2026/2027
skitest
As part of this year’s 2026/2027 ski test, our colleagues at Riml Sports pooled their expertise and once again put some of the latest models through their paces. The performance, handling, and comfort of the skis were tested under realistic conditions on a varied route in the Alps. The result: an exciting ranking of the top skis in various categories such as race carvers, all-mountain skis, and women’s and men’s models.
Vincent Janssens
riml sports employees
Expert tip
Finding the right skis for your needs is essential when skiing.
Our current recommendations
Our recommendations for the best skis of the season are in! As in the past 23 years, the latest models were put through their paces by the ski-loving staff at Riml Sports. We have compiled the results in a clear ranking for you. The ranking covers several categories, from slalom carvers to all-mountain skis, as well as women’s and men’s models.
In line with this year’s expansion of the product range, the women’s models in the current ski test have been expanded to include an additional category and have been tested by our female experts and evaluated in terms of build quality, handling, value for money, and many other criteria. On the following pages, we present our results based on technical specifications, many years of experience, and personal recommendations.
FAQ about SNOW SOCIETY recommendations
What exactly is Ski Test?
Our ski test has nothing to do with fancy advertising slogans, but rather with real facts, and serves as your guide through the ski jungle. Every year, state-certified ski instructors test the latest models for over three weeks in ice, wet snow, artificial snow, and firn. This quickly reveals which skis are truly stable, easy to turn, and stay on track.
The result is an honest evaluation with clear purchasing recommendations, so you know immediately which model is right for you.
Facts about the ski test
- Der Ski Test wird von skitest.net, einer unabhängigen Testgesellschaft, durchgeführt
- All models are tested in a wide variety of snow and slope conditions.
- Each category undergoes three weeks of intensive testing.
- Test drivers are exclusively certified ski instructors.
- The results are generated by scientific evaluation of the collected data.
- It is precisely this objective approach that sets our ski tests apart from others in Europe.
How testing is done
When testing skis, it’s not just the skiing experience that counts, but also hard facts. Our state-certified ski instructors test each model over several weeks in all snow and slope conditions. After each run, a test sheet is filled out and immediately thrown anonymously into a “black box.” Thanks to a rotation principle, each tester skis every model. At the same time, Robert Kuprian’s team analyzes around 2,500 data points per test procedure. All skis are prepared in advance using computer-controlled machines to ensure equal conditions. The result: objective and scientifically sound results that offer transparency instead of advertising.
What do the individual categories mean?
Our categories help you find the ski that perfectly matches your skiing style and speed.
Easy Carver: Easy to turn, forgiving, and easy to control, ideal for almost all conditions at leisurely to moderate speeds.
All-mountain: Versatile, both on the slopes and off-piste. Suitable for freeriders and leisure skiers, depending on ski width.
Slalom Carver: Agile, directionally stable ski with strong edge grip. Perfect for hard slopes and short radii, even at higher speeds.
Race Carver: World Cup-oriented giant slalom ski with excellent stability, superior edge grip, and ideal for long, fast turns on hard slopes.
Sport Carver: All-rounder for the highest demands. Covers many areas of use, from slalom to off-piste. Suitable for medium radii at medium to high speeds.
Lady Carver: Specially designed for women. Forgiving, easy to handle, and stylish. Ideal for leisurely to moderate paces.
The test area
Testing takes place where skiing is at its best: in the Ötztal valley. For three weeks, our testers are out and about in all weather conditions, on perfectly groomed slopes as well as in icy conditions. For the ski models, this means hard work, but for the testers it means full action and lots of fun with breathtaking panoramic views.
Recommended ski lengths
Have you found your dream skis but are unsure about the length? Don’t worry, here’s a quick overview. But remember, in the end, it’s not just the length of the skis that counts, but above all your skill and safety on the slopes.
- Easy Carver: Body size – 10 cm (± 5 cm)
- All-mountain carver: Height (± 5 cm)
- Slalom Carver: Height – 20 cm (± 5 cm)
- Race Carver: Height (± 5 cm)
- Sport Carver: Height up to – 10 cm
- Lady Carver: Height (± 5 cm)
- Freeride Carver: Height + 5 to 10 cm
Partners
A huge thank you goes to our partners, without whom the Ski Test would not be possible in this form.
- Obergurgl Ski School
The Obergurgl Ski School has been actively supporting us for many years. Their experienced ski instructors have put all models through their paces and supported us with their expertise and commitment.
6456 Obergurgl
+43 5256 6305
info@skischule-obergurgl.com
https://www.skischule-obergurgl.com/en/ - Service partner: Riml Sports
Our service professionals throughout the Alpine region! State-of-the-art machines, innovative expertise, and a passion for winter sports ensure that every pair of skis is perfectly prepared. Drop them off in the evening and pick them up freshly serviced in the morning. That’s what makes skiing really fun!
A-6456 Obergurgl/Hochgurgl
+43 50 311 100
info@rimlsports.com
https://www.rimlsports.com/en