Rossignol Palmares (Palmarès) — In‑Depth Review

The Rossignol Palmares is a piste‑focused all‑mountain carver with race lineage that’s tuned for intermediates through advanced skiers. It rewards good edging with lively energy, yet stays approachable for long days on groomers.

Snapshot

With a poplar wood core, full sidewalls, a localized Carbon Beam underfoot, and tip rocker over traditional camber, the Palmares delivers quick edge‑to‑edge feel, confident grip, and smooth, rhythmic carving in short to medium turns.

Key takeaways

Quick, intuitive turn entry: 73 mm waist + deep sidecut make carving feel automatic.
Solid edge hold: Full sidewall and Carbon Beam provide trustworthy grip on hardpack.
Lively but forgiving: Easier to bend and less punishing than metal‑laminate race carvers.
Piste‑first design: Limited float off‑piste; best on groomed snow and firm conditions.
Speed ceiling: Light, energetic feel can get busy at very high speeds or in heavy chop.

On‑snow performance

Hard snow: Bites cleanly with predictable engagement. The Carbon Beam centers stability right where you pressure the ski, keeping carves clean without chatter.
Turn shapes: Length‑dependent radii (≈11–16 m) favor short to medium carves. It slarves and pivots when asked, but shines when on edge.
Speed & damping: Calm up to spirited piste speeds. If you routinely push GS/SG velocities on rough afternoon cord, a Titanal option will ride smoother.
Variable groomers: Light tip rocker helps ease through piles; the narrow waist and lighter mass mean you’ll still want active steering in chop.

Construction & tech

Poplar PEFC core: Lively rebound at manageable weight for all‑day skiing.
Rectangular Full Sidewall: Precise power transfer and edge hold on firm snow.
Carbon Beam (underfoot): Adds torsional stability and bite without adding much weight.
Sintered HD base: Fast, durable, holds wax well.
Minicap/Hardtop topsheet: Improves durability and chip resistance.

Specs explained

Rocker profile: Tip rocker with traditional camber. Rocker eases initiation; camber drives rebound and grip through the arc.
Sidecut (126-73-110 mm): Narrow waist for rapid edge changes; wider tip/tail pull you into the turn and accelerate you out.
Weight (≈1.45–1.7 kg per ski): Keeps the ski nimble and less tiring; slightly less damping at max speed than heavier builds.
Radius by length: 11 m (150), 12 m (157), 13 m (164), 14 m (171), 16 m (179). Shorter = snappier turns; longer = more composure in bigger arcs.
Lengths: 150/157/164/171/179 cm to match skier size, preference, and turn style.

Note: Some regions list 126‑74‑110 and slightly different radii. Check your exact SKU.

Sizing advice

Intermediates: Around nose to eye height (or body height minus a few cm) for easy initiation and confidence.
Advanced: Body height or a touch longer for more stability and smoother medium‑to‑long arcs.
Lighter/technical skiers: Size down for agility; heavier/aggressive skiers: size up for calmness at speed.

Comparisons

Rossignol React 8/10: React feels a touch more buttoned‑down on pure groomers; Palmares is lighter and a bit more playful.
Rossignol Hero Elite MT CA/Ti: Hero Ti adds race‑level stability but is more demanding. Palmares is friendlier and less fatiguing.
Blizzard Thunderbird R13: More damping and hold at high speed; Palmares turns in easier and is more accessible mid‑skill.
Salomon S/Max 10: Similar target skier; Palmares offers slightly rounder turn feel and upbeat rebound.

Who it’s for

Intermediate to advanced piste skiers seeking a lively, confidence‑building carver without the heft and rigidity of metal race skis.
Riders who live on groomers and enjoy short‑to‑medium, high‑grip arcs all day long.

Potential drawbacks

Narrow, piste‑first focus limits versatility in soft snow or deep afternoon chop.
Less damping than Titanal builds at very high speeds on rough, icy surfaces.
Often sold as “Palmares Konect” with a bundled binding, which may limit mounting choices.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Rossignol Palmares differ from the Hero line?
A: Palmares borrows race concepts but stays lighter and more forgiving. Hero models with Titanal are stiffer and calmer at speed, but demand stronger input and technique.

Q: What length should I choose for the Palmares?
A: Intermediates typically go a bit shorter for easy turn entry. Advanced or faster skiers often pick body height or slightly longer for added stability.

Q: Is the Palmares good for moguls and late‑day groomers?
A: Yes, its light, nimble character helps in bumps and push piles. Just note it won’t be as damp as heavier, metal‑reinforced skis in rough conditions.

Q: What is “Palmares Konect”?
A: It’s the Palmares packaged with a Look Konect system (often NX12). The ski itself is the same; the system optimizes interface and convenience as a set.

Bottom line

The Rossignol Palmares is a modern, accessible carver with convincing grip and lively rebound. Ideal for groomer‑centric skiers who value turn quality and all‑day fun over absolute top‑speed damping.