We Tested the Best New Skis of 2025 to Up Your Game on the Slopes

New skis can turn a ho-hum season into magic. Storm days become powder days and hardpack evolves into an opportunity to link tight turns on your carvers. While it’s difficult to sift through all the new skis out there, we’ve done the heavy lifting by testing the season’s most promising candidates and whittling the list down to the best 11 pairs of performance skis for 2025.

If we have to pick one overall ski to recommend, it's the Atomic Maverick 105 CTI with its wider waist and generous shovel that excels in variable off-piste conditions—offering solid performance on crust, corn, and powder. The Maverick's lightweight yet responsive core combines carbon and Titanal, providing the perfect balance of agility in the trees and stability on groomed runs. These boards are simply a game-changer for solid intermediate and advanced skiers.

Related: I’ve Skied Everywhere, and This Is the Wildest Spring Skiing on the Planet

If you're on the fence about investing in new gear, and holding onto your old skis— even as backups—now's the time verify that your bases are waxed, edges tuned, your skins still attach to your skis, and bindings are set to the correct DIN. Double check those bindings. Have you lost or gained weight? Are the mounting screws still tight? Make sure your skis are in at least as good shape as you are.

This applies to the rest of your ski kit—and we've already been busy testing the best new ski apparel and gear for 2025. So, if you're ready for some upgrades, check out our best ski jackets, best ski pants and bibs, best ski bindings, best après ski items, and more. Right now, it's time for your annual gear inspection. Check your boot soles for wear and your goggles for scratches. How old is your helmet, and did you have any crashes last season that diminished its effectiveness? If backcountry is your game, put new batteries in your avi-beacon, and consider a refresher course on how to use it.

Related: Powder Paradise: Snowcat Skiing at Colorado’s Purgatory Resort

Now, let's take a close look at what's happening (or should be) below all of that colorful gear—specifically, on the most exciting pairs of skis for 2025. These boards will perform for anyone, but for those struggling to make the transition from intermediate to hard-charging expert, they're serious game changers. Read on for our best ski picks for this season—and if you just can't read enough about great skis, check out our best skis of all time lineup, too.

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Best Skis of 2025 at a Glance

• Best Overall: Atomic Maverick 105 CTI

• Best for Big Mountain Terrain: 4FRNT Nevar

• Best Customizable Ski: Romp Shepherd 110

• Best All-Mountain Explorer: K2 Reckoner 110

• Best for Carving up Groomers: St?ckli Montero AR

• Best for Varied Conditions: Fischer Ranger 108

• Best for a Smooth Ride: Renoun Citadel 107

• Best for Speed and Style: Black Crows Atris

• Best for Pure Power: Peak 98 by Bode Miller

• Best for the Backcountry: Fischer Transalp CTI 98

• Best Freestyle Ski: LINE Bacon 108

Best Skis of 2025

Best Overall Ski: Atomic Maverick 105 CTI

Eventually, many skiers will be ready to shift their ski game from groomers to off-piste, but narrow waisted skis can find variable off-piste conditions challenging. For crust, corn, old snow, and cement powder, a ski that’s a bit wider underfoot with a generous shovel (tip) can give you a technical advantage. Solid intermediate and advanced skiers will find the Atomic Maverick 105 CTI a true game changer. We primarily tested the Maverick on Oregon’s Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor, and found it eager to dance around the trees and rip through chunder. Plus, there’s sufficient edging ability to hold high speed turns on fresh corduroy, thanks to a core that weaves carbon and Titanal into the ash and poplar core, keeping weight down while adding stiffness and responsiveness. One tester, a relatively new skier noted, “The Maverick 105 opened a world away from groomers for me. I really learned to explore the mountain rather than just sticking to the same old runs.” Utilizing less metal, fiberglass, and resin while incorporating more recycled content, the Maverick 105 CTI not only performs exceptionally, but offers a lighter footprint—reducing CO2 emissions by 24 percent over traditionally manufactured skis.

• Sizes (cm): 170, 178, 185, 191

• Dimensions (mm): 134.5-104.5-123.5

• Turn radius (m): 19 (for 185)

• Weight: 2050

Best for Big Mountain Terrain: 4FRNT Nevar

The 4FRNT Nevar, the brand's newest and only cambered ski, had testers reduced to roshambo for the first run. Built for big mountain terrain, the Nevar (a reversal of the iconic Raven ski) thrives in crust, corn and firmer conditions without sacrificing the playful spirit that defines 4FRNT skis. Rocker in the tip and tail makes it a standout in powder pockets as well as all the hardpack and crud you inevitably ski through in search them. Testers liked the Nevar’s balanced flex with its quick reaction time that neutralizes having to fight the tails when quick, tight turns are necessary to survive steep chutes and rock-hard moguls. The Nevar’s premium aspen and maple core delivers energy and durability, while pre-stretched carbon fiber stringers enhance liveliness without added weight. The 4-Lock system securely attaches skins, preventing frustrating failures, while a Neoprene insert in the tip minimizes chatter and boosts damping. With a sleek Race Base for top-notch speed, the Nevar is 130mm in the shovel—ensuring you float when the snow calls, while still having excellent edging properties. We salute Eric Hjorleifson, the mastermind behind the legendary Hoji, for creating this true all-mountain masterpiece.

• Sizes (cm) 170, 177, 184, 190

• Dimensions (mm) 125-104-116

• Radius (m): 22

• Weight (g) 1820 (184 cm)

Best Customizable Ski: Romp Shepherd 110

If you’ve never tried custom skis, you might be missing out. Custom skis offer the perfect fit tailored to your skill level, skiing style, and typical conditions. We’ve tested several custom brands, but Romp stands out as our top choice. Testers loved that Romp not only offers state-of-the-art options—like the Mason, a carving ski with an 86mm waist; the powder-specific Zorro 115; and the lightweight Backcountry—but also allows for extensive customization. Romp provides one-on-one guidance throughout the selection process, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned skiers. In our years of skiing experience, we’ve seen many skiers held back by the wrong equipment. A ski that is based off your physical attributes and aspirations in skiing creates a highly personalized and meaningful skiing experience. The ski is no longer just a tool but an extension of the skier, providing more creative freedom and a transcendence into a state of flow. We sought the freeride holy grail—a ski that excels in challenging mountain conditions, from steep off-piste slopes with choppy windblown crud to glorious deep powder and inevitable hardpack.

After evaluating our options, we chose the Romp Shepherd 110. Its rockered design, wide shovel, 110mm waist, and generous tail provide excellent flotation and performance in soft snow, while allowing for tight turns and smooth flex. We also opted for extra fiberglass and dampening composites to enhance edge control on steep, icy moguls. Each ski can be customized with Romp’s advanced technology. Their Countervail material option improves vibration damping and edge hold while reducing fatigue. With ultra-light carbon fiber and torsionally rigid triaxial fiberglass composite, the flex pattern is tailored to your skiing style, resulting in a lively yet forgiving ride. Plus, you can personalize the topsheet with in-house graphics, designs by local artists, or even your own artwork—though this option may take a bit longer.

• Sizes (cm): 155, 166, 174, 184

• Dimensions (mm): 143-110-122

• Radius (m): 16 @ 174

• Weight (g): 1825 @ 174

Best All-Mountain Explorer: K2 Reckoner 110

“Effortless, hyper-maneuverable, and full of potential,” said one tester, a nationally ranked alpine racer and ace ski coach. “The K2 Reckoner 110 is one very powerful ski. I could make sharp, precise turns in all conditions, but also have fun in deep, light snow.” The twin-tip design and rockered profile deliver exceptional float and agility without sacrificing grip. The Reckoner features a carbon spectral braid around the midfoot for rigidity, while the softer tips and tails provide playfulness if moguls and natural hits are on the agenda. The Triaxial Braided Core construction—interlocked fiberglass strands around a milled aspen core—boosts torsional stiffness while maintaining the flex of a traditional wood core ski. We put the ski to test on steep, wind-blown terrain on Mont Blanc’s Mer de Glace, and were impressed with its stability, pop, and rebound. Durable full-sidewall construction provided outstanding edge feel and performance. The Reckoner is an ideal choice for experts seeking a daily driver, but strong intermediates will find it a valuable tool for elevating their big mountain confidence. The all-new Reckoner lineup includes models with a 102mm and 124mm waist width; while we haven’t tested them yet, the 102 is perfect for those who prefer carving, whereas the 124 is a true powder hound.

• Size (cm): 170,177,184,191

• Dimension (mm): 138-110–135

• Turn Radius (m): 22

• Weight (g): 1700

Best for Carving up Groomers: St?ckli Montero AR

This ski is as close as you’ll get for a pure-bred carving ski. “Stiff, damp, and fast” were the three words our testers used most. If you’re into carving trenches and arching turns, this is the ski for you. Even if you don’t have any race background, the Montero AR gives you the confidence to start working on edge control “It blends the precision of a giant slalom performer with the stability needed for high-speed descents across any terrain,” says one tester who rocked the Montero while coaching a FIS race team. “I could demonstrate Slalom and GS turns through gates with ease.” With an 84mm waist, the ski makes you feel one with the snow, banking through turns with confidence, even at blistering speeds. Innovative Tip and Tail Flex technology, paired with the All Mountain Rocker, gives the ski enough pop to take off-piste, although why would you want to? Crafted in Switzerland, the Montero AR boasts a lightweight, sandwich construction and racing-graphite base. “Anyone would love this ski,” says a tester, “but it’s perfect for individuals who want a fool-proof transition from sliding turns to real technique.”

• Sizes (cm): 165, 170, 175, 180, 185

• Dimensions (mm): 128-84-114

• Turn Radius (m): 17.3) (180 cm)

• Weight (g): 2105

Best for Varied Conditions: Fischer Ranger 108

Testers reached a solid consensus on the Fischer Ranger: the ski is incredibly versatile, it glides down hardpack, scoots through crud, and floats over powder. “Every turn made me feel like a rock star,” reports one—a solid intermediate who loved the Ranger's “all-mountain mojo." With poplar/beech wood core construction, Shaped Ti, and a freeski rocker, it’s big but not trucky. Its ability to bulldoze through powder and bust through crud offers the perfect balance of flotation and agility for exploring beyond the piste. The shaped Ti layer provides excellent stability in choppy conditions, while the Flex Cut underfoot allows for smooth pop-off on both big and small airs. What truly sets this ski apart is its relatively short turn radius for its width, making it easy and enjoyable to maneuver in tougher conditions. This design enables you to carve and play effortlessly, whether you're heading back to the chairlift after a powder run or enjoying any day on the hill regardless of the snow conditions.

• Sizes (cm): 171, 178. 185, 192

• Dimensions (mm): 134-109-143

• Turn Radius (m): 18

• Weight (g): 2120

Best for a Smooth Ride: Renoun Citadel 107

This is the first time we’ve tested Renoun skis, and we were very impressed. We skied the Citadel for more than 30 days. With its 107mm waist, the ski is built for powder days, but it didn’t shy away from hardpack. What testers noticed right off was that the brand’s Vibe Stop technology really works. The skis feature a lightweight polymer that adapts to the snow's surface, providing a smoother ride across varying conditions. Not only does it dampen vibrations, but in doing so reduces fatigue and allows skiers to focus on their performance, making it easier to navigate challenging terrain. “I really felt like I was never fighting the ski, that it was working with me,” says one France-based tester who’d almost given up the sport due to a knee injury. “The Citadel felt more stable, and I felt more confident, with less pain after a day of charging.” The Citadel 107 utilizes aerospace-grade carbon fiber and a premium aspen core, keeping weight to a minimum without compromising turning power. Underfoot is a titanal mounting plate and carbon laminate to enhance stability and power. And here’s the kicker: every purchase comes with a free pair of bindings, making this ski a great value.

• Sizes (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184

• Dimensions (mm): 138-107-128

• Turn Radius (m): 18

• Weight (g): 1,635

Best for Speed and Style: Black Crows Atris

The Black Crows Atris is a relatively lightweight powerhouse that excels in all conditions—whether you’re popping off cat tracks or charging down groomers. Its progressive tip floatation, slightly straight sidecut and even flex provide consistency in turns and notable maneuverability, control, and smooth pivoting when navigating tight lines. Testers also gave the Atris high marks for rock-solid stability at speed. They also liked the firm and constant flex, this freeride twin tip is not just about maneuverability; its aggressive directional capabilities are favored by a wide range of professional skiers, from ski mountaineers to heli-skiers and park enthusiasts. The 105mm waist is ideal for people who get to the resort early on powder days, but know they’ll continue skiing long after the freshies are skied out. Built with a poplar and fiberglass core and semi-cap ABS sidewalls, the classic medium camber underfoot strikes the perfect balance between stability and handling, giving you the confidence to carve hard on groomers and tackle variable snow like a pro, whether you are lapping runs at your home mountain or need a one-ski travel quiver for everything from Vail groomers to Mammoth lines. Plus, when you’re skiing on Black Crows, you get instant big mountain creds. The Chamonix-based brand is known for its playful spirit, wry French sense of humor, and commitment to mountain culture.

• Size (cm): 172.1, 178.4, 184.3, 190.2

• Dimensions (mm): 138/105/122

• Turn radius (m): 20 (184.3)

• Weight (g): 1800

Best for Pure Power and Velocity: Peak 98 by Bode Miller

Bozeman-based Peak Ski Company has an impeccable pedigree. Co-founder, Olympic gold medalist, Bode Miller, is America’s GOAT male alpine ski racer. He takes gear seriously. (In 2023, we tested the Scarpa 4-Quatro ski boot Miller worked on, and it performed flawlessly all season.) The Peak 98 by Bode is a ski that you can really stand on. You can charge with it, lay it over with all your might, and it won’t overreact. Even our less-than-pro-skier testers found the Peak 98 by Bode initiated turns easily without requiring superhero power. It’s one of the most diverse skis we’ve skied. It can pop, bounce, and noodle through a wide variety of resort and big mountain terrain while offering plenty of bite for carving purists. The core is a paulownia/ash laminate that’s sandwiched between two layers of titanal. Peak’s “Keyhole Technology” creates an oval cutaway on the top layer; you get horsepower for trench-carving turn initiation, but the ski still cruises when you’re in the back seat enjoying the sights.

• Sizes (cm): 160, 168, 178, 184, 190

• Sidecut (mm): 128-98-116

• Radius (m): 24 (184)

• Weight (g): 1,978 (184)

Best for the Backcountry: Fischer Transalp CTI 98

When you’re exploring contour lines on a backcountry map, you never know what might come next. The new Fischer Transalp 98 CTI lets you focus on downhill delights without the worry of excess luggage on the uphill slogs. Testers loved the ski's lightness, especially when boot packing up hundreds of feet of vert to access untracked couloirs. Don’t be fooled by its welter-weight stats, the Transapl CTI is the holy grail of light and strong. It surfs well in pow despite its relatively narrow waist, and testers liked its quick turn initiation and release. A unique milling pattern reduces the weight of the wood core by about 25 percent without impacting flex or torsional stability. The Transalp CTI 98’s power transmission is noteworthy—designers use a titanal insert under foot which translates to power without excess weight. Testers deemed this a ski that won’t hold back experts, but one that will up any skier’s game. Skins are easy to secure in the cutout tip hole and notched tail. We also like that the skis are manufactured in the Ukraine with a laser focus on sustainability.

• Sizes (cm): 155, 162, 169, 176, 183

• Sidecut (mm): 134-99-119 (183)

• Radius (m): 23 (183)

• Weight (g): 1,500

Best Freestyle Ski: Line Bacon 108

Testers have long loved the iconic Sir Francis Bacon ski and this new version (the brand sadly dropped the ski’s honorary title and first name) crushed all expectations. Not only did Line Bacon 108 nail the graphics (as usual) but the layup, with its versatile 108mm waist, low-swing weight (thanks to less plastic and more bio-resin in the tips), and ramped durability does pretty much anything the freestyle skier asks. This year’s Bacon 108 doubles down with a design that’s ultra-capable in crud and swoopy on the groomers. It's built to withstand the demands of the adventurous freerider who wants to ski everything, along with a few style points for smears and slices 'n dices. The amped up sidewall stretches to the ski's core while adding more material to the steel edges. The increase of the bonding surface area creates sidewalls that can withstand brutal edge impacts, like sliding rails.

• Sizes (cm): 166, 172, 178, 184, 190

• Sidecut (mm): 142-108-137 (184)

• Radius (m): 17.4 (184)

• Weight (g): 2,180 (184)

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How to Choose the Right Ski

Ski choice is all about love—not numbers, size, shape, or price. Ultimately, that true magic between you and the ski will schuss far beyond the mere graphics of a topsheet (though affection has to start somewhere) and into the realm of pure on/off-piste performance, confidence, and enjoyment.

When you’re shopping, keep in mind your day-to-day reality on the slopes. Will you be primarily skiing thigh-deep pow, fast groomers, crunchy crud? Remember, skis with more rocker (rise in the tip and tail) can generally be skied slightly longer than those with a flat profile/base.

Our Testing Process: Why You Should Trust Us

Our team of nine testers knows how to do their homework. Collectively, we’ll rack up more than 1,000 on-snow days in a given season just testing out skis and gear to see if they live up to their promise. Most of us have been testing skis for over 20 ski seasons. We’ve skied New England and Eastern Canadian hardpack, Whistler powder, Pacific Northwest cement, and everything in between, including months in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.

Our testers have visited more than two dozen ski resorts in every condition imaginable, and skied plenty of peaks, steep slopes, and couloirs. We offer a combined ski history of more than 100 years of high-level race and big-mountain experience racked up from Japan to North America to the Alps.

We love reviewing skis, and have tested more than 300 pairs of them. We harnessed not only ambition, but wisdom and experience, with testers from their early 20s to seasoned vets. We also tested some skis on less experienced legs to assess how they performed for beginner and intermediate skiers. It's never easy putting so many great skis through their paces before whittling them down to our favorite dozen pairs of top performers—but it's always a ton of fun.