A pick of the best 2023 men’s All-Mountain skis. Here’s just a taster of what’s in our mega Gear Guide (click here to order), which has many more Freeride skis, tried and tested by us, as well as Piste, Freeride and Freetouring setups, boots, poles, bindings, packs, airbags, goggles. It’s big…
BLACK CROWS MIRUS COR
£720
Lengths 168.3, 173.2, 178, 184.2
Radius 13m @ 178
Dimensions 134 – 87 – 123 @ 178
Weight per ski 1,800g @ 178
Buy now
THEY SAY
The Mirus Cor is a ski object born of performance and design, to achieve an alliance between two worlds: freestyle and the most angular carves of the moment. Built with a long rocker tip and tail, it can be skied short to play with piste and side stashes. It is carving in a Blackcrows approach and freestyle all terrain. Accessible, solid and creative in every sense.
WE SAY
It looks crazy, costs a lot and everyone at the Ski Test who tried it came back with an ear-splitting grin. At time of going to press every reserve ski in Europe had been sold into stores and those retailers are pretty confident it’ll sell out.
BEST FOR
For progressing skiers who want to enjoy carving and are able to lean a ski. After that the questions are; “Do I want to have a high-grade laugh on skis?” and, “Can I afford it?” Anyone from intermediate to advanced skiers will love this. Let the fun commence.
ARMADA DECLIVITY 92 Ti
£559
Lengths 172, 180, 188
Radius 17m @ 172
Dimensions 131 – 92 – 117 @ 172
Weight per ski 1,725g @ 172
Buy now
THEY SAY
Modern resort-based skiing demands high-speed stability and nimble manoeuvrability along with tenacious edge hold and effortless float in equal measure. With six models tuned to meet the rigors of any mountain, the Declivity Series redefines all-mountain performance. Built off a platform that excels in any condition, the Declivity 92 Ti screams versatility from ripping high-speed groomers to charging chopped-up powder. From turning and burning on hardpack to sliding down silky pow, this one-ski-quiver will conquer anything on the hill.
WE SAY
“Strong all-mountain performance from Armada’s Declivity series”, was the word according to the Ski Test fraternity. It was up there in contention for the win for its mix of liveliness and grip. Dickie adds, “The 92 is the ski most folk will go for – and they’re not wrong. But take a look at the 102 too – it’s very nearly as nimble because it has more rocker. The 92 rails more like a piste ski with a stiffer tail, which delivers good punch out of the turn if you need it – or just release and make like easy. There’s an 88 non-metal version, which is poppier and even easier to bounce around on. Heavier or chargier skiers will want the metal laminate versions to get additional grip and high speed control.”
BEST FOR
This could be the most accessible of the all-mountain skis in this group, so we’d widen our recommendations to any decent intermediate and upwards wanting a do-it-all ride.
BLIZZARD BRAHMA 88
£550
Lengths 165, 171, 177, 183, 189
Radius 16m @ 177
Dimensions 128 – 88 – 110 @ 177
Weight per ski 2,100g @ 177
Buy now
THEY SAY
Blizzard are the most poetic of manufacturers: “We define all-mountain as a skier who doesn’t colour in the lines. It’s more of a philosophy, a sense of freedom to ski wherever you want on the mountain. The Brahma 88 will give you the ability to seize the snowpack throughout the most frigid temperatures and firm conditions. As the day’s smooth terrain gets eaten up by hungry skiers, the Brahma has the backbone to ski efficiently through chopped-up crud, which means you’ll be skiing longer (and stronger) than everyone else. Enjoy the day – all day, ski the Brahma.
WE SAY
The class really shows when you wind up the speed and ignore the surface below. This is a damp, super-controlled ride for high-speed fetishists. “The softer ends MAY be noticeable,” reckoned Dickie. “But my notes from previous seasons hold good. It remains a punchy number needing muscle to do your bidding.” We’d add that the core has been updated for this season to soften the tips and tails and ease the effort needed to turn what has always been a sturdy ‘ol ski. Quick word here – it’s still a powerful, hard charger of a ski designed to carry you quickly through almost any snow conditions.
BEST FOR
You guessed it – strong skiers who want to take one pair of skis away and ski them everywhere. If you’re heading into to the season fit and ready, the revised Brahma 88 is one to consider.
VOLKL KENDO 88
£620
Lengths 163, 170, 177, 184
Radius 16m @ 177
Dimensions 129 – 88 – 113
Weight per ski 1,898g @ 177
Buy now
THEY SAY
An all-mountain freerider, the Kendo 88 comes with revised geometry and a one-metre shorter centre radius in its 3D Radius Sidecut. The new 16m radius in the middle further increases its radius variability. This ski encourages a sporty, intuitive style on groomed slopes with the manoeuvrability you need to get through challenging terrain. Less force is required too, thanks to a shorter centre radius.
WE SAY
The Kendo 88 is, as Sophie says when describing what she seeks in a great ski, “almost perfectly balanced”. What we translate this as is the ease of transition – from side to side, piste to crud, high to low speed, cruising to fully engaged. We get that it’s easier to ski and more nimble than the previous iteration, though you’ll still prefer long, high-speed turns.
BEST FOR
Andy captures it rather neatly, in typical irreverent style: “For Dads justifying new skis to teach their little cherubs to ski on a family holiday (while secretly riding around in a sports car).” If your all-mountain skiing is resort-based, the Kendo is one of the best bets out there.
