As you read through the results for the top tested skis for 2024, you will notice a strong correlation to our Top Tested Skis of 2023. All of our ski testers have varying ski backgrounds, generating a huge array of ski preferences and priorities. Our diverse tester pool proves how some skis are objectively better than others. We continue to see the skis that consistently test well stand out among the pack. There weren’t many construction updates among top rated ski models from previous seasons, new constructions/skis for this season include: Blizzard Rustler & Sheeva, Salomon Stance, Salomon QST Echo, Elan Playmaker, Volkl Revolt 114, Armada ARV/ARW, Dynastar M-Cross, Line Chronic & Bacons, Rossi Sender Free 110, and the K2 Mindbender C.

Honestly, ski construction changes happen much less than traditional ski media leads people to think. It’s wicked expensive for ski manufacturers to roll out construction updates, it also takes time to see what needs to be improved on and develop something new — which is why most brands operate on a 3 year cycle.

There is no reason results for top rated skis should change, unless there actually is a new ski model, construction update or the testers ski priorities have shifted. Many of the skis you’ll see on our top tested lists have grown to be benchmarks in the ski industry, setting a new standard that manufactures aim to beat.

If you’ve been keeping up with our content, we obviously take gear testing very seriously here at TSM. Testing skis is fundamental for choosing what skis to buy, and what skis not to buy for the upcoming season. Every product we carry has been tested by our staff, providing the necessary knowledge and experience to deliver the best gear advice for our customers. In order to have the most satisfied customers, you obviously need the best staff, and in order to have the best staff in ski retail you need to get them on mountain skiing next years gear A LOT. We are winter, and everything we do here reflects our dedication to being the best resource for skiers of all types.

There are a ton of options out there when it comes to choosing your next pair of skis, and performing thorough due diligence requires a lot of time and effort. We recorded over 33 official test days this past season, testing 127 unique pairs of skis at 27 different resorts in just about every snow condition there is. We even tested from direct to consumer brands like J Skis and Peak Skis by Bode Miller to ensure we have valid input and product knowledge on skis we don’t carry.

It is in our best interest that our customers end up on skis that directly match their ski priorities. We’ve grown this business by making sure our customers are stoked with the products and service they receive from us. Building and maintaining relationships with our customers is paramount, which is why we invest so much into our staff to ensure our customer experience is second to none.

With that in mind, check out our ski tester’s top 5 skis for the 2023/24 season:

 

George Michaelsen

5’11", 215 lbs.

Ski Length preference: 179 - 186 cm

Background: Washed up SL/GS Skier, Buck Hill Ski Team.

I love powerful skis that can carve and arc turns but don’t limit me if we head into the trees or soft snow.  Most days I’m out on the hill we’re shooting photos/videos with Matt our marketing guy. I need a ski that can do literally anything and everything regardless of conditions. These are the best all-mountain/all-condition skis for 23/24.

1. Elan Ripstick 96 Black

2. Blizzard Rustler 9

3. Black Crows Serpo

4. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

5. Blizzard Rustler 10

A wild Georgeohh spotted in his natural habitat

Finding the goods in the Jackson Hole backcountry 

Tate O’Brien

5’4", 115 lbs.

Ski Length Preference: 154cm-162cm

Background: Fair Weather Skier, Spring Break Extraordinaire

I am a habitual frontside skier. Give me an open trail, a little bit of sunshine and a whole lot of corduroy and I am in heaven. Laying over fast turns on compact snow is where I feel my best. Inconsistent with this love for speed, I am often nervous and abundantly cautious, so I opt for stable, responsive skis that help me to feel confident on the mountain. Here are my favorite skis for the 23/24 season.

1. Elan Ripstick Black 94

2. Blizzard Sheeva 9

3. Black Crows Serpo

4. Volkl Kenja 88

5. Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Tate showing off for the camera!

Andrew Plourde

6’3", 195 lbs

Ski Length Preference: 180cm - 192cm

Background: Ice coast native, off-piste enthusiast

I love playful skis that ooze confidence, by confidence I mean feels solid and powerful underfoot. If I am charging down unknown terrain in variable snow, I need something I know I can trust - especially when I want to go fast. I tend to gravitate towards skis that feel nimble and can easily initiate turns at all speeds, whether on harder snow or in tight trees. When conditions are prime, I’m off-piste hunting for fresh snow. These are the best all-mountain skis for 23/24.   

1. Blizzard Rustler 10

2. Black Crows Serpo

3. Elan Ripstick Black 96

4. Fischer Ranger 102 

5. Elan Playmaker 101

Nothing better than finding freshies off-piste!

ITS A BIRD...ITS A PLANE...nah its just AP 

Devon Scovill

5'4"-ish, 130 lbs

Ski Length Preference: 158cm -165cm

Background: Short stint as a ski racer who far prefers fast ski days with buds. 

Since most of my days on hill tend to be on the east - I appreciate a ski that can hold an edge on the tough days, manage the slop on the mixed days and stay fast and playful on the good days. I like to keep up with (or maybe pass) the guys I ski with but never really liked a super stiff ski. Fun but fast, strong but adaptable - I'm asking my skis to handle basically all conditions so here are my top 5 picks for all-mountain/all-weather skis for 2023/24.

1. Black Crows Serpo

2. Elan Ripstick W 88

3. Fischer Ranger 96

4. Blizzard Sheeva 9

5. Volkl Kenja 88

Dev putting in WORK on the Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Eric Gerrmann

5’11” (Drivers License says 6’), 190 lbs

Ski Length Preference: 177 - 185 cm

Background: Started laying trenches in College and never looked back.

I’m looking for my skis to feel confident, stable and easy to initiate a turn in almost any snow condition. I really like skis that have a playful feel but are strong enough for me to drive with fearlessness. Like most east coast skiers, my ski day usually consists of piping turns on groomers with the romantic idea of possibly finding some softer snow… Which is why it’s important to me that my skis are ready and willing to handle a mixed bag of terrain and conditions without hesitation. Here are my top 5 favorite skis for the 2023/2024 season.

1. Blizzard Rustler 10

2. Elan Ripstick 96 Black

3. Nordica Unleashed 98

4. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

5. Blizzard Rustler 9

E coming up for air after a blower storm in Jackson Hole 

The Rustler 10s showing off their versatility 

Brady Page

6’1", 225 lbs.

Ski Length Preference: 176 - 188cm

Background: On skis at 3 years old, but no formal coaching.

NH born and raised, and the early days were spent skiing off 93, .. what’s up Cannon and Loon! I’m more excited skiing off-piste vs groomers, but love to arc a longer radius turn at speed. I have a bias toward medium and heavy skis that feel stable and calm at speed but don’t kick my butt in the bumps. These picks need to have a good balance float, grip, and ability to slide the tails. Here are my picks that really stood out while testing for the 23/24 season.

1. Blizzard Rustler 10

2. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

3. Fischer Ranger 102

4. Atomic Bent 100

5. Nordica Enforcer 94

Bradio is all smiles in his happy place!

Samantha Barry

5’6", 165 lbs.

Ski Length Preference: 158cm - 165 cm.

Background: Dad made sure I started skiing as soon as I could walk

If I had it my way, I’d be skiing in the trees all day. Spotty snow cover and a few knee injuries don’t always make that possible, so I need something with a bit more versatility. This season, I learned to love a longer ski — more stability and control made me feel quicker and more confident. I still enjoy a playful ski that I can effortlessly whip around the mountain. My focus is less on speed and more on perfecting my technique. Does that mean I get a little too in my head about who’s critiquing my turns from the chairlift? Yes. Do I still want a ski I can dig into a lift-line groomer and feel confident in the tight New England trees? Absolutely. These were my favorite skis to test whether I was heading west or hanging on the ice coast.

1. Fischer Ranger 102

2. Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition

3. Black Crows Serpo

4. Blizzard Sheeva 9

5. Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Sam putting the Ranger 102s to the test, these sticks absolutely rip!

Matt Berkowitz

6',  200+ lbs

Ski Length preference = 178 - 186 cm

Background: Racer turned freestyler turned “all-mountain” skier.

I spend the majority of my time on snow on the East Coast with a few trips out West sprinkled in. I find myself gravitating toward skis that walk the line between powerful and playful, but most of all need to be versatile. As a high-energy skier, I need skis that grip on hard snow when put up on edge but are also forgiving enough to break free when I want to skid a turn or get tired later in the day. I’m a big fan of getting into the trees, moguls, and of course powder, but my top picks for 2024 will remain realistic to where 70% of my time is spent…on piste at a resort.

1. Blizzard Rustler 9

2. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

3. Fischer Ranger 102

4. Nordica Unleashed 98

5. Elan Ripstick 96 Black

The man, the myth, the legend! A rare photo of Berkowitz without a camera...

Kara Michaelsen

5'5", 135 lbs.

Ski Length Preference: 156-165cm

Background: Mother to G4, Former US Ski Team member, 

After a couple long decades of putting all my energy into racing, I just want to show up and have a good time on skis that rip. As a former racer, I (not-so-shockingly) prefer groomers. I like a ski that feels stable at high speeds, but is also versatile enough to have fun on casual spring days — is that too much to ask for? After having a baby last October (#newmama), it was reassuring to find that my ski preferences and priorities remained the same, which is why these are my top tested skis for 23/24. 

1. Elan Ripstick 94 W Black

2. Stockli Montero AR

3. Black Crows Serpo

4. Blizzard Sheeva 9

5. Blizzard Sheeva 10

Fun fact: Kara's favorite subject is Trigonometry

Tyler Fuller

5’11", 175 lbs. 

Ski Length preference: 176 - 185 cm

Background: Rocky Mountain native, east coast transplant

Growing up I lived in the bumps, trees, and bowls, with groomers always being a tedious necessity for getting to the stuff I liked. Since coming out East, I’ve changed my tune a bit and have grown to appreciate slicing up fresh corduroy. That being said, I need a versatile ski that can handle a variety of terrain and strikes a balance between playful and stable. When I pop out of the trees to let the legs breathe I want to be able to carve up a groomer confidently without feeling like I’m one ice patch away from getting involuntarily yeeted back into the trees. If you want a ski that can rip here, there, and everywhere, check out these bangers for the 23/24 season.

1. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

2. Fischer Ranger 96

3. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

4. Elan Playmaker 101

5. Blizzard Rustler 9

Next thing you know, Tyler got low low low low low low low 

Joe Riccio

Specs: 5’10", 155lbs

Ski Length Preference: 175 - 185 cm

Background: Started skiing as a teenager, haven't looked back since

My ideal day is honestly spent cruising groomers #nofriendsonagroomerday, but testing skis involves putting them through their paces in variable terrain and conditions. I like skis that initiate turns easily, provide good energy from turn shape to turn shape, offer versatility and inspire confidence over challenging terrain. Since I started testing skis, Ive seen a huge progression in my skiing ability and confidence. A lot of that progression can be attributed to new skis. Skis these days are way more accessible than ever before, making it way easier to build confidence. I value a ski that makes me feel like a stronger skier, which is why these are my favorite skis for the 2023-2024 season.

1. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

2. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition 

3. Blizzard Rustler 9

4. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

5. Nordica Unleashed 98

Joey bags tearin' it up LIVE

Garrett Finn

6’5", 230 lbs

Ski length preference: 185cm-192cm

Background: Park guy

My favorite skis are ones that I can feel confident on if I put my foot on the gas, but don’t feel too directional if I want to ski backward or lap the park. I fall sometimes, and I fall way more if I feel like the ski doesn’t have enough length in the tail (I don’t like falling). My favorite things to do on the mountain; lapping park and laying down arcs. Those are two things that are pretty different, so my favorite skis are ones that can do both well. Here are my favorite skis for the 23/24 season.

1. Elan Playmaker 101

2. Atomic Bent 100

3. Armada ARV 100

4. Blizzard Rustler 10

5. Black Crows Camox

G Finna floating through that POW POW 

Nobody ever gets hurt in the air....

Luc Gordon 

5’8", 165lbs,

Ski Length Preference: 174-182

Background: Lifelong skier, the steeper the better 

You never really know what you’re going to get when you go to the mountain. Is it a sheet of ice, blown powder, slush? I like my skis to be able to confidently handle whatever conditions I encounter. I like to ski steep, ski fast and ski hard so my skis also need to be stable and powerful under me. Here are my top 5 tested skis for the 2024 season:

1. Blizzard Rustler 10

2. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition 

3. Atomic Bent 100

4. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

5. Fischer Ranger 102

Did you know Luc is PSIA certified?

 

Andrew Kunhardt

5’10", 190lbs,

Ski Length Preference: 175-185

Background: Ex high school and college racer

When I’m testing skis, I place a huge emphasis on how predictable the ski feels when going in and out of the turn. This allows me to anticipate my next line, whether that's arcing GS turns down a groomer or tight turns through a mogul field. I tend to be a fair-weather skier, but I am easily convinced to hit the slopes in any condition. I value skis that are up for the challenge and have my back regardless of the terrain or condition. Here are my top skis for the 2023/24 ski season.

1. Blizzard Rustler 9

2. Nordica Enforcer 94

3. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

4. Elan Ripstick 96 Black 

5. Black Crows Serpo 

Believe it or not, AK is really really happy in this photo  

Jamie Bottino

5’9", 190lbs,

Ski Length Preference: 176-185

Background: All-mountain East Coast skier 

I’m a playful skier at heart, but growing up on the east coast makes me appreciate a steep, hard-packed groomer. I’ve learned to love skis where I can initiate a turn with confidence and then air it out off a roller or duck into the woods to search for fresh snow. For that to happen I need a ski that provide great edge hold while maintaining a sense of maneuverability and nimbleness when I’m off piste and in tight spaces. I tend to go in the direction of skis that have multiple identities and are not bound to one style of skiing. Here are my top tested skis for the 2023/2024 skis season.

1. Elan Ripstick 96 

2. Volkl Revolt 104

3. Fischer Ranger 96

4. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

5. Nordica Enforcer 94

Jamie with the knuckle drag on the Ripstick 96s!

 

Elan continues to dominate the game, producing skis that absolutely crush year after year. The Ripstick 96 Black remains a badass ski, and a benchmark for the rest of the ski industry. The newly updated Blizzard Rustler and Sheeva series are super impressive as well, showing up in almost all of our testers top 5 picks.

Listen to some of our in house gear experts chat about top-tested skis for the upcoming 23/24 season on The Boston Ski Party podcast!