2023 SALOMON QST 92 SKI REVIEW

This thing is automatic. Anytime, anywhere, and (most) any skier. Salomon has truly made a unique product with the QST 92, and for 2023 we get some amazing updates, that weren’t necessarily needed, but are more than welcome. Way back in the day, the QST seemed destined to live in hybrid ski purgatory. They kept it light and marketed it as a 50/50 resort/touring ski, and in many ways, they were way ahead of their time. A lot of skiers didn’t seem to grasp that concept, and touring gear has certainly come a long way since 2016. Each and every iteration after that skewed more and more to downhill prowess by adding a bit more weight and more freeride-inspired shape to the mix. This is effective in that it distances the QST line from Stance within Salomon, creating more distinct model lines. These latest versions take it to the next level, and we’re all about it.

Beginning, as per usual, with construction, the 2023 QST 92 starts with a full poplar wood core. This is a great foundation that focuses on stability, energy, and vibration damping. Salomon then adds their C/FX reinforcement to stiffen the ski while reducing chatter. The carbon and flax stringers are woven together in the fiberglass laminate to create this effect. It works, and the skis get an impressive amount of pop as a result. In addition to the energy generated by C/FX, they also use Double Sidewalls underfoot to increase edge grip and torsional stiffness. Again, it works, giving the QST 92 wonderful and confident edge grip in the mid-zone of the ski. Tipping the scales at 1800 grams in the 176, it’s substantial without being heavy. The blend of modern materials and traditional construction techniques does wonders for the range and character of the QST 92. This build isn’t too different from what we saw in the previous version of the ski—it's the shape and profile where we see some larger changes.

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While still at 92 mm underfoot (a fantastic waist width for true all-mountain skiing), the shovels and tails see some alterations that kind of bring the ski more into the modern freeride fold. There’s more taper and rocker, creating not only a more playful personality, but also a shorter turn shape. This follows the path of the QST 98 and its changes recently, so it stands to reason that the same differences would work here as well. In this 176, we’re looking at about a 15-meter turn radius, but are also seeing some conflicting data from numerous sites. Sooth has it measured at 14.2 while Salomon’s website states 15. Even further, Salomon’s own catalog lists it at 16. I’m happy to split the difference at 15, and it feels that way, so I’m going with it. Either way, it’s short, and the ski loves to turn as a result. While the tail rocker is present, it’s not quite as dramatic as that of the QST 98. The tips of the skis are relatively abrupt, adding to the energetic nature of the ski. Width-appropriate camber underfoot creates an easy-going grip combined with pleasant maneuvering.

On snow, this thing is an absolute dream. It basically does whatever you want it to do at any point in the turn and on any snow conditions or terrain. If you feel like some slalom turns on the groomers, just tip and rip—this thing engages quickly and easily and comes across the fall line with full confidence. If you prefer shallower edge angles and skidded/smeary turns, then it’ll do that as well. Pop some 180’s or 360’s in or out of the park? Why not! The intuitiveness of the ski is off the charts—it goes where you point it without complaint or issue. In the trees, the short radius combined with the tapered shape and spoony tip allows for complete and total control that blends seamlessly with a playful and fun-loving attitude. If moguls are your thing, I’ve got great news for you! Whether you’re ripping the zipper lines or dealing with some further-spaced bumps with ice in between, the QST 92 neither blinks nor flinches. I’m 6’2 and 225 pounds and was totally impressed with the 176. I’d opt for the 184 were I to buy, but that fact did not diminish my experience on this ski in the least. In fact, it kind of made me realize that a lot of skiers don’t need to upsize on this model—a notion that I previously thought was true, but is since proven false due to my recent experience. It’s interesting coming off of the Ripstick 88 review in that I feel somewhat uncomfortable on that ski in the 180, but the QST 92 in the 176 felt fantastic. Even with the shorter turn radius and mid-weight, the ski feels solid and grounded even at speed. Is it going to compete with metallic models of similar shapes when it comes to high-speed stability and power? Not likely, but the fun factor combined with the versatility makes it a top contender for a huge range and swath of skiers.

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Jeff here, taking over for the next couple paragraphs. These 92s are super fun. Maybe that’s the best adjective to describe them. I at least think it tells their story very succinctly. I’ll split this into two main thoughts, on-piste and off-piste. On-piste, they’re certainly not the strongest skis in the world, which isn’t surprising given the short effective edge and the construction method. What’s surprising, however, is that they actually do hold pretty well. Transitioning to these from a more frontside-focused carver, there was a noticeable difference in edge grip. You can’t just ski like a crazy person and expect the ski to support it. You can, on the other hand, ski at moderate speeds and make some really nice carves. That Double Sidewall underfoot has to help a lot. We’ve seen the same on the 98, 106, and even Blank, and I suppose it’s not surprising that it carries over to the 92 as well, it’s just somewhat counter-intuitive when you look at them, so always catches me a bit off guard. Don’t expect Stance 90 level carving, but yes, it can carve, and the 15 m radius makes you feel like a superstar as it sings across the fall line. If you don’t want to carve, or are more of the short turn, side of trail style skier, it does that even better. Edge release is very smooth and very easy. It’s never jerky or unpredictable, yet also doesn’t wash out from underneath you. There’s some nice energy and responsiveness to how it links those skidded, shorter turns. I always feel like I’m really bad at skiing like that, especially comparing myself to Bob, but I feel balanced and very in control making short turns on the QST 92.

Off-piste is where it really comes alive for me. Whether you’re bopping off a natural hit, wiggling through trees, or slashing turns in un-groomed terrain, they’re just so fun, so easy, and so playful. They feel light, but not too light. Easy to flick around either in a turn or into a trick in the air, yet supportive and smooth on landings. Some skis feel great on takeoff and in the air, but borderline terrifying on landing. These feel very well-rounded in their playfulness. Great east coast tree ski, or even a low snow tree ski for a western skier. I’m often reminded of skiing them in Alta last year in early April. Mixed snow conditions, some soft, some firm, some sun-baked, and the QST 92 felt like a perfectly appropriate tool for the job.

Then there’s the rocker profile, particularly the tail rocker profile and how close it is to being a twin tip. Close enough for most skiers, I’d say. Not a park ski by any stretch of the imagination, but capable in the park. That probably doesn’t make sense, but the way I think about it is someone who skis park a lot wouldn’t want them. Someone who wants a fun all-mountain ski and skis park a little, would absolutely love these. I have no hesitancy skiing them switch, and even doing so at pretty high speeds. Just because of the directional shape, I wouldn’t really trust them on bigger spins and landing switch on big park jumps as they’d feel a touch unbalanced, but for someone who’s just cruising around and wants to do some 180s, 360s, etc, it’s a perfectly appropriate tool.

Available in sizes ranging from 152 to 184, this ski covers a ton of bases and checks a lot of boxes for pure all-mountain versatility. The fact that it’s just under $550 is astounding, especially when considering you can spend almost three times that on skis these days. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: If you’ve come all this way reading and watching all of our ski reviews and comparisons, and you still don’t know what to get, get this one.

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Written by Bob St.Pierre & Jeff Neagle on 12/22/22