2025 Women's Mid 80mm All Mountain Ski Comparison
While we started off with our wider ski comparison guides, it��s time to switch gears and focus on our narrower all-mountain skis. While we see a slight shift in application, with a heavier emphasis on carving capabilities and on-piste performance, we still benefit from impressive all-mountain versatility and off-piste strengths. The perfect category for skiers who spend most of their time on groomers but still want options, this guide focuses on skis ranging between 82-86 mm underfoot. Between wider carving skis and narrower all-mountain skis, we get a nice array of options for a variety of ability levels. Whether you’re factoring in top-of-the-line quality that comes at a price or working with a budget, there is something on this list for everyone.
At a Glance:
2025 Armada Reliance 82 Ti Skis
Overview:
The Armada Reliance 82 Ti is the perfect ski to start with as it exhibits the highly versatile nature of a narrower all mountain ski. Straying from Armada’s freestyle-inspired reputation, this ski puts the emphasis on strong edge hold, smooth turn initiation, and energetic responsiveness in a narrower, directional shape. Packing a punch and built for purpose, the Reliance 82 Ti features Armada’s articulated titanal banding which does a lot of the heavy lifting as far as dampness, strength, and powerful feedback. Dialing back the intensity for easier maneuverability, longitudinal slits are removed from the metal laminate in the forebody to allow for easier articulation, leaving the rest of the ski stable and reliable at speed. Versatile for its width, with moderate camber and smooth rocker in the shovel, skiers have the option of ripping fast turns down the fall line or making short, intentional turns on the sides of the trail.
Who it's For:
Skiers with an avid skillset who value strong edge hold and high-speed stability in a versatile, all-mountain shape.
Price: $749.95
At a Glance:
2025 Atomic Cloud Q12 Skis
Overview:
A wider-bodied carving ski packed with race-like technology and versatile usage, the Atomic Cloud Q12 is the ideal tool for skiers who want finesse and precision on-piste. Quick and eager to turn, the long effective edge and fully cambered profile provides smooth, intuitive performance for those who like to make clean, round turns. With a high-performance ceiling and sturdy build, skiers achieve maximum edge grip and powerful stability, allowing you to get up on edge and carve with precision. That being said, the friendly, all-terrain shape and 83 mm waist width allows for exploration, especially given the rounded, spoon-like shovel. Proficient off-piste, the shorter turn radius makes this ski quick and nimble. Add in the flat, directional tail and titanal layer, the result is a maneuverable yet high-powered carver for strong, on-piste skiers.
Who it's For:
Frontside skiers looking for a high-performance ceiling in a more accessible package.
Price: $800.00
At a Glance:
2025 Atomic Maven 86 C Skis
Overview:
One of the wider skis on this list, the Atomic Maven 86 C invites more of an all-mountain, freeride feel into the mix. The cool thing about this ski is that it still puts emphasis on strong frontside performance despite its wider, all-mountain shape and demeanor. Blending lightweight responsiveness with strong carving capabilities, this ski is a fantastic choice for skiers who want a stiff flexing ski that is both agile and playful. With an almost identical construction approach as the Maven 86, the C model incorporates a carbon backbone, which keeps the weight down but ups the energy and stiffness. Narrow enough for precise carving with enough width and tip splay for soft snow conditions, it achieves a lot in a very well-rounded package. If you want a predictable, agreeable all-mountain ski that prioritizes on-piste strengths without sacrificing versatility, the Maven 86 C is a go-to.
Who it's For:
A wide range of skiers who value versatility above all else. Those who want a harmonious blend of agility and stability.
Price: $549.95
At a Glance:
2025 Atomic Maven 84 Skis
Overview:
Built for progression, the Atomic Maven 84 is a predictable, frontside-oriented ski with a wider platform and approachable nature. Skiers looking to take their skills to the next level and want something that is going to build confidence and technique, this is a great option. Quick and easy to turn, the lightweight build and versatile shape allow for intuitive performance across variable snow conditions. An accessible yet substantial feel, this ski is designed for advancing beginners who are experimenting with different turn shapes and styles. The lightweight, poplar wood core works with densolite material creating a lively yet stable feel on snow. Factor in the all-mountain rocker profile with early rise in the tip and you’re left with the option to explore off-piste terrain with reliability. Those with a more solid foundation will want a ski with a more robust build, however; that leaves many up-and-coming skiers with an amazing option.
Who it's For:
Progressing beginners to intermediates looking for an accessible, friendly ski with a solid feel.
Price: $499.95
At a Glance:
2025 Black Crows Octo Birdie Skis
Overview:
A brand-new ski from Black Crows, the Octo Birdie makes its grand debut for the 2025 season and we couldn’t be more excited. Taking notes from the highly successful Mirus Cor and dressing up the former Vertis, this “all-terrain” ski delivers dynamic carving capabilities with a high-performance ceiling. Instead of focusing solely on aggressive carving, the intent behind this particular ski was to appeal to a wider audience of skiers and put a fun twist to it. Featuring a simple, minimalist build but with an impressive amount of power, the shape invites precision and poise thanks to the swallowtail design. Providing great energy and boost out of the back of the ski, the lightweight, incredibly agile nature allows for lively quickness. With that in mind, speed is a factor as it transfers energy from edge to edge with serious velocity, so you don’t want to ski with too much momentum. Featuring a modern shape, the classic medium camber underfoot provides excellent edge grip while the taper in the tip and tail invites more versatility. A super fun ski with plenty of character and lots of reactivity, we’re sure to see a solid fan base grow for the Octo Birdie.
Who it's For:
Advanced skiers who love reactivity and quickness. You value energetic carving and lightweight agility.
Price: $899.95
At a Glance:
2025 Blizzard Black Pearl 84 Skis
Overview:
A longstanding leader in the women’s all-mountain ski category, the Blizzard Black Pearl has been one of, if not the most popular ski for several seasons now. While many may disagree that a revamp was in order, Blizzard thought otherwise. For the 2025 season, the Black Pearl 84 replaces the former 82 and brings with it changes to both the construction and shape, inviting a more freeride inspired personality matched with a sturdier build. Many of the same beloved characteristics return but we see a more powerful, higher performing ski here and we’re thrilled about it. With significantly more metal and fiberglass laminates layered throughout, plus the addition of Fluxform technology, the overall foundation is significantly sturdier with maximized flex pattern throughout. We also see a fun and more playful shape with the new rendition, with significantly more rocker in the tip and tail. All in all, the attributes that we know and love about the Black Pearl carry forward with enhancements made to better the build, shape and performance.
Who it's For:
Strong intermediates to advanced skiers who value precise carving capabilities, stability at speed and consistent performance.
Price: $649.99
Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Black Pearl Series Overview
At a Glance:
2025 Dynastar E-Cross 82 Skis
Overview:
Carrying over from last year, the Dynastar E-Cross 82 is a frontside ski with some all-mountain notes. Offering versatility and well-rounded characteristics thanks to its 82 mm waist width and progressive tip shape, this ski offers more than your dedicated frontside ski. Performing best on-trail, it loves to show off on groomers, delivering clean, round turn shapes. With a grippy waist and short turn radius, it is quick and agile with impeccably smooth dampness. The hybrid wood core pairs nicely with Dynastar’s unique application of metal, which positions the laminate in an “H” shape. Forming arm-like strips extending from the midsection into the forebody and tail, this approach drastically enhances ski-to-snow contact and edge grip. The addition of polyurethane material evens out the construction by providing exceptional vibration dampening qualities without tipping the scale. A relatively wide shovel for a ski this narrow, skiers get full access to flotation and playful maneuverability for soft snow conditions. Balanced out by a long effective edge and long camber, the unique feel and high-performance nature of this ski attracts advanced frontside enthusiasts.
Who it's For:
Strong skiers who want a powerful carving ski in a fun-loving shape.
Price: $649.95
At a Glance:
2025 Elan Wildcat 82 CTI Skis
Overview:
An agile performer with a sturdy build and highly versatile shape, the new Elan Wildcat 82 CTI is a wider-bodied carving tool with a whole bag of tricks. We have all known and loved the Wildcat series for some time now and for the 2025 season, Elan decided to make some enhancements to improve the overall flex and feel. Blurring the line between frontside and all-mountain, the Wildcat 82 CTI takes advantage of the properties of carbon, achieving an ideal level of stiffness without the added weight. Delivering an incredible amount of liveliness and pop, the placement and quantity of carbon loads each turn with significant energy, allowing you to transfer from edge to edge with precision and power. We see the continuation of the amphibio truline technology here and this is to thank for the Wildcat’s signature feel. At 82 mm underfoot, it’s wider than your dedicated carving ski but still narrow enough for impressive on-piste performance, especially when you factor in the build and profile. Wider width in the tip promotes soft snow performance, with a squared off tail for added precision.
Who it's For:
Skilled skiers who are ready to receive powerful feedback, energetic responsiveness and impeccable precision for frontside performance.
Price: $799.99
At a Glance:
2025 Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition Skis
Overview:
A step up from the regular Wildcat, the Wildcat 86 C Black Edition packs a more powerful punch as far as performance goes, appealing to skiers who want to crank up the speed dial and access a slightly higher performance ceiling. With the same great shape but wider underfoot, we get a more versatile, more aggressive version of the original but with enhanced construction characteristics that stiffen the flex and maximize power. Instead of using Tubelite wood for the core, we get a laminated wood core and carbon line technology, which incorporates additional carbon for greater reactivity and energetic rebound. With greater stability at higher speeds and impeccable edge grip, the level of precision and brute strength is through the roof. Blurring the line between all-mountain versatility and frontside performance, this smooth and strong operator will tear up the groomers and invite intuitive, energetic maneuverability off-piste.
Who it's For:
Powerful skiers in the advanced realm who want a ski they can push to its limit. You value energetic rebound, precision, and composure at speed.
Price: $999.99
At a Glance:
2025 Fischer Ranger 84 W Skis
Overview:
Despite some cosmetic changes, the Fischer Ranger 84 returns unchanged for this season and this is great news for all-mountain skiers who love quickness, agility, and stability. As the narrowest in the Ranger series, the 84 is sometimes overlooked by its wider counterparts. A shame to say the least, this ski is one of the more useful skis out there, offering a nice and friendly character to go along with a surprisingly high-performance ceiling. Striking a nice balance between powerful feedback and snappy energy, it transitions between on-and off-trail terrain confidently and with ease. Offering all-mountain accessibility without sacrificing frontside strengths, the sophisticated yet simple build provides ease of use and versatility. The poplar wood core is enhanced by a Fiber Tech glass laminate and ABS sidewalls, keeping the materials to a minimum while providing a solid, sturdy foundation. As one of the most dynamic skis in this category, the Ranger 84 reaches a broad audience of skiers who want some pop underneath their feet without losing strong on-trail performance.
Who it's For:
You want a strong performing ski in a fun-loving shape. Energetic responsiveness and versatility above all else.
Price: $599.99
At a Glance:
2025 Head Kore 85 W Skis
Overview:
The Head Kore skis are truly in a league of their own. A strength to weight ratio that is hard to comprehend, Head struck gold with this collection. As the narrowest in the family, the Kore 85 W offers on-trail precision and energetic responsiveness, allowing skiers an array of options as far as usage. What makes it so unique is the impressively lightweight build and at the same time, remarkably stiff flex. You don’t normally see these two things go hand in hand, and the result is a highly unique level of performance. We’re seeing the use of karuba and poplar wood in the core, plus two carbon laminates used in a three-dimensional format and a central strip of graphene. Weighing in at just under 1500 grams, this ski is so light for how powerful it is. The mid-80s waist width is a nice place to be as far as versatile performance, with moderate camber matched with an appropriate amount of rocker in the tip. Heavier skiers will find the ability to bend and flex without too much work while lighter skiers who prefer shallower edge angles will benefit just as much.
Who it's For:
You want a stiff flexing, powerful ski with a high-performance ceiling but without the hefty weight.
Price: $649.00
At a Glance:
2025 K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis
Overview:
Skiers in the beginner to intermediate realm will gravitate to the K2 Mindbender 85 W for its approachability and confidence-inspiring demeanor. The narrowest and softest member of the Mindbender family, it performs best in an on-trail format, with an 85 mm waist width providing a great balance point for improving technique. The all-mountain shape also encourages off-piste exploration, with a touch of freeride flair and predictable flex pattern. The simplicity of the build, featuring aspen veneer wood, lends itself to its approachability while still providing plenty of stability. Super light and responsive, they transfer energy from edge to edge effortlessly, making them feel easy to maneuver and turn. The forgiving platform and all-terrain rocker profile encourage confidence and control in an arced turn. Versatile in every way, the shape and profile of this ski match nicely with the simple build. The whole point here is to have fun, have predictable performance, and be rewarded. If you’re looking to take your skiing to the next level and want to build on your skillset and have fun doing so, the Mindbender 85 W has got your back.
Who it's For:
Up-and-coming all-mountain skiers looking for a versatile tool with easy turning capabilities and lightweight mobility.
Price: $449.95
At a Glance:
2025 Kastle Marble 84 Skis
Overview:
After its introduction last year, the Kastle Marble 84 returns this season with the same great build and look. Offering a high-performance ceiling, great versatility, and impressive carving capabilities, those looking for an easy-to-use ski for on-trail cruising will find a lot to love about this ski. For high-quality, sophisticated skis, Kastle knows what’s up. Focusing on premium construction, the main core consists of lightweight wood stringers that are reinforced with PU material. Taking the performance up a notch, they add a titanal reinforcement plus Hollowtech technology. Together, these materials work together to deliver smooth turning abilities, strong stability and stiffness in the flex. The key here is, Kastle wanted a consistent, powerful performing ski but without it feeling overly demanding. By using weight conscious materials and just enough metal to provide strength, we’re weighing in at 1365 grams per ski. Factor in the 84 mm waist width, spoony shovel and hook free tail and you’re getting powerful carving capabilities while feeling light and agile.
Who it's For:
Progressing skiers looking for an everyday carving ski. You want predictability in your performance and enough mobility to match reliable stability.
Price: $629.00
At a Glance:
2025 Line Pandora 85 Skis
Overview:
Following their recent rebranding, the Pandora line has opened its audience up and is now available as a unisex ski. Filtering it into the lightweight, all-mountain, fun-loving category, the Pandora 85 boasts a versatile waist width and near symmetrical shape, inviting both on-piste and off-piste strengths. As the narrowest in the Pandora series, the 85 is the most frontside-oriented of the bunch. Designed to transition between on and off-trail activities seamlessly, the lightweight build and nimble shape allow for effortless maneuverability without losing stability. Featuring an aspen wood core and bio-resin adhesive, the construction is simple yet impressively responsive and playful. To add substance, Line uses a thicker core, particularly in the underfoot zone. Thinner in the extremities, this design results in a progressive, playful flex pattern for creative, freestyle-inspired performance. With less rocker than the wider options and significantly more camber, this builds energy into the ski and provides exceptional grip and pop. A versatile, crisp turner with a fun-loving demeanor, the Line Pandora 85.
Who it's For:
Quite literally anyone who enjoys a fun-loving, easy to use ski with versatility.
Price: $449.95
At a Glance:
2025 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Skis
Overview:
Believe it or not, the Santa Ana skis just got even better. With the entire line receiving changes to both the construction and shape, the enhancements deliver a more balanced, refined feel. Featuring the most metal in the new lineup, the Santa Ana 87 shines on firm snow, with quick feedback and sharp edge grip. Designed to carve with precision and energy, the sturdy build combined with the more versatile shape leaves us with an all-mountain performer with strong on-piste capabilities. The new pulse core layer works to enhance dampening qualities, making snow variability much less noticeable. Terrain specific metal remains, keeping edge grip and precision to the maximum. The other major change we see is in the tail shape, with increased rocker and splay. This significantly improved the responsiveness and amount of maneuverability. Still displaying a very directional feel, the new shape and 87 mm waist width invites lots of off-piste versatility.
Who it's For:
Strong intermediates to advanced skiers who want quick feedback, precise edge grip, and plenty of power.
Price: $699.99
Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Santa Ana Series Preview
At a Glance:
2025 Nordica Wild Belle 84 DC Skis
Overview:
With last year’s grand debut, the Nordica Wild Belle 84 DC returns this year, bringing a unique feel and high level of performance. Another great wider bodied frontside ski on this list, this ski stands out with its new and innovative technology that puts forth a high level of performance for advanced level skiers. What we’re referring to here is the double core technology, which applies laminates of wood in a horizontal fashion, giving the Wild Belle 84 DC a competitive feel and flex unlike most other skis in its category. Smooth and stable, the level of dampness allows various ability levels to access its performance. Whether you’re the type of skier that prefers making shorter, quicker turns at slower speeds or longer, wider turns at higher speeds, the Wild Belle 84 DC provides stability and precision at any speed. Delivering phenomenal dampening qualities and smooth consistency, the level of shock absorption for such a lightweight ski is incredible. The all-mountain shape in the shovel pairs nicely with the frontside focused midsection and tail, providing noticeably smooth turn initiation and consistency through the entirety of the ski. While it provides the high-performance ceiling that advanced and expert skiers are seeking, it's also approachable and confidence-inspiring for progressing intermediates.
Who it's For:
Frontside skiers who want unwavering precision and dampness but in a fun-loving, accessible package.
Price: $699.99
At a Glance:
2025 Rossignol Experience W 82 Ti Skis
Overview:
Ladies looking for a versatile carving tool for energetic frontside performance, the Rossignol Experience W 82 Ti ski features an impressively high-performance ceiling in an accessible package. Considered a narrower all mountain ski that excels on-trail, the robust build packs quite the punch, delivering powerful edge grip and energetic feedback. With an ideal level of stiffness from the inclusion of metal in the construction, we also benefit from the properties of carbon and basalt. Applied in a crosshatch manner, the level of stiffness and energy are through the roof. A width waist of 82 mm underfoot might be too wide for some frontside enthusiasts, but for skiers who want powerful carving capabilities and high-speed stability while still being able to explore off-piste, this ski is ideal. The generous amount of camber in the profile and full sidewall construction aids in the on-piste performance, while the progressive tip rocker encourages smooth turn initiation and soft snow capabilities. A particularly strong carver with ample stability and feedback, the mix of energy and dampness really round out this powerful ski.
Who it's For:
You want the power and precision of metal for carving but a versatile shape for off-piste terrain.
Price: $799.95
At a Glance:
2025 Salomon Stance W 84 Skis
Overview:
A ski that tends to get overlooked; the Salomon Stance is a true underdog. After recent enhancements to the construction, giving it a more energetic, responsive feel, the Stance W 84 seems to be gaining traction again. For those of us who spend the majority of our time on groomers, this ski delivers amazing edge grip, stability and dampness. Not as serious as the Secret but stronger than the Black Pearl, the Stance W 84 finds an ideal blend of power and agility. Dedicated carvers may find this width to be too wide, but for all mountain skiers with a frontside focus, the mid-80s width range is the sweet spot. Inviting a little more versatility into the mix, the slight rocker in the tip and tail provides off-trail maneuverability while the moderate camber underfoot keeps a strong and energetic feel in a carved turn. For the construction, the poplar wood combined with a single titanal sheet does the majority of the heavy lifting without feeling overbearing. Last year’s addition of carbon introduced a more forgiving, energetic flex making for a more reactive feel.
Who it's For:
Proficient skiers who value energy, precision and stability for all-mountain purposes.
Price: $499.99
At a Glance:
2025 Volkl Secret 84 Skis
Overview:
Featuring the same construction as the Yumi 84 from last year but with a different name and graphic, this is a fantastic ski for intermediate to advanced skiers who want something easy, light and fun for versatile all-mountain performance. Used mostly in an on-trail capacity, it certainly doesn’t lack off-trail strength, especially considering the mid-80s waist width. With a solid yet mobile build, this ski has no issue performing in all types of terrain, from groomers to bumps and trees. An easy turner with lots of energy and quickness, the construction features a lightweight multi-layer wood core consisting of poplar and beech. On top of the core, we get a titanal plate, which delivers ideal grip and power to the edges while keeping the rest of the ski more flexible. A glass frame rather than a titanal frame, like we see in the wider versions, keeps the weight down and the energy up. Weighing in at 1420 grams per ski, it feels like you’re gliding on air with these skis. A total confidence builder and crowd pleaser, the Secret 84 has all the right ingredients for an easy-going, versatile all-mountain carving ski.
Who it's For:
A wide range of skiers, from beginner to advanced, looking for a lightweight, easy-to-turn ski for confidence-inspiring frontside and all mountain performance.
Price: $649.99
At a Glance:
2025 Volkl Blaze 86 W Skis
Overview:
We love how versatile and compliant the Volkl Blaze 86 W is and thankfully, we see the same great characteristics carry through into 2025. One of the wider of the group, we see more all-mountain capabilities here, with a highly useful shape and playful, forgiving flex pattern. That said, the impressive balance of performance attributes creates a very well-rounded feel. With an ideal strength to weight ratio, Volkl’s multi-layer wood core light keeps performance snappy and responsive, while the extra layer of fiberglass underfoot keeps the energy and torsional stiffness intact. Weighing in at 1290 grams, this is incredibly light and makes the argument for a touring ski. Long, low rocker in both the tips and tails makes up a considerable amount of the ski, providing surprisingly good flotation and smooth turn initiation. Not only are skiers able to benefit from the shape, but the 3D radius sidecut allows for a wide range of turn shapes and styles.
Who it's For:
All-mountain skiers who value lightweight, energetic, agile performance for all types of skiing.
Price: $599.99