Best Intermediate Skis of 2026

Intermediate-level skis hit a sweet spot: strong enough for carving but reasonably light and easy to control. They’re a great match for a wide swath of skiers, from those who can confidently link turns on most groomed terrain to fast learners progressing their snow skills. Additionally, these mid-range designs have appeal for lifelong skiers who prefer relaxed cruising over a more aggressive style. Below, we break down our favorite intermediate skis for the season, including our top recommendation, the Atomic Bent 90, along with skis designed for carving, freestyle, and slashing powder.  For more information on selecting the right ski, refer to our comparison table and buying advice.

Editor’s note: We updated this guide on January 6, 2026, to revamp our list with new models. We also included details about our testing process and swept the guide to ensure all information was current at the time of publication. Lastly, we introduced a section called “tested & dismissed,” which mentions models that we’ve tested in the past but have chosen to remove from our list of recommendations.
 

Our Team's Intermediate Ski Picks

• Best Overall Intermediate Ski: Atomic Bent 90
• Best Ski for Progressing Intermediates: Blizzard Rustler 10
• Best Carving Ski for Intermediates: Völkl Mantra 88
• Best Powder Ski for Intermediates: Salomon QST 106
• Best Women’s-Specific Intermediate Ski: 4FRNT MSP CC
• Our Favorite Playful Intermediate Ski: J Skis The Allplay
• Our Other Favorite Intermediate Skis

Best Overall Intermediate Ski

1. Atomic Bent 90 ($550)

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Dimensions: 119-90-109mm (175cm)
Other widths: 85, 100, 110mm
What we like: An extremely versatile ski that’s light, easy to turn, and has great all-mountain performance.
What we don’t: The all-wood core sacrifices some stability.

Atomic’s Bent line is a classic, tracing its roots to the legendary Bent Chetler powder ski. At the narrower, all-mountain end of the spectrum is the Bent 90, which is an extremely approachable ski that appeals to emerging intermediates all the way up to seasoned freeriders. The secret sauce is its lightweight construction, easy-to-drive nature, and versatile profile and waist width that excel in most snow conditions. On groomed runs, the rockered tip and tail require minimal effort to initiate and release from a turn, but there's plenty of camber underfoot for reliable edge grip to carve your way down the hill. With no metal in the construction and a poplar wood core, the ski is lightweight and playful—great attributes for those dipping their toes into the trees or soft snow. Tack on an approachable price, and the Bent 90 is a standout all-rounder for intermediates.

The Bent 90 is a great option for on- and off-trail skiers who prioritize turnability, control, and a low weight, but the lack of metal in the ski’s core will be a limiting factor for more aggressive riders. The Bent can feel skittish at high speeds, and the low weight means it can get knocked around in chopped-up or firm conditions. If you have ambitions of laying down GS-style turns or blasting through crud, a sturdier design like the Völkl Mantra 88 (great for groomers) or Blizzard Rustler 10 (a wider all-mountain ripper) below is a better option. But those cons arguably apply more to advanced or expert-level skiers. As a first “real” pair of skis, the Bent 90’s highly versatile nature and reasonable cost make it hard to beat.
See the Atomic Bent 90

Best Ski for Progressing Intermediates

2. Blizzard Rustler 10 ($850)

Ability level: Intermediate to expert
Dimensions: 134-102-123mm (180cm)
Other widths: 96 (Rustler 9), 112mm (Rustler 11)
What we like: An excellent do-everything ski that’s stable on hardpack, floats in soft snow, and plows through crud.
What we don’t: Not as forgiving or easy to drive as the Bent.

The intermediate category is wide-ranging, and for more aggressive riders committed to progressing their skills—on both groomed runs and in soft snow—the Blizzard Rustler 10 is a fantastic choice. Revamped last season with greater precision and stability, the latest Rustler can charge on hardpack thanks to Titanal in the tip, tail, and perimeter, as well as a relatively long effective edge. However, it’s also impressively light and has enough flex to make slow, cruisey turns feel smooth and intuitive. Off-trail, the Rustler 10 floats nicely in boot-top powder and is nimble enough through the trees. Additionally, the women’s version of the ski, the Blizzard Sheeva 10, has a similar build and performance to its unisex counterpart, with recent updates including a slightly lighter, more flexible construction (not to mention a beautiful topsheet).

Despite its approachability, the Rustler 10 is not a beginner ski and requires a strong driver in the bumps and chop. It’s also a wide design, measuring 102 millimeters at the waist (a significant 12mm more than our top-rated Bent 90), and can feel ungainly in tight spots if you’re not skiing with confidence. And then there's the price: $800 is the going rate of a top-quality ski these days, and the Rustler has a high-performance threshold, but it’s still a significant investment within the intermediate category. 
Read more: Blizzard Rustler 10 review
Read more: Blizzard Sheeva 10 review
See the Blizzard Rustler 10  See the Women's Blizzard Sheeva 10

Best Carving Ski for Intermediates

3. Völkl Mantra 88 ($850)

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Dimensions: 129-88-113mm
Other widths: 96, 102, 108mm
What we like: Extremely smooth on groomers with a great balance of stiffness and control.
What we don’t: Narrow for areas with significant snowfall.

Skiers on the East Coast and those who mostly stick to groomed trails out West will find a lot to love with the Völkl Mantra 88 (formerly known as the Kendo 88) and its women’s-specific counterpart, the Secret 88 (which replaces the Kenja 88). Although this popular ski has been criticized in the past for being stiff and unforgiving, Völkl addressed this with the current version. They now tailor the Titanal (metal) content in the ski to length, so longer skis have more Titanal and are therefore stiffer, heavier, and better-suited to bigger, more powerful skiers. Meanwhile, shorter lengths have less Titanal, which makes them lighter and easier to handle for smaller, lighter, or less powerful riders (great for intermediates). And on a groomed trail, the Mantra and Secret are an absolute treat, reacting quickly to inputs, holding a reliable edge, and offering a satisfying amount of pop between turns.

While the Mantra offers some all-mountain versatility with its relatively wide shovel and early rise in the tip and tail, it’s best suited for those who primarily ski groomed trails. Despite having a similar waist width to the Bent 90, the Mantra 88 has a more buttoned-down construction that can’t match those skis’ light, surfy personalities. That said, the Mantra 88 is hard to top for frontside performance at just about any speed. If you live in an area with relatively low annual snowfall or anticipate putting in most of your time on trail—and want a ski that you can grow into and perfect your carving technique—the Mantra 88 is a top choice.
See the Völkl Mantra 88  See the Women's Völkl Mantra 88

Best Powder Ski for Intermediates

4. Salomon QST 106 ($800)

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Dimensions: 139-106-126mm (181cm)
Other widths: 92, 98mm
What we like: An all-mountain powder ski that excels off-piste.
What we don’t: Too wide for those who mainly stick to groomed runs. 

Transitioning from a carving specialist to a powder hound, Salomon’s QST 106 has been a longtime favorite of ours in the soft stuff. If you’re based in the Western U.S. and seeking a single ski that spans the all-mountain and powder ski categories, look no further. The QST is constructed with a poplar wood core, featuring a layer of woven carbon and flax to add stability and dampness while maintaining a lightweight. Additionally, a Titanal insert underfoot enhances power transfer and edge-to-edge control when carving turns on firm snow. The result: A ski that’s a blast in fresh pow, can power through crud, and will hold its edge if you drop onto a slope that’s firmer than you were expecting. To sum it up, the QST can serve as a powder ski if you already have a narrower go-to for groomer days, or it can be your daily driver if you’re consistently skiing fresh snow.

Of course, with a 106-millimeter waist, this ski won’t offer the same edge-to-edge performance as a narrower design, such as the Völkl Mantra. Additionally, while the QST is appropriate for advanced intermediate skiers, it’s too much ski for those who are just beginning to venture off-trail. 
See the Salomon QST 106

Best Women’s-Specific Intermediate Ski

5. 4FRNT MSP CC ($789)

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Dimensions: 132-99-121mm (165cm)
Other widths: 91, 107mm (unisex)
What we like: Intuitive feel is confidence-inspiring regardless of ability level.
What we don’t: Limited to Western U.S. frontside slopes.

A popular women’s-specific design, 4FRNT’s MSP CC is a daily driver that performs at its best on groomed runs and when you’re dipping on and off the trail. The “CC” in the name stands for Contour Core technology: 4FRNT included a small stabilizer toward the rear of the ski to match how most women generate power through a turn (via their hips), compared to men, who typically drive from the torso. This makes it easier to apply pressure to the ski's shovel, allowing riders to initiate turns more easily and with greater control. Combined with a layer of Titanal on each side of the wood core and a relatively short turn radius (15.8m for the 165cm length), the MSP CC offers lively and intuitive performance that inspires confidence throughout the entire mountain. And speaking of the wood core, 4FRNT switched from light and snappy poplar to a combination of aspen and maple, resulting in a noticeable boost in stability and control while still maintaining great responsiveness.

Given the 4FRNT MSP CC’s broad appeal and loyal following, we wish it were offered in more lengths. To be clear, the current sizing options (159, 165, or 171cm) cover a decent range, but adding a couple more lengths in the mid to upper 170s and low 150s would better accommodate tall and short riders, respectively. It’s also worth noting that the CC model here is only made with a 99-millimeter waist, although the unisex MSP (without the women’s-specific core technology) is sold in widths down to 91 millimeters for those who spend most of their time on trail. 
See the Women's 4FRNT MSP CC  See the 4FRNT MSP 99

Our Favorite Playful Intermediate Ski

6. J Skis The Allplay ($769)

Ability level: Intermediate to expert
Dimensions: 122-97-118mm
Other widths: 90 (The Joyride), 104mm (The Vacation)
What we like: A super playful ski that’s been updated for improved carving performance.
What we don’t: Limited-edition skis sell out quickly; not built for hard charging.

Like many skiers, we’ve been fans of J Skis’ The Allplay for years and especially love the ski’s playfulness all over the mountain (hence its name)—in the park, on natural terrain features, and surfing or smearing in soft snow. The second ski company founded by Jason Levinthal (he also started Line Skis), this unique, relatively new brand focuses on small batches of limited-edition, eye-catching topsheets created in collaboration with artists. Once the season’s offerings are sold, they’re unavailable until the following year (or gone forever). J Skis offers three collections (for charging, playing, and touring) that include nine different models, plus a ski blade, which is a category and topic all its own. Within the “Play” collection, the brand’s flagship ski, The Allplay, sits at the center with a middle-of-the-road 97-millimeter waist. 

Intermediate through advanced skiers who truly love to smear, slide, and surf rather than charge will have little to complain about with The Allplay. This is a premium ski constructed with a maple wood core, aspen at the tips and tails for reduced swing weight, and fiberglass and carbon fiber that add pop and energy return. And last season, J Skis tweaked the design with a slightly narrower waist and refined profile to improve the ski’s on-piste performance. That said, if you’re more focused on dialing in your carving technique, want a ski that can hold a solid edge, and prefer to keep chatter to a minimum, it’s best to look to the other options on our list.
See the J Skis The Allplay

Our Other Favorite Intermediate Skis
 

For the Dedicated Skier

7. Nordica Enforcer 94 ($800)

Ability level: Intermediate to expert
Dimensions: 127.5-94-115.5mm (179cm)
Other widths: 89, 99, 104mm
What we like: Stable at speed and confidence-inspiring in a wide range of conditions.
What we don’t: Requires a confident skier at the helm.

A Switchback favorite, Nordica’s Enforcer and women’s-specific Santa Ana are both currently ranked at the top of our all-mountain ski guides. Those with an eye for identifying topsheet designs in the lift line can attest that they’re all over the hill, and for good reason: The skis are poppy and powerful, stable at speed, and provide outstanding grip and control on firm snow. Both the Enforcer and Santa Ana lines offer a range of widths, with sub-90-millimeter options better suited to carving and wider, 100-plus-millimeter skis that feel floatier and more playful in powder. As with many of the skis in this guide, we selected the well-rounded Enforcer 94 as our coast-to-coast pick for intermediates who enjoy both on- and off-trail forays. 

For a high-end ski with a fair amount of metal in the construction, we’ve been happy with the Enforcer’s versatility. Its most recent update removed heavy plastic in the build and extended the wood core into the tip and tail to lighten it and make it easier to turn. For an intermediate rider, this translates to smoother turn initiation, highlighting the skis’ impressively intuitive and predictable nature. That said, this ski requires a confident pilot who’s willing to drive it, especially as you get into more variable snow. Compared to others on this list, such as the Atomic Bent, the Enforcer is a relatively heavy and powerful design that can overwhelm a timid skier. Therefore, we recommend it primarily for quickly progressing intermediates looking for a long-term investment. 
Read more: Nordica Enforcer 94 review
See the Nordica Enforcer 94  See the Women's Nordica Santa Ana 92
 

When Craftsmanship Matters

8. Icelantic Pioneer 86 ($749)

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Dimensions: 121-86-108mm
Other widths: 96, 109mm
What we like: Among the best for bumps and tight turns.
What we don’t: Less versatile out West and pricey for the width (although it’s handmade in CO).

If your ideal winter day involves quick, tight turns and lapping bump lines, the Icelantic Pioneer 86 should be high on your list. This ski is built for frontside power and edge-to-edge control. It’s constructed with a lively poplar core and fiberglass for added stiffness and reduced chatter, as well as steel edges that will prove durable if you’re hitting rails in the park. With a relatively narrow waist and 5 millimeters of camber underfoot, the Pioneer has pop and rebound that come to life in moguls and while carving on firm snow. It’s a nimble ski and an ideal choice for both the East Coast and West Coast frontside, though it’s less stable than the Nordica Enforcer 94 at speed and won’t float off piste as well as a wider and more flexible design.

Icelantic crafts its skis by hand in its shop in Golden, Colorado, and its topsheet designs stand out with beautiful, eye-catching artwork. You do pay a premium, and the length options are limited and more spaced out than we prefer (166, 174, and 182cm). But if you can get a good fit, many will find the high-end look worth the extra cost. Rounding out the Pioneer collection, there are two additional widths: The Pioneer 96 will give you more all-mountain versatility while sacrificing some stability on piste, while the 109-millimeter width will float the best in powder (at the cost of edge-to-edge precision and nimble maneuvering on piste). Finally, Icelantic’s Riveter collection is their women’s-specific all-mountain line with comparable constructions and shape profiles.
See the Icelantic Pioneer 86  See the Women's Icelantic Riveter 85
 

A Classic All-Around Ski

9. Elan Ripstick 96 ($800)

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Dimensions: 133-96-114mm (182cm)
Other widths: 88, 102, 106, 108mm
What we like: Versatile, playful, and more forgiving than the Enforcer 94 and Rustler 10.
What we don’t: Less stable on hardpack and crud than the Enforcer and Rustler.

When it comes to fun and playfulness across the entire mountain, few deliver face-cramping grins better than the Elan Ripstick 96. This ski excels at carving buttery turns in soft snow and can hold its own in boot-top powder (see also: Blizzard’s Rustler 10). Built with a lightweight wood laminate and two carbon tubes in its core, the Ripstick offers power and agility in an incredibly light package—light enough, in fact, to double as a touring ski if you opt for a hybrid binding like the Salomon Shift. Unique to the Ripstick, dedicated left and right skis are shaped with camber on the inside and rocker on the outside, providing a buttery feel through each turn. 

As we hinted, these skis closely compare to the Blizzard Rustler, and like that ski, the Ripstick gives you playfulness and springiness at the cost of stability on hard snow and through crud. While these skis carve like a dream on soft groomers and spring corn, they can chatter in firmer conditions. The Rustler is the heavier of the two and feels more planted in general, but the Ripstick will save you $50 and is a boon in most conditions—plus, it now comes in a 102-millimeter width that lines up more closely with the Rustler's dimensions. The 96-millimeter version is also available in a Black Edition model that features a stiffer flex and twice the carbon content of the standard skis, making it better suited for advanced to expert riders.
See the Elan Ripstick 96  See the Women's Elan Ripstick 94
 

Tested & Dismissed Intermediate Skis

With more than a century of combined years on skis, our team has learned when a product either doesn’t belong in a certain category or isn’t worthy of our recommendation. We’ve listed them here along with reasons why they don’t belong on this list. 

We appreciate that the K2 Mindbender 90C is approachable and affordable, but its profile and flex are better suited to beginners. 

The Head Kore 94 is exceptionally light, but our team found that the weight savings translate to a less stable ride than other models with similar prices and profiles. 
 

Intermediate Ski Comparison Table

*Editor's note: Dimensions, turn radius, and weight often vary depending on the length of the ski, and we used the length closest to 180cm (with the exception of the women's-specific 4FRNT MSP CC) for the sake of comparison.
 

About Our Testing Process

We launched this guide in November 2023 to complement our more comprehensive roundup of all-mountain skis. Contributing editor and avid skier Alli Hartz put together our initial list of 13 picks, drawing from years of experience ski guiding and teaching avalanche courses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Snowsports editor Ross Patton took this guide over in 2025, bringing more than 20 years of snow hardgood testing to the table. Our extensive network of freelancers helps fill in the gaps, ensuring we cover the full gamut of riders and snow conditions.

Our current lineup of nine intermediate skis reflects our ongoing testing experiences, firsthand info from testers and gear-savvy friends, and feedback from the online skiing community. When deciding which skis to include on our list, we use specifications such as dimensions and construction to narrow down the models to consider. We then further refine our selection based on factors like stiffness, weight, and turn radius, with many options striking a nice middle ground that appeals to a wide range of skiers. We hit the slopes with as many options as possible, evaluating on-snow performance characteristics such as maneuverability, stability, responsiveness, and playfulness. Ideally, each ski we test is put through its paces in a range of conditions, from deep powder to icy groomers, and many of our favorites can handle most snow types.
 

Intermediate Ski Buying Advice

• Defining Ability Level: What is an Intermediate Skier?
• Intermediate-Level Skis
• Ski Waist Width
• Ski Profile: Camber and Rocker
• Turn Radius (Sidecut)
• Ski Stiffness and Flex
• Ski Weight
• Ski Construction: Materials, Cores, and Laminates
• Choosing Ski Length
• Women’s-Specific Skis
• Tips and Tails
• Boots and Binding
• Ordering Skis Online

Defining Ability Level: What is an Intermediate Skier?

Generally, skier ability levels are categorized into four levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert. However, there aren’t clearly defined distinctions among the groups, and skiers tend to fall somewhere on a sliding scale. Within the intermediate range but closer to the beginner end of the spectrum, an “emerging” intermediate skier is someone who can link parallel turns of varying sizes (short, medium, long) and ski in control on all green and most blue runs. This category can also include skiers who are confident on blue runs, use the pole planting technique most of the time, and can piece their way down bump (mogul) lines.
 

Moving toward the more advanced end of the spectrum, a “progressing” intermediate skier is someone who can do all of the above and also link parallel turns in shallow powder or other ungroomed snow, adjust their technique on steeper terrain or moderate moguls, and effectively pole plant. For clarity, we’ve included an “ability level” spec in the product listings and comparison table. Emerging intermediates will want to avoid a ski that reaches the expert end of the scale (like Blizzard's Rustler), as those designs will likely be too stiff and harder to control, while more aggressive riders will want to steer clear of a ski that crosses over into beginner ski territory.
 

Intermediate-Level Skis

Understandably, intermediates make up a large portion of the resort-skiing public, and the intermediate ski category aims to meet skiers where they are and help them progress. While beginner skis are soft, flexible, and very narrow, this type of ski won’t feel stable enough for an intermediate rider who’s linking parallel turns and learning to ride faster while maintaining control. At the same time, a ski that’s too heavy and rigid will be challenging for an intermediate skier to manage, especially as they venture into a wider variety of terrain. As a result, the best intermediate skis typically land in the middle and strike a balance that’s stable and powerful yet reasonably light, predictable, and easy to turn. Their price also falls in the mid-range, with an MSRP of roughly $500 to $800 (ski bindings are usually not included).
 

Ski Waist Width

Waist width is measured from the center of the ski at its narrowest point and is a key element in honing your search. Within the intermediate ski market, you’ll find options ranging from approximately 75 millimeters up to about 110 (our picks range from 78 to 106mm underfoot), and everything from your skiing style to local terrain and snowfall will dictate your ideal range. It’s also worth noting that many popular lines of skis are made in varying widths. Atomic’s Bent collection, for example, is available in 85, 90, 100, and 110-millimeter widths (plus the 120mm Bent Chetler powder ski), which covers nearly the full gamut of all-mountain styles.
 

For width recommendations, skis on the lower end of the spectrum, such as the Volkl Mantra 88 (88mm underfoot), are best suited for hardpack and firm snow. They’re typically easy to control and grip well in the turns, but are prone to getting bogged down in powder. The 88- to 100-millimeter range is the majority of the intermediate-level all-mountain market. These skis strike a nice balance between flotation for moderate snowfall (depending on the design, up to around 6-10 in. of powder) and reliable on-piste performance. Once you move above 100 millimeters at the waist, you move into the world of powder skis that compromise on-trail grip for excellent surfability and playfulness in the deep stuff. Below are some general recommendations based on terrain and region. For a deeper look at the topic, see our article on Choosing the Right Ski Waist Width.

All-Mountain Groomer Skis: 75mm to 90mm
All-Mountain East Coaster: 80mm to 95mm
Heart of the All-Mountain Range: 88mm to 100mm
All-Mountain Rocky Mountains/West Coaster: 90mm to 105mm
All-Mountain Powder Skis: 100 to 110mm
 

Ski Profile: Camber and Rocker

Another key indicator of performance is a ski’s profile, which is determined by camber and rocker. Camber is a slight arc in a ski that peaks underneath the foot. Visually, this is the part of the ski that is raised off the snow if the unweighted ski is laid flat on the snow surface. The purpose of camber is to help skiers maintain edge control while carving turns. When the cambered ski becomes weighted during the middle of a turn, the ski’s edge grips the snow surface. As the skier exits the turn, the camber helps them pop and propel into the next turn. The more camber a ski has, the more it will pop the skier out of their turn. However, too much camber (without the balance of rocker) will cause skis to feel flat and dead—and will also cause them to nose-dive in soft or choppy snow.
 

Rocker, also known as reverse-camber, is exactly that: camber in reverse, curving downward from the top of the ski instead of upward from the bottom. These days, rocker is most commonly found at a ski’s tip and tail, helping the skier initiate and exit the turn. The raised ends also help the ski float in powder or punch through choppy snow. On the other hand, rocker shortens the amount of the ski’s length that remains in contact with the snow (this is referred to as a ski’s effective edge). Therefore, the more rocker a ski has, the more it sacrifices edge grip.
 

Within the intermediate ski category, most of the skis you’ll find will utilize a mix of camber and rocker. Skis intended for off-trail use will have more rocker, while on-trail-focused designs will have less. For product listings, you will commonly see a ski described as having rocker/camber or rocker/camber/rocker. The former example has rocker in the tip, camber in the middle of the ski, and a flat tail (good for groomed runs and maximizing edge grip), while the latter has a raised tail (better off-trail).
 

Turn Radius (Sidecut)

The rocker/camber section covers the side profile of the ski, while the turn radius (or sidecut) refers to its shape. The measurement is based on the tip, waist, and tail dimensions and is listed in meters. The narrower a ski’s waist is relative to its tip and tail width, the deeper its sidecut and the smaller its turn radius. For example, skis like the 4FRNT MSP CC (15.8m in the 165cm length) are designed for carving small, tight turns and feature an hourglass shape that’s wider at the tip and tail, and much narrower at the waist. This allows for good responsiveness and nimble turning, making it a nice option for skiing bumps, as well.
 

On the other hand, a ski with a more uniform width across its tip, waist, and tail has a shallower sidecut and a longer turn radius. As the radius increases, skis will feel more stable when bombing a run at high speed or when turning through wider, sweeping turns. Models in the intermediate category typically have a short to medium turn radius of around 13 to 19 meters, striking a nice balance between maneuverability and control at speed. 
 

All that said, it's important to note that sidecut doesn’t always perfectly reflect a ski’s personality. Other factors, such as rocker/camber and stiffness, also play a role, but the turn radius number is a valuable piece of the puzzle. Here's how the various radii typically perform:

Carving: Less than 16 meters
All-around: 16-20 meters
Wide and sweeping turns: 20+ meters
 

Ski Stiffness and Flex

A ski’s flex indicates how soft or rigid the ski is through its length and is an important consideration for intermediate skiers. A ski that’s stiffer, more rigid, and less flexible will be more stable at higher speeds and better at blasting through chopped-up snow. That said, these designs likely include metal (usually Titanal) in their construction and are heavier and more difficult for lighter-weight or beginner/intermediate skiers to turn and control in variable conditions. As such, burly skis often fall into the advanced or expert category, though some designs, like the Nordica Enforcer 94, work well for progressing and confident intermediates. 
 

Most intermediate skiers, however, will be better off with a design that lands in the middle in terms of flex. A softer, lighter, and more flexible build—still with enough backbone to allow for you to ramp up speed—offers a good balance of smooth turn-in and control both on and off trail. It won’t have the same top-end stability as a stiff ski, but popular designs like the Atomic Bent 90 hit this desirable middle ground.
 

Ski Weight

An average intermediate-level ski weighs in at about 3.5 to 4 pounds (per ski in a mid-170cm length). For use at the resort, weight is unlikely to be a deciding factor in choosing skis; however, a heavier—and often wider—design can be more challenging for lighter, less powerful skiers to manage. Skis that trend lighter will be easier to drive, turn, and control in tight spaces, such as bumps or trees. If you plan to dabble in the backcountry—and potentially put a pair of hybrid bindings like Salomon’s Shift on your skis—then weight becomes a much bigger consideration. Most of the skis listed are best for downhill-only use, but one popular hybrid resort/touring ski to consider is Elan’s Ripstick 96, which comes in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces per ski (in the 175cm length). But again, most of the designs that made our list fall roughly within a similar weight range.
 

Ski Construction: Materials, Cores, and Laminates

While it can be easy to get bogged down in techy language, a ski’s materials and construction will be the best indicators of performance and durability—and more importantly, whether it will be the right ski for you. Starting with the core, all of the skis on our intermediate list are made from one or more types of wood. Poplar and aspen are two lightweight and high-energy woods commonly used to reduce weight while adding pop and snappy responsiveness. Like aspen and poplar, paulownia is another type of wood used to reduce a ski’s weight without sacrificing durability. Denser woods like maple—which is found in J Skis' The Allplay—will add to the ski’s power, stability, and durability.
 

In addition to wood, ski manufacturers use a variety of metals and composite materials (such as graphene, carbon, Titanal, or proprietary blends) to increase a ski’s strength and durability, manage its overall weight and flex, and otherwise improve its performance. When researching your ski purchase, pay close attention to the ski's materials and construction, as well as how the ski manufacturer describes its performance (using words like "poppy," "snappy," "responsive," and "stable," or words like "light," "nimble," and "forgiving"). Better yet, take advantage of any opportunity to demo skis with slightly different materials and constructions and see how they feel under your feet. Finding the right pair of skis is still a personal decision, and it’s hard to beat trying them firsthand.
 

Choosing Ski Length

Most ski manufacturers offer a size guide on the product page for each ski. It’s typically based on height, weight, and ability level. If you’re between sizes, a shorter ski will be easier to turn but will give you less stability at speed and less control in choppy or variable snow. On the other hand, if you end up on a ski that’s too long, it will be hard to turn. For intermediate skiers, a good rule of thumb is to choose a length that’s equal to or slightly shorter than your height. That said, we recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines whenever possible to choose the best length. And if you’re just looking for a general baseline of how long a ski is, Evo’s size chart tool is a useful resource.
 

Women’s-Specific Skis

For many years, a women’s-specific ski simply was the men’s version in a shorter length, softer flex, and different colors—and with some models today, this is still true. The technology is evolving, however, and several ski manufacturers are now incorporating more advanced design elements. One example is that many of today’s women’s-specific models have moved the recommended mounting points slightly forward since this better accommodates how an average woman balances on skis compared to an average man, along with a lighter overall weight. Softer flexes still are common, but many brands are now making skis to accommodate hard-charging women, including the Nordica Santa Ana 92 on our list.
 

Which ski type should you buy? Keep in mind that the primary version of a ski isn’t a “men’s” version but rather unisex. When a women’s-specific version is available, we’ve included a link to that option, as well. The choice comes down to personal preference and, most importantly, the quality and characteristics of each model. Some women use unisex skis, some favor women’s-specific models, and many serious skiers have a quiver that includes both. We recommend getting whichever ski fits and feels best. 
 

Tips and Tails

There was once a time when all skis were designed to go in only one direction, but as the sport evolved, people began performing freestyle maneuvers that either started or ended with skiing backwards. If you’re planning on pursuing this type of skiing, pay close attention to the shape and curvature of the tails of the skis on your wish list. 
 

Boots and Bindings

When choosing skis, it’s essential to understand the interconnectedness of all the components in your setup. Your boots, bindings, and skis all need to work in concert to maximize the performance potential of your gear and your overall enjoyment on the slopes. If you have a boot that still matches your beginner ski/binding kit and is soft, you’ll struggle to control a stiffer and more capable set of intermediate skis. On the other hand, if you end up with a softer ski and pair it with a stiff boot, your boots add nothing to your performance (and likely make your feet unnecessarily uncomfortable in the process). To help you find the best match, take a look at our ski binding and downhill boot recommendations, which break everything down by ski conditions and ability level. To ensure both pieces work seamlessly together, check out our Ski Boot and Binding Compatibility Guide.
 

Ordering Skis Online

It goes without saying that purchasing a pair of skis is a significant investment that requires thorough research. Ideally, you’ll have a chance to get your hands on the skis (and hopefully even demo them) before taking the plunge, but that isn’t a reality for everyone. The good news is that ordering online is a seamless process these days, with most major retailers offering free and surprisingly fast shipping. Many also have reasonable return policies if you order the wrong size, although it’s important to do your research ahead of time—most sites require the skis to be unmounted and in their original packaging to qualify for a full refund.
 

Once you get your skis, you’ll need to have your bindings mounted. Just about any ski shop will do the work for you, with the average cost ranging from about $70 to $100+. Many of REI’s 180+ stores also have a ski shop with good discounts on mounting services. Prices vary by store, but the rate at the flagship in Seattle this season is $105 for an alpine/touring mounting ($55 for an integrated ski/binding system). Importantly, members get 20% off shop services. Evo and Backcountry also offer mounting services at their stores, though they’re few and far between compared to REI (see a list of Backcountry’s retail locations here and Evo’s stores here).
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