2026 Salomon QST 100 On Snow Review

It’s no secret that we’ve been fans of the Salomon QST line for a while now, and even more so over the past few seasons. When the shaping of the QST 98 and the Blank came out, we were super-impressed with how these skis vacillated between soft snow mobility and on-trail performance, even in the 112 Blank. The QST 98 always seemed like such an obviously awesome ski and is such a safe bet for skiers who simply don’t really know what they want. At the same time, expert skiers were not bored with that ski, as it has awesome energy and a fun-loving character. It’s a big ask to take a ski like that and improve it, but that’s just what Salomon has done with the all-new 2026 QST 100.

In terms of construction, Salomon relies on a full poplar wood core in this ski. As opposed to the 98, it’s a thicker core, and one without the double sidewall technology that they’ve used in the past. As a result, the ski feels woodier and more energetic as that extra sidewall material had more of a dulling/damping property. Atop the wood core, we get full-length laminates of fiberglass and basalt. This is a departure from the C/FX material that we’ve seen in the past and it seems to add a bit more energy to the mix as well. Both of these moves towards a more electric feel are balanced by the use of new Cork Damplifier laminates in the tips and tails. Whereas in the 98, there were two smaller sections of cork that would smooth out vibrations, the new 100 gets more of an integrated set of laminates that extend further down into the ski. The result is a mix of energetic wood and basalt playing off the damp and quiet cork material. In the 180, this adds up to a stated weight of 1880 grams per ski. Not too heavy, not too light, again appealing to a broad range of skiers.

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

While there’s nothing basic about the construction of any ski, the QST 100’s is on the simpler side, relying on a few materials to create the character. The more interesting aspect of this ski is the shape. It’s just so darn good. We get a wonderful taper shape in the shovel that allows for easy hookups into turns. We get a tail rocker profile that allows for smeary and drifty turns in softer snow but has enough effective edge to pair with the flex for smooth and supple carves on firmer snow. Salomon states a 21% tip rocker and a 17% tail rocker profile and this sounds about right. It’s a very even, balanced, and composed ski as a result. In the 180, the ski has a 134/100/122 mm sidecut that creates a 17.5-meter turn radius. This is a bit longer than in the previous 98, but it still feels like it works well in a variety of turn shapes and styles. Salomon also lists their midsole mark at 812 mm from the tail, and if my math is correct, that puts the 180 at a –8.8 cm from center. When measuring with the tape, I got just about the same thing. Again, it feels very balanced and very natural.

This balance translates perfectly to the snow. We’ve found that this ski has a wonderful blend of energy and composure that works well in a variety of conditions and terrain. On a packed groomer, the skis rip. You can feel each and every centimeter of the ski engage as you progress through the carve. The tail has amazing energy and rebound, propelling you smoothly and efficiently into the next turn. Similar to the 98, the 100 has no hooky feelings or tendencies whatsoever, which is impressive given the relatively short turn radius. While on packed groomers and relatively soft snow, the carving is exemplary, there is a limit to what this metal-free ski can do on firmer snow and at speed. Chatter will arise if pushed aggressively or hard especially on boilerplate, but that’s not really what this ski was made for. On anything even remotely softer than that, this ski lights it up and can perform well in short, medium, and long radius formats.

This QST 100 was certainly designed with versatility in mind, and in that light, it rocks. We are blessed with a lot of wonderful tree skiing here on Mount Mansfield in Vermont, and this QST 100 feels right at home. Whether tight or open, steep or gentle, these skis seem like they were born here. They’re so quick and effortless in a turn, and since it starts easily from the shovel and works smoothly through the tail, you never feel like you’re pulled back or asking the ski to do too much to change course. This ski performs as asked. If you tell it to go quickly to the left, it’ll do it. If you want it to cruise a bit more and smear a turn, no problem. If you want it to take a zipper line of moguls straight and fast, absolutely. The call and response factor of the ski is off the charts. It’s innate, natural, and easy to ski even in the tightest of spots. When the snow gets deeper, it starts to punch above its width. We noticed this a whole lot in the QST 98, as it was an uncommonly good floater for its width. This 100 is cut from the same cloth in that regard. Powder and crud are simple, easy, and 100% predictable. For having no metal and being as agile as it is, it’s pretty good at choppy snow. It’s no Mantra 102, but it’s more than acceptable. Overall, in an off-piste scenario, the QST 100 is about as comfortable as it gets.

So far, this is a standout ski for us for the class of 2026. While it’s tough to top an amazing ski like the QST 98, we’ve found that the new 100 ticks up the performance, agility, mobility, and versatility in every single possible way. It’s not a huge difference, but each and every attribute has been improved, and that’s an impressive feat.

Shop the New 2026 Salomon QST Skis:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis