The 8 Best Skis for Intermediate Skiers
By: Jordan Berde: Assistant Ski Buyer | January 24, 2023
Shopping for skis as an intermediate skier can be a daunting task. It can be pretty obvious what you’re looking for when a beginner or an expert, but what will best serve your needs when progressing between the two? When considering which skis to purchase, it's important to consider your preferred terrain and the type of skiing you'll be doing. Intermediate skiers typically have a solid foundation of skills, a good level of control, and can handle various conditions, so it's essential to look for skis that can keep up with your progression.
New This Year:
All mountain skis have a significant presence in the intermediate skis segment. The versatility they provide, in particular, their ability to handle a variety of skiing conditions as well as skiing styles, provide considerable benefits. At this level, you’ll start to see the incorporation of materials like carbon fiber or flax into the ski designs for added stiffness and stability that is needed as you start to tackle more challenging skiing. And, for those who want the versatility of both on- and off-piste skiing, many skis here will feature hybrid rocker profiles, offering a balance of both camber and rocker.
Nordica Enforcer 100
It's not easy to make a ski that's universally loved by seriously badass skiers, and at the same time a no brainer to recommend to strong intermediates. But that's exactly what Nordica has done with the Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis. The Enforcer line has by now become a perennial staple in "Best Ski of the Year" discussions, and the latest rendition is no different. A stout flex underfoot is backed up by two sheets of titanal for smooth stability and edge hold through chop, but when it comes time to transfer your weight, the ski happily flicks over to the other edge, making for a surprisingly user friendly ride. If you haven't gotten on an Enforcer by now, do yourself a favor - the hype is fully deserved.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 100 | $799.99 |
Salomon QST Lumen 98 - Women's
Since its inception, the Salomon QST series has set itself apart as one of the most technologically advanced options on the market. With a unique lightweight laminate blend and cork powered tip cutouts, it's clear the engineers had a field day on these skis. As the most versatile model in the line, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 Skis put all that technology towards the purpose of having the most fun possible on the mountain. They carve clean lines on groomers, float up skin tracks, and pivot effortlessly through bumps and trees. Simple, elegant, and effective, these skis are intuitive riders on any day, no matter the conditions.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 98 | $599.99 |
Atomic Maverick 95 Ti
The Atomic Maverick 95 TI Skis are outstanding piste performers with a healthy dose of off-trail capability. Strong and smooth in just about any conceivable set of conditions, the Mavericks utilize a new OMatic core construction that expertly balances stiffness and flex over the length of the ski for top-notch riding through variable snow. Whether you find yourself laying trenches in fresh groomers or dipping into the trees for some leftover freshies, the Atomic Maverick 95 TI Skis make the transition seamless.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 95 | $699.95 |
Atomic Maven 93 C - Women's
The all new Atomic Maven 93 C Skis are ready for some serious all mountain fun. Finely tuned for rippin' ladies, the Mavens combine Atomic's Omatic core construction with a deft Flow Profile that blends the perfect amount of rocker and camber for maximum edge contact through the turn. Whether you are getting up early to make your mark on fresh corduroy or finding your happy place off the beaten path, the Atomic Maven 93 C Skis will help you leave it all on the hill.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 93 | $649.95 |
Armada ARV 106
The Armada ARV 106 Skis are fun. They're fast, sturdy all-mountain twins that are designed to let you do whatever you want, whenever you want, without having to worry about the conditions or what skis you've selected from your quiver for the day. They're quick edge to edge on groomer days, stable on landings and at speed, and have enough rocker and surface area to handle the deepest powder days. One thing that sets them apart from other all-mountain freestyle skis is Armada's Smear Tech that's featured in the tips and tails. This 3D beveling makes them surfier in the pow, butterier on the hard pack, and more fun to ride in almost any conditions.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 106 | $699.95 |
Armada ARW 96 - Women's
Skiing is fun. It's a fact. Flying down the mountain, biting your edges into the snow, snaking between the trees, feeling the wind hit your face and the gravity hit your toes. There's nothing like it and that is an objective truth. The Armada ARW 96 Skis are built as an homage to this unarguable fact. They're not specialized tools for mountaineering first descents or maximum hardcoreness, but if you're trying to go to the resort and have one heck of a time, there's nothing better. These all mountain freestyle skis are at home in the park, on the steeps, or on the groomers. They're poppy, dependable, and just plain fun.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 96 | $549.95 |
Blizzard Rustler 9
A funny thing happened in the winter of '21-22. Winter went dry for months in most of North America, and the wide ski powder maniacs were stuck for a low tide answer. A few of them got out on the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis and were blown away. Who woulda thought, with that rocker line and limited edge contact, but here is ski that can rail with the best of the flat-tailed carvers and not punish the rider in bumps and re-frozen slop! The Titanal D.R.T. laminate does just what it was intended to do, namely smooth out the ride and make the ski feel uber-confident at speed, and the tail rocker means the Rustler doesn't lock in and take you for a ride. Do yourself a favor and check these out.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 94 | $649.95 |
Blizzard Sheeva 9 - Women's
The Blizzard Sheeva 9 Skis went largely undiscovered for the first few years of their existence. Then something amazing happened. It didn't snow in much of North America, and the powder oriented Sheeva 11 disciples discovered its little 92-waisted sister could rip a carve turned as well as many flat-tailed "carver" skis and still not humble you in bumps, re-frozen corn, and tight trees. The migration was on, and many hard chargers (including many of the evo crew) found the Sheeva 9 was the ideal tool for everyday good times.
| Waist Width (mm) | Original Price |
| 92 | $649.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:
Skis - Kids' Size Chart and Buyer's Guide
Skis - Rocker Technology Explained
Ski Bindings – How to Choose & DIN Setting Chart
Ski Boots - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Ski Boots - Boot Sole & Ski Binding Compatibility
Ski Boots – How to Make Your Boots Fit Better
Ski Poles - Size Chart
Skiing - Beginner Skiing Tips
Skiing - How to Fly With Skis
Skiing - How to Get in Shape
Ski Maintenance - Base Repair
Ski Maintenance – How to Store for the Summer
Ski Maintenance – How to Tune
Ski Maintenance – How to Wax
Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
Goggles - How to Choose
Goggles - Wearing Goggles with Glasses
Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Outerwear - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
Outerwear - How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
Outerwear - Regional Ski & Snowboard Guide
Ski Socks - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Airbag Pack
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Beacon
Backcountry - Climbing Skins Size Guide
Backcountry - Dynafit / Tech Binding Basics
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Bindings
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Ski Boots
Backcountry - How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel
Backcountry - How to Choose Climbing Skins
Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
Discover Our Favorite Gear:
The Best Women's Skis
The Best Beginner Skis
The Best All Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
The Best Touring Skis
The Best Carving Skis
The Best Park Skis
The Best Intermediate Skis
The Best Freeride Skis
The Best Ski Bindings
The Best Touring Ski Bindings
The Best Men's Ski Boots
The Best Women's Ski Boots
The Best Touring Boots
The Best Ski Socks
The Best Beginner Ski Boots
The Best Value Skis
The Best Ski Poles
The Best Kids' Skis
The Best Kids' Ski Boots
The Best Cross Country Ski Boots
The Best Ski Boot Liners
The Selection Process:
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jordan Berde
Jordan (she/her) is the Assistant Ski Buyer at evo. Before working in this role, she worked at the evo Denver store for two years, where she began as a bootfitter and quickly moved into Store Lead and then Store Supervisor roles. Prior to evo, Jordan worked as a bootfitter at other shops, a mountain bike instructor for kiddos in Colorado, a ski patroller in Alaska, and a liftie in Taos. She's an avid backcountry skier and ski mountaineer and recently summited Mt. Baker as a fundraiser for SheJumps, a non-profit committed to getting more women involved in the outdoors.She started sliding on snow later than most (in her late 20s), but now she’s the friend getting up at 4 am to make sure she can get a dawn patrol lap in before work! Jordan is passionate about diversity and inclusion and making outdoor activities more inclusive to all genders, races, and ability levels. When she's not skiing, Jordan is likely on her mountain bike exploring all that Colorado and Washington have to offer with her wife. Some say she never stops moving…