The 2026 Salomon QST 100 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings takes a fan-favorite design in the QST 98 and fine-tunes it for even better performance across the mountain. With a revamped shape, profile, and construction, this ski brings new levels of versatility, edge grip, and powder surfiness—all while staying intuitive and easy to ski. If you’re chasing a freeride feel with all-mountain range, the QST 100 hits the sweet spot. We paired the ski with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

It’s hard not to love a ski with this much range. Whether you’re carving corduroy, wiggling through trees, chasing soft snow stashes, or hot lapping the park, the QST 100 responds with energy and precision. Its big sweet spot makes it forgiving and fun for a variety of skier styles and snow conditions.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who want a true freeride ski that can handle mixed terrain with confidence. It’s especially good for skiers who venture off-trail into bumps, glades, or bowls but still want something that holds its edge on the way back to the lift.

Highlights:

A nearly full-length poplar wood core forms the lively backbone of the QST 100, while Cork Damplifier inserts in the tip and tail absorb vibrations to enhance stability without adding unnecessary weight. Basalt fibers run throughout the ski to deliver a smooth, powerful ride that rivals metal-laminate skis—but at a fraction of the heft. An updated rocker profile and more refined shape improve both soft snow float and firm snow carving, rounding out a ski that’s playful, precise, and impressively versatile. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission

Things to consider:

While the QST 100 is impressively capable, its weight might be a concern for those building a dedicated touring setup. For occasional skinning it’s fine, but if your goal is long days in the backcountry, there are lighter options better suited for that.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis run true to size. Skiers looking for tighter maneuverability in trees or bumps may size down slightly without sacrificing performance; those prioritizing float and stability should stick to their usual freeride length.