Gear Guide: 2026 Skis – The Snow is Here, Time to Demo Some Skis
Mountainwatch| Gear Guide
After a slow start to the season, winter has finally arrived. A combination of regular storms and extensive snowmaking has opened more lifts and terrain across the resorts, with snow coverage improving every week. Better still, another significant storm is forecast, setting the scene for the best skiing of the season.
If you’ve been waiting to invest in a new pair of skis, now is the perfect time. Whether you’re chasing groomers, powder, park laps or all-mountain versatility, here are a few of the standout models for 2026.
All Mountain Skis
Atomic – Maverick 96 CTI – RRP $1,449.99
Lengths: 166, 172, 179, 186
Dimensions: 129/96/114.5
The Atomic Maverick 96 CTI is a true all-mountain performer, built for skiers who want one ski that excels in every condition. Its CTI Powered Core blends carbon and titanal to deliver the ideal balance of stability, responsiveness and smooth flex, while the Power Woodcore dampens vibration for confidence at speed. A 96mm waist and All-Mountain Rocker provide reliable edge grip on hardpack with enough versatility for softer snow, while the HRZN 3D tip improves float and handling in variable conditions. It’s a refined, high-performance ski for every day on the mountain.
Black Crows – Sato & Sato Birdie
Lengths: Sato 167, 173, 179cm
Birdie: 155, 161, 167cm
Sidecut: 134/87/123
Designed with Australian conditions in mind, the new Sato and Sato Birdie are playful all-mountain skis that thrive on groomers while remaining capable when the snow becomes softer or more challenging. Their medium flex makes them approachable for a wide range of skiers, balancing easy handling with strong edge grip for confident carving at speed. An 88mm waist provides versatility across the resort, whether you’re weaving through snow gums, exploring off the side of the trail or laying down clean turns on fresh corduroy. They’re lively, stylish and built for all-day fun.
Dynastar
M-Cross 82 K – RRP $1,399 (includes bindings)
Lengths: 159, 168, 176, and 184 cm
Sidecut: 129 / 82 / 111 mm
Designed with a frontside focus, the Dynastar M-Cross 82 K is an all-mountain ski that delivers quick edge-to-edge performance with a smooth, forgiving feel. It excels on groomed runs, offering strong grip and easy turn initiation while remaining capable in softer or mixed snow conditions. Stable enough for confident skiing at speed without feeling demanding, it’s an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a versatile resort ski that performs consistently across changing terrain.
Faction- Dancer 89 TI – RRP $1,499
Lengths: 153, 159, 166, 173, 179, 185 cm
Sidecut: 126/89/115
The Dancer 89 TI is a premium all-mountain ski that blends precision, power and versatility in equal measure. Two thin sheets of Titanal work with a sustainably sourced wood core to produce outstanding edge grip, stability and smooth handling without unnecessary weight. An 89mm waist and subtle rocker profile provide confidence across everything from groomed pistes to variable off-piste snow. Responsive yet forgiving, the Dancer 89 TI is an excellent choice for advanced skiers looking for one ski to handle every day on the mountain.
K2
Blur Xt:
Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170, 177, 184
Sidecut: 135/83/115
The K2 Blur XT is a frontside-focused all-mountain ski built for skiers who love carving fast, precise turns on groomed terrain. Engineered for smooth, intuitive turn initiation, it combines Titanal reinforcement with H-Beam construction for excellent stability and edge grip at speed. Flax Shield technology helps reduce vibration, while FSC-certified wood cores and repurposed base materials add a sustainable touch. Responsive, energetic and easy to control, the Blur XT is an ideal choice for confident resort skiers chasing high-speed performance.
Völkl- Mantra 88 & Mantra 88 W – RRP $1,449
Lengths:
Sidecut:
The redesigned Völkl Mantra 88 and Mantra 88 W deliver the versatility and precision that have made the Mantra name a favourite among advanced all-mountain skiers. Updated Tailored Carbon Tips improve agility and responsiveness, while the refined 3D Radius Sidecut offers smoother turn initiation and greater flexibility across a wide range of turn shapes. Shortening the underfoot radius has made the latest model even more dynamic on groomers without sacrificing off-piste capability. Powerful, composed and remarkably versatile, the Mantra 88 is built for confident skiing in every snow condition.
FREERIDE SKIS
ATOMIC – Bent 100 – RRP $1,349.99
Lengths: 158, 165, 172, 179, 186
Dimensions:128/100/119
The Atomic Bent 100 continues to set the benchmark for skiers who want one ski to handle everything from powder days to park laps. Updated with feedback from Atomic’s freeride athletes, it combines a Light Woodcore with increased Powder Rocker for improved float, playful tail pop and effortless switch skiing. HRZN 3D technology enhances performance in deeper snow, while Dura Cap Sidewalls and reinforced Resist Edges deliver dependable grip and long-term durability. Versatile, energetic and confidence-inspiring, the Bent 100 remains one of the most complete freeride skis on the market.
Black Crows – Atris
Lengths: 172, 178, 184, 190cm
Dimensions: 136/105/120
An icon in the Black Crows line-up since its debut in 2014, the Atris continues to evolve while remaining one of the brand’s most versatile big-mountain skis. With a 105mm waist, it delivers excellent float in powder while maintaining impressive stability and edge hold when conditions become firm or variable. Accessible enough for confident intermediates yet capable of satisfying expert skiers, the Atris is equally at home chasing fresh snow or carving across mixed terrain. It’s a dependable freeride ski built for those who want one ski to tackle every day on the mountain.
Dynastar
Trouble Maker 100 – RRP $1,299
Lengths: 162, 170, 178, 185, 192
Sidecut: 130/100/122mm ( 178cm)
The Limited Edition Dynastar Trouble Maker 100 is a versatile freeride ski that blends float, agility and control for skiers who like to explore the whole mountain. Its Progressive Rocker profile delivers excellent performance in soft snow while remaining composed on firmer terrain, and the Adaptive Sidecut provides quick, confident turn initiation. Equally comfortable carving groomers, hunting powder or charging through chopped-up conditions, the Trouble Maker 100 offers a playful yet stable ride for adventurous skiers looking for one ski to do it all.
Faction – Prodigy 3 – RRP $1,449
Lengths: 164, 172, 178, 184, and 190
Sidecut: 133/106/125
A favourite among freeride and freestyle skiers alike, the Faction Prodigy 3 combines big-mountain capability with playful park-inspired performance. Its 106mm waist delivers excellent float in soft snow, while the lightweight poplar core offers the ideal balance of pop, flexibility and stability. Whether you’re surfing powder, sending cliffs or carving back to the lift, the Prodigy 3 remains energetic, predictable and fun. It’s a true all-terrain ski designed for creative skiers who refuse to be limited by conditions.
K2 Skis
Mindbender 88
Lengths: 164, 170, 176, 182
Sidecut: 125/88/112
The K2 Mindbender 88 is an all-mountain ski with a freeride personality, combining precise hardpack performance with the versatility to venture beyond the groomers. Dark Matter Technology reduces vibration for a smooth, composed ride, while the Titanal I-Beam enhances edge grip, stability and efficient power transfer through every turn. Quick edge-to-edge and confidence-inspiring on firm snow, the Mindbender 88 is an excellent choice for skiers who spend most of their time on-piste but enjoy exploring the whole mountain whenever conditions allow.
Volkl
Revolt 101 – RRP $1,299
Lengths:
Sidecut:
The Völkl Revolt 101 is a lively freeride ski that feels equally comfortable carving groomers, weaving through trees or tackling mixed snow conditions. With a lightweight construction and proven 3D Sidecut, it offers quick turn initiation, strong edge hold and impressive agility across the mountain. Although capable of skiing switch, its directional shape and flat tail favour powerful, forward-facing skiing while adding confidence and control on firmer snow. Durable, versatile and competitively priced, the Revolt 101 is an excellent all-round option for adventurous skiers seeking one ski for every condition.
Park/Freestyle Skis
ATOMIC – Bent Decode – RRP $1,249.99
Lengths: 158, 167, 176, 185
Dimensions: 123/92/117
Developed with Atomic’s next generation of freestyle athletes, the Bent Decode is purpose-built for riders who spend their days in the terrain park. A lightweight core keeps the ski lively and easy to throw around, while the new HRZN 3D tip reduces swing weight for smoother spins and more controlled tricks. ABS CoreGuard construction and reinforced Resist Edges provide the durability needed for repeated rail and jump sessions. Playful, tough and highly responsive, the Bent Decode is designed to encourage progression and creativity every time you drop in.
BLACK CROWS: Mirus Cor
Lengths: 160.1, 168.3, 173.2, 178, 184.2
Sidecut: 134 / 87 / 123 mm
The Mirus Cor is one of the most distinctive skis on the market, combining freestyle creativity with carving performance in a truly unique package. Featuring a long rocker tip, swallowtail design and an 87mm waist, it encourages playful skiing on side hits, natural features and groomed runs alike. Quick edge-to-edge and highly responsive, it delivers energetic carving while remaining forgiving enough for freestyle progression. Whether you’re linking turns on-piste or finding features around the resort, the Mirus Cor is designed for skiers who like to think outside the traditional boundaries.
DYNASTAR – M-Menace 90 – RRP $999 (includes bindings)
Lengths: 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 cm.
Sidecut:118-90-108 mm
The Dynastar M-Menace 90 is built for skiers who want to take on every part of the resort with confidence, from terrain parks to natural features and side hits. Its 90mm waist delivers all-condition versatility, while the durable cap construction and responsive poplar wood core provide a lively, forgiving ride. Easy to manoeuvre and playful underfoot, the M-Menace 90 is an ideal option for progressing freestyle skiers who also want a ski that’s equally enjoyable cruising the rest of the mountain.
Faction – Studio 1 – RRP $1,449
Lengths: 164, 171, 178, 183
Sidecut: 120/90/120
Purpose-built for terrain park riders, the Faction Studio 1 is a high-performance twin-tip ski developed with input from the brand’s world-class freestyle athletes. A Poplar and Ash wood core paired with Carbon Stringers creates a lively blend of lightweight agility, pop and stability for jumps, rails and technical tricks. Responsive enough for experienced riders yet forgiving for progression, the Studio 1 delivers the durability and precision needed for long park sessions while remaining playful across the entire resort.
K2 – Omen Team
Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184, 188 cm
Sidecut: 125/95/119
Developed and tested by K2’s elite freestyle athletes, the Omen Team is built for skiers pushing their limits in the terrain park, streets and competition. Its twin-tip design combines Carbon Boost Braid construction with a Triaxial Braided Core to deliver outstanding pop, stability and durability. TwinTech Sidewalls and Bio Resin enhance both performance and longevity, creating a ski that thrives on rails, jumps and technical tricks. Responsive and dependable, the Omen Team is designed for dedicated freestyle riders who demand confidence on every feature.
Volkl – Revolt 86
Lengths:
Sidecut:
Together with Olympic Gold Medallist in Big Air, Birk Ruud, the Revolt 86 was fine-tuned with a race base to make the ski as fast as possible. The wood core got lighter as it’s made of bamboo, the fastest-growing wood in the world. The Revolt has a width of 86 mm beneath the binding and is a twin tip with tip and tail rockers, perfect for aspiring freestylers who are shredding in the park. The butter zone enables smooth transitions between switch stances. It’s Tough Box construction and new bamboo wood core gives the ski the right amount of pop and makes it light, agile and versatile in and out of the park.
