We just really like skis.
As if taking brand-by-brand first looks at the full smattering of 2022 ski gear wasn’t enough, we’re calling out seven of next-year’s skis that we are particularly excited for. Backcountry options, all-mountain rippers, one-ski-quivers, fun-loving shredders—even on this sampler platter, there’s a ski for everyone.
You may be right. We may be crazy. But we just might be the ski-dorks you’re looking for.
Volkl M6 Mantra
Maybe you’re tired of hearing about the Volkl Mantra. Heck, maybe we’re tired of talking about it. It could be that the name is overplayed. Or, it could be awe-fatigue. Because like Tom Brady after two decades of success, the Mantra can seemingly do no wrong.
Now in its sixth generation, Volkl’s legendary ski still pulls out new tricks. The M6 builds off the massive success of the M5 and manages to ski like one of, if not THE, best Mantra to date. Updates include variable metal across the length range, 3D Radius Sidecut, and variable carbon tips.
Read our review of the 2022 Volkl M6 Mantra
Atomic Maverick 95 Ti
Charting a new course for the Atomic all-mountain collection, the brand new Maverick series is guaranteed to succeed. Why? Well, Atomic involved every type of skier in the R&D process from the start. That includes industry types, pros, AND everyday Joe Shmoes. So, Atomic already knows that most skiers will love the Maverick.
We certainly do. Not too light or too heavy, too aggressive or too forgiving, too stiff or too soft—the Maverick 95 Ti skis like the exceptionally well-balanced one-ski quiver that so many skiers are looking for.
Read our full review of the 2022 Atomic Maverick 95 Ti
Icelantic Saba Pro 107
A year ago, we were drooling over the first-ever full-on pro model ski from Icelantic. That ski, the Saba Pro (along with the wildly popular Nia Pro on the women’s side), was the result of collaboration between the entire Icelantic pro team. As such, it blended a variety of ski styles into one super-fun and versatile powder ski.
Now for 2022, Icelantic is upping the ante with even more flavor. The Saba Pro 107 mirrors the design of the wider original model, bringing a truly unique feel into an all-mountain freeride waist width. And while it may sound cliché to call a ski unique, we think it’s high praise. With just about every ski brand making at least one great ski, especially in this hyper-popular category, it’s no small feat to build one that stands out. Icelantic has managed to do it.
Read our full review of the 2022 Icelantic Saba Pro 107
Salomon QST Blank
Never content with remaining stagnant, the masterminds at Salomon have unleashed a new freeride ski for 2022 that has been generating serious hype: the QST Blank. This fat-ish freeride ski is out to prove a point: Waist width doesn’t matter as much as many people think it does. Too many skiers fret over the differences between, say a 110mm ski and a 117mm ski. Instead, Salomon says, focus on getting a great ski.
For context, the QST Blank measures 112mm underfoot and replaces the QST 118. But more importantly, it achieves a mix of playfulness with power that few skis in this category can match. With that type of performance and endless Instagram highlights from athletes like Cody Townsend and Drew Peterson, the QST Blank appears set to take over.
Read our full review of the 2022 Salomon QST Blank
Pro tip: Also check out the new 2022 Salomon QST 98.
Kastle ZX100
After aiming the ZX108 at youthful freeride skiers a year ago, Kastle is doubling down. For 2022, the collection includes the wider ZX115 and the all-mountain-slaying ZX100. Unlike most classic Kastle models, the ZX100 is built with no metal and no carbon. Just a freeride shape, a strong wood and fiberglass layup, and a progressive flex pattern. It’s a combination that allows Kastle to offer a less expensive ski (relative to their MX and FX lines) that still feels like a Kastle. We love the ZX100 for people who want a lively do-everything ski without the heft of metal.
Full review coming soon
Armada ARW 106 UL
Armada slaps that female-specific “ARW” moniker on this brand-new 2022 ski with a full unisex size run. Yeah, screw the patriarchy. We love it, and we also love how the ARW 106 UL performs on snow.
In an increasingly crowded class of “lightweight freeride skis,” the ARW 106 UL could be the most fun yet. Like the time-tested ARW and ARV, these skis serve up playful, smeary, and poppy freestyle performance. They also hold up well on groomers and in mixed snow. At 12 percent lighter than the ARV 106, they weigh in light enough for legit ski touring…but not too light to double as a worthy option in-bounds. Armada found the sweet spot.
See all of our brand-by-brand previews of next year’s gear
DPS Koala 103
Inspired by DPS pro Dash Long, DPS rolled out the hard-charging Koala 119 a year ago. That ski is simply a crusher, blending freeride prowess with hefty big-mountain ability.
For 2022, we get the baby Koala. At an all-mountain waist width of 103mm, the new Koala features a tantalizing blend of directional shape with freeride mount point and rocker profile. This combination has been seen recently in some other rockstar skis, like the Rossignol Sender Ti and ON3P Woodsman 108. So, we are pumped about the slimmed down Koala. Oh, it also weighs in lighter than the original, making it a touch more user friendly for true all-mountain freeride skiing.
These seven are just a sampler of the rad gear on the horizon in the world of 2022 skis. Read all of our brand-by-brand previews.
