For years, the spotlight has been on the 90–100 mm all-mountain skis. They’re versatile, dependable, and get all the marketing love. But after spending more time testing this past season, we realized something important: we’ve been sleeping on frontside skis.
Why Frontside Skis Matter
If you spend most of your days skiing on groomers, a frontside ski can make a massive difference. They’re quicker edge to edge, carve cleaner turns, and provide a level of control that most wider all-mountain skis simply can’t match. Whether you’re ripping early morning corduroy at Stowe or cruising perfect groomers in Deer Valley, a frontside ski feels more precise, more stable, and more fun.
Many skiers still think carving skis are just for racers. That used to be true, but not anymore. The new generation of frontside skis, often called “cheater carvers,” blends performance and forgiveness. They offer that powerful, race-like edge grip without demanding race-level skill or strength.
The Pendulum is Swinging Back
Ski design trends always swing back and forth. A few years ago, the market leaned heavily toward powerful, metal-laminate skis like the Volkl Mantra and Nordica Enforcer. Then came the era of lightweight, more playful constructions like the Elan Ripstick. Now, we’re seeing balance return. Skiers want power, precision, and energy without punishment, and that’s exactly what this new class of frontside skis delivers.
Frontside skis aren’t trying to replace your all-mountain setup. They’re the perfect second ski to add to your quiver if you spend most of your time on groomed snow.
The Top Frontside Skis We Tested for 2025
Here are some of our favorite carving skis from this season’s testing lineup:
- Nordica Dobermann Multigara & Fischer Curv GTX & Stöckli Montero AR / AX / AS - Race-inspired performance with no speed limit. Tons of camber and energy for expert skiers who love to drive a ski. These skis bring world-class precision in multiple waist widths.
- Blizzard Stormbird 82 DTI & Völkl Peregrine 82 & Nordica Dobermann Multipista & Fischer The Curv Gt 85: Some of the most versatile frontside skis we tested. Great edge grip, easy to release, and ideal for New England conditions.
- K2 Blur XT & Elan Wingman 86 Black Edition: More approachable but still down to carve: perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who want something quick and responsive and want to save some work for themselves.
The Takeaway
If you’ve been skiing the same 95 mm all-mountain ski for years and feel like you’ve hit a plateau, it might be time to look narrower. The best frontside skis of 2025-2026 aren’t just for racers. They’re for anyone who wants sharper turns, smoother groomer laps, and a ski that rewards good technique.
Frontside skis are back, and they’re better than ever.
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