The 2025-2026 winter season, particularly across the Western United States, presented a challenging landscape for winter sports enthusiasts and the ski industry alike. With snowfall totals significantly below historical averages in many key regions, what might have been perceived as a setback for skiers ultimately became an unprecedented opportunity for SKI magazine’s rigorous gear testing program. Far from hindering evaluation, these lean snowpacks and variable conditions transformed into an ideal proving ground, leading to the brand’s most extensive ski test in its recorded history. A record-breaking 235 ski models were put through their paces, revealing a select group of skis poised to define performance for the 2027 season.
A Winter of Scarcity and Resilience: The Testing Crucible
For much of the Western U.S., the winter of 2025-2026 was characterized by atmospheric anomalies that resulted in significantly diminished snowfall. Regions from the Pacific Northwest to the central Rockies experienced extended dry spells and warmer temperatures, leading to thinner bases, prevalent ice patches, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles that transformed once-pristine slopes into a patchwork of challenging terrain. This contrasted sharply with the ideal powder days and perfectly groomed corduroy typically sought for ski evaluations.
However, SKI’s veteran editors and gear experts recognized this adversity as a unique advantage. While deep powder can make almost any ski feel exhilarating, it is in adverse conditions—bulletproof ice, scraped-off steeps, and unpredictable crud—that a ski’s true mettle is revealed. The ability of a ski to maintain edge hold, absorb vibrations, and offer maneuverability when conditions are far from optimal becomes the ultimate testament to its design and construction. This challenging environment forced testers to push skis to their limits, identifying those models that not only perform well in ideal circumstances but truly excel when the going gets tough.
The Unprecedented Scale of the 2027 SKI Test
Against this backdrop of variable snow, SKI embarked on its most ambitious testing initiative to date. A staggering 235 ski models were evaluated, a figure that represents the largest collection of skis ever assessed by the publication’s current staff. This monumental effort underscores the relentless pace of innovation within the ski industry and SKI’s commitment to providing comprehensive, authoritative gear recommendations to its readership.
The bulk of this extensive testing took place during the annual 2027 SKI Test, held in late February 2026 at Deer Valley, Utah. Known for its meticulously groomed slopes and diverse terrain, Deer Valley provided an excellent, albeit challenging, venue for the evaluations. The resort’s varied pitches, from gentle cruisers to demanding steeps, allowed testers to assess each ski’s performance across a wide spectrum of conditions. The testing panel comprised a diverse group of highly experienced individuals, including SKI’s in-house editors, seasoned professional skiers, former racers, freeride coaches, and reputable ski shop technicians. Their collective expertise and varied skiing styles ensured a holistic and nuanced assessment of each model.
The process involved multiple runs on each ski, with testers meticulously documenting their observations on factors such as edge hold, stability at speed, turn initiation and exit, maneuverability in varied snow, and overall feel. This systematic approach, refined over decades, is what lends SKI’s reviews their credibility and influence within the industry.
Innovation in Adversity: Designing for the Future
Many of the skis tested for the 2027 season were either entirely new designs or significantly updated iterations of existing models. Ski manufacturers, keenly aware of evolving snow patterns and consumer demands, have been quietly refining these products over several winters, often integrating advanced materials and construction techniques to enhance versatility and performance across a broader range of conditions. The challenging winter of 2025-2026 inadvertently served as the ultimate real-world stress test for these innovations.
After months of rigorous evaluation, a concise list of standout models emerged—skis that consistently impressed the testing team with their exceptional performance, even in the most demanding circumstances. These early favorites offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of ski technology and what skiers can expect when the 2027 lineups officially hit retail shelves in Fall 2026. While the full, comprehensive verdict, including detailed category winners and extensive reviews, will be unveiled in SKI’s 2027 Winter Gear Guide later this fall, the publication is offering a sneak peek at seven models that unequivocally rose to the top.
2027 Skis: Our Early Favorites – A Deep Dive
These selected skis represent the pinnacle of innovation and performance identified during SKI’s most challenging and comprehensive test to date. They excel not just in specific niches, but often demonstrate remarkable versatility, a critical attribute in an era of unpredictable snow conditions.
NEW: Stöckli Stormrider 108
Available Fall 2026
The Stöckli Stormrider 108 represents a significant entry into the wide all-mountain category, a segment increasingly vital for skiers seeking a single ski capable of handling diverse terrain and snow conditions. Stöckli, a Swiss brand renowned for its precision engineering and high-performance skis, has seemingly outdone itself with this model. John Jensen, an official SKI tester, lauded its all-encompassing capability: "This is not a soft or playful ski, but it’s the most fun I had on a wide all-mountain ski at this year’s test. It can handle anything. It’s very balanced and holds an edge on groomers, is playful enough in soft snow and the bumps, and it crushes crud. I think it would suit skiers with a range of ability levels and skiing styles. It doesn’t really have any weaknesses." This assessment highlights the Stormrider 108’s exceptional balance of stability, responsiveness, and versatility, making it a compelling choice for advanced and expert skiers who demand uncompromising performance across the entire mountain. Its ability to excel in crud, a common feature of low-snow seasons, is particularly noteworthy, suggesting robust construction and effective dampening.
NEW: Fischer The Curv Noize GT 85
Available Fall 2026
Fischer’s new Curv Noize GT 85 is positioned as a highly accessible yet performance-driven carving ski, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to combining race-bred technology with user-friendly characteristics. Rookie SKI tester and Hamilton Sports shop tech, Osbourne Benson, praised its broad appeal: "This ski makes skiing fun for everyone—all skier types and levels. It can lock into hard and fast carving when that is the goal, or to the alternate extreme in choppy crud where the flex of the ski promotes easy maneuverability and comfort. It has a consistent flex pattern in all conditions, allowing for both hard and soft snow turns. You can carve it, but the tail also releases easily for buttery, slow-speed slide turns, too." This description points to a ski that offers both powerful edge grip for high-speed carving and a forgiving nature that allows for easy turn initiation and release, making it suitable for a wide range of intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a dynamic frontside experience. The "Noize" designation often refers to dampening technologies, suggesting a smooth ride even on firm or choppy snow.
NEW: Nordica Unleashed 106
Available Fall 2026
Nordica, a brand synonymous with powerful all-mountain skis, introduces the Unleashed 106 as a more playful, yet still potent, option in its freeride-oriented lineup. Alex Cernichiari, an official SKI tester and outdoor industry professional, contrasted it with Nordica’s more traditional Enforcer series: "The Unleashed 106 is the most fun out of all Nordicas I’ve tested. It initiates well but does take some force to drive through the turn and keep the ski bent. But the tails are way more fun and forgiving than the Enforcer’s and let you ski creatively and jump lips—unlike the Enforcer 99, which wants to stay glued to the snow." This feedback indicates a ski that encourages dynamic, creative skiing, allowing for playful maneuvers and airtime while still providing enough power for aggressive turning. The Unleashed 106 targets advanced to expert skiers who enjoy pushing the boundaries of the mountain, seeking a ski that is both stable and highly maneuverable in varied conditions, from soft snow in the trees to more demanding terrain. Its ability to "jump lips" suggests a more progressive rocker profile and a forgiving tail.
NEW: Salomon S/LAB Equipe GS
Available Fall 2026
Salomon’s S/LAB Equipe GS is a testament to the enduring appeal of high-performance carving, delivering a race-inspired feel in a more accessible package. Tommy Flitton, a veteran SKI tester and freeride coach, expressed immense enthusiasm: "This is hands down the most fun I’ve had on a groomer in years! This ski CRUSHES every turn and makes a simple groomer the most exciting and fun thing you’ve skied all season. It’s a toned-down GS ski but still has the backbone and ability to make you feel like a hero. Let me join the équipe!!! It’s agile as it gets yet it provides the stability I have been searching for." This review highlights the ski’s exceptional carving prowess, combining the powerful edge grip and stability of a Giant Slalom ski with enhanced agility, making it incredibly engaging on groomed terrain. It caters to advanced skiers who revel in the sensation of laying down perfect arcs at speed, transforming ordinary groomers into an exhilarating racecourse. The "S/LAB" designation typically signifies Salomon’s highest performance, race-oriented products, incorporating cutting-edge materials and construction.
Atomic Maven 103 CTi
Available Now (current model, but highly rated for 2027 relevance)
The Atomic Maven 103 CTi, a women’s-specific all-mountain ski, continues to impress with its remarkable versatility and energetic performance. Avery Pesce, a veteran SKI tester and Vice President of Merchandising at Boston Ski & Tennis, underscored its adaptability: "The versatility of this ski is close to unmatched. It has tons of energy when entering and exiting a turn, but it’s still easy to control. It transitions effortlessly from groomed to packed powder to bumps without bucking you off. It’s also incredibly nimble from edge to edge and responds immediately to quick changes in turn style and direction. This was the most fun I’ve had on skis all season!" The Maven 103 CTi’s construction, likely incorporating carbon and titanal (CTi) for an optimal blend of power and liveliness, allows it to excel across a wide array of snow conditions and terrain. Its nimbleness and quick response make it an ideal choice for intermediate to advanced female skiers who desire a dynamic and capable ski for exploring the entire mountain, especially in mixed or variable conditions.
Rossignol Arcade W 88
Available Now (current model, but highly rated for 2027 relevance)
Two seasons after its initial introduction, the Rossignol Arcade W 88 continues to captivate testers with its exceptional carving performance and approachable nature. Kimberly Beekman, an official SKI tester and former Editor in Chief of Skiing Magazine, reiterated her enduring affection for the model: "I have chosen this ski as my fave before, and it remains my fave. It’s so FUN—approachable for lesser experts, yet loves to be driven by those who know how to find their edges. A lot of the carving skis felt like a LOT, meaning, they were taking me on a run, but the Arcade was so balanced and easy to ski that it really shined in the category. It loves being on edge and has a huge sweet spot—just tip your ankles and it rails into a clean carve." The Arcade W 88 masterfully blends ease of use with robust carving capabilities, making it a standout for a wide range of female skiers. Its balanced feel and intuitive edge engagement allow intermediate skiers to progress confidently, while advanced carvers can extract high levels of performance. This enduring appeal highlights a successful design that prioritizes both fun and precision on groomed snow.
NEW: Faction Dancer 99 Ti
Available Fall 2026
Faction’s new Dancer 99 Ti emerges as a strong contender in the playful all-mountain category, offering a blend of nimbleness and stability. Jon Sexauer, a 9-year veteran SKI tester and outdoor industry professional, encapsulated its essence: "I was chatting with friends after SKI Test about what skis I liked and what we all agreed on about skiing: it should be fun. The Dancer 99 Ti was just that. It felt like a bump ski wiggling through sun-drenched mogul lines, or like an all-mountain park ski that wanted to use any transition to pop into the air and change direction. It wasn’t the burliest ski that could charge the fall line regardless of terrain and it did get bounced around in the chop. It didn’t have the strongest edge hold so I wasn’t seeking out firm snow to try to get my hip as low as possible. It was just super fun, full stop. I didn’t have to work too hard, it didn’t beat me up when I made a mistake, and I was able to feel like a hero in some seriously tricky snow conditions." The inclusion of Titanal (Ti) in this new version likely adds a layer of dampening and stability without sacrificing the playful character that Faction is known for. This ski is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who prioritize an agile, forgiving, and fun ride, especially in softer snow, bumps, and varied terrain, rather than outright charging power on hardpack. Its ability to make skiers "feel like a hero in some seriously tricky snow conditions" underscores its user-friendly yet capable design.
Broader Implications for the Ski Industry and Consumers
The findings from SKI’s 2027 test, particularly in light of the challenging winter, carry significant implications for both ski manufacturers and consumers. The emphasis on skis that perform well in variable, less-than-ideal conditions reflects a growing necessity in an era of unpredictable weather patterns and climate change concerns. Skis that offer exceptional versatility—excelling on everything from ice to crud to softer snow—are becoming increasingly valuable.
Manufacturers are clearly responding by incorporating advanced materials like Titanal and carbon in new ways, refining rocker and camber profiles, and focusing on construction methods that deliver both power and approachability. The selection of these early favorites suggests a market trend towards skis that are engaging and confidence-inspiring across a wide spectrum of abilities and snow types, rather than highly specialized tools.
For consumers, this means a greater selection of highly capable all-mountain skis that can truly be relied upon regardless of what Mother Nature delivers. As retailers begin to clear current inventory with end-of-season sales, the anticipation for these 2027 models, available in Fall 2026, will build. Skiers looking to upgrade or invest in a new pair should pay close attention to the characteristics highlighted in this early review, especially if they frequently encounter variable conditions. The full insights and detailed analysis presented in SKI’s forthcoming 2027 Winter Gear Guide will undoubtedly be an invaluable resource for making informed purchasing decisions for the season ahead.
