The 9 Best Value Skis of 2023
By: Jordan Sunshine: Ski Buyer | September 26, 2022
Skiing doesn't have to be a rich person’s game. Sure, you can spend thousands of dollars on your setup, spring for the fur-lined outerwear, and the luxury ski vacations. Or you can work hard all summer, save up for a pass at your local hill, pack your own lunch, and buy skis that give you the best bang for your buck. If you identify more with the latter, this list of the best value skis was made for you. Every ski on this list stands out for a great combination of performance and price. In many ways, ski price is a game of diminishing returns, over a certain price point, you’re not really getting a significantly better on-snow experience as you pay more. And these skis manage to bridge that gap perfectly.
New This Year:
The price of nearly everything associated with skiing has increased thanks to recent global trends. But luckily, the best value skis have stayed constant and affordable. So, if you’ve been lusting after some new skis, but can’t justify a huge purchase right now, you’re looking in the right place.
K2 Reckoner 92
Packed with technology that makes this one of the most versatile all-mountain twin tips in the game, the K2 Reckoner 92 Skis are lively, energetic, and durable - ready to get tossed into chunder or sprung around the park all season long. This nimble and saucy waist width is for the indecisive skiers who want to lap the park one day and send it into the steeps the next. The K2 Reckoner 92 does it all, with style and grace, perfect for skiers who refuse to be typecast into one mold.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Aspen Veneer | 92 mm | $299.95 |
Armada ARW 86
From switch landings on big booters to frontside switch ups on the rails, your skiing demands style and perfection at every turn. The Armada ARW 86 Skis are designed to provide all that and more for your freestyle exploits. They're tried and true park warriors with burly bases, oversized edges, a springy core, and a pressable flex so your and boost, butter, and slide your way through the season.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Poplar Ash | 86 mm | $449.95 |
Fischer Ranger
Fischer brings freeride flexibility and confidence to the groomers with the new Fischer Ranger Skis, with a do-it-all 92mm waist and freeski rocker to make managing any snow conditions a snap. With a full Poplar wood core and Sandwich Sidewall Construction, the Ranger holds its own on harder snow as well, so you'll be in good hands whatever winter may bring. Pick your length, and your color, and let your imagination be your guide. The Ranger is one of the most versatile skis at this price point ever.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Poplar | 92 mm | $499.99 |
Rossignol Rallybird 90 Pro
A Rallybird for the fledgling set that delivers adult-level performance to those just getting their wings under them, the Rossignol Rallybird 90 Pro Skis + Xpress 10W GW Bindings take all-mountain excellence to a new level. With an extended Poplar core, the 90 Pro keeps edge control to a max under all conditions so you can let it fly with full confidence. The Rallybird is your secret weapon to help you grow from a tentative skier to a confident one.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Poplar | 90 mm | $479.95 |
K2 Mindbender 85
If you feel like it's time to get some exploration incorporated into your resort days, look no further than the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis. They have the versatility to help you maneuver tougher terrain, but once you're confident in those new skills, the skis keep up as you progress. Like their bigger sisters in the Mindbender Collection, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis include the lightweight Aspen Veneer core and All-Terrain Rocker profile packed into a more narrow width to keep you on edge for what's to come. The Mindbender 85 lets you live out your racer aspirations in an affordable package.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Aspen Veneer | 85 mm | $399.95 |
Nordica Unleashed 90 W
For the park kids and the up-and-comers who don't want to sacrifice performance for their trick fix, the Nordica Unleashed 90 W Skis are made to do it all. Confidence-boosting full wood core and vertical sidewalls support playful riding that delivers from the park to the piste and beyond. Twin tip rocker and traditional camber support backward shenanigans while providing grip when you don't quite land that 360. What can't the Nordica Unleashed 90 W do? Nothing. The answer is nothing. This is a very versatile ski that works well for a wide variety of styles, at a reasonable price.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Performance Wood | 90 mm | $399.99 |
Atomic Maven 83
It's time to kick that rental ski habit and get on something you can call your own. Step up to the Atomic Maven 83 Skis + M10 GW Bindings and find your true self. The Maven lineup builds on Atomic's successful Vantage series, adding their Flow Profile construction with OMatic core for lightness and versatile all-mountain confidence. This complete setup includes the new M10 Gripwalk binding for ultimate safety and ease of stepping in. This combo is easy to get along with, and very versatile, great for new skiers.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Omatic Core | 83 mm | $399.95 |
Atomic Bent 85
The Atomic Bent 85 Skis + M 10 GW Bindings are an affordable, sweet looking, and an easy to use package that'll have you shredding the gnar in no time at all. With a maneuverable wood core and directional shape, this ski is versatile, user-friendly, and super fun. Bright graphics help you stand out, and the included M10 GW Bindings are adjustable to almost any boot size. If you've got freestyle aspirations, but want to jib the whole mountain, the Bent 85 is a great starting point.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Poplar | 85 mm | $499.95 |
Völkl Revolt 95
When it comes to blending high level trickery and big time amplitude, there's nothing better than the quality and stability of the Völkl Revolt 95 Skis. Here's a park ride you can confidently take anywhere on the mountain from sketchy steeps to blower pow and feel totally at ease. Full sidewall construction with a Mini Cap at the tips and tails for durability and a classic Völkl Multilayer Woodcore mean the Revolt 95 will still be kicking years down the road.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Multilayer Woodcore | 95 mm | $449.99 |
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
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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 Sunshine
I was born and raised in northern Vermont and moved west as soon as I turned 18. I bounced around the PNW for a while eventually following evo’s store openings to Denver where I have called home since and although I will always take even the wettest of pow days, have come to appreciate any day skiing in the sun, be it with friends or my kids.I have been skiing since I was 2 and started working in a ski shop when I was 14, which was way more fun than washing dishes. Over the years I have worked as a ski tech, boot fitter, liftie, product copywriter, and eventually came to manage evo’s Portland and Denver stores. Now I am the Ski Buyer, overseeing ski hardgoods and backcountry accessories.