The 9 Best Women's Skis of 2022-2023
By: Jordan Berde: Assistant Ski Buyer | October 5, 2022
The best ski manufacturers know that women are just as down to send it as our male counterparts. From thin, stiff rippers built for icy East Coast trail runs to lightweight, chunky sticks designed to float through Rocky Mountain powder, women from all over the country can find a ski they love within these ranks. Versatility is key, and these skis reflect the want (and need) to put down turns both in and out of bounds, no matter the conditions. Patriarchal society puts women in a box, setting the limits of what we “can” and “can’t” do. Our skis should not.
New This Year:
In 2023, ski manufacturers put in the effort to develop skis that work with the athletic woman’s body, not against it. You’ll find cores milled to rider size, with stronger reinforcement, so the ski gives back the energy you put into it. Accompanied by a smattering of new top sheet designs, the latest and greatest in women’s skiing is listening to the feedback of female riders everywhere that are looking for the best women's skis that can ride just as hard as they can.
Salomon QST Lumen 98
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.
The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is made for the hard-charging woman who wants to ski all day, any part of the season, without breaking the bank. Simple, elegant, and effective, these skis are intuitive riders on any day.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| All-Mountain | 131-98-119 mm | 15 m | $599.99 |
Line Skis Pandora 94
The Line Skis Pandora 94 Skis are just plain fun. If you're an all-mountain rider who tends a bit more towards the hard pack, these skis will help make the blank canvases of cord into a place that's brimming with bright potential for colorful swoops and expressive turns. Plus, they're super lightweight, which leads many riders to pair them with tech bindings and take them into the backcountry.
5-Cut Geometry on the sidewall allows the skier to ski a wide variety of turns without sacrificing responsiveness. Best for the loud and proud woman who likes messing around in-bounds and crushing an out-of-bounds lap or two, whichever direction you point your Pandora 94s in, a treasure trove of splendor awaits you.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| All-Mountain, Alpine Touring | 131-94-117 mm | 14.5 m | $549.95 |
Völkl Kenja 88
You like your skiing hard, lightning fast, and razor precise. You expect your skis to mirror your outlook. You want the Völkl Kenja 88 Skis on your feet, no question about it. Always a winner, the new Kenja 88 gets the Tailored Titanal Frame and Carbon tip treatment for this season, making a good thing even better - the new ski is smoother going into the turn and less hooky in sub-optimal snow.
No new snow? No problem. You’re the kind of gal that likes to show off their technique and ride the high of that perfect turn, and you’ve laid the tracks to prove it. A classic inbound resort ski, the Volkl Kenjas are made to take on hard-pack and ice like it's nothing. Their ability to push through chalk and corn is a bonus. Get on the Kenja this season and make your groomer days something special.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| All-Mountain | 129-88-113 mm | 13 m | $699.99 |
Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti
Born from the demands of hard-charging gals who need a ski that can keep up on steep descents in variable conditions, the titanal injected Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti Skis deliver! With a 104mm waist width, these skis straddle the line between powder-worthy float and the everyday edge control you need to carve confidently both off-piste and on groomers.
The Rallybird boasts a progressive sidecut for a firm grip that supports riders seamlessly through chop and crud but maintains its fluidity for quick transitions in variable conditions. While the width of the ski rides best in heavy storms, the core and sidecut ensure this pair will still be a go-to when your local haunt hasn’t seen snow in a while. If you're in the market for a strong, stable ski that won't leave you longing for more whether conditions are firm or soft, look to the ladies-specific Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti Skis.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| Big Mountain, Powder | 137-102-127 mm | 16 m | $849.95 |
Armada ARW 116 VJJ UL
The Armada ARW 116 VJJ UL Skis are not just skis. They're enablers for your wildest powder day fever dreams. They float through Sierra Cement like they're blowing foam from the top of a glass of champagne, and they dance across blower pow like a sharp-clawed cat on a down comforter. They're nimble, like a needle trying to fix a comforter that's just been torn up by a sharp-clawed cat, and they're powerful, like the rebuke of someone whose champagne has just been wasted by blowing it on the floor. Release yourself to the limits of your imagination.
Armada knows style, and their top sheets match that of the skiers who ride them. Their smear-tech is the best on the market when it comes to creating a 3D beveled base that cruises off crud and choppy takeoffs. Full-twin tip construction makes the ski versatile and responsive any which way you choose to ride. Go ahead and get creative; these skis won’t hold you back. The Armada ARW 116 VJJ UL Skis are the featherweight freedom factories of your future.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| Powder | 139-116-135 mm | 17 m | $799.95 |
Atomic Backland 107 W
You're going out on big backcountry missions, so you need a ski that's lightweight, kick turns easily, and isn't a burden to bring up the skin track. But also, you're going out on big backcountry missions, so you need a ski that's composed down the fall line, predictable in tight spots, and powerful at speed.
Fiberglass layers supported by a carbon backbone don’t skimp on stability, plus a Dura Cap sidewall can take hard hits in the early and late season when your bases are at risk of grazing a shark or two, making the Atomic Backlands one of the best touring options for women pushing the limits year-round. Basically, you're going out on big backcountry missions, so you need the Atomic Backland 107 W Skis.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| Alpine Touring | 135-107-122 mm | 15.8 m | $749.95 |
Faction Agent 2X
Built with the shape of the frontside specialist Dancer series, but with a heart of ultralight Karuba wood, a carbon-enhanced layup with Titanal only under the bindings, and skintrack-ready flat, notched tail, the Faction Agent 2X Skis are a top "touring" choice for technical backcountry skiers, but also excel on steep technical terrain, forests, and bumps. An excellent choice to mount up with a hybrid or full tech binding and take advantage of whatever seems the best option on any particular day.
The Faction Agent 2X Skis are stiffer than most Faction models, meaning your edge won’t give out on you when conditions are variable, and you need reliability, making them one of the best touring options on the market in 2023. These skis are the way to go when you want to keep the climb light and the turns tight.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| All-Mountain, Alpine Touring | 127-96-117 mm | 15 m | $749 |
Stöckli Nela 88
In Europe they like to think of an "88" as a "mid-fat," but here in North America the Stöckli Nela 88 Skis are what we reach for when it hasn't snowed in a month, and we couldn't think of a better choice. "Damp" doesn't begin to describe the silky-smooth ride of the Nela 88, even when the surface is chattery and rock hard, the balance between required input and edgehold is perfection, and the in-your-face Titanal topsheet is darn right beautiful. Lowkey graphics let your skiing do the talking. Complete with a racing graphite base and metal edges, these skis are best for high-speed rippers and ski racing enthusiasts. The Nela 88 stands tall in a very competitive class, and we're glad to offer them.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| Carving, All-Mountain | 127-88-113 mm | 15 m | $1099 |
Elan Ripstick 102
Finding the right metaphor to describe the Elan Ripstick 102 Skis is almost impossible because they embody everything a hard ripper needs to have their best day of the season. Constructed with a Tubelite wood core that's light enough to flick around with ease, these sticks are reinforced with carbon for extra power and response. The Ripstick slays the hardpack and floats like a dream over the fluffy stuff. For everyone looking to dig deep and ski hard, the Elan Ripstick 102 Skis are your ticket to a high-energy day packed with stoke. Go ahead, lay ‘em out. These skis are best in class when it comes to generating power on all types of terrain without weighing yourself down. Treat yourself this season, get some Ripsticks.
| Terrain | Dimensions | Turning Radius | Original Price |
| All-Mountain, Big Mountain | 143-104-120 mm | 17 m | $699.99 |
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
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…