The Best Directional Big Mountain Skis of 2026

There are skiers who prioritize beautiful, precise turns over everything else and those skiers need a particular instrument to get the job done. Enter Atomic’s Maven 103 CTI: the in-bounds ski of choice for Tahoe-based big-mountain legend Amie Engerbretson.

After making its debut in the Maverick collection in 2024, the Maverick 105 CTI returns for 2026 with its trusted construction and a fresh new topsheet. Atomic first launched the Maverick line four seasons ago as a directional all-mountain series designed in North America.

The new 2026 Head Kore 106 Ti has been completely revamped with a clarified purpose. While the previous generation focused on lightweight design, this iteration features a more substantial core, completely redefining how this ski performs. The new Kore 106 Ti is noticeably more powerful and now targets directional off-piste skiers who want stability and energy retention. This ski uses Titanal around a karuba and beech wood core with a flax-fiberglass laminate. This update provides remarkable dampening when tackling everything from firm snow and chop to soft bumps. Its stability when laying on the gas pedal is a significant departure from earlier generations, where the formerly light graphene core was softer and suffered at high speeds.

The widest offering in Kästle’s dedicated touring line, the TX107 returns for 2026 after an 11-year hiatus. At 1,570 grams per ski in the 185 cm length, this ski is light enough for your longest days in the great beyond. The TX107 sets itself apart by maximizing performance thanks to its efficient construction rather than relying on sheer mass. While it doesn’t carry the mass of a resort-focused ski, it more than holds its own through crud and soaks up chatter better than other skis in its weight class.

The 2026 Liberty Radian 106 serves as the cornerstone of Liberty’s directional lineup, offering precision-oriented performance that bridges the gap between burly metal-laden chargers and overly forgiving skis. The ski’s 19. 5-meter radius favors longer turns, which proves ideal for off-piste conditions where big, calculated turns are your friend. This radius, combined with the 106 mm width and metal construction, creates a more merciful charger while maintaining the strength to handle variable terrain.

After receiving positive feedback following a major overhaul last season, the Enforcer 104 returns with  a new topsheet and all the features that made this directional all-terrain ski a standout in Nordica’s lineup.

The 2026 Völkl Blaze 104 serves as the brand’s playful all-mountain option that bridges the gap between the pure freestyle focus of the Revolt series and the directional stability of the Mantra line. At the end of the day, the Blaze prioritizes accessibility over pure power.