically not applicable, although some skiers will tell you they’re decent carvers, we’re just not so sure. The whole point is that advanced and expert skiers will have the time of their lives in fresh and deep snow on these skis. They can be used in the straight/slash/sideways method of today’s modern freerider and they can run free in open zones. They can dance around trees and more technical spots, and they can stay on top of very deep snow. This will not be someone’s only ski unless they are quite lucky but makes for an excellent powder ski as a part of a quiver. In that light, they work extremely well.