Which Ski Brands Make the Best Skis?
When we asked the Unofficial Networks audience this week, “Who makes the best skis?” the responses poured in with enthusiasm, opinions, and a healthy dose of debate. The question sparked a lively discussion on our Facebook Page, with skiers sharing their favorite brands, models, and philosophies about what makes a ski “the best.” From die-hard brand loyalists to those who argue it’s all about the skier, not the ski, the responses painted a picture of the skiing community’s diverse tastes. Let’s dive into the results, featuring key quotes and a visual breakdown of the top brands mentioned.
The Results: A Diverse Field of Favorites
The responses highlighted a wide range of ski brands, with no single manufacturer dominating the conversation. Instead, skiers emphasized personal preference, skiing style, and conditions as key factors. Below is a chart summarizing the most frequently mentioned brands, based on the number of times each was cited as a favorite.
The chart shows Volkl leading with 10 mentions, followed by Moment and Stockli with 5 each, and Icelantic and Kastle with 4 each. The “Others” category includes brands like Armada, DPS, Liberty, and Black Crows, each mentioned once or twice, reflecting the diversity of preferences.
Voices from the Community
The discussion revealed that “best” is subjective, often tied to a skier’s style, terrain, or even nostalgia. Here are some standout quotes:
- On subjectivity: “Very subjective question. 100% depends on the rider. Many great skis.” – Rob Chela
- On fit over brand: “There are very few bad skis but lots of wrong skis… Almost every manufacturer has really good skis but many need a trip to the spa (good tuner) right out of the box.” – Andy Mink
- On specific models: “My favorite currently… is the Black Crows Serpo. Just covers a big range of conditions and is still playful with personality.” – Dennis Johnson
- On conditions and versatility: “I own Blizzard, K2, Volkl, Salomon and Nordica skis. What I decide to ski on any given day depends on the snow conditions and terrain each day.” – Tom Medeiros
- On passion for a brand: “Moment hands down.” – Chandler Henderson
- On humor and perspective: “The best I ever had, the ones I had on.” – Hilary Kerns
These quotes capture the essence of the debate: while some skiers swear by brands like Volkl or Moment, others argue that the right ski depends on the day, the snow, and the skier’s goals.
Why So Many Opinions?
The variety in responses underscores a key point: there’s no universal “best” ski. As Mark Gerardy put it, “There is no one best ski. Skiing is not ‘one-size-fits-all’… The best skis are the ones that let the skier ski how he or she wants to ski.” Factors like terrain (east coast vs. west coast), skiing style (all-mountain, freeride, or slalom), and even budget play a role. For instance, Cory Rosencrance highlighted:
- “Budget Friendly – Elan
- Money aside – Stockli
- Most variety + quality – Fischer
- What you’ll see at the store – Nordica.”
Meanwhile, skiers like Fred Aidan Remick tailored their picks to specific styles: “If you are skiing slalom/GS style, then Fischers are excellent. If you want big planks to roll through everything, then Volkl is pretty legit.”
The Takeaway
The Unofficial Networks audience agrees on one thing: the “best” ski is the one that feels right for you. Whether it’s the durability of Praxis, the playfulness of Icelantic, or the all-mountain prowess of Volkl, the perfect ski matches your style and the mountain you’re carving. As Eric Krantz humorously noted, “My absolute favorite skis ever were the ones that had a good tune, were curved up in the front and slippery on the bottom.”
What’s your take? Drop your favorite ski brand in the comments and join the conversation! And don’t miss out on the latest ski news—subscribe to our newsletter below.
Tim Konrad is the founder and publisher of Unofficial Networks, a leading platform for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure. With over 20 years in the ski industry, Tim’s global ski explorations…
