2026 Salomon QST 100

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 0
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 37

Flowy, creative, as smooth as I can be.

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Arolla, Switzerland. Mostly on-piste, some off-piste. Firm groomers, some softening in the afternoon, a little bit of fresh at higher elevations.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size. Lots of rocker compared to skis in this width range but doesn't ski short.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

My favorite QST of all time, for sure. I knew I would like it when I first heard about it and first saw it in person, and it certainly didn't disappoint. It feels like a more playful QST 98 with longer tail rocker and a bit more freestyle influence, but somehow feels more composed at speed and with more torsional stiffness and grip too. I never really found its limit for edge grip, which is impressive to me. I'm sure it has one, but I skied it pretty hard and it handled it very admirably. Then you have the switch skiing capabilities, the general playfulness, and the ski's eagerness to make the most of whatever is in front of you. It's a great ski.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It's wildly versatile. Groomers, soft snow, bumps, trees, even a little bit of park, and you could ski it in some pretty deep snow too and get away with it just fine. There are going to be a lot of happy QST 100 skiers, and what's really cool to me is there will be a lot of very different QST 100 skiers too. From a directional, more traditional tree skiing enthusiast to a younger generation freeride/freestyle skier, there's a huge range here.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It's kind of just a bit wide for an intermediate, or at least most true intermediates, but also could be a cool first wider ski or first freeride ski for an intermediate. On the other hand, advanced and expert skiers will find its an absolute weapon in a wide range of applications, as long as you like having a lot of tail rocker.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

It's incredible and works so well for me, so I have nothing to add or nothing I would want to change.

tester:

Kevin Ross

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, A little snow on nice groomers

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect length, skis true to size

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:5/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:5/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:5/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I like the QST series in order of size, I feel that the 106 works "best", the 100 is fine but the tip chatters a lot more than the 106's and it loses some of the "surfyness" that makes the 106 so fun without gaining much in other areas.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Great 1 ski quiver for New England if you like wider skis. Great powder ski if you like skinnier skis.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Really anyone other than a total beginner.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I wish the tip was quieter when skidding turns. You really have to keep pressure on it to stop it from chattering.

tester:

Megan Papineau

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 120
Days / Year: 10
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 36

Former racer

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

172 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe trees, hayride

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

true to size, a bit long for me

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:5/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I think any negative feedback I have for this ski is just because it was too much of a ski for me, especially in the trees, I did not feel it was super forgiving in that setting and I wasn't able to turn it as quickly as I need to to have fun in trees.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Open steep, soft/firm chundery bumps, groomers too.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Expert.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I did love this ski on my hayride run where I could let loose, it held up well through the crud and was super fun, great ski just a bit much for me to enjoy as an all around playful ski.

tester:

Billy Annacone

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 210
Days / Year: 100
Age: 72
Years Skiing: 62

Casual carving

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe Groomed packed powder and crud in woods. Intermediate terrain.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Skis more like a 170-175. Perfect length for me.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

First impression on this ski was a soft flex very easy to initiate turns and ease of releasing the tail. It floated very naturally in crud.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

The QST performs very well in any condition but very firm or icy surfaces. On any pitch from low angle to steep this ski response extremely well due to the lightweight tips and tails that allow quick swing side to side.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Since beginner skiers tend to have trouble with wider platforms, I wouldn’t recommend this for a beginner skier. The playfulness of this ski lends itself to ability levels ranging from intermediate on up in my recommendation for this ski.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Being light in weight, the QST could be a good AT ski and Solomon may want to add some tip and tail profiles to accommodate skins. Beyond that this ski is a tremendous ski as is, for 90% of all alpine terrain and surface conditions.

tester:

Adrian Hayden

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175 lbs.
Days / Year: 100
Age: 21
Years Skiing: 20

Fast / aggressive / playful

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

loose granular / warming groomers

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

true to size, if you are between sizes sizing down

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:4/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:4/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

A ski that feels comfortable immediately and inspires good skiing. Does not break loose easily from carves, but feels great in chop and strong skiing.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Chop, soft groomers the stiff tail and long front holds edges very well.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate/advanced. The ski could be hard to drive for a beginner and not forgiving. I could also see it not holding up under comp conditions or extremely aggressive skiing as it lacks damping characteristics.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

If it were my ski i would try to get closer to center in mounting, less tip rise and material could also reduce swing weight increaseing forgiveness and ease.

tester:

Eli Moskowitz

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 90
Age: 24
Years Skiing: 23

Aggressive, fast, playful

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Spring corn, groomers and bumps.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

It felt like a good length. The ski mask as mounted very far back and I personally would like them a bit forward.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I didn’t really have any thoughts about the ski. I got on it and it just worked, wasn’t bad at anything but didn’t have any standout elements.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All mountain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

All levels.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Mounted further forwards.

tester:

Matt McGinnis

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 180
Days / Year: 65
Age: 35
Years Skiing: 23. Also insane.

Chargey, sendy, and seeking transitions. But now that I'm 35...also calculated. I'm not saying yes to every hit anymore, but if the snow is soft and the landing is good, I'll send it.

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Frozen granular

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:10/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

My impression is that the new QST 100 is like the old 98, but way better. Like the old 98, the new 100 is incredibly intuitive, but the new ski earns bonus points for being extra stable. As a result, the ski is playful, forgiving, really easy to ski - but most impressively - up for a wide variety of speeds and terrain conditions.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Really any terrain is compatible with the QST 100. I think where they’re the most fun though, is probably in variable terrain where you can bring them to life by popping off small airs and landing back on edge.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is your classic intermediate and up. Intermediate skiers will find it pretty easy to ski, while also giving them room to grow. Likewise, an expert skier looking for a ski that’s not ultra stiff, yet remains stable would also enjoy the QST for its playful nature.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Honestly nothing - I think this ski’s design nailed it for its intended use.

tester:

Camille Nichols

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 108 lbs.
Days / Year: 85
Age: 22
Years Skiing: 20

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

172 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola spring groomer and bumps

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Too long

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:5/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Quick and holds an edge well on variable terrain. Agile in bumps but would be quicker in a shorter length. When you pick up speed the ski is still able to hold its own and is very responsive to your movements.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski is made for all mountain terrain. The underfoot makes it great for any type of condition and the ski performs well in moguls, trees, and groomers.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is an intermediate to advanced ski for riders that want an all mountain charging ski.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

This ski feels like it skis shorter than the stated length the available 172 was too long for me.

tester:

Danny Satterthwaite

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Days / Year: 50
Age: 23
Years Skiing: 16

Aggressive and often playful

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

188 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, soft bumps and groomers

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right. My size

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Substantial but forgiving and intuitive, very fun.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Everywhere but not particularly firm snow. It’s really good everywhere else but lacks the bite of many skis with metal. Would be a great every day ski out west.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate and up.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Something to add a touch more grip and zing on the less soft snow.

tester:

Luke Miller

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
Days / Year: 100-120
Age: 31
Years Skiing: 27

Intentional

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

188 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe lookout bumps

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect for me. Skied true to size

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Bonkers ski. Way way better than the older QST 98. Absolutely ripped through some chopped up moguls.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

More geared towards off piste but its a great all mountain ski. Could carve as well. If you want to ski 1 ski every day this is for sure an option

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced all around skier.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Blown away by the improvements, I wouldnt change anything right now.

tester:

Lauren Morton

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 132
Days / Year: 30
Age: 36
Years Skiing: 30+

Lifelong skier that's up for anything!

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

170 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Soft granular

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Long for me - would be interested in a smaller ski

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Wasn’t sure of it at the top of the run in the bumps but really loved them by the end of the run.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Solid all mountain one ski quiver.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced and up.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Nothing to add

tester:

Jessie Huntley

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 130 lbs.
Days / Year: 20
Age: 34
Years Skiing: 20+

Technical

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

173 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Chin clip

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Poppy, quick and fun.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All terrain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

No.

tester:

Ashley Turner

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Days / Year: 25
Age: 26
Years Skiing: 21

Hard charging, love to challenge myself on steeps and moguls

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Warm slushy corn

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

A little long for me, would like the 173

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Awesome ski! Even with them a little long I had a blast. Playful, maneuverable, fun and poppy! Good busting through slush and stable at high speed!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All terrain, it seems like a very versatile ski.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to expert. I think anyone above an intermediate would have fun on these skis.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Nothing, love them!

tester:

Zach Johnson

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 175 lbs.
Days / Year: 50
Age: 49
Years Skiing: 40

I love to turn the doorknob and make lots of turns. Enjoy carving the groomers but usually keep the speed in check these days.

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

188 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Soft groomers Stowe

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Would love to see a 185

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Bit stiffer than previous edition. A bit less playful as well but with the added stability I think it’s an overall improvement.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All mountain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to advanced. Enough forgiveness for the advancing intermediate but charges hard for the advanced.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

All is well.

tester:

Ashley Maxfield

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Days / Year: 120+
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 38

Former ski racer turned freerider. Retired FWT athlete

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Gondola Groomers, variable spring slush

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size. I would love to ski this size

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is a great ski to play on the mountain with. Stable enough for the groomers and playful enough to pop off moguls.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All mountain, all terrain. It's made to tackle everything.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate/expert. If the skier knows how to maneuver a ski, they can unlock all the possibilities of this ski

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Not sure.

tester:

Zach Ahern

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Days / Year: 25
Age: 27
Years Skiing: 24

I like to take my time and be calculated with moves but also playful when terrain allows.

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, gondola groomers, soft and wet snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This length felt perfect for me. If you are between sizes I would recommend sizing up.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski was incredibly quick and playful. It has a low swing weight and lots of rocker in the tips and tails. The flex is on the softer side in the tips and tails, but there is still plenty of support throughout the ski. As a result, these skis stay decently composed at higher speeds through chopped-up snow and have good pop/rebound when going from turn to turn.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Trees, bumps, and soft groomers. The lack of metal and stiffness in this ski might not get along well with refrozen or really hard-packed groomers.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Beginner to Advanced. This ski is forgiving enough for a beginner skier, but the playfulness and versatility would be very fun for all levels. This would be a great option for someone looking for a ski they can progress with.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I would not make any changes to this ski, but I would mount them at +2cm from the recommended line to be more suited for a neutral stance.

tester:

Kimberly Leslie

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 145
Days / Year: 45
Age: 45
Years Skiing: Since I was a toddler.

I have a free-spirited freerider style. I have an intuitive, responsive approach to skiing - you're reading the mountain, seeking out those perfect pockets of snow or unique terrain features that make for memorable runs, rather than sticking to a predetermined path or style.

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

173 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Gondi groomers, soft spring conditions

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt great. Just perfect.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski was zippy and energetic. It was like a dog doing zoomies. Super fun!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Really fun in surfy spring conditions and versatile enough to handle most terrain. It was fun at speed and slowing down and surfing the sides of the trail.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I loved it. This ski brought a smile to my face.

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 100
Age: 47
Years Skiing: 37

Smooth and silent, but stiffer as of late.

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Put about 10-15 days on these skis overall. Mainly softer snow, packed powder, trees, and bumps here at Stowe.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I go back and forth here. The 188 is probably the right choice, but the 180 just skis so darn well. Overall, still not sure.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Amazing ski. Totally reacts to whatever input you have and takes it to the next level. This is as intuitive and natural as skis get. It does anything you ask it to with zero complaints. Even in the longer 188, it's still incredibly quick and agile. As opposed to doing skidded short turns, it's still somehow able to make more "S" shaped turns in tight trees and other technical areas.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Any and all terrain. Any and all snow conditions. It doesn't get more versatile than this.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is accessible for an intermediate, but advanced and expert skiers will get the most out of it. It's still got a bit of heft to it so if you're into lighter skis, you can go that route if you wish.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Zero.

Matt submitted 5 test cards — select one:

tester:

Matt Stromecki

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 110
Age: 26
Years Skiing: 25

Smooth aggressive freeride

Ski:

2026 Salomon QST 100 Skis

Size Tested:

188 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe - perfect packed powder groomers

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

One of my standout skis for 2026, outright versatility, intuitiveness, and high level performance essentially anywhere you take them. Shockingly good carvers with excellent edge grip and vibration damping for not having any metal. The woody feel gives it great energy out of the turn. The rocker profile is ideal for soft snow and is both maneuverable yet stable at high speeds when out in the open. It just sits well in the middle of all characteristics which makes it one of the most versatile skis out there. Kuddos to Salomon on this one, they nailed it.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Everything from groomers, park, powder, and trees - the definition of all-mountain freeride.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to expert.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Wouldn't change a thing! Love the construction, shape, and graphics!

2026 SkiEssentials Ski TestThe all-new 2026 Salomon QST 100 is a remarkably versatile and fun freeride ski that delivers performance and playfulness for adventuresome skiers who like to find creative lines.

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