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All-mountain skis should, by their very definition, be able to handle the whole mountain—the groomers, the moguls, the glades, the back bowls, and the headwalls—no matter the snow conditions. We’re talking corduroy, crud, mank, mashed potatoes, spring corn, powder, and everything in between. Most all-mountain skis these days check all of those boxes. They’re designed from their cores out to be versatile enough to make any day on the mountain a good day.
Where all-mountain skis differ is not necessarily in their ability to handle various terrain or snow conditions, but in their ability to handle various skier abilities.
Some all-mountain skis are designed to work for a wide range of skiers, which is a wonderful trait in terms of approachability. The problem with some of these skis, however, is that they can’t do what strong, expert skiers expect them to do, i.e. charge.
Related: 10 user-friendly skis that will forgive your sloppy skiing habits
Expert skiers who have the ability, tendency, and skill to arc large radius turns down the fall line at mach speeds no matter the terrain or snow need an all-mountain ski that can stand up to that kind of pressure and speed. In short, they need a stiffer, damper ski with some metal in it. They probably also need a ski with a little more camber and less rocker in the tip and tail, because this makes a ski more stable and responsive.
A ski like that won’t bat an eye if you decide to carve super-G turns down the headwall in days-old crud, huck your meat off a mandatory air into an apron riddled with bomb holes, or even lay trenches on not-so-soft groomers to get back to the chair.
Sound like your speed? Check out these 10 all-mountain skis that scored the highest marks in what we’re calling the “Charger” category (Stability at Speed + Responsiveness + Crud Performance) at the 2023 SKI Test in Sun Valley. If you fancy yourself a Marcus Caston, you’ll find your ride on this list.
Best All-Mountain Skis for Experts Who Charge
Völkl Mantra 102
Charger Score: 8.91/10
Overall Score: 8.59/10
Waist width: 102mm
Gender: Unisex
What testers say
“I was surprised how much of a difference speed made with this ski. It felt a little difficult at slower speeds, but as you increased speed, they felt smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re strong or bold enough to open these up, the Mantra 102 will reward you. A great option for strong advanced skiers who like skiing open faces or groomers.” —Jon Sexauer
Read the full review and see how the Völkl Mantra 102 scored in every skill category
Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+
Charger Score: 8.48/10
Overall Score: 8.35/10
Waist width: 106mm
Gender: Unisex
What testers say
“I made sure to ski it throughout the condition changes of the day. I was eager to find a weakness, but the more the variables, the steadier it stayed. Absolutely the best evolution of a storied brand, using vast experience to lead the sport in what is possible for all-mountain ripping.” —Matt Schiller
Read the full review and see how the Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+ scored in every skill category
Blizzard Rustler 9
Charger Score: 7.62/10
Overall Score: 7.31/10
Waist width: 92mm
Gender: Unisex
What testers say
“The Rustler 9 skied just about how I’d expect it to: Damp and powerful when you want it to be, but quick and snappy too. Wide open groomers, evenly spaced trees, and back bowls are where this ski fits in. A perfect fit for a strong to aggressive skier looking for a playful ski for any day outside of those deep days when you want powder boards under you.” —Jon Sexauer
Read the full review and see how the Blizzard Rustler 9 scored in every skill category
Nordica Enforcer 100
Charger Score: 7.6/10
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Waist width: 100mm
Gender: Unisex
What testers say
“I’ve skied this in the past, so no surprises—it’s still a machine. If you’ve got legs of steel, or are a bigger human, this thing is a truck-stick for any condition.” —Adam Jaber
Read the full review and see how the Nordica Enforcer 100 scored in every skill category
Scott Pure Mission 98Ti
Charger Score: 7.56/10
Overall Score: 7.14/10
Waist width: 98mm
Gender: Unisex
What testers say
“I was surprised how maneuverable the 184cm length is, it doesn’t feel like as much work as expected. For those looking for a stout ski and a longer turn shape, this will take you anywhere you can see the sky above you.” —Otto Gibbons
Read the full review and see how the Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti scored in every skill category
Stöckli Nela 96
Charger Score: 8.92/10
Overall Score: 8.08/10
Waist width: 96mm
Gender: Women’s
What testers say
“I expected this ski to perform well on hardpack and whip around like a sports car, and it didn’t disappoint. Also surprised at how well it floated in the bumps, steered through the mush, and charged through the crud. Super fun and poppy hard-charging all-mountain ski that can handle virtually any terrain you throw at it!” —Avery Pesce
Read the full review and see how the Stöckli Nela 96 scored in every skill category
Blizzard Sheeva 9
Charger Score: 8.33/10
Overall Score: 8.31/10
Waist width: 90mm
Gender: Women’s
What testers say
“As expected for a Blizzard ski. A sturdy and reliable all-mountain option for experts out West. It’s a little wide underfoot to make skiing the frontside effortless and fun. But rippers will love this ski for its backbone and stability at speed.” —Jenny Wiegand
Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free
Charger Score: 8.13/10
Overall Score: 7.8/10
Waist width: 104mm
Gender: Women’s
What testers say
“It’s a burly ski for someone who needs a burly ski, but it’s playful enough to help you bop around. She’s a fun burly and sturdy pal. She’ll help you out when you need it, but she wants to be skied hard and fast.” —Avery Pesce
Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti
Charger Score: 7.9/10
Overall Score: 7.91/10
Waist width: 104mm
Gender: Women’s
What testers say
“Surfier than I expected. Didn’t expect to have so much fun smashing through the slush. Fun, aggressive ski that loves to go super fast and makes you want to push it even faster on the hardpack.” —Kelly Klein
Read the full review and see how the Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti scored in every skill department.
Völkl Secret 102
Charger Score: 7.83/10
Overall Score: 7.78/10
Waist width: 102mm
Gender: Women’s
What testers say
“It thrives when it is on edge carving through the snow. A bit more to handle in the bumps than some of the other skis in this category. Overall, it’s really fun everywhere I took it. Feels like an intermediate skier could ski this ski, but the more advanced skier will really feel the energy and performance of this ski.” —Tracy Gibbons
Read the full review and see how the Völkl Secret 102 scored in every skill category
More 2023 Gear Reviews
6 skis will make your life easier in the moguls
The 10 most playful and fun all-mountain skis of the year
10 skis that rail on hardpack and were made for early-season turns