7 Best Powder Skis (2022/2023)
Weightless turns through fields of pristine powder snow. Welcome to the white room. Snow billows around you as you carve and slash your way down the hill. Your skis rise as you pop out of the snow and dive into your next turn. An experience you can only truly enjoy on the best powder skis.
Powder skis are designed to float on the snow rather than sink into it. They give you a feeling of freedom in a powder that a narrow ski just doesn’t. Skiing powder on a wide ski is more effortless and, let’s be honest, more fun. Their width and often rockered profile help them to stay afloat. In soft snow, you need a pow ski in your quiver.
Put on your ski boots, grab your gloves, and throw your gear in your pack because it’s time to lay down some pow turns like in the movies. We have put together a list of the 7 best powder skis. Let us help you choose the best skis for you.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is The Best Powder Ski?
Here is our ranked and reviewed list of the best powder skis.
The 7 Best Powder Skis
- Best Overall Powder Ski – Atomic Bent Chetler 120
- Best Powder Ski For Hard Chargers – Rossignol BlackOps 118
- Best Powder Ski For an Intermediate Skier – DPS Foundation 112 RP
- Best Touring Powder Ski – Black Diamond Impulse 112
- Best Big Mountain Powder Ski – 4FRNT Hoji 112
- Best Women’s Powder Ski – Line Pandora 110
- Best Freestyle Powder Ski – Armada Whitewalker 121
1) Best Overall Powder Ski – Atomic Bent Chetler 120
Specs
- Lengths: 176, 184, 19
- Dimensions: 142/120/133, 143/120/134, 144/120/135
- Radius: 18, 19, 20
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What I Like
This iconic ski is a playful powder ski for aggressive skiers who are not afraid of the deep stuff.
What I Don’t Like
At 120m this is a dedicated powder ski. You will need a daily driver unless you spend all your time in the backcountry.
Overview
The Atomic Bent Chetler 120 is a pillow-bashing, powder-slashing ski legend and one of the most coveted skis ever to grace the slopes. Complete with graphics by the one and only Chris Benchetler.
The Bent Chetler’s rockered tips and tails create a playful ski ideal for deep snow, side hits, and nose butters. While the camber underfoot provides stability and edge grip on harder snow.
The Atomic Bent Chetler 120 is light given its size, but make no mistake, this ski means business and wants to go fast. Choose another model if you’re a beginner or timid intermediate rider because the 120 mm waist will be overkill for anyone who isn’t in a true deep powder destination. The Atomic comes in three lengths (176, 184, and 192cm), but even the shortest option may still be too large for some skiers.
If you’re looking for a ski to charge hard or just want to show off to your friends, the Bent Chetler 120 is one of the best skis on this list.
Price
MSRP $800
2) Best Powder Ski For Hard Chargers – Rossignol BlackOps 118
Specs
- Lengths: 176, 186
- Dimensions: 146-118-141
- Radius: 22, 25
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What I Like
Stability at speed, it stomps the landings.
What I Don’t Like
It’s a heavy ski that may not suit all powder skiers.
Overview
The Blackops 118 is a hard-charging ski that excels in bottomless powder. It’s the largest ski in Rossignol’s Blackops line, and it shows. The 118 is a big mountain charger with a freeride feel. Its progressive rocker/camber/rocker profile, tapered tips, and tails make it float in the deepest powder.
The Rossignol Blackops 118 are beefy planks. This is the perfect ski if you’re looking to huck cliffs and charge hard. The 118 comes with a 22m turn radius in the 176cm length and a 25m turn radius in the 186cm. Despite its weight, the ski is still playful, with enough float for even the deepest days. This is too much ski for a beginner powder skier, this ski is enormous fun for those that can handle the added weight.
Price
MSRP $850
3) Best Powder Ski For an Intermediate Skier – DPS Foundation 112 RP
Specs
- Lengths: 158, 168, 178, 184, 189
- Dimensions: 138 – 141/112/122-129
- Radius: 15m
- Profile: Rocker/Camber Rocker
What I Like
The 15m radius and narrow waist width make this a very maneuverable ski that is a solid powder ski for intermediates.
What I Don’t Like
Heavier construction than most of DPS’s other touring powder skis.
Overview
The DPS Foundation 112 RP is an excellent introduction to the world of powder skis. The RP stands for resort powder, which is where the foundation shines. It combines both float and easy maneuverability that intermediate skiers will appreciate. The wide variety of lengths and consistent turn radius across the line make the Foundation 112 RP one of the best skis for intermediates.
The 112 RP has a slight rocker in the tips and tails with camber underfoot. This gives the ski a playful feel while maintaining a good edge grip and carving ability on harder snow. The 112mm waist is wide enough to float in powder but not so wide that it feels unwieldy. The DPS Foundation 112 RP is a great one-ski quiver for the powder-hungry intermediate skier who doesn’t want to sacrifice carving performance on harder snow.
Price
MSRP $800
4) Best Touring Powder Ski – Moment Wildcat Tour 116
Specs
- Lengths: 174, 179, 184, 190
- Dimensions: 141/116/131
- Radius: 21, 23, 25, 27
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What I Like
A light, agile ski that goes up as well as it goes down.
What I Don’t Like
At 116, this is meant for powder. Try the 108 version if you’re looking for something more versatile.
Overview
The Moment Wildcat Tour is a lighter (1.5lbs lighter), more tour-friendly version of the ever-popular Wildcat. The Wildcat Tour is unapologetically built for powder lovers at 116 millimeters wide with a rockered profile and early rise tip and tail. Its light weight makes it great at cutting through trees or narrow shoots. Moreover, the Wildcat Tour adds easy maneuverability that enhances the already fun and playful feel of the ski.
This is not the ski if your looking for your next skimo race killer, but for those who want to send it in the backcountry with a lighter setup, the Moment Wildcat Tour is one of the best powder skis on the market. Combine them with a pair of bindings and you have a touring machine.
Price
MSRP $860
5) Best Big Mountain Powder Ski – 4FRNT Hoji 112
Specs
- Lengths: 177, 184, 191
- Dimensions: 128/112/120
- Radius: 30m
- Profile: Rocker/Multi-Camber/Rocker
What I Like
Good float and lots of performance at speed.
What I Don’t Like
At 112mm, it doesn’t float as well on really deep days.
Overview
The 4FRNT Hoji blends the best attributes of powder skis with those of an all-mountain ripper, making it one of the best skis on the market. It’s perfect for advanced, expert skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle any condition. The Hoji is incredibly stable and responsive yet still lightweight and nimble. It features a 112mm waist width and a multi-radius rocker profile that perfectly balances powder performance and firm snow versatility. The Hoji also has a slightly reduced curvature underfoot for improved edge grip and stability in variable snow and increased tip and tail height for easier floatation. If you’re looking for a do-it-all ski that can easily handle choppy snow, the 4FRNT Hoji is a perfect choice.
Price
MSRP $780
6) Best Women’s Powder Ski – Line Pandora 110
Specs
- Lengths: 162, 170, 178
- Dimensions: 144/110/130
- Radius: 16.5m
- Profile: Camber/Rocker/Camber
What I Like
Very nimble ski for a 110mm width
What I Don’t Like
Lack of stability in firm conditions.
Overview
At 110 underfoot, the Line Pandora is a powder-seeking, pillow-popping dream ski. It’s the widest model in the Pandora collection, eager to effortlessly float atop deep snow and smear surfy turns. These skis have a friendly demeanor with the perfect blend of lightweight, playfulness, and power achievable upon every turn. With a generous tip and tail rocker and less camber underfoot, this pow slayer will provide you with the ideal foundation for those days that only exist in your dreams. The Line Pandora 110 is built with a Partly Cloudy core, a blend of Paulownia and maple wood, giving you a strong and stable foundation yet lightweight qualities. The Line Pandora 110 is the best ski for anyone looking for an incredibly versatile ride.
Price
MSRP $800
7) Best Freestyle Powder Ski – Armada Whitewalker 121
Specs
- Lengths: 183
- Dimensions: 141/121/137
- Radius: 18m
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What I Like
Stiff, fun, easy to pivot & butter.
What I Don’t Like
The price, this is the most expensive ski on our list (and you still need to add bindings)
Overview
The Armada Whitewalker 121 is the best freestyle ski, with the perfect amount of rocker for powder and the ability to slice through crud. They are stiff underfoot but have enough tip and tail flex to make butters fun. They are damp too, particularly so for a ski of this weight. Still, they also now have enough energy to make popping off side hits and playing around enjoyable. Swivel, slash, and stomp in the most epic of conditions. The lightweight core enables the Whitewalker 121 to tackle big days in the backcountry during major storm cycles. At the same time, the robust flex with Swivel Tech 3D beveling in the pin tip and tail provides versatility.
Price
MSRP $1100
How to choose Powder Skis?
Choosing the best skis is a matter of personal preference. However, there are certain factors that you should take into consideration before making your purchase. Size, width, length, rocker profile, flex, and construction are all essential factors affecting how the ski performs.
Width
The most crucial factor to focus on while choosing powder skis is width. Powder skis are wider than other skis, which helps you stay atop the soft snow and enjoy your ride.
Length
Another factor that alters the performance of a ski is its length. Powder skis are designed to be longer than other skis, making them ideal for deep snow.
Profile
The profile of a powder ski will impact how quickly it starts to plane above soft snow. Most powder skis are designed with tip and tail rocker to help get the ski above the deep snow as soon as possible.
Flex
The flex of a ski is yet another factor that affects its performance. Powder skis are designed to be softer than other types of skis. This is because a softer flex enables the ski to maintain contact with the fresh snow, which provides better floatation.
Construction
The construction of a powder ski also plays a role in its performance. Powder skis are often designed with a lighter core, which makes them easier to maneuver. Additionally, they often feature a rockered profile, which helps the ski to float in deep snow.
Where To Buy Powder Skis
I always recommend supporting your local ski shop, but various online outdoor stores have great deals on ski gear. Consider buying last season’s model at a discount, or head to your local ski swap in the fall to find deals on used equipment.
How to Store Powder Skis
During the off-season, store your skis in a dry, cool place, and be sure to detune your bindings and apply a summer wax
FAQ
What size ski is best for powder?
The best powder skis are usually between 110-120mm underfoot. The deeper the snow, the wider you will want your ski. My powder skis are 118mm underfoot, but I will often ski 70mm underfoot when the snow is less deep.
Do powder skis make a difference?
Yes, powder skis make a difference. Powder skis are designed to float on the fresh snow rather than sink into it. They give you a feeling of freedom in a powder that a narrow ski just doesn’t. Skiing powder on fat skis is easier.
What is the best powder ski for hard-chargers?
Why are wider skis better for powder?
Wider skis are better for powder because they provide more surface area to float on top of the snow. A wider ski will also give you more stability in deep powder.
Final Thoughts
Skiing Powder in deep snow is one of the most fun things you can do. And while any ski will float in powder, having a powder-specific ski will improve your experience. These skis will help you stay on top of the snow rather than sink into it. And they will give you the best chance to enjoy powder skiing.
So, there you have it. Our 7 best powder skis. We’ve got you covered whether you are looking for a freestyle powder ski or the best powder ski for hard chargers. And while they all come with a high price tag, they are worth the investment if you love to ski powder.
See you on the slopes!
