The Best Women’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2022: Salomon QST Stella 106
Those looking for a wider ski to get off the groomed and into the bumps, trees, and crud will appreciate the QST Stella’s versatility.
Brand: Salomon
Model: QST Stella
Overall Ranking: #9
Overall Score: 3.85 / 5
Specs
Tip / Waist / Tail (mm)
137-106-116
Lengths (cm)
159, 167, 174
Radius (m)
17m (167cm length)
Waist Width (mm)
106
Gender
Women's
Level
Intermediate to Expert
Rocker Technology
Yes
Stability at Speed
3.90 / 5
Quickness / Maneuverability
3.85 / 5
Playfulness
3.85 / 5
Forgiveness
3.95 / 5
Hard Snow Performance
3.50 / 5
Crud Performance
3.90 / 5
Flotation
3.80 / 5
The Salomon QST Stella 106 has been ping-ponging between our Deep Snow and All-Mountain Wide test categories for the past few years thanks to its versatile 106mm waist width. But this season Salomon is committing the QST Stella 106 to the AMW category by adding its new Double Sidewalls Technology to the ski, which reinforces the whole length of the edge to promote better edge grip.
Testers still wouldn’t pick the Salomon QST Stella 106 as their hard-snow charger, but the new tech does make the ski more versatile. As a fatter all-mountain ski with generous tip and tail rocker, it always scores high in the Forgiveness department, making it a favorite among testers for tackling crud and moguls. It’s also one of the lighter skis in this category, making it easier to turn and engage for skiers who are still learning how to drive a ski.
“I felt confident as soon as I clicked in,” notes tester Wendy Crosby. “They felt stable as well as lightweight. These would be good for someone who likes to discharge and someone who’s still working towards charging.”
While the Stella didn’t stand out to testers in any one skill department, this jack of all trades was one of the most consistent scorers in the category, making it a very balanced all-mountain ski. Skiers looking for a wider ski that can still hang out on edge may be disappointed in the Salomon QST Stella 106, because she’s more prone to nice skidded turns than precise carves. But anyone looking for a wider ski to accompany them off the groomed and into the bumps, trees, and crud will appreciate the Stella’s easygoing versatility.
Sums up tester Erika Northrop: “This is a stout Salomon ski that can be stomped, jumped, and turned with reckless abandon. There are enough worries in the world—stop thinking so hard and just go outside and play on the QST Stella 106.”
- Strengths: Forgiveness (4th in category), Crud Performance (9th)
- Weaknesses: Hard-Snow Integrity (10th), Flotation (6th)
Learn More
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