It’s safe and fair to say that we were pretty amazed by the new Blank when it came out two years ago. One of the crazy things about it was that it not only replaced the widest ski in Salomon’s line, but it also floated better. 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 in order to maximize flavor and depth of performance. While the construction and profile remain the same for 2024, 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.

Built with a full poplar wood core, the ski is actually on the heavy 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 definitely better options if touring is anywhere 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, in order 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 through and over any and all deep, soft, and fresh snow.

If the solid build wasn’t enough to keep the ski steady, the innovative shape and profile definitely put this ski over the top. The footprint remains the same for 2024, with a pretty 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 the extra help in the profile department to make it playful. With long and extended early taper in both tips and tails, the turn radius ends up being pretty 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.

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 2024 Salomon QST Blank is an excellent example of this technique.