The Salomon S/Max 4 XT is an approachable on-piste ski built around a poplar woodcore and a 76 mm waist, a step into Salomon's revamped XT line for skiers who want easy, predictable carving on resort groomers. Semi-sandwich sidewalls and 100% recycled ABS construction keep the ski stable and modern without adding the weight or stiffness of a metal-laminate build. The result is a forgiving, confidence-friendly ride for intermediates working on their technique.

Why we like it:

It's the kind of ski that makes a learning curve feel less steep. The narrower waist and lighter construction make it easy to get on edge, and the recycled sidewalls keep the build consistent without piling on cost or weight.

Who it's for:

Intermediate skiers who ski mostly on groomers and want a ski that rewards good form without demanding it. A good fit for skiers building from solid parallel turns toward more carved arcs.

Highlights:

This is the friendliest ski in the new XT lineup, and the build reflects that. A poplar woodcore is paired with semi-sandwich sidewalls — a construction that offers more stability than a cap ski but stays softer and lighter than a full sandwich layup, which makes the ski easier to flex through turns. The 100% recycled ABS sidewalls are part of Salomon's broader push to reclaim factory waste without compromising performance. The 76 mm waist hits the right spot for resort grooming, and the wide steel edge stands up to repeated tunes over a long season. A 15 m turn radius at the 167 keeps turns short and energetic. Mounted on the Easytrak system with the M10 GW binding, the package is dialed for skiers who want their setup ready to go without much fuss.

Things to consider:

This is a frontside ski for groomer days. The lighter construction means it can get pushed around in heavier or cut-up snow, and skiers who progress quickly may find themselves wanting more dampness. The S/Max 6 XT or 8 XT are natural step-ups within the same line when that time comes.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Sizes true to length. Pick your usual frontside length. Lighter skiers or those still building confidence can drop a length for easier handling.