The 2025 Salomon QST 98 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings combines agility and versatility, effortlessly carving, floating, and bouncing through both on-piste and off-piste terrain. Despite its generous tip and tail rocker, which suggests a soft snow focus, the QST 98 surprises with its impressive carving abilit. It is arguably one of the most versatile skis in its category, offering exceptional performance across a wide range of conditions. We paired the 98 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

The QST 98 stands out for its exceptional soft snow performance paired with surprising on-trail capabilities. This unique combination makes it an ideal choice for skiers looking for the ultimate tree ski that can handle both deep powder and groomed runs with ease.

Who it's for:

Intermediate to expert skiers who seek a highly versatile ski with outstanding soft snow performance and the ability to carve clean, round arcs will find the QST 98 to be an excellent choice.

Highlights:

Featuring a full poplar woodcore, the QST 98 delivers maximum energy and pop while maintaining stability and power – all without being overly stiff. A C/FX laminate, made of carbon and flax, extends the length of the ski to enhance energy and dampen vibrations, providing a smooth and springy ride. Cork Damplifiers are placed in the tips and tails to further absorb vibrations during high-speed descents through variable snow. Double Sidewall Technology underfoot ensures immediate power transfer and stability, creating a planted and confident feel. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission

Things to consider:

While the QST 98 is a supple ski that thrives in soft snow, it also performs well on groomers. If your primary focus is on-trail performance and you don’t spend much time off-trail, the Stance series may better suit your needs. However, if you frequently venture into the glades in search of soft snow and use groomed runs as a way to navigate between powder stashes, the QST 98 is an ideal tool.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis are true to size. If you’re between sizes, sizing up will provide greater high-speed stability, while sizing down will enhance agility in tighter terrain.