For our next women’s comparison ski guide for 2023, we take a look at all mountain skis ranging from 80 mm underfoot to 85 mm. Leaning more into the frontside category, we still see an array of versatile options, from wider carving skis to narrower all mountain skis. While this category tends to receive a little less attention than the glamorous, more soft snow-oriented skis, there is a range of options for a lot of skiers out there who are looking for quicker edge to edge performance or finer tuned carving technique, as well as those developing intermediates who want a more affordable option. This list of mid 80mm all mountain skis starts off with our narrowest and ends with our widest.

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Overview:

Returning unchanged for the 2023 season, the Salomon Stance W 80 carries forward the same confidence-inspiring shape and construction that attracted a wide array of skiers last year thanks to its overall value and performance. From progressing beginners to improving intermediates, the Salomon Stance W 80 delivers a quick and reliable ride, with a progressive sidecut and forgiving flex. Built with a poplar wood core with the addition of a single sheet of metal, it features lightweight maneuverability yet with the strength and power of titanal. In order to reduce the bulk and overall swing weight, Salomon removed sections of metal on either side of the bindings and replaced it with carbon. This enhances the stiffness of the ski without adding unnecessary weight. With a camber profile and slight rocker in the tip and tail, you achieve smooth turn initiation and precise control while also allowing for versatility across variable terrain and conditions.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value performance and precision and who want a wider frontside ski with the option of going off-piste. 

Price: $499.99

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Overview:

The 2023 Stockli Nela 80 is back with an upgraded topsheet and the tried-and-true performance that maximizes technical carving, powerful energy transfer, and approachability. The narrowest in the women’s Stockli Nela collection, this ski successfully blends premium quality with precision and stability, offering skiers an accessible option for on-piste domination. Built with a lightweight wood core, thin glass laminate and titec topsheet, Stockli approached this design with agility and reliability in mind. What you get is a highly maneuverable yet powerful feel with a shorter turn radius, making for quick, precise turns and energetic edge transfer. The consistent flex pattern and effortless carving ability allows for progressive skill building for beginner to intermediates and confidence and reliability as a more advanced skier. The Stockli Nela 80 blurs the line between frontside domination and all-mountain capabilities, with enough width underfoot to explore off-piste terrain and a shape that will slice through firmer snow conditions.

Who it's For:

For the skiers who value a top-quality ski with a high-performance ceiling. Those who want precision and control on-piste with versatility as well.

Price: $1,049.00

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Overview:

The Rossignol Experience line returns for the 2023 season, bringing the all-mountain series back for both men and women. Placing a primary focus on groomer and carving performance, the Experience W 82 Ti uses a poplar wood core plus horizontal titanal laminates. As the only women’s specific model featuring metal, you get the robust feel of stiffness and power yet with a relatively lightweight nature. Responding with dynamic energy in every turn, the Experience 82 Ti performs strongly on-piste, from firm, fast groomers in the morning to softer mash in the afternoon. With an 82 mm waist width and mostly cambered profile, they are wide enough to explore off-piste and can handle softer snow conditions, thanks to the progressive tip rocker. The confidence-boosting control of the Drive Tip design enhances smooth turn initiation while the sidecut and full sidewall construction maximize powerful edge grip. A strong carver with ample stability, the titanal layers absorb vibration and transfer unbeatable power to the ski.

Who it's For:

Ladies who prefer the responsive flex and power of metal for on-piste performance with the option of soft snow versatility.

Price: $749.95

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Overview:

The 2023 Armada Reliance 82 Ti brings a whole new meaning to the Armada name and brand. Straying from their primarily twin-tip, freestyle focused skis, the Reliance 82 Ti puts the emphasis on all-mountain domination with strong edge hold and frontside performance. Built with a lightweight, Caruba wood core in combination with two sheets of titanal banding, this ski delivers dynamic energy and maneuverability with added stability. Whether you’re ripping down the fall line or laying deep trenches on groomers, the Reliance 82 Ti will respond with steadfast edge hold and smoothness, even at top speeds. Powerful yet nimble, the moderate camber underfoot and full sidewalls maximizes grip and torsional rigidity, allowing for quick edge to edge in the trees or bumps as well as fast, aggressive carving. Whether you’re a beginner looking for confidence-boosting performance or an advanced skier looking to step on the gas, the Reliance 82 Tis will appeal to a wide range of skiers.

Who it's For:

Skiers who prioritize strong edge grip and powerful turn initiation. Powerful carving capabilities and stability from added metal. 

Price: $649.95

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Overview:

For predictable performance on-piste and confidence-building exploration off-piste, the 2023 Blizzard Black Pearl 82 will appeal to intermediate to advanced skiers who want versatility and approachability. A wider carving ski at 82 mm underfoot, it features a TrueBlend wood core, unidirectional carbon frame, and titanal laminate, delivering lightweight maneuverability with a stiff, stable foundation. Agile enough to bounce around through the bumps and trees, the subtle rocker profile in the tip and tail enhance forgiveness for softer snow conditions while the added metal provides strong torsional stiffness. The shorter turn radius allows for energetic turn initiation through technical terrain and the camber/slight rocker profile invites soft snow performance. This all-mountain, frontside ski is ideal for skiers who want an approachable and intuitive ski that can truly take you all over the mountain.

Who it's For:

A wide range of skiers who want an approachable ski with a high-performance ceiling. A lightweight, energetic feel without the weight.

Price: $599.95

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Overview:

The Black Crows Birdie line is well recognized as one of the most approachable series of all-mountain skis. As one of the narrower options in the lineup, the Divus Birdie offers a strong foundation that delivers stability, precision and control across a range of terrain and conditions. Built with a poplar wood core and dual H-shaped metal laminates distributed along the length of the ski, skiers get strong edge grip underfoot with maneuverability and playfulness in the tips and tails. The intuitive, confidence-building nature of the Divus Birdies allows beginners and experts to enjoy carving clean, round turns on piste and venturing off-piste into the bumps and glades as well. The 82 mm waist width combined with the rocker profile lands this ski in the all-mountain/freeride category more than the frontside carving ski. Regardless of what you’re looking to do, the Divus Birdie has enough versatility and capabilities for all-mountain performance.

Who it's For:

Skiers who want an approachable ski with a wide range of capabilities. Plentiful versatility for all-mountain exploration and an ideal balance between carving and off-piste performance.

Price: $869.95

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Overview:

For frontside focused capabilities plus versatility, the 2023 Dynastar E 4x4 5s are the ideal ski for all mountain performance. Skiers who don’t necessarily want a race ski but prefer a mid 80s mm carving ski that can explore off-piste, the shape and construction adhere to excellent edge grip, control and maneuverability. Built with a hybrid core of Paulownia/Polyurethane wood and Fibre Basalt, you achieve the lightweight qualities that enhance quickness and nimbleness combined with the stiffness and vibration dampening feel of Basalt without the added weight. Add to that the 3D construction that places emphasis on the central portion of the ski, you feel the strength and stability directly underfoot, enhancing strong edge grip. With full sandwich sidewalls and moderate camber, you can really get this ski up on edge with confidence. Slight rocker in the tips allows for easy off-piste exploration, adding to its versatility. For a frontside ski with excellent edge grip and precision, it is also willing and able to explore the whole mountain.

Who it's For:

A wide range of skiers who want a high-performance, frontside ski with quick edge to edge and a range of capabilities.

Price: $699.95

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Overview:

Returning for the 2023 season with a graphics revamp, the Elan Wildcat 82 C brings frontside performance and approachable off-piste capabilities to the table. At 82 mm underfoot, we get a wider carving ski with a 12 M turn radius, making it versatile and quick edge to edge. Whether you prefer spending your time on groomers or in the trees, the playful, energetic personality of these skis build confidence and technique regardless of the terrain. Built with a fiberglass-laminated core and woven carbon laminate, intermediate to advanced skiers will love the snappy pop and responsive flex. With camber underfoot and early rise rocker in the tips, edge grip and stability are maximized underfoot while softer tips allow for easy turn initiation and smooth performance in softer snow conditions. Ideal for skiers who want a slightly less demanding ski that is approachable and nimble with a high-performance ceiling.

Who it's For:

Intermediate level skiers who love making strong, clean turns on-piste with reliable edge grip. Narrow enough for frontside performance with enough width underfoot to have the versatility to get into the trees and bumps.

Price: $449.99

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Overview:

For race-oriented carving performance with extra width for versatility, the 2023 Fischer RC One 82 provides confidence and technique for on-piste domination. Not quite a dedicated frontside ski, the RC One features an 82 mm waist width, allowing for less limitations as far as off-piste exploration. The full wood core and two layers of tapered metal in the shovel and tail make for a more user-friendly feel as opposed to the heavier, full metal race skis. With a softer flex in the extremities, skiers have an easier time pressing into the forebody to initiate a turn and experience less fatigue. Highly maneuverable and energetic, the 14 m turn radius delivers snappy edge to edge energy with a low swing weight. With traditional camber underfoot and full sandwich sidewalls, edge grip and torsional stiffness are exceptional, while the slight rocker in the tips allow for soft snow performance. Less demanding than most dedicated frontside skis but with an equally high-performance ceiling, the Fischer RC One 82 GT W skis are in a league of their own.

Who it's For:

Skiers who prioritize frontside performance and who want excellent edge grip and control. 

Price: $849.99

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Overview:

For skiers who like making clean, round turns with ultimate precision and control, the Atomic Cloud Q12 skis are a great option for all-mountain, frontside performance. A slightly wider option than the C12 with an 83.5 mm waist width, intermediate to advanced skiers will love the unbeatable edge grip and short turning radius, making them a fantastic ski for groomers and resort ripping. Quick and eager to carve, they are built with a Flite wood core to enhance maneuverability and Dura Cap Sidewall construction to maximize ski-to-snow contact and edge hold. Add to that the Revoshock C technology and skiers will benefit greatly from the vibration dampening qualities and smooth ride. Full camber profile is a frontside skier’s dream, making for powerful carving capabilities with enough width to venture off-piste. The Atomic Cloud Q12 offers stiffness and power for confident performance without losing its approachability and maneuverability.

Who it's For:

For the skiers who love carving short, clean and round turns and who spend the majority of their time on groomers. Those who don’t want to commit to a full race ski and prefer more versatility from a frontside ski.

Price: $799.00

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Overview:

Finding the sweet spot between all-mountain and frontside performance, the 2023 Liberty Evolv 84 W skis are ideal for ladies who spend the majority of their time on groomers but who also want to have fun off-piste in the trees and bumps. Structurally, we see the same Bamboo and Paulownia wood core with the recently added VMT 3.0 construction, which adds a significant boost of power thanks to the three vertical metal struts. Sandwiching the energetic and playful poplar wood, carbon stringers complete this multi-dimensional build and help maintain directional stability and torsional rigidity. Tailored specifically for women, the overall feel is lighter and more compliant, giving skiers confidence-building technique and predictability. At 84 mm underfoot, they offer enough versatility to venture into softer snow conditions plus the Hammer Rocker provides an early-rise tip to add to the performance. Light, forgiving and responsive, the Liberty Evolv 84 Ws will appeal to a wide range of skiers.

Who it's For:

Skiers who spend most of their time on groomers who want a responsive but forgiving ski with some versatility. 

Price: $599.99

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Overview:

There’s a lot to love about the Line Pandora collection and as the narrowest option in the series, the Pandora 84 is a fun-loving, all-mountain ski with a primary focus on quickness and agility. At 84 mm underfoot, they gravitate to firmer snow and hardpack but thanks to their construction, they remain light and playful. Built with an Aspenlite wood core and Carbon Magic Fingers, they deliver an incredibly lightweight and stable feel for skiers who want to venture off the beaten path now and then. With a 13 m turn radius, they are eager to make quick energetic turns either through tight, technical terrain or fast groomers. Rocker in the tips and tails give them a freeride feel while adding to its versatility. From beginners to expert skiers, the Line Pandora 84 will appeal to any skier who enjoys a light and fun all-mountain ski.

Who it's For:

Appealing to a wide audience, they are best suited for beginners to intermediates who are less aggressive and who prefer a lightweight, energetic ski with a range of capabilities. 

Price: $449.95

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Overview:

The Nordica Santa Ana 84 is a fantastic addition to the Santa Ana series, offering a narrower waist width for a more frontside oriented option. Designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who focus primarily on control and technique for on-piste performance, their shape and construction enhance edge hold and vibration dampening for a smooth and balanced ride. Built with Nordica’s Performance wood core, the skis get Nordica’s Terrain-Specific metal laminate to stiffen and dampen, while Carbon Chassis adds power and strength without sacrificing the overall weight. At 84 mm underfoot with a 14 m turn radius, they are eager to make quick, energetic turns while also offering ample stability for off-piste exploration. With the amount of metal in comparison to the width of the ski, they do require some power to drive and for those advanced skiers who want to leave deep trenches in your wake, the Santa Ana 84s will deliver with precision. That said, with only one sheet of metal, they remain approachable and maneuverable for those who want maneuverability in the bumps and trees.

Who it's For:

Intermediate to advanced ladies who seek a balance between strong groomer performance and stable, yet approachable off-piste technique. An ideal blend of all-mountain and frontside.

Price: $599.99

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Overview:

The 2023 Dynastar E-Pro 85 lands in a league of its own blurring the line between all-mountain and frontside performance. With a directional profile and substantial, gradual rocker and early taper in the tips, skiers get stable edge hold underfoot and effortless float in softer snow conditions. This unique shape greatly enhances versatility, making them stable and strong on groomers and nimble and maneuverable in the bumps and trees. At 85 mm underfoot, they land in an ideal spot as far as an all-mountain waist width, maximizing approachability and versatility. Construction wise, we see a poplar/polyurethane wood core blend which encompasses lightweight attributes while the fiberglass reinforcement delivers a responsive flex. Powerful but not demanding, intermediate to advanced skiers will enjoy the range of capabilities and quick edge to edge abilities. 

Who it's For:

Skiers who want an approachable ski with a high-performance ceiling. Frontside strengths with ample versatility, the shape and construction encourage strong edge hold and effortless float in the tips.

Price: $579.95

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Overview:

Designed for women looking for versatility and precision, the 2023 Black Crows Vertis Birdie stands out as a frontside-oriented ski with an expertise in smooth, energetic turns. With an 85mm waist width and traditional camber underfoot, this ski transitions energetically from edge to edge, making them ideal for tight technical terrain or firm conditions. Highly maneuverable and nimble, they are built with a basic construction of poplar wood and fiberglass, giving them that lightweight and agile feel. To enhance edge grip and stability, the Vertis Birdies are made with semi-cap construction and a short turn radius. This allows for smooth turn initiation and lessens the risk of hooking when arcing tight turns. For versatility's sake, the wider shovel in the tips maximizes float for when you want to head off-piste. A truly well-rounded and approachable ski, it can hold its own across a range of terrain and conditions.

Who it's For:

Skiers who want an accessible ski that is lightweight and nimble for tight trees or bumps. A confidence-building ski with all-mountain performance and versatility.

Price: $749.95

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Overview:

For a more freestyle-oriented ski, the 2023 Faction Prodigy 0X is a great option for ladies looking to enhance their skills and tricks in the park or for those who are just getting into freestyle. Softer and more forgiving than the Prodigy 0, it is built with a Fusion wood core which enhances a low swing weight as well as a nimble and agile feel. Perfect for younger or lighter skiers, this ski is forgiving and dependable, making it the ideal tool for progression. With a directional twin profile and 85 mm waist width, skiers get a playful, freeride personality with all-mountain capabilities. From the bumps and trees to the park, the Prodigy 0x offers high-performance edge hold and maneuverability with the option of skiing or landing switch. To ensure long lasting durability, Faction incorporated Anti-Chip Micro-Cap construction topped off with XL 2.5-mm edges to be able to withstand park hits and rail grinds. 

Who it's For:

Ladies looking to step into the world of freestyle and have a reliable, high-performance ski to build skills and technique in the park. A freestyle-focused all-mountain ski that is approachable and maneuverable.

Price: $329.00

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Overview:

Within the Head Joy line, the Total Joy is the most versatile when it comes to all-mountain and frontside performance. Boasting a directional profile with camber underfoot, skiers will love the reliable edge grip and torsional stiffness, allowing for the ultimate in precision and control. Though it might not be the narrowest frontside ski out there, it offers versatility and high-performance across a wider range of terrain and conditions. The 85 mm waist width and slight rocker in the tips invites off-piste exploration without sacrificing frontside domination on groomers and firm conditions. Built with a light Karuba wood core as well as Graphene and Carbon, you get an ideal strength to weight ratio. Providing a lightweight feel with a high-performance ceiling, they deliver the qualities of metal without the added weight. With excellent edge grip and smooth turn initiation, the Head Total Joy will excel on groomers and plow through crud.

Who it's For:

Intermediate to advanced skiers who seek a high-performance ski for groomers and on-piste with an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. A carving ski that is wide enough to venture into soft snow.

Price: $1,150.00

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Overview:

The K2 Mindbender series has made a name for itself, with freeride focused elements combined with all-mountain directional shapes. Straying slightly from K2’s reputable twin tip design, the Mindbenders blend on-piste performance with a freeride flair, delivering excellent stability and responsiveness. As the narrowest in the lineup, the Mindbender 85 features a lightweight Aspen wood core with K2’s triaxial fiberglass laminate, adding stiffness and strength to the foundation. As for the versatile shape, the 85 mm waist width and mild taper increases float through soft snow conditions while the camber underfoot and 13 m turn radius keep it snappy and agile. The Slantwall construction comes into play on groomers and firm conditions, helping to get the ski on edge and into a turn more smoothly. Incredibly energetic and responsive, the shape and construction truly enhances versatility, allowing the ski to venture from firm groomers to soft snow conditions off-piste. The perfect ski for a progressing intermediate, it will build confidence carving clean, round turns while also adding some playfulness to its performance.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value a stable yet responsive ski with equal amounts of play and maneuverability.

Price: $399.95

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Overview:

The Volkl Blaze 86 is back with a graphics update and ready to deliver the lightweight, all-mountain performance it is known and loved for. Approachable and versatile, they are the perfect hybrid ski for both resort and backcountry skiing, thanks to the highly maneuverable and nimble personality and freeride shape. By using a similar construction and design as the wider Blaze 94 and 106, this narrower, more versatile 86 appeals to a wide range of skiers who prefer a lighter weight, less demanding ski. Using a Hybrid Multilayer wood core and rubber Suspension Tips and Tails, you get the agile qualities of wood combined with the dampening qualities of rubber in the extremities of the ski. Featuring camber underfoot with rocker in the tips and tails, we also get Volkl’s 3D Radius design, which greatly enhances shorter turn radius underfoot with the option of longer radii in the tips and tails. Carving impressively clean turns on groomers, they’re also quick and snappy in the trees. At 86 mm underfoot, skiers will love the versatility of the Blazes, as they are wide enough to venture into softer snow but still hold their own at various speeds across a range of terrain.

Who it's For:

Intermediate skiers who want an approachable, lightweight ski that could act as a resort/backcountry ski.

Price: $549.99

Written by Emily Crofton on 11/10/22