2026 Salomon Stance 80

The 2026 Salomon Stance 80 is a well-rounded and value-oriented ski for intermediates and progressing skiers. With a lighter, yet sophisticated build, a useful shape, and a versatile profile, this ski is able and willing to tackle anything the mountain can throw at it. We get improved graphics for 2026, but the ski remains the same as before, giving a lot of skiers an excellent tool with which to progress and improve their skills upon. That said, it’s still got some high-performance vibes as well, so it’s not just a glorified package ski. By sticking to the same plan that the Stance 84 uses in terms of build and overall character, skiers looking for something slightly narrower and slightly less expensive will find a lot to like about the 2026 Salomon Stance 80. It’s easy to use and loves mixing groomers and bumps.

Even on paper, the Stance 80 is a very sophisticated and technological ski. Built with a poplar wood core, the ski gets the Stance treatment with the Ti-C Frame. By using a metal plate underfoot, Salomon then adds carbon stringers to the forebody and the tail in the central portion of the ski. This makes for a snappy and energetic feel in the front and back while the mid-section of the ski remains strong, sturdy, and torsionally stiff. This blend of materials is a lot higher end than the price may let on. When you factor in the M11 GW binding system, you get a great set of skis and bindings at a wonderful price. The brushed top sheet is durable and resistant, so you’ll have a strong setup for years to come. It’s a very sturdy build with tons of potential for such a value-oriented ski. Tester Greg Morrill notes that it’s “quick but solid. Easy turn initiation.” This comment comes on the heels of a perfect 10 out of 10 for overall impression.

80 mm is a fine place to be for most all-mountain resort skiing. Since we’re dealing with a pure all-mountain ski here, it’s nice to see some viable rocker come into play. The ski consists of 15% tip rocker and 12% tail rocker with the remaining section as full camber. This lines up well with how the ski goes from full sidewall underfoot to cap in the tips and tails. While there’s some taper here to talk about, it’s not nearly as dramatic as we see in the more freeride-oriented QST skis in the Salomon lineup. Regardless, there’s still some, and that adds to the flotation and all-mountain versatility that these skis seem to have a whole lot of for such a narrow ski. In the 177, the ski generates a short 15-meter turn radius, so that’s great for helping skiers get up and onto higher edge angles to complete clean and round carved turns with ease. We’re dealing with a very versatile shape and profile here, and it makes a lot of sense for a ton of skiers. Tester Zach Ahern comments on such: “This ski would be nice on green and blue groomers at lower speed. It would perform well here because it doesn’t have the ability to be skied hard on steeper more demanding terrain but would get the job done on easier stuff.”

The Salomon Stance 80 is an awesome ski for a package or first time ski purchaser. If you’re an intermediate through advanced level skier and you spend most of your time on groomers, this is a fantastic place to be. Most skiers don’t need anything wider than this, and at that point, you’re mainly just making it harder than it needs to be. Thanks to Salomon’s commitment to the mid-range of ski and skier, you’re getting an amazing setup with fantastic value built right in. This ski has an amazing blend of value and performance for a huge range of skier.