The Salomon QST 106 is built for the deep days. A wide waist, heavily rockered profile, and full poplar woodcore make this a dedicated freeride ski that floats, drifts, and pivots through soft snow with ease, while basalt fibers and cork-dampened tips and tails keep it composed when the snow gets tracked out. For skiers whose ideal day involves chasing storm cycles and finding untouched lines, this is the QST you want.

Why we like it:

The shape of the 106 blends the best of the past three generations into something more versatile than any of the older versions, with a more progressive freeride shape that surfs and drifts naturally but still holds an edge when you need to lay one down. The Cork Damplifier in the tip and tail is the other standout, taking the edge off chatter without weighing the ski down.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who prioritize soft snow and freeride terrain over groomers. This is a ski for people who choose their days based on the forecast and want a tool that can charge open faces, drop cliffs, and pivot through trees without protest. Intermediates can ride it on a powder day, but the QST 106 really comes alive with a confident pilot.

Highlights:

A full poplar woodcore anchors the QST 106, paired with full-length basalt and fiberglass for a smooth, balanced flex that doesn't get pushed around in chop. The big story here is the new Cork Damplifier, which Salomon describes as best-in-class dampening and which delivers exactly that: a single injected piece of cork and TPU placed inside the rocker zones at each end of the ski, quieting vibration without adding mass. The freeride profile pairs deep tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot, so the ski floats high in deep snow but still bites when you tip it on edge for a turn on firmer terrain. At 106 mm underfoot, the QST 106 has the surface area to handle real storm days, but the redesigned shape, with its more progressive taper and refined rocker lines, keeps it quick enough for tight trees and tight technical terrain. It's a ski that has earned its place as one of the more versatile platforms in the freeride width range.

Things to consider:

The QST 106 is happiest in soft snow and variable freeride terrain. It can hold an edge on hardpack better than many skis its width, but skiers who spend most of their time on groomers will find it too much ski.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Sizes true to length. Stick with what you usually ride, or bump up a length if you want more stability at speed and more float in deep snow; drop a length for tighter terrain and a quicker ride.