Salomon MTN 91 Carbon – a lightweight tourer with real downhill confidence

Overview

The Salomon MTN 91 Carbon is built for long days in the backcountry: light on the skin track (about 1,200 g per ski in 174 cm) yet composed on the descent. A full Karuba wood core, carbon reinforcement, a Titanal binding plate underfoot, and a cork “Damplifier” in the tip keep chatter in check. At 91 mm underfoot with roughly 18% tip rocker and 9% tail rocker, it targets spring missions, mixed snow, and technical terrain without punishing you on hardpack.

On‑snow performance

Hardpack and groomers: For its weight, edge hold is impressive. The Titanal insert and full sidewalls transmit power well on firm snow. The ski prefers medium to longer turns (about 18 m @174) and transitions quickly edge‑to‑edge thanks to the 91 mm waist. On boilerplate at high speeds the light tip can flutter a touch, though the cork helps damp it.
Variable snow: Moderate tip rocker smooths turn initiation and rolls over tracks; the subtle tail rocker releases predictably without feeling washy. Directional and reassuring.
Powder: At 91 mm, float is adequate rather than abundant—up to ~20–25 cm feels manageable with a neutral stance. For deep days, a wider sibling (MTN 96 Carbon or QST 98) will be more fun.
Steeps and ski mountaineering: Low swing weight aids kick turns; the lightly rockered, supportive tail is helpful for anchors and hop turns in tight spaces.

Touring efficiency

At roughly 990–1,300 g per ski (length dependent), the MTN 91 Carbon is efficient uphill and calm on firm traverses. You get a nice stability‑to‑weight ratio for big vert.

Construction and sustainability

Full Karuba wood core: light yet dependable.
Carbon reinforcement + Titanal binding plate: boosts edge grip and precision on ice.
Cork Damplifier in the tip: reduces vibration in choppy, wind‑affected snow.
Recycled content in topsheet/base, made in Austria.

Specs and what they mean

Rocker profile (tip ~18% / camber / tail ~9%): easier turn entry and release, a touch more float, and forgiveness in tricky snow.
Widths (e.g., 174 cm: 124–91–110 mm): narrow waist = quick edge changes; slightly wider tip = confident initiation.
Turn radius (e.g., 18 m @174): favors medium to long arcs and stability over short‑turn twitchiness.
Weight (about 1,200 g @174): noticeable efficiency on the climb and reduced fatigue on big days.
Available lengths: 150/158/166/174/182 cm, with dimensions and radius scaling appropriately.

Who is it for (and what length)?

Ideal for intermediate to advanced tourers seeking a one‑ski touring quiver: long approaches, spring snow, mixed conditions, and technical lines.
Sizing: technical terrain/kick‑turns often = height minus 5–10 cm; want more stability/float = go true‑to‑size. The 174 feels like the sweet spot for skiers around 175–185 cm.

Binding and setup advice

Pure touring: Salomon MTN Pure or MTN Summit 9/12 for minimal weight.
Mixed resort/touring: S/LAB Shift 13 brings alpine retention and feel but adds notable weight.

Comparisons

Blizzard Zero G 95: stiffer and more demanding with superior edge hold at speed; MTN 91 is smoother and more forgiving.
Atomic Backland 95: similarly light and playful in soft snow, but less composed on ice.
Black Crows Orb Freebird: a touch heavier and more powerful; the Salomon is lighter and easier to steer.
Dynastar M‑Tour 90: more uphill‑oriented and lighter; the Salomon feels damper on the descent.

Key takeaways

Grip per gram: standout edge hold for the weight.
All‑round touring character: efficient up, trustworthy down.
Best at medium‑length turns and mixed conditions; not a charger or deep‑pow tool.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What length should I choose for the Salomon MTN 91 Carbon?
A: For technical touring, go 5–10 cm below body height. For more stability and float, choose around your height. The 174 suits many skiers ~175–185 cm.

Q: Is the MTN 91 Carbon good for newer tourers?
A: Yes, if you’re confident on blue/red pistes. It’s light and forgiving, but rewards solid technique on firm snow.

Q: How does it perform in powder?
A: Manageable up to roughly 20–25 cm with a neutral stance. For deeper days, look to the MTN 96 Carbon or QST 98 for added float.

Q: Which bindings pair best?
A: For touring efficiency, MTN Pure or Summit. For hybrid resort days, the S/LAB Shift 13 adds alpine performance at a weight penalty.