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Best Freeride Skis For 2022-2023 | Big Mountain Skis To Shred The Steep And Deep

Here are the best freeride skis designed to take on everything from powder bowls to alpine couloirs

Finding the best freeride skis for you is your one way ticket to opening up a whole new world of skiing that the confines of piste markers and monotonous corduroy simply cannot match. From the alpine couloirs of the Chamonix valley, to the pillow lines of British Columbia; freeride skis need to be versatile enough to take on just about everything a mountain can throw your way while remaining poised and confident through all conditions.

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This need for versatility means that freeride skis come in a wide range of shapes, lengths and widths that can, more often than not, become a seemingly endless list of skis. It’s always a good idea to have a think about your ability level, budget and, most importantly, where you aspire to spend the most time on the mountain, to first whittle down what type of freeride ski you’re looking for.

How To Choose A Pair Of Freeride Skis

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

 

To give you somewhere to start, our selection of skis feature waist widths of 100 mm and up, all featuring a mix of camber and rocker (both in the tips and tails), and most likely feature a toughened up construction for a confidence-inspiring ride through even the most tricky snow conditions. After testing and reviewing a wide range of freeride skis on the market, here’s our selection of the best freeride skis for this winter.

Best Freeride Skis For 2022-2023


Faction Mana 2

Sidecut (mm): 131 / 102 / 127 (183 cm)
Radius: 20m (183 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,880g
Price: £549

Why we chose the Faction Mana 2: Playful, ‘chargey’, durable

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The all-new Faction Mana 2 replaces the legendary CT series of playful chargers that were sculpted by the king of La Clusaz, Mr Candide Thovex. The Mana slots directly in place of the CT range, doing, more or less, the same job. Sporting a 102 mm freeride-specific waist width, newschool mount location and an impressively damp construction to provide a platform that can charge across the entire mountain.

This build equates to what we’d call a pretty smooth flex, it’s definitely not overly demanding, yet it’s far from soft. You’ve got a relatively soft tip that quickly stiffens up for almost the full length of the ski until the tails soften out again. This flex pattern totally matches the aim to design a symmetrical charger that can take on the lot around the resort.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Faction Mana 2 Review here

Head Kore 105

Sidecut (mm): 135 / 105 / 125 mm (184 cm)
Radius: 17.8m (184 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,895g
Price: £640

Why we chose the Head Kore 105: Playful, stable, durable

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The Head Kore 105 features a 105 mm waist width to provide an extremely versatile platform that can charge through all sorts of freeride and backcountry terrain. Clever use of tip tapering gives the skis an extremely manoeuvrable and playful feel. A slightly less tapered tail helps to keep the skis locked on edge when you’re skiing on firmer snow.

While previous Kore skis had made use of the honeycomb shaped Koroyd, the updated Kore skis now feature layers of fibreglass and carbon laminates for a more traditional construction. Last year’s Polyester topsheet has been replaced by a Polyamid topsheet to increase durability

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Head Kore 105 Review here

K2 Mindbender 108 Ti

Lengths (cm): 172, 179, 186, 193
Sidecut (mm): 136 / 108 / 125
Radius: 22.9m (186 cm)
Price: £650 / €715 / $750

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The K2 MIndbender 108 Ti combines a contoured sheet of titanal with creative shaping to create a ski that’s powerful when you need it to be, yet is still more than capable of keeping things loose and pivotable for 3D snow and quick slashes. If you think the Scott Pure 109Ti might be slightly too stiff or powerful for you, then the Mindbender 108 Ti is a nice step down.

We tested the Mindbender 108 Ti in Austria and found they offered a bucket load of power and stability for intermediate to expert riders looking to explore the entire mountain. The Mindbender 108 would be a great pair of skis for someone who loves to charge around the mountain, while seeking out fresh powder spots when the fresh snow arrives.

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Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full K2 Mindbander 108Ti Review here


Scott Pure 109Ti

Lengths (cm): 182, 190
Sidecut (mm): 142 / 109 / 128 (190 cm)
Radius: 23m (190 cm)
Price: £590 / €650

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The Scott Pure 109Ti has been designed from the ground up by none other than the freeride skiing legend, Jeremie Heitz. Jeremie’s main goal when designing the Pure 109Ti was to have a single ski that he reached for in his garage that’s able to take on everything from steep high alpine Himalayan faces, to tree runs at his home resort in Switzerland.

Our test team was blown away by the rowdy spirit of the Pure Pro 109Ti while blasting them around Damuls, Austria. The skis felt like a true pair of chargers that were super stiff and powerful. We were throwing them off every bit of terrain in sight and the Pure Pro 109Ti barely flinched.

At 1,850 grams (for a 182 cm), the Scott Pure 109Ti would make an ideal big mountain touring ski as much as they would a freeride-specific resort focused ski. This combination of a relatively low weight and uber-responsive ride means that they will want to be piloted by a pair of capable legs. That goes without saying though; these are Jeremie Heitz’ skis after all.

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Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Scott Pure Pro 109Ti Review here

Armada ARV 106

Sidecut (mm): 134 / 106 / 124 (180 cm)
Radius: 20.5M (180 cm)
Weight (per ski): 2,125g (180 cm)
Price: £540

Why we chose the Armada ARV 106: All-mountain ripping, no matter the conditions

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The Armada ARV 106 is a freestyle ski with a freeride spirit. Featuring Armada’s own Smear Tech edgeless base, beveling in tip and tail, enhances soft snow performance and adds additional release. The core is made of poplar and ash, to help give the ski a decent amount of pop and playfulness.

There have been no changes to the shape of the ski from the previous model of last season, which saw a narrower tip and tail for improved stability while tracking through chopped up snow. This also gave the ski a larger turning radius (20 metres at 180 cm) which helps when charging down the mountain.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Armada ARV 106 Review here

Blizzard Hustle 10

Sidecut (mm): 132.6 / 102 / 122.5 (180 cm)
Radius: 17.5m (180 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1800g

Why we chose the Blizzard Hustle 10: Lightweight yet powerful, maximum fun

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Blizzard has hustled hard to create a ski that can hustle just as hard as you. Want to be the first to the summit on the pow day and have some skis worth skiing on the way down? These are the skis for you. Need a touring ski that can even handle alpine bindings? Get these on your list.

The Hustle 10 is the cream of the crop for backcountry freeride skiers. Energetic, responsive, and light, you could ski these all-day and all-night. Boasting a friendly 102 underfoot, and a versatile sidecut as well, the Hustle 10 will be ready for any day no matter the conditions or the type of skiing you’re doing.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Blizzard Hustle 10 Review here

Dynastar M-Free 90

Why we chose the Dynastar M-Free 90: Lightweight, playful, stable

Sidecut (mm): 122 / 90 / 112
Radius: 20m (177 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,500g
Price: £450

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The M-Free 90 is a new ski looking to appeal to the freeride and freestyle groms of today. Now Dynastar doesn’t hold many titles when it comes to park and pipe but they have been smashing the freeride and all-mountain scene since basically time began. There’s no doubt they make quality skis and the new M-Free 90 is no exception on that front. Designed for people who really do just want to be free to cruise through the park or make their own jump line down the slopes, this ski can handle it all.

Designed with weight and agility in mind, the M-Free 90 is easy to chuck about and put where you want when you need to. The core is made out of paulownia which is about 15% lighter than the more common poplar wood core. This core is then reinforced with a fibreglass torsion box and has a full sidewall construction to help provide more stability and rigidness.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Dynastar M-Free 90 Review here

Line Blade Optic 104

Sidecut (mm): 132 / 104  / 123
Radius: 19m
Weight (per ski): 1,890g
Price: £610

Why we chose the Line Blade Optic 104: Powerful, versatile, fun 

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The Line brand marketing team is unquestionably one of the finest in the ski game but does the talent of  their engineers match up to the hype cooked up by their promotional team? We, here at Mpora, reckon it totally does.

There are four skis in the Blade Optic Collection coming in at widths of 92, 96, 104, and 114mm. All of them have their uses but this 104 covers the all-mountain freeride category. I’ve witnessed, through my very own eyes, talented Line Team member and New Zealander, Ben Richards go to town on these bad boys (day in, day out).  Claiming the title as the most versatile ski in the range, the 104 covers all corners, crevasses and couloirs of the mountain. It’s the business.

So, who should ride the 104 Blade Optic? Well it would be easier to answer who shouldn’t quite frankly. From parks rat to Mr. Slalom, these skis cater to a wide range of skiers on the mountain. The Blade is made for people who want to rip the whole resort and don’t want to be slowed down by their skis. A great ski covering a great deal of skiing. Line’s really done something special here.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Line Blade Optic 104 Review here

Renoun Citadel 106

Sidecut (mm): 136 / 106 / 126
Radius: 18m
Weight (per ski): 1,635g
Price: $999

Why we chose the Renoun Citadel 106: Innovative, lightweight, damp 

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Founded in March 2011, Renoun have quickly become known for producing carbon skis with anti-vibration technology built in to help fight off the unwanted ‘tinniness’ feeling carbon produces We’ll get stuck into all the technical nitty gritty in just a moment, but VibeStop, Renoun claims, “absorbs unwanted ski vibration for a more controlled, enjoyable ride.”

The Mpora test crew didn’t quite understand why this construction technique was being brought into the 88 mm waisted piste-focused Endurance ski, as why use the lightweight, snappy properties of carbon when you can use metal for lift-served skiing? But when it’s applied to a 106 mm waisted freeride ski, you’re left with a pair of skis that are impressively damp on the downhill and which come in at a phenomenally low weight.

Who Is The Renoun Citadel 106 For?

Coming in at a weight of 1,635 grams per ski, the Citadel 106 is one of the lightest freeride skis we tested last season. We were left pleasantly surprised at how well the Citadel 106 managed to handle a mixture of conditions, at a range of speeds.

It’s certainly a ski you’d want to try before you buy, but if you’re looking for a lightweight directional charger then you no longer have to stick with the metal laminate skis. Renoun has made carbon a serious choice in this category.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Renoun Citadel 106 Review here

Rossignol Sender 104 Ti

Sidecut (mm): 138 / 104  / 128
Radius: 21m (186 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,900g
Price: £635

Why we chose the Rossignol Sender 104 Ti: Sendy, nimble, powerful 

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Sporting a mixture of metal, carbon and fibreglass, and featuring a pretty interesting tip and tail construction, Rossignol have delivered the Senders to do one thing and one thing only: “Send”.  Signed, sealed and delivered, these skis feature an impressive blend of power and low weight meaning you’ll be able to confidently take on a variety of terrain.

If you’re looking at buying this ski then you want to make sure you can use it. It’ll be great on piste but if that’s all you’re using it for then it’d be like buying a Porsche and driving around your local Tesco car parking lot. As cool as you think you might look doing this, everyone will know you don’t know where the sport button is.

The Sender hasn’t been designed for track days, but they have been designed for ripping across the entire mountain. A true all-mountain ski this, it’s definitely worthy of your time and consideration if you reckon you’ve got what it takes.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Rossignol Sender 104 Ti Review here

Salomon QST Stella 106

Sidecut (mm): 137 / 106 / 124 mm (165cm length)
Radius: 17m  (165 cm)
Weight (per ski): 1,810g (165cm)
Price: £630

Why we chose the Salomon QST Stella 106: Powerful, versatile, stable

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Salomon has a rich history when it comes to creating and inventing ski and adventure gear. The Salomon family ski workshop was first established in 1947 in Annecy, France, and has grown and evolved into an impressive innovative brand that’s now at the forefront of ski development and technology. This is evident, in particular, with Salomon’s QST range of freeride skis, boots and bindings.

Who Is Salomon QST Stella 106 For?

With a few changes made to the already fantastic shape and form of last year’s model, his year’s model is something special. There’s clear signs of that obvious attention to detail, quality and performance everywhere you look. This is the perfect ski for intermediate to advanced female skiers who are looking for an all-mountain ski with a big mountain bias.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Salomon QST Stella 106 Review here

Nordica Unleashed 108

Sidecut (mm): 141 / 108 / 130 (186 cm)
Radius: 19.7m (186 cm)
Weight (per ski): 2,120g (186cm)
Price: £820

Why we chose the Nordica Unleashed 108: Powerful, floaty, damp

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Here’s a ski that’s tailored towards a more modern style of freeskier than its predecessor, the Soul Rider. Nordica aren’t usually known for building the most playful and fun planks of wood on the market, yet this ski seemingly flies in the face of that. This freeride ski has its eyes set on the boots of skiers who are looking to maximise performance on the most impressive terrain in the mountains, as well as those shredders who want to snake their way through tight, tree-infested, forests at lower altitudes.

Although it is offered in narrower waist widths, the Unleashed 108 has an incredible ability to turn in a nimble fashion when needed. It is certainly the tool you want to have on your feet if you ever find yourself heading into the unknown.

The Unleashed series is the go-to quiver weapon for anyone seeking to take on the terrain, and not sacrifice on-piste performance as a pay off. Attached to a pair of alpine or attached to a pair of hike and ride bindings, these planks can be a perfect match for either. There’s certainly an emphasis on downhill performance with the ski, so the only thing we wouldn’t consider this product for is a very long touring day.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Nordica Unleashed 108 Review here

Black Crows Atris Birdie

Lengths (cm): 160, 169 & 178
Sidecut (mm): 136 / 108 / 123
Radius: 20m at 169cm
Price: £590 / €690 / $840

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Similar to the Atris (just lighter and a little more flexible than its unisex counterpart), the Atris Birdie is Black Crow’s answer for a big mountain women’s specific ski. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s the ski of choice for iconic freeride queen Michelle Parker. The Atris Birdie works perfectly as a women’s freeride ski that’s made for wide open powder fields. We found the Atis Birdie offers confidence in steeper technical terrain, chopped up snow or narrower tree runs.

Predominantly made for those deep days, due to its consistent flex, rapid edging and moderate ski to snow contact, if you find yourself with a lack of soft snow or you’re taking an afternoon for some piste skiing it’s not going to throw you around as much as you might think. Fast, powerful and still playful, this ski can take you everywhere.

Selected for the Mpora Ski 100. Check out our full Black Crows Atris Birdie Review here

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