Salomon QST 106

GENERATION THREE OF THE SALOMON QST 106 MAY BE ITS CHARMED THIRD LIFE, a ski that’s more versatile than ever—thanks to a few small tweaks to its shape—without drastically changing the identity of this widely popular model.

“When we set out to develop the new QST 106, we didn’t want to completely scrap the feel of the old one, because we had made good updates from generations one and two,” explains Chris McKearin, alpine commercial manager at Salomon. “The biggest goal was to provide a stronger tail, and finish to the turn, and to give the ski some life—the new QST has a little more energy at the end of the turn and more pop.”

To achieve this, Salomon tuned the flex of the ski, which contributed to an improved feel at the end of the turn, while also slightly adjusting the rocker. These updates bring some added pizzazz to the ski, as does the brand’s use of thicker sidewalls underfoot, providing the stability and confidence the ski had in prior versions while upgrading its freeride prowess.

Additionally, the ski receives three-times more cork in the tip and tail. Salomon calls this Cork Damplifier and in the new QST 106 the cork is thicker and wraps the tip and tail. “When you add more rocker and more mass off the deck it creates instability because of the suspended mass. The cork keeps those vibrations in-check,” explains McKearin.

Throughout our Ski Test in Jackson Hole, everyone who skied the new Salomon QST 106 had reviews that echoed the new design. Testers loved its smooth and precise turns—short or long—and how it could also jam down the fall-line with more bite than before. And so does Luke Gentry, a member of Salomon’s Grom Collective, the brand’s ambassador program of up-and-coming freeriders.

“The QST 106 is my favorite ski,” he says. “The lightness allows for great control while in the air and doesn’t wear you out while skiing all day. I use it in all my competition skiing because it has the perfect stiffness to send but can seriously hold an edge.”

Featuring refreshed topsheets and bold bases, the redesign of the ever-popular QST 106 runs from inside to out. From what we can tell, this ski is more freeride-oriented than ever before, and you’d be wise to get your hands on a pair this season.

Explore the 2023 FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide