2025 Salomon QST Blank

We have had some great days on the Salomon QST Blank here in Stowe, but nothing compares to our experience this past year in Alta, UT. This is Blank territory for sure. The amazing thing is that it works great in powder and has more versatility. Whatever they set out to accomplish with this ski, they did it, and huge credit to Salomon in this endeavor. For the most part, they had all the ingredients already in the kitchen, they just had to draw up a new recipe to maximize flavor and depth of performance. While the construction and profile remain the same for 2025, we get a new graphic, including what I’d call the “Best Base Graphic of All Time.” Performance-wise, this ski is a treat to be on, and when you manage to get it on a powder day, that feeling is only magnified. As a charger with a shorter radius, this ski has an intriguing blend of performance attributes.

While the construction is sturdy, the skis somehow feel so mobile. Built with a full poplar wood core, the ski is on the hefty side, especially for having no metal. In the 186, this ski hits 2220 grams on the scale, with the big 194 getting up to 2400. As a result, it’s not that light, and there are better options if touring is near your radar. This thing is decidedly more lift-served by nature, and in that realm, it’s an impressive product. In addition to the poplar wood core, we’re also getting Cork Damplifier in the tips and tails as well as carbon/flax stringers that span the forebody as well as the tails. Underfoot, to gain traction and power, Salomon uses their Double-Sidewall Technology. This stiffens the underfoot zone and the edge grip of the ski. If you’re wondering how this 112 underfoot beast can carve such clean turns, the Double Sidewall is the culprit. In general, this is a hefty ski that plows over all deep, soft, and fresh snow. Tester Bob St.Pierre skied the 194 in Alta, and had some nice things to say: “There aren’t many other skis I’d rather be on in softer snow. At 112, there are wider options, but these float great for that width. The stability is off the charts and they just turn so darn well. Tough to vote against the Blank in any soft snow scenario.”

Amazingly, the shorter arc of the ski does not keep it from charging and straight lining. Ask Salomon pro Josh Daiek if he feels okay on this ski at high speeds. If the solid build wasn’t enough to keep the ski steady, the innovative shape and profile put this ski over the top. The footprint remains the same for 2025, with an aggressive rocker profile and taper shape. Salomon is attributing over half of this ski as rocker, with 28% in the tip and 25% in the tail. The remaining 47% of the ski is camber, and this isn’t a whole lot. As such, it’s got a pretty maneuverable nature to it, allowing for drifty and slashy skiing. It pairs well with the hefty weight involved, as it kind of needs extra help in the profile department to make it playful. With long and extended early taper in tips and tails, the turn radius is short, with the 186 measuring a 17-meter arc. This blend of short arc and burly build makes sense for a ski like this and adds to the total character of the ski. St.Pierre continues: “I never felt that this ski was locked into a turn, nor was it ever hooky or catchy. The shape and the profile make it smooth, and that’s the best part.”

From tip to tail, the QST Blank has a crazy blend of solidness and creativity. Most skiers will ultimately use this Blank as their snow day ski. We’d consider you a very lucky skier if you use this, appropriately, as a daily driver. For most of us, we’ll be stoked to use it a handful of days per year as a powder option, although anything softer than firm is a whole lot of fun on this ski. The blend of substance underfoot and agility due to shape makes a lot of sense for modern freeride skis, and the 2025 Salomon QST Blank is an excellent example of this technique. It’s no wonder it’s a prime choice for pro skiers asa well as powder enthusiasts everywhere.