Updated for winter ‘19-20, Salomon’s award-winning QST line is spearheaded by its burliest big-mountain model, the Salomon QST 118 2020. In this installment, a full-length poplar wood core is complemented by a sheet of Titanal and flax laminate directly underfoot, turning the ski into a landing pad for the biggest drops you can find. Tip-to-tail carbon fiber and basalt, as well as dampening caps made of cork, help reduce chatter and improve balance once you get ‘em up to speed. Lastly, a combination of tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot offers improved maneuverability, turn initiation, float and stability, even in steep terrain.

FREESKIER tester thoughts: “Holy moly, these skis like to rip. The faster you go, the better they feel.”

“Playful stick that floats like a dream.”

Explore the 2020 FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide