2027 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank

The 2027 Salmon S/Lab QST Blank returns unchanged this year with the same construction, shape, and profile as last year. With a wide body but an agile character, the Salomon QST Blank occupies a rare segment of skis in the ~110 mm range. These skis are sturdy, smooth, and powerful, yet somehow, they feel quick. In addition, for how well they float, it’s impossible to ignore the on-trail and carving capabilities of these skis. It’s quite steady in crud and chop and makes quick work out of powder and deeper snow. While the ski isn’t as much of a twin tip as some other skis in this range, it’s still rockered and bent enough to be used in more of a creative format in both big mountain and backcountry applications. We see many pro skiers using the Blank in some very deep and extreme situations.

Salomon uses some interesting layering to build the Blank. Constructed with a full poplar wood core, the Blank uses basalt fibers that are interwoven into the fiberglass laminates. This adds both energy and dampness to the construction of the ski. Salomon uses a cork damplifier layup to keep the skis silent and smooth. This allows the basalt fibers to extend further into the tips and tails of the ski while the cork extends into the ski along the edges and sidewalls. In the 186, the Blank sits on the scale at Salomon’s stated weight of 2070 g/ski. It’s not too stiff, nor too flexible—the Blank has a wonderful balance of flex, power, and maneuverability. Tester Matt Stromecki calls it “One of my favorite skis of all time and it was the perfect match for Revelstoke. It has the float and maneuverability you need but also the strength to handle variable conditions. The shape and construction are so balanced, which provides such an intuitive experience. Taper in the tips makes them surfy but doesn't take away from the float and the squared off tail provides a clean finish to your turn. It's just so smooth and surfy. UNREAL!”

We love the overall shaping and profile of these Blanks. At 112 mm underfoot, this ski is shaped to handle deep and variable snow. It’s a fantastic floater that allows for both bottomless snow and softer groomers. It’s stable and smooth enough to find the bottom and get some good edge grip, but it’s also wide and drifty for bigger mountain faces and relatively extreme terrain. The Blank uses measurements of 139/112/128 in the 186 to generate a 19-meter turn radius. Salomon uses 23% tip and 20% tail rocker to make the ski feel playful and bouncy and it works very well as a balanced profile. Tester Colin Wiedersheim states: “For freeride skiers, or those that prefer a wider platform, there is hardly a more comprehensive package than the QST Blank. When I dream of endless powder, doing fun and crazy things, and the perfect ski day, I am skiing the QST Blank. Smeary when you want it, stable when you need it, but it’s always fun. Truly an impressive ski. I will own one.”

It’s not a totally easy ski to use and get along with. This ski will work better on the feet of advanced and expert skiers. The width and weight are substantial enough to make it feel demanding. Those attributes are also big contributors to the Blank’s ability to be used in a very aggressive setting. It’s okay to go long on these skis as well, to access that stability and power. It’s fun to let these Blanks run and do their thing in softer snow and in more advanced terrain. When you need a ski that will steer where it needs to go in deep snow, it’s tough to think of a better option than the Blank.