7 Best Skis for Moguls, Tested for Agility, Forgiveness, and Fun

Updated January 12, 2026 11:00AM

If there’s a cheat code for skiing moguls, it’s picking the right ski. No piece of gear can replace time spent honing your zipper line—but the right setup can make bump runs feel smoother, quicker, and a whole lot less punishing.

What are the best skis for moguls? We’ll answer that by pointing out the wrong skis: A ski that’s too wide, too aggressive, too heavy, and too stiff. As bump legend Glen Plake has long pointed out, ski width is one of the biggest reasons skiers struggle in moguls. More ski underfoot means more mass to muscle through every turn. In terrain where quick feet and fast direction changes matter most, that extra material just slows you down.

For most recreational skiers, a mogul-friendly ski falls somewhere in the 70- to 90-millimeter range underfoot—though skill level and construction details can stretch those boundaries. Beyond width, pay close attention to sidecut and flex, because those elements dictate how easily a ski pivots and releases in tight spaces.

Moguls reward subtlety. The more you try to carve your way down a bump run, the faster—and more out of control—you’ll become. Instead, effective bump skiing relies on skidded turns on flat bases and quick pivots that let you regulate speed while snapping off short-radius turns.

Some skis fight that approach. Deep sidecuts and minimal rocker encourage skis to hook up on edge whether you want them to or not. In the bumps, a straighter shape with a rockered tip (and sometimes tail) makes it far easier to smear, slide, and pivot without getting locked into a carve.

Finally, a softer ski with an even flex profile makes bashing bumps far more enjoyable and less jarring than tackling a mogul run on stiff, burly planks. Heavy skis with two full sheets of metal aren’t fun in bumps. Lighter-weight skis with poppy, responsive wood cores, on the other hand, can be a blast.

There’s no single best ski for moguls, but if bumps are a priority, look for something quick, maneuverable, forgiving, and fun. Below are testers’ top picks from SKI’s 2025 gear test in Big Sky, Montana.

Best Skis for Moguls: At a Glance

The Salomon Stance Pro 86 hits a sweet spot for skiers who want edge grip without getting beat up in moguls. Its moderate 86-millimeter waist, lively flex, and short 15-meter turn radius make quick, controlled turns feel natural in tight bump lines. Easy turn initiation and a playful, poppy feel reduce fatigue and boost confidence—especially for skiers who want moguls to feel smooth, not punishing.

Testers called the Arcade 88 a “textbook frontside ski” because it handles groomers and bumps equally well. While it shines on edge, its quickness, responsiveness, and forgiveness make it a great tool for moguls. An 88-millimeter waist, rockered tip and tail, and a tight 15-meter turn radius keep it nimble in tight lines. It’s best for strong intermediates and experts who ski moguls with finesse and control—not brute force.

The Atomic Maverick 88 CTi is a surprisingly playful option for mogul skiing. Its 88-millimeter waist, oversized rockered tips, and forgiving flex make quick pivots and short turns effortless, while carbon-and-Titanal construction keeps the ski light yet responsive. The tip initiates smoothly, letting skiers focus on line choice rather than muscling their way down a mogul field, and the ski easily resets after each turn. For intermediates and experts who want bumps to feel approachable and fun, the Maverick 88 CTi delivers.

The K2 Mindbender 85 is a confidence booster in the bumps, especially for skiers still dialing in their technique. An 85-millimeter waist, light swing weight, and balanced flex make it easy to pivot and scrub speed in tight mogul lines. Its forgiving construction won’t punish late turns or backseat driving, but it still responds when you do things right—making it an ideal, low-stress tool for learning and enjoying moguls. Bonus: It’s one of the most affordable frontside skis out there.

The Dynastar M-Cross 78 is an approachable, forgiving option for skiers easing into moguls. The narrower 78-millimeter waist, generous tip and tail rocker, and lightweight core allow the ski to pivot into short turns easily, while the soft flex helps absorb bumps without punishing mistakes. Designed for beginners and intermediates, the M-Cross 78 makes managing your speed easy, helping skiers navigate bumps smoothly while building skill and confidence along the way.

The Head Kore Ti 87 W is a versatile, confidence-building option for mogul skiing. Its 87-millimeter waist, Titanal-reinforced poplar core, and balanced flex make short-radius turns and quick pivots feel controlled, while damping smooths out rough bumps. Forgiving yet playful, the Kore Ti 87 W helps women navigate variable terrain without punishing mistakes, offering confidence in the bumps and enough versatility to handle everything from soft groomers to off-piste lines with ease.

The Wildcat 83 Black Edition is a standout for skiers seeking a responsive, playful ride in bumps. Its lightweight construction, combined with Titanal edges and carbon rods, makes pivoting through tight mogul lines effortless while still providing enough stability for more aggressive turns. Forgiving underfoot without feeling too soft, the Wildcat 83 helps intermediates and advanced women navigate uneven terrain confidently. It’s a nimble, energetic choice for bump runs that doesn’t require expert strength or technique.