2025 Salomon QST 92

Continuing its dominance in the low-90's all-mountain category, the 2025 Salomon QST returns unchanged structurally for this year. Same graphic, too, making this a true carryover model. The only shame here is that the base graphics do not extend the full length of the ski like they do in the wider QST models. While we don’t think this is enough of a reason for skiers to shy away from this amazing 92, it is just a bit of a downer especially when compared to the other ski base graphics in the line. That said, it’s still one of the most complete and comprehensive skis on planet earth. The scope of versatility that this ski accomplishes is nothing short of astonishing. It’s one of the most natural and innate skis out there, and what it lacks in ultimate power or feather-weight lightness, it more than makes up for in well-roundedness. With energy to spare, this ski is a shining example of a true all-mountain ski.

The QST 92 features a full poplar wood core to do the heavy lifting in terms of blending energy and balance. Salomon uses a double sidewall technology to add to the carving power of the ski by bolstering the underfoot zone with a stiffer and denser sidewall material. It’s basically like adding a race plate in the mid-section of the ski, dramatically increasing edge grip and torsional stiffness. In addition, the QST 92 uses their C/FX material to boost the flex and energy from the ski. These carbon and flax fibers do a lot of work when it comes to snapping the ski out of one turn and directly into the next. It’s easy to feel when you load up the QST with your energy, even though it doesn’t require a whole lot of effort on the skier’s part. In the 176, the ski tips the scale at 1820 grams, so while it’s not terribly light on the scale, the shape and profile make it a lot more maneuverable than the grams may indicate. Tester Jeff Carpenter notes that this was the “First time on this ski and now I can see for myself why it's a top-seller. Super playful with a big forgiving sweet spot. I didn't get to ski it on groomers due to it being a powder day but could feel that it would probably lack in stability and edge hold at speed in hard/icy conditions. Other than that, this is a ski that anyone-beginner through pro could have a lot of fun on.”

As far as shape and profile go, these skis fall more traditional than the wider QST’s. Built with 18% rocker in the tip and 12% rocker in the tail, this ski is a bit lower than what we see in the wider skis of the line, putting more of an all-mountain personality on the ski rather than a deeply-rockered freeride shape. Given the longer camber length, it’s impressive that they get a 15-meter turn radius out of that 176. It’s incredibly snappy and energetic as a result, offering fantastic edge grip for both the width and the lack of metal. The fact that it allows skiers to make a multitude of turn shapes and styles because it’s so manageable is just an absolute bonus. It’s neither hooky nor catchy, mainly because the flex allows for proper articulation through the tips and tails. That said, initiation is prompt, and completion is swift. Jeff continues, noting that the QST 92 would work well in “Any conditions with its main limitations being deep powder days due to relatively narrow width and lack of edge grip and stability at speed on firm or icy groomers due to its lightweight construction.”

Surely there will be some limitations with such a well-rounded ski—that's just how it goes. There’s an absolutely enormous range of skier and skier type that accompanies this ski. While it’s still on the heavy and wide side for beginners, it’s not out of the realm to be appropriate for an early intermediate who still spends a lot of time on greens and more mellow terrain. Additionally, if you’re more seasoned of a skier but don’t want to work too hard to access the performance of a ski, this one is right there with the best of them. We’re stoked to see this ski come around again and allow others to love the versatility and high-performance ceiling of the QST 92.