Because nothing is more valuable than gaining the perfect overview, we're making our readers winners right from the start on these pages. The basis for this overview is once again the "World Skitest." This time, the testing took place in late winter in Heiligenblut, with the Großglockner mountain as a backdrop.
The WorldSkitest brings together a diverse group of ski enthusiasts every year: active and former top athletes, international journalists, and ambitious recreational skiers. This winter, all three ski tests – Alpine Ski Test including the Youth Ski Test (see photo, with organizer Gerhard Brüggler in the foreground), Freeride Ski Test, and Touring Ski Test – were conducted together in the Hohe Tauern National Park region. Among the numerous testers were prominent names from the world of skiing: Daniel Danklmaier (Austrian Ski Federation Speed Team), World Champion Nicole Schmidhofer, Team World Champion Eva Maria Brem, Olympic Champion Fritz Strobl, World Champion Hannes Reichelt, World Champion Manfred Pranger, Team Double World Champion Philipp Schörghofer, and Slovenian Olympic medalist Jure Kosir.
Everyone tested the latest models for the upcoming winter season in a total of five categories. The highest-rated skis are documented on the following pages. The hallmark of the WorldSkitest is the use of black, neutralized skis to ensure maximum objectivity. However, because aesthetics also play a significant role, a separate design contest was held, and its winners are listed within the respective categories.
Youth: Top skis for young racers
The technology and construction of ski models for competitive young skiers hardly differ from adult models. In Heiligenblut, members of local ski clubs put them to the test. The criteria examined were carving feel, stability, effort required, and overall impression. But beware: buying these skis for your child's first ski lesson will likely bring them little joy.
ELAN – ACE GSX TEAM
Radius: 20.5 m
Sidecut: „FIS approved“
Recommended retail price: €519.95 – €549.95
Test score: excellent, average: 30.8
It impressed with its smooth running.
FISCHER – RC4 NOIZE GS JR
Radius: 22.3 m
Sidecut: 103-64.9-85.5
Recommended retail price: €750.00
Test score: excellent, average: 30.0
Racer for well-trained teenagers.
KÄSTLE – RX 12 GS FACTORY FIS SOFT
Radius: 20.5 m
Sidecut: 107-65-83
Recommended retail price: €939.00
Test score: very good, average: 27.8
A very well-balanced overall impression.
BLIZZARD – FIREBIRD GS RACING
Radius: ≥21 m
Sidecut: 103-65.5-86
Recommended retail price: €800.00 (flat rate, no binding)
Test score: very good, average: 27.5
Also a well-balanced model.
Performance Women's + Men's: The underrated all-rounders
A smooth and comfortable ski day. The Ladies Performance models prove to be the perfect choice for female skiers who value elegance, safety, and fun equally. And the men's models are equally forgiving of mistakes during leisurely carving turns, remaining predictable, smooth, and comfortable. The most beautiful according to the design contest: Fischer The Curv TI WS (D), Atomic Redster X7 (M).
VÖLKL SHINE MT (D)
Radius: 12.2 m, Sidecut: 126-75-105
RRP: €630.00
Test score: very good, average: 37.8
Precision and stability, especially impressive with long radii.
NORDICA BELLE DC 72 FDT (D)
Radius:13.7, Sidecut:121-72-100
RRP: €700.00
Test score: very good, average: 37.8
A harmonious blend of sportiness, stability, and comfort.
VÖLKL RACETIGER SRC (H)
Radius: 15.8 m, Sidecut: 124-73-103
RRP (€) with binding: €720.00
Test score: excellent, average: 42.3
Harmonious design and excellent edge grip.
ATOMIC REDSTER X7 (H)
Radius: 15.1 m, Sidecut: 114-70-102
RRP: €849.99
Test score: excellent, average: 41.8
Very well-balanced, controlled driving feel even at higher speeds.
High performance for men and women: The dream piste ski
The art of making racing quality suitable for everyday use is what the skis in the High Performance category represent. Sophisticated models combine what sporty skiers expect from a high-end carver: uncompromising stability, maximum precision, and pure dynamics. "Ladies High Performance" skis stand for speed and ultimate precision, and their stylish design is not neglected. The Salomon S/Max N12(D) and the Atomic Redster X9S RevoShock S were chosen as the most attractive.
ATOMIC REDSTER X9S REVOSHOCK S (H)
Radius: 14.8 m, Sidecut: 114-65-99.5
RRP (€) with binding: €1,259.99
Test score: excellent, average: 42.7
Precise, smooth running, extremely stable, especially during long, sweeping swings.
BLIZZARD THUNDERBIRD R15 LDT (H)
Radius: 13, 15, 18 m
Sidecut: 121-69-105
RRP (€) with binding: €1,200.00
Maximum performance on the slopes without excessive effort. The ski can be selected according to your preferred skiing style, as demonstrated by the three available radii. Two types of wood with different densities are combined to create a unique wood core. The new Power Metal Bridge technology in the plates ensures easier turn initiation and greater turning precision.
FISCHER RC4 ST WS (D)
Radius: 13 m, Sidecut: 117-68-105
RRP (€) with binding: €800.00
Test score: excellent, average: 46.5
An incredible top rating. The ski completely thrilled the testers.
NORDICA BELLE SL DC FDT (D)
Radius: 12.5 m, Sidecut: 119-69-103
RRP (€) with binding: €850.00
Test score: excellent, average: 42.2
It combines precision and dynamics, and requires minimal effort to get through.
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AllMountain: The edge of the piste sets no limits
The wider versions of the all-round models are ideal for transitioning from groomed slopes to choppy powder, onto ice, and perhaps a short powder run. These high-quality skis combine everything you'd expect from a ski both on and off-piste. Underfoot, the models have settled at widths between 82 and 88 mm. Design Gold for the Salomon Stance PRO 82.
VÖLKL MANTRA 84
Radius: 16.2 m, Sidecut: 129-84-110
RRP (€) with binding: €700.00
Test score: very good, average: 39.5
Whether for long or short turns, a balanced ski with top performance.
ATOMIC REDSTER Q9.8 REVOSHOCK S
Radius: 15.2 m, Sidecut: 136-85-120.5
RRP (€) with binding: €1,199.99
Test score: very good, average: 38.8
No noticeable weaknesses, impresses with excellent edge grip and consistent stability.
KÄSTLE MX84
Radius: 16.3 m, Sidecut: 127-84-113
RRP (€) with binding: €1,299.00
Test score: very good, average: 38.6
It shines particularly during long turns, offering excellent smoothness and strong edge grip.
NORDICA STEADFAST DC 85 FDT
Radius: 15.8 m, Sidecut: 137-85-116
RRP (€) with binding: €750.00
Test score: very good, average: 38.6
His strengths lie particularly in the short swing and the low effort required.
Race: Racing feeling for the slopes
The top class for the toughest skiers. The slalom models (165 cm) are demanding and equipped with World Cup-proven technology. Although they have been toned down compared to purebred World Cup skis, even the standard models require stable technique, considerable strength, and good physical condition from the skier. The award for top design went to the test winner, the Atomic Redster S9 RevoShock S.
ATOMIC REDSTER S9 REVOSHOCK S
Radius: 12.5 m, Sidecut: 118-68-104
RRP (€) with binding: €1,159.99
Test score: excellent, average: 43.3
Crisp, sharp, and aggressive, but requiring less effort to ride than others.
SALOMON S/RACE SL PRO
Radius: 13 m, Sidecut: 121-68-104
RRP (€) with binding: €1,200.00
Test score: excellent, average: 41.7
Particular strength in short swings without having to use too much power.
FISCHER RC4 NOIZE ST PRO
Radius: 13 m, Sidecut: 118-66-104
RRP (€) with binding: €1,200.00
Test score: very good, average: 39.8
A sporty model that really shines when in motion.
UNIQUE LEOPOLD
Sidecut: 100 – 72 – 124
The sportiest Leopold ever. The proven Leopold form factor and construction with added Titanal elements. Sportier, faster, smoother running. Racing feel paired with understatement. It feels at home on all slopes. Lively, exciting, and even smoother and easier on the joints than the original, with even better performance.“
Freeride: The more powder, the wider
Let the powder fly! The models were tested in two categories. Skis with less than 10cm of sidewall (1), which also perform reasonably well on groomed slopes. And the wider, true powder skis (2), with the 114mm sidewall model proving most popular with the testers. Category 2 included both men's and women's skis. The Blizzard Rustler 9 won the Snowstyle of the Year award.
BLIZZARD RUSTLER 11 (WIDE)
Radius: 15.5m, Sidecut:125-88-112
RRP (€) without binding: €899.00
Test score: very good, average: 46.5
It combines low weight with uncompromising precision. It tracks faithfully uphill, and downhill it offers stable running, clean edge grip, and balanced flex.
ELAN RIPSTICK 108 (WIDE)
Radius: 18 m, Sidecut: 125-89-108
RRP (€) without binding: €699.00
Test score: very good, average: 44.7
A sporty all-rounder. Reliable on the ascent. Impressive on the descent with its agility.
VÖLKL MANTRA M7
Radius: 11.9m Sidecut: 125-88-112
RRP (€) without binding: €799.00
Test score: excellent, average: 51.0
Whether climbing or descending, it offers maximum control, smooth running and precise edge grip.
BLIZZARD RUSTLER 9
Radius: 15 m Sidecut: 119-88-107
RRP (€) without binding: €649.99
Test score: excellent, average: 49.9
Even under changing conditions, it remains versatile thanks to its stable edge grip.
Touring skis: When weight plays a decisive role
Which touring ski best meets the requirements? The tested models combine lightness on the ascent with confident downhill performance. For ski tourers who value stability, precision, and genuine winter fun, these skis are the right choice for the entire season. Although skin handling was also tested, due to the conditions, there was a particular focus on downhill performance. Testing was conducted in both women's and men's categories.
KÄSTLE TX88 (H)
Radius: 15.5m, Sidecut:125-88-112
RRP (€) without binding: €899.00
Test score: very good, average: 46.5
It combines low weight with uncompromising precision. It tracks faithfully uphill, and downhill it offers stable running, clean edge grip, and balanced flex.
HAGAN CORE CARBON 89 (H)
Radius: 18 m, Sidecut: 125-89-108
RRP (€) without binding: €699.00
Test score: very good, average: 44.7
A sporty all-rounder. Reliable on the ascent. Impressive on the descent with its agility.
KÄSTLE BIAFO 88 (D)
Radius: 11.9m Sidecut: 125-88-112
RRP (€) without binding: €799.00
Test score: excellent, average: 51.0
Whether climbing or descending, it offers maximum control, smooth running and precise edge grip.
NORDICA UNLIMITED 88 (D)
Radius: 15 m Sidecut: 119-88-107
RRP (€) without binding: €649.99
Test score: excellent, average: 49.9
Even under changing conditions, it remains versatile thanks to its stable edge grip.
