2026 Stockli Montero AW

Stockli is known for making high-quality skis that use precision and smoothness better than most others. They do come with an associated cost, but many skiers who try them out can instantly feel the benefits and the boost in confidence. The 2026 Stockli Montero AW, now in its second generation, gets some construction updates that put it on par with the Montero AX’s technology. At 80 mm underfoot, it’s a great front side ski with all-mountain potential. Still more directional and traditional, skiers should be aware that it is more carving-oriented while those with a good skill set and a willingness to put more work in can find some off-trail capacity here, but most skiers will likely be using these in a groomer-heavy format.

Built with Stockli’s All-Mountain core consisting of lighter poplar and beech, the ski is fairly mobile to start. They lean more to the poplar than the beech in order to create an agile feel. The AW uses two sheets of metal, fiberglass laminates, and rubber dust infused into the adhesive layers. This increases the dampness and silence of the ski and delivers that pure Stockli feel. It makes for a totally quiet and confident character, and that’s really what costs so much—it’s not like these out-perform other skis, they just do it a lot quieter. They also have excellent moderate-speed compliance due to the Tip and Tail Flex technology. Stockli carves two slits in the upper metal layer in both tips and tails to allow for increased articulation. It basically reduces torsional stiffness in the tips and tails so that the ski can stick to the snow for longer. Tester Jana Ross notes that “In the shorter length i was even more loving the skis playfulness and ease of turning. Still super stable and solid.”

At 80 mm underfoot, this ski can be used 100% on-trail if you wish, but it also has a bit of tip and tail rocker for bumps, lower snow days, and crud. At the end of the ski day, the groomers tend to get lumpy and choppy. Having a ski at this width makes a lot of sense because it allows for progression throughout the day. The AW uses measurements of 122/80/106 to create a 14.2-meter turn radius in the 158, which is on the short side increasing carving performance. Ross continues to state that the AW is “Beautiful on groomers but had an easy time in piles of snow as well.” It’s that type of on-trail versatility that puts this ski and its footprint in an awesome category.

Stockli’s level of quality and precision are quite high. While that comes along with an according price tag, it’s also very different, and when you ski on them, it feels like you’re on a quality product. Ideally suited for advanced and expert skiers, the Stockli Montero AW is a sweet front side ski with a bit extra for adventure. There’s a whole lot to like here, and it mainly comes down to smoothness and silence.