Best All-Mountain Skis For 2022-2023 - Mpora

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Best All-Mountain Skis For 2022-2023

Dreaming of that one ski quiver? Here's our pick of the best all-mountain skis for 2022-2023

Choosing the best all-mountain ski can be a tricky task to say the least. ‘The single ski quiver’, ‘the quiver killer ski’ and ‘the one-ski-that-rules-them-all’; All-mountain skis are frequently bigged-up by ski brands as the only ski you’ll ever need in your life.

“All-mountain skis are easily the most versatile skis out there”

Featuring a moderate waist width, varying use of both tip and tail rocker and an approachable flex rating, all-mountain skis are easily the most versatile skis out there: the kind you reach for when you’re unaware of the conditions that may be coming your way. This versatility makes all-mountain skis the closest ski you can get to that dream one ski quiver.

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Best All-Mountain Skis For 2022 – 2023

Firstly, here’s a bit of a dive into the features to look out for when making your next all-mountain ski purchase:

Ski Widths Explained
How To Choose The Right Ski Length
Ski Shapes Explained
Ski Camber and Rocker Explained

Camber

Giving the ski heaps of bite in firm snow, camber is quite simply an all-mountain skis best friend. This grip has been achieved thanks to a rise in the ski which starts underfoot and stretches to the tips and tails. The rise means that when the ski is weighted (flexed), it will have an even distribution of weight throughout the whole length of the ski rather than exclusively at its midpoint.

The use of camber can vary massively between all-mountain skis. Expect to find 1 mm – 6 mm of camber on a pair of all-mountain skis, blended in with rocker both in the tips and tails, which we’ll touch on next.

Rocker

Rocker is essential the opposite to camber. It’s the upwards curve into the ski profile, usually in the tips and tails. By rising the tips and tails up off the snow, it means that the tips don’t have a tendency to ‘tip-dive’ into fresh snow even when the skier is driving the tips. 

On top of this, rocker also shortens the contact length of the edges, making the skis easier to turn in fresh, whereas a ski without rocker might just sink / plough through the fresh snow. 

“If you’re in the market for an all-mountain ski, then we’d suggest looking for skis that use a subtle bit of rocker”

Fully ‘rockered’ skis will have minimal contact points on the snow, as the tips and tails are heavily raised above the surface. This makes for an extremely manoeuvrable ski at the cost of bite on firm snow. If you’re in the market for an all-mountain ski, then we’d suggest looking for skis that use a subtle bit of rocker both in the tips and tails, and reserve the heavily rockered profiles for your powder boards.

Camber/Rocker Mix

It’s common, or even the norm, to see Rocker-Camber-Rocker blends in all-mountain ski designs these days. Take a look out for our ski profile shots found within each ski review to see how much camber and rocker the ski in question carries. This blend combines all the good stuff of camber and rocker together to create an extremely versatile rocker profile.

Sidecut

Presented by brands as  ‘120 / 95 / 115’ this figure shows the width of the tips (first number), waist (second number), and tail (third number) in millimetres. When combined (also taking the amount of tapering into account), the sidecut also gives the radius (in metres) of the ski in question.

This radius is the distance the ski would travel to make a turn, if you were to put it on edge and follow the shape that the sidecut creates. For example, the set of numbers in the paragraph above represent a radius of 25 metres for 180cm ski. 

All-mountain skis with a longer radius are stable at speed through long turns, while skis with a shorter radius are easier to turn, and to create shorter snappier turns.

Width

It’s important to take the waist width of an all-mountain ski into account as the more surface area you’re carrying underfoot, the more chance you have of floating through fresh snow. On the flip side, smaller waist widths have more bite on firm snow as power from your boot can be directly driven to the edges of the skis.

The waist width of a ski will give you a very rough understanding of what the ski is most suited towards. In modern skis, widths of 80 – 110mm are great for all-mountain riding. This does, however, depend on where you’re riding. If you’re in BC then you’re going to favour a wider all-mountain ski, but if you’re usually skiing on the East Coast, then you’ll most likely favour a narrower all-mountain ski.

Waist widths of 110mm + become a little more focused towards powder riding.

K2 Mindbender 99Ti

Why we chose the K2 Mindbender 99Ti: Powerful, damp, versatile
Best For: Railing long turns both on and off the piste
Sidecut: 134 / 99 / 120 (184 cm)
Radius: 18.6m (184 cm)
Weight (per ski): 2,200g

The Mindbender range have consistently been some of our favourite skis in the Mpora offices. In fact, they’ve kind of become part of the furniture round here. This is largely thanks to their combination of an all-mountain platform and titanal power, something that makes them an extremely versatile pair of skis that can take on a wide range of conditions with very little speed limit.

Who Is The K2 Mindbender 99Ti For?

We didn’t think it was possible but the tweaks that K2 has made to this rocket of a ski have made them even more of a blast to ski. While previous iterations of the Mindbender range were a touch on the demanding side, the updates have made this years’ skis intuitive and snappy. They’ve also opened up the possibilities when it comes to varying your turn radius with little effort.

If you’ve not yet had a chance to take the Mindbender 99Ti for a blast then I’d definitely recommend you get yourself clicked into a pair this winter. They’re Jack of all trades, master of, well…, surprisingly quite a bit.

Selected for the 2022 – 2023 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full K2 Mindbender 99Ti review here.

Faction Mana 2

Why we chose the Faction Mana 2: Playful, ‘chargey’, durable
Best For: Ripping across the entire mountain
Lengths (cm): 166, 173, 178, 183 & 188
Sidecut: 131 / 102 / 127 (183 cm)
Radius: 20m (183 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,880g

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So it’s out with the old and in with the new for Faction this winter. With the departure of Candide from Faction, the Swiss-based freeski champs have given their previous playful chargers – the CTs – a bit of an overhaul.

In terms of these skis, the Faction Mana 2, they’re blending a 102 mm waist width with a newschool mount location and damp construction to provide an extremely powerful all-mountain ski that’s happy charging across the entire mountain.

Who Is The Faction Mana 2 For?

The CT 2, and the whole CT range for that matter, left a huge hole in Faction’s quiver, so it’s great to see a progressive new range moving in to define this category. We found the Mana 2 to provide an extremely confidence inspiring ride across the whole mountain with very little speed limit. The skis could tackle chopped up snow, rail carves on the fresh groomers, all while being an absolute treat in the park. The CT 2 might be dead, but there’s a new kid on the block.

Selected for the 2022 – 2023 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Faction Mana 2 review here.

Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti

Why we chose the Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti: Lightweight, zippy, powerful
Best For: Advanced – expert skiers who are looking for a lightweight build
Sidecut: 133 / 98 / 199 (177 cm)
Radius: 19m (177 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,850g

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The Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti has been built from the same construction as the Scott Pure Pro 109, a product which stole our hearts during last year’s Mpora Ski 100 selection process. The Pure Mission 98 comes with an all-mountain waist width, while a lightweight titanal sandwich construction keeps the skis nimble yet powerful.

If you’re not aware, the Pure range from Scott was born from the influence of freeride legend, Jeremie Heitz, who was after a range of skis that could stand up to his style of skiing on some of the steepest faces on earth (and not hold him back while he ascended these far-flung peaks).

Who Is The Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti For?

So, how does all of this translate to on-snow feel then? Well, we were out in Austria in a real mixed bag of conditions and the Pure Mission 98s performed incredibly well throughout that process (especially when you consider the relatively low weight of 1,830 grams per ski). This weight allowed us to slash and throw the skis around at will, while the strengthened construction meant they could comfortably hold their own throughout a range of snow conditions.

Selected for the 2022 – 2023 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti review here.

Elan Ripstick 96

Why we chose the Elan Ripstick 96: Versatile, light, powerful
Best For: All-mountain skiing with a hard snow bias
Sidecut: 136 /  96 / 110  (180 cm)
Radius: 18m (180cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,650g (180cm)

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Already established as one of the most popular all-mountain skis on the market since its redesign last season, the Ripstick is ready to charge and conquer even the most difficult conditions (something which its competitors struggle to grasp). Elan have mixed together vital components in a well performing, predictable, ski and packaged them inside a 96 waist ski that will never feel too wide for the piste, nor too narrow for the softer stuff.

Who Is The Elan Ripstick 96 For

It is certainly not outside the realms of possibility to attach a hike and ride binding to this ski, and get on some early morning tours. It is light enough to efficiently glide up the snow on the way up, and is well-suited to charging through that snow on the way back down.

The Ripstick 96 is one of the best all-mountain skis we’ve been on this season, and we believe it will continue to stay unchallenged at the top of its category moving forward. Why? Because no ski really tackles the varying terrain of the alps as good as this. Seriously, try it. You’ll not be disappointed

Selected for the 2022 – 2023 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Elan Ripstick 96 review here.

Blizzard Brahma 88

Why we chose the Blizzard Brahma 88: Powerful, damp, fun
Best For: Race-like all-mountain ride
Sidecut: 110 / 88 / 128 (177 cm)
Radius: 16m (177 cm)
Weight (per ski): 2,100g

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When it comes to making a pair of metal laminate, traditionally mounted directional skis, it’s fair to say that, more often than not, Austrian-based Blizzard comes out top trumps. Their Cochise could easily be seen as a class-defining freeride all-mountain ski, while these, the Blizzard Brahma 88, absolutely boss the sub-90 mm all-mountain category.

Who Is The Blizzard Brahma 88 For?

So, the Brahma name lives on in this updated all-mountain ski. The ski has quickly become the class-leading ski in the sub-90 mm class, and it’s easy to see why. Blizzard have brought in a few handy updates to make the skis a touch more forgiving, which we like to see.

Although Blizzard are looking to make the Brahma appeal to a wider range of skiers with these updates, these things are still more than capable of taking everything you can throw their way. They’ll also send a tonne of energy straight back at you, which is cool.

Selected for the 2022 – 2023 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Blizzard Brahma 88 review here.

Line Pandora 94

Why we chose the Line Pandora 94: Playful, lightweight, sick topsheets
Best For: Women’s-specific all-mountain ski
Sidecut: 131 / 94 / 117
Radius: 14.5m
Weight (per ski): 1491g

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Line skis are renowned for creating playful, flexible, lightweight skis that can charge all over the mountain in variable conditions. The Pandora 94 certainly ticks all of these boxes and is yet another one of the brand’s excellent designs. Developed by big mountain pro skier Hadley Hammer, the Pandora series is available in four different widths. There’s an 84, a 94, a 104 and a 110. All type of female skiers catered for? Yes, you could say that.

Who Is The Line Pandora 94 For?

The Pandora 94 would be a great option for a carefree springtime touring ski when you are feeling the spring slush and playful atmosphere; the skis are also ideal for playful side hits and shredding around the resort. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, the Line Pandora 94s might just be your next ski.

Selected for the 2022 – 2023 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Line Pandora 94 review here.

Head Oblivion 94

Best For: Park-focused shredding
Sidecut: 128 / 94 / 118 (184 cm)
Radius: 22.8m (184 cm)

The Oblivion is back. Head has retired the legendary Caddy line and replaced it with an all-new and updated Oblivion series of skis that come in a waist widths of 79 and 84 while these 94 mm skis sit as the widest in the range.

The Head Oblivion 94s have been designed with the sole aim of providing an extremely playful ride across the entire mountain and, after taking these skis for a blast in the Austrian Alps, we can say they’ve hit the nail on the head.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Head Oblivion 94 review here.

Line Blade

Best For: Ear-to-ear grinning
Sidecut: 154 / 95 / 124 (176 cm)
Radius: Tight

The Line Blade is unlike many skis we’ve tested before. Its 154 millimetre shovel, super tight turn radius and powerful metal laminate make it a hallmark ski for cutting clean lines across the mountain. Line’s aim when designing this ski was to put fun and playfulness back into resort skiing, and we can confirm that they’ve hit the nail slap bang on the head.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Line Blade review here.

Black Diamond Impulse 98

Best For: Playful resort ripping
Sidecut: 131 / 98 / 119 (175 cm)
Radius: 16m (175 cm)

The new Impulse range from Black Diamond has been brought in to replace the old and, quite frankly, dated Boundary range. For those of you who may have spent time on the Boundary will know that those things were pretty stiff which, with their large turning radius, meant they were a pretty demanding ski for the everyday punter.

This is where the Impulse 98 comes in. It’s one of those all-mountain skis that’s been designed to perform well across the entire mountain.

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Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Black Diamond Impulse 98 review here.

Atomic Maverick 100 Ti

Best For: Fantastic blend of metal and clever shaping
Sidecut: 129.5 / 100 / 120 (180 cm)
Radius: 19.2m (180 cm)

Replacing the old Vantage 97Ti, Atomic are claiming that this, the all-new Atomic Maverick 100, is the perfect all-mountain ski for those living in North America, thanks to its ability to cut up groomers, while remaining buoyant and manoeuvrable in the sidecountry. And, given not all of us here in Europe dedicate our lives to staying within the pistes, we could see this also being a great ski for the right kind of European skiers.

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Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Atomic Maverick 100 Ti review here.

Volkl M6 Mantra

Best For: The all-mountain blueprint
Sidecut: 135 / 96 / 119 (177 cm)
Radius: 18m (177 cm)

We’ve been big fans of Volkl’s Mantra shape for many years. If we’re ever at a ski test, there’s a good chance we’ll reach for a pair of Mantras to warm up our legs and dial in our testing heads on these trusty skis.

Don’t just listen to us, either. The shape has quickly been picked up by many advanced to expert skiers – professionals and punters alike – around the world as their go-to all-mountain ski that can tackle just about everything on the mountain, no matter what the mountains decide to throw their way.

Selected for the 21/22 Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Volkl M6 Mantra review here.

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Topics:

All-Mountain Skis Atomic Black Diamond Blizzard Faction Skis Gear Line Skis Nordica Scott Skis Skiiing video Volkl Skis
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