13 best downhill skis

Downhill skis, also known as alpine skis, are a type of ski specifically designed for the sport of downhill skiing. Downhill skiing is a popular winter sport and recreational activity that involves sliding down snow-covered slopes or mountains.Here are some key aspects related to downhill skis:

  1. Design: Downhill skis are typically longer and narrower than other types of skis. They are designed for stability and control at high speeds, making them well-suited for downhill racing and carving turns on groomed slopes.

  2. Construction: Modern downhill skis are constructed with a variety of materials, including composite materials, wood, and metal. These materials are chosen for their durability and performance characteristics.

  3. Bindings: Downhill ski bindings secure your boots to the skis. They are an essential component of the setup, as they need to release in case of a fall to prevent injury.

  4. Edges: Downhill skis have sharp metal edges along their sides, which help with control and turning. The edges grip the snow, allowing skiers to make precise turns.

  5. Camber: Most downhill skis have a cambered shape, which means that they are slightly curved upward in the middle when unweighted. This design allows for better edge grip and control when carving turns.

  6. Width: Downhill skis come in various widths, with narrower skis being more suitable for groomed slopes and wider skis offering better flotation in deep powder snow.

  7. Sidecut: The sidecut of a ski refers to its hourglass-like shape when viewed from above. A deeper sidecut allows for easier turns and maneuverability.

  8. Bindings: Downhill ski bindings are an integral part of the setup. They need to be properly adjusted to the skier's weight, skill level, and skiing style to ensure safety and performance.

  9. Ski Poles: While not part of the skis themselves, ski poles are often used in downhill skiing to help with balance and propulsion. They also aid in making turns and controlling speed.

  10. Skiing Styles: Downhill skis are versatile and can be used for various skiing styles, including alpine skiing (racing and recreational skiing on groomed slopes), freeriding (off-piste skiing in ungroomed terrain), and freestyle skiing (terrain park and trick skiing).

  11. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of downhill skis is essential to ensure their longevity and performance. This includes regular tuning of the edges and base, waxing, and checking for any damage or wear.

  12. Safety: Downhill skiing can be a thrilling sport, but it also carries risks. Skiers should always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, and be aware of their skill level and the difficulty of the slopes they are skiing on.

Overall, downhill skis are designed for speed and control on downhill slopes, making them a fundamental piece of equipment for anyone interested in alpine skiing and other related winter sports.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best downhill skis on the market
  

Rossignol Experience 74 Womens Skis 160 W/Look Xpress W 10 GW Bindings

Rossignol

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price
  • Sidecut: 121/74/107
  • Air Tip Vas
  • Fiber
  • Cap Construction
  • Poplar Wood Core

User questions & answers

Question: Are the bindings already mounted on the skis
Answer: I initially measured my hand as the sizing chart said to do and I thought I would be a men's large. Upon receiving the gloves I noticed that they were very tight. I could wear them but they were tight. I then ordered one xl and one xxl and they both fit better but I would say the xxl felt the best on me. So I maybe would go up two sizes. One thing to keep in mind is how snug you want the gloves to be as I don't like gloves that are tight fitting.

Product features

EXPERIENCE 74 W
AIR TIP VAS ENERGY STABILISER

All sensations on snow start with the tip of the ski. Rossignol offers you a whole new blend of innovation: the AIR TIP VAS alleviates and absorbs any shocks your skis may encounter. The integrated visco suspension absorbs shocks, calms and stabilizes the ski to maintain its energy and improve power transfer.

LINE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ENERGY ACTIVATOR

With a central rail integrated over the entire length of the ski, the LCT construction eliminates some of the ski’s counter-flexion to ensure perfect stability and dynamic control over lines in turns. The LCT construction delivers power and energy in all circumstances and all conditions.

PROGRESSIVE SIDECUT ENERGY TRANSMITTER

A brand-new cut designed for the new All Mountain range. Our PROGRESSIVE SIDECUT makes for more enjoyable, fluid turns and allows carving on any terrain, in any conditions. The rounded tip and tail offer instinctive release and make turning easy for great skiing on changing terrain and snow.

Rossignol Experience 80 CI Mens Skis W/Look Xpress 11 GW Bindings Black/Red

ROSSIGNOL

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Package Dimensions :
  • Item model number :
  • Department :
  • Date First Available :
  • Manufacturer :
  • ASIN :

Product features

EXPERIENCE 80 CI
AIR TIP VAS ENERGY STABILISER

All sensations on snow start with the tip of the ski. Rossignol offers you a whole new blend of innovation: the AIR TIP VAS alleviates and absorbs any shocks your skis may encounter. The integrated visco suspension absorbs shocks, calms and stabilizes the ski to maintain its energy and improve power transfer.

LINE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ENERGY ACTIVATOR

With a central rail integrated over the entire length of the ski, the LCT construction eliminates some of the ski’s counter-flexion to ensure perfect stability and dynamic control over lines in turns. The LCT construction delivers power and energy in all circumstances and all conditions.

PROGRESSIVE SIDECUT ENERGY TRANSMITTER

A brand-new cut designed for the new All Mountain range. Our PROGRESSIVE SIDECUT makes for more enjoyable, fluid turns and allows carving on any terrain, in any conditions. The rounded tip and tail offer instinctive release and make turning easy for great skiing on changing terrain and snow.

Rossignol Experience 76 Ci Skis w/Look Xpress 11 GW Bindings Mens

Rossignol

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Rossignol 76 CI all-mountain carving skis are perfect for your next resort adventure. These skis are constructed with an all-terrain rocker, Line Control Technology, Air Tip VAS, a progressive sidecut, and a poplar wood core. Combine all of these elements and youâ€re looking at a playful and responsive ski built to keep you crushing turns on the slopes all day.

  • Package Dimensions :
  • Department :
  • Date First Available :
  • Manufacturer :
  • ASIN :

User questions & answers

Question: Will binding accommodate a size 25 boot
Answer: These A505 are considered one of Carhartt's warmest gloves. They do not temperature rate.
Question: will the bindings come installed on the Ski
Answer: yes, waterproof breathable, windproof, sweat wicking.

Rossignol Experience Pro Jr Kids Skis W/Look Xpress 7 GW Bindings Black

Rossignol

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed to facilitate learning to ski and make it more fun and comfortable, the Children's Experience Pro ski helps young skiers, even the smallest, to develop their talents. With its flex and rocker profile, this children's ski allows an intuitive evolution that encourages children to take advantage of variations in terrain to turn, control their trajectory and brake easily, while having fun.

  • Sidecut: 107-76-99
  • Sidecut Profile: Oversized
  • Rocker: All Terrain Rocker
  • Construction: Cap
  • Core: HD Core
  • Radius: 11 m
  • Weight: 2.2 kg/pair at 128cm
  • Bindings: Xpress 7 GW

  • Sidecut: 107-76-99
  • Sidecut Profile: Oversized
  • Rocker: All Terrain Rocker
  • Construction: Cap
  • Core: HD Core

Rossignol Black Ops Smasher Mens Skis W/Look Xpress 10 GW Bindings Black

Rossignol

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price
  • Sidecut: 119-92-108 (170cm)
  • Technological Profile of Skiing: Center
  • Rocker: Powder
  • Construction: Extended Core Extended Cap and Core
  • Core: PEFC Poplar Wood Core

Product features

BLACK OPS SMASHER

Salomon Stance 88 Womens Skis

Salomon

  • Edge grip - When a race ispired sidecut pairs up with a Metal Twinframe laminate the result is confidence inspiring edge grip whether your laying down a turn on piste or off.
  • Manuverable and progressive - A frontside sidecut teams up with a mix karuba poplar woodcore and C/FX creating unmatched confidence when you're railing a turn on piste or racing through the glades.
  • Power - Metal Twinframe technology pairs with C/FX and a a mix karuba poplar woodcore to create a damp, hard charging ski that inspires confidence regardless of speed and terrain.
  • Karuba / Poplar Full Woodcore - Woodcore is a mix between poplar and karuba, to offer a specific women construction. Karuba offers lightweight and inertia.
  • Punch the gas with the Salomon STANCE 88, a women’s specific, all-mountain ski in Salomon’s brand-new, hard-charging Stance series. The STANCE 88 is an all-mountain shredder powered by revolutionary Metal TwinFrame technology.

Product features

SALOMON ALPINE

Skiing is fun. And it’s that unmistakable feeling of fun that we pursue and build into every Salomon product we craft so that each turn you arc, cliff you drop, skin track you step into and peak you stand on top of delivers that same feeling and keeps you coming back for more fun.

SALOMON SKIS

Our material science approach to ski building provides an incredible feel that translates to incredible times in the mountains. From deep powder days and long walks in the backcountry to untouched groomers and lapping the terrain park, Salomon skis are packed with features and technology that offer the right level of performance and stability whether you’re a first timer or logging 100+ ski days each season.

SALOMON BOOTS

As the #1 alpine boot company in the world, Salomon brings an unmatched heritage of innovation, performance and fit expertise to every boot we build. Designed to offer premium fit and functionality no matter the foot shape or level of skiing, we offer a boot for every level of skier as well as the ability to customize the fit via Custom Shell HD.

SALOMON BINDINGS

Salomon started as a binding company in 1947 and for nearly 75 years we’ve continued to create technology that has revolutionized bindings for all types of skiing, from resort and freeride to backcountry and mountaineering. Built to offer unmatched performance, functionality and safety, Salomon bindings will keep you locked and loaded from the hike up to the run down.

Salomon S/Force 7 Mens Skis W/M11 GW Bindings

Salomon

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Dimensions: 124-76-108 (167cm)
  • Radius: 14 m
  • Rocker: Tip Rocker
  • Top Sheet: Glossy in Mold Structuration
  • Other Features: Poplar Woodcore Rental Chamfer Semi Sandwich Sidewalls
  • Weight: 1880g
  • Bindings: M11 GW

  • Edge Grip - The Semi Sidewall construction is built to provide you with better edge grip at every turn.
  • Terrain absorption - The rocker tip provides optimum balance between terrain absorption and stability, so you can tackle all snow conditions with confidence.
  • Stability at speed - The Woodcore construction reduces vibration by delivering optimum stability and powerful rebound even at high speeds.
  • Poplar Woodcore - A woodcore offers stability, liveliness and forgiveness while ensuring good ski-to-snow contact.
  • The S/FORCE 7 is the perfect ski for on-piste skiers looking for stability even at higher speeds, so you can carve your way down the slopes in different snow conditions.

User questions & answers

Question: What size boots are the bindings setup for
Answer: Yes, the bindings come installed, but you’ll still want them adjusted by a ski shop prior to using them.
Question: Do bindings come mounted and are they adjustable
Answer: Yes, this is a system binding that will be mounted. You will need to take them to a shop with your boots to have the final adjustments made prior to skiing.
Question: Are the bidding mounted on these skis please
Answer: No

Rossignol Sky 7 HD Skis Mens

Rossignol

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price
  • Best Use: All-Mountain/Freeride
  • Tip/Waist/Tail (mm): 128/98/118
  • Rocker Profile: Freeride Rocker (Tip & Tail Rocker)
  • Skill Level: Advanced/Expert
  • Radius: 18m @ 180cm

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a good all mountain ski? What rossignal ski is best for all mountain advance (but not expert rider
Answer: Hello, Yes it will!

Salomon Warden 11 Ski Bindings

Salomon

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WARDEN 11 has a wide toe piece and mounting pattern to drive wide skis better than traditional bindings. And with a lighter weight and easier step in, it's a great choice for modern freeride skis.

  • SOLIDITY U - Power construction with toe directly built in its platform, for maximum solidity and transmission
  • POWER TRANSMISSION - Oversized, 71mm wide platform enabling high transfer of energy, even on wide skis
  • MNC - Compatible with all normed boots, without compromising safety or performance
  • Light Heel - CONVENIENT Easy step-in and out that requires less effort. LIGHT Heel cuff and lever construction simplified, yet solid with less pieces for a lighter heel
  • Light weight construction - Optimized weight construction with no compromise on safety
  • Progressive Transfer pads - Strengthening pads that provide progressive feel with increased dampening and forgiveness
  • U Power Toe - Toe directly built in its platform for maximum solidity and transmission
  • Oversized platform - A super-wide binding platform enabling high levels of energy transfer even on wide skis
  • Low profile Chassis - Low stand height for increased terrain feedback and enhanced power transmission
  • DIN lateral markings - Markings in the direction of reading for a fast adjustment
  • DIN screw multi tools - A screw designed to be compatible with all types of screwdrivers for fast adjustments
  • Length OK zone - Specific zone designed to quickly check the forward pressure
  • Automatic Wing adjustment - No handling but automatic adjustment by step-in so you can trust your binding!
  • Easy step-in & out - Less effort needed to step-in and out of the bindings
  • Fixed pedal - Ensures the best transmission from skier to ski
  • TÜV - Binding tested and certified by the TÜV safety monitoring agency, the reference entity for safety certification
  • Weight: 930g
  • DIN: 3.5 - 11
  • Height: 26.5

  • SOLIDITY U - Power construction with toe directly built in its platform, for maximum solidity and transmission
  • POWER TRANSMISSION - Oversized, 71mm wide platform enabling high transfer of energy, even on wide skis
  • MNC - Compatible with all normed boots, without compromising safety or performance
  • Light Heel - CONVENIENT Easy step-in and out that requires less effort. LIGHT Heel cuff and lever construction simplified, yet solid with less pieces for a lighter heel
  • Light weight construction - Optimized weight construction with no compromise on safety

User questions & answers

Question: Will these work with a full tilt descendent 6 boot
Answer: Thanks for contacting us! This ski gets great reviews in soft snow conditions mostly off trail. The rocker profile and lightweight tip do not perform great on hard pack conditions. For a better all around ski, you may lean toward the Rossignol Experience 94Ti. They used to make an Experience 100Ti, you may find one of those around. If you are set on the Sky7 just make sure you go with a longer length than normal. The ski has an abundance of tip rocker that makes the ski feel very short on trails, you get the full length feel skiing the ski off trail and in soft snow, hence its off trail performance vs on trail performance. Hope this helps!
Question: What does "size refer too
Answer: They are adjustable for many different sizes
Question: What mm binding size for blizzard kabookie skis
Answer: I just received mine last week and they are mounted and adjustable.
Question: Are these MNC
Answer: Yes

Rossignol Experience Pro Jr Skis w/Look Xpress 7 GW Bindings Girls

Rossignol

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Rossignol Experience Pro W is an awesome option for beginner to intermediate little ladies looking to get off of the rentals and onto their own pair. The Experience Pro is a great learning for little ones to learn how to flex into their boots and put the ski on edge thanks to the HD Core and Cap Construction. Whether it's icy hard pack or a light dusting on the groomers the Experience Pro handles effortlessly with the integrated All Terrain Rocker Profile. Get your little one on a ski she can progress on with the Rossignol Experience Pro W.



Specifications:

Tip/Waist/Tail Widths: 106/74/98mm (@116cm)

Actual Turn Radius @ Specified Length: 9m (@116cm)

Warranty: One Year

Type: Frontside Skis (<85mm)

What Binding is Included?: Kid X 4

Construction Type: Cap

Core Material: Composite

Tail Profile: Flared

Bindings Included: Yes

Binding DIN: .75-4.5

Rocker Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker

Binding Weight Range: 25-109 lbs.

Flex: Medium

Used: No

Metal Layer: None

Waist Width: 74mm

Ski Gear Intended Use: All Mountain



Product ID: 614771

Shipping Restriction: This item is not available for shipment outside of the United States.

Model Number: RRJ04JC.104

GTIN: 3607683587049

  • HD Core- provides a flexible synthetic core for a lightweight feel
  • All Terrain Rocker- provides easy and versatile steering in different snow conditions.
  • Cap Construction- delivers an easy flex and lots of durability

Rossignol Experience 76 CI Womens Skis W/Look Xpress W 10 GW Bindings

Rossignol

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ideal for crisscrossing every facet of the domain, the all-mountain Experience 76 CI ski for women combines the technology of a parabolic piste ski with an energetic freeride profile to reinforce the feeling of pleasure while providing excellent responsiveness in frontside or backside turns. . The 76 mm wide skate and balanced rocker profile make it easy to tackle curves in different conditions, while the race-inspired construction ensures stability and confidence to travel the mountain at your leisure.

  • Sidecut: 123/76/109
  • Air Tip Vas
  • Carbon Insert
  • Cap Construction
  • Poplar Wood Core
  • Radius: 14.5 m
  • Weight: 2.7 kg/pair at 154cm
  • Bindings: Xpress W 10 GW

  • Sidecut: 123/76/109
  • Air Tip Vas
  • Carbon Insert
  • Cap Construction
  • Poplar Wood Core

Nordica Santa Ana 88 Womens Skis

Nordica

Product description

The Nordica Santa Ana 88 is one ripping ride for ladies looking to take on the entire mountain at full throttle. Nordica's Energy 2 Titanium Balsa Construction is packed with power that keeps you ultra-stable at high speeds. Balsa Wood is used in the core as a perfect weight reduction technique. Balsa Wood is known for its incredibly high strength to weight ratio and its sustainability. A Blunt Nose Profile improves floatation in deep snow, absorbs negative vibrations caused by bumps and crud, and delivers a smooth entry into your turns on the frontside of the mountain. An All-Mountain camRock Rocker Profile makes your skiing easy in any condition or terrain. If you are an aggressive skier looking to take on the entire mountain, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 is a perfect choice.



Specifications:



Product ID: 562325

Model Number: 0A912800 001 151

GTIN: 0888341677248

Ski Gear Intended Use: All Mountain

Waist Width: 88mm

Metal Layer: Single

Rocker Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker

Tail Profile: Twin

Core Material: Wood w/ Metal Laminate

Construction Type: Sidewall

Type: All-Mountain Skis (85-95mm)

Warranty: One Year

Actual Turn Radius @ Specified Length: 15m (@165cm)

Tip/Waist/Tail Widths: 119/88/107 (@165cm)

  • Blunt Nose Profile
  • Energy 2 Titanium Balsa
  • Sintered Graphite Base
  • Recommended Brake Size: 88-103mm
  • Recommended Bindings: Tyrolia Attack2 13, Look SPX 12, Salomon STH WTR 13, Marker Griffon

Rossignol Experience Pro Skis w/Look Kid-X 4 Bindings Kids

Rossignol

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Developed to make learning to ski easier, more comfortable and more fun, the Experience Pro junior ski helps even the smallest skiers accelerate to the next level. The ski's junior-specific flex and rocker profile allows an intuitive learning progression that encourages kids to use changing terrain to their advantage to easily pivot, steer, stop and have fun on skis.

  • Sidecuts dimensions (mm): 107-76-99
  • Core: HD Core
  • Sidecuts profile: Oversized
  • Rocker: ALL TERRAIN ROCKER
  • Construction: Cap
  • Weight: 2,2 kg/pair (128cm)
  • Bindings: Look Kid-X 4

  • Sidecuts dimensions (mm): 107-76-99
  • Core: HD Core
  • Sidecuts profile: Oversized
  • Rocker: ALL TERRAIN ROCKER
  • Construction: Cap

User questions & answers

Question: Are bindings adjustable for different boot sizes
Answer: Yes I believe they will. Get the right size bindings and brake set up for your specific ski.
Question: Are the bindings adjustable for different boot sizes
Answer: It refers to the width of the center of your skis.
Question: Are the bindings mounted
Answer: Waist width is 98mm on those I believe so the 100mm brake size should work fine. Although close
Question: What is the boot size that fits these bindings? My son is 85 pounds and has a boot sole of 260-265 mm
Answer: This Warden 11 is not

Latest Reviews

View all