Top 5 Advanced All‑Mountain Skis 2025–26

One ski to charge the whole resort: carve ice, blast crud, and still float on a storm morning.

What “advanced all‑mountain” means in 25–26

This category targets advanced to expert skiers who want a single, high‑performance tool that grips on hardpack, stays calm in chop, and offers real float in soft snow. For 2025–26, many skis see incremental updates—new laminates, refined rocker/sidecut, and lighter tips/tails—to boost high‑speed stability without losing versatility.

The lineup at a glance

Model	Waist (mm)	Personality	Strengths	Tradeoffs	Best for
Nordica Enforcer 94	94	Damp, precise	Stability, edge hold, crud composure	Less playful, needs input	True quiver‑killer that still carves
Völkl M7 Mantra	96	Charger, ultra‑stable	Nearly no speed limit, carves and crushes chop	Heavy/demanding	High‑speed all‑terrain skiers
Salomon QST 106	106	Playful, surfy	Float, forgiving turn entry	Not for bulletproof ice, a bit heavier	Powder‑to‑piste one‑ski quiver
Atomic Bent 100	100	Freeride all‑rounder	Pop, fun, usable on groomers	Not the quietest at top speed	Resort laps + soft‑snow days
Blizzard Anomaly 88/94/98	88–98	Frontside power	Aggressive grip, improved initiation	Narrower = less float	Firm‑snow chargers who roam

The Top 5, in brief

Nordica Enforcer 94

• Why: The benchmark do‑everything ski that still rails a carve.
• Specs: ~94 mm; wood core + metal; tip/tail rocker with camber.
• Strengths: High‑speed calm, excellent edge hold, plows through chop.
• Tradeoffs: Not super playful; rewards an active, forward driver.
• Who: Advanced skiers wanting one ski to trust anywhere.
• Setup tip: Size on the longer side; pick a binding with a suitable DIN range.

Völkl M7 Mantra

• Why: Perennial charger with class‑leading dampness and grip.
• Specs: ~96 mm; titanal laminates; multi‑radius sidecut.
• Strengths: Confidence at speed, powerful on hardpack and in chop.
• Tradeoffs: Heavy and demanding for lighter riders; not exuberantly playful.
• Who: Skiers who like to go fast across varied terrain.
• Setup tip: Stick with the recommended length/mount for maximum stability.

Salomon QST 106

• Why: Playful one‑ski quiver that genuinely spans powder to piste.
• Specs: ~106 mm; modern tip tech; wood‑core sandwich.
• Strengths: Flotation, surfy feel, easy turn initiation.
• Tradeoffs: Not a specialist on boilerplate; heavier than narrow frontside sticks.
• Who: Resort riders who see regular soft days but still ski groomers.
• Setup tip: Consider the QST 99 if you want similar feel with more frontside bite.

Atomic Bent 100

• Why: Freeride spirit with real resort chops; fun without giving up grip.
• Specs: ~100 mm; HRZN‑style tip/tail; updated poplar core.
• Strengths: Pop and play, stable enough at moderate speeds.
• Tradeoffs: Wider Bents skew powder; the 100 is the balanced choice.
• Who: Advanced skiers splitting time between powder and laps.
• Setup tip: Factory mount works broadly; nudge back for powder, stay neutral for carving.

Blizzard Anomaly 88/94/98

• Why: Revamped hard‑snow specialist with smoother initiation and iron grip.
• Specs: 88–98 mm; TrueBlend wood + metal; rocker/camber/rocker.
• Strengths: Aggressive edge hold, predictable at speed.
• Tradeoffs: Narrow widths won’t float in deep days.
• Who: Frontside chargers who want competence in variable snow.
• Setup tip: Go 94/98 for more float; 88/92 for hardpack focus.

How to choose

• Terrain and style
  • Firm and fast: M7 Mantra, Enforcer 94, Anomaly 88/98.
  • More float and play: QST 106, Bent 100.
• Waist‑width rule of thumb
  • 85–92 mm: frontside bias, quick edge‑to‑edge.
  • 93–100 mm: true all‑mountain balance.
  • 101–110+ mm: powder‑leaning; more float, slower edge transitions.
• Weight and swing weight
  • More metal/damp = calmer ride but more fatigue; lighter or shorter reduces swing weight.

Sizing and mounting

• Length (advanced): aim around brow/forehead; aggressive skiers often go +5–10 cm relative to height (follow brand charts).
• Mount point: start at factory. Slightly back for powder/surfing; a touch forward for carving/freestyle preferences.
• Brake width: choose brakes ~10–15 mm wider than waist.

Bindings, DIN and safety

• Have bindings mounted and DIN‑set by a certified tech. Ensure the DIN range suits your weight, boot sole length, height, age and skiing style.
• Leaving resort boundaries? Get avalanche training, carry beacon/shovel/probe (airbag when appropriate), check daily forecasts and never go alone.

Technique, demo and maintenance

• Stance: active, forward. Backseat skiing makes stiff skis feel nervous and can cause tip dive.
• Warm up: find the day’s speed limit before charging big lines.
• Boots: use appropriately stiff boots and dial forward lean to support a forward stance.
• Demo: test where you actually ski—both groomers and off‑piste. Demo first, mount second.
• Tuning: wax and sharpen regularly; repair base damage promptly; get annual binding service.

Final word

If you want to flatten rough snow at speed, pick the Mantra or Enforcer. If you prize playfulness and float with resort reliability, the QST 106 or Bent 100 deliver. Demo smart, mount right, ski safe.