The Best Carving Frontside Skis of 2026
Oct 1, 2025
Available Lengths
158, 166, 172, 178, 184 cm
Turn Radius
17 m @ 178 cm
Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail)
118 - 79 - 107 mm
Radius: Medium
Profile: Low Tail Rocker
Faction expands its popular Dancer series for 2026 with an unexpected addition, the frontside-focused Dancer 79. At just 79 mm underfoot with minimal tip and tail rocker, this model diverges from the wider, more playful skis that define the Faction Collective. Instead, the Dancer 79 embraces classic carving performance through its narrow waist and substantial camber, enhanced by modern construction.
The Dancer 79 excels on hardpack thanks to its poplar wood core and Titanal reinforcement, delivering impressive stability and great energy retention when exiting a turn. This is complemented by a large camber section and consequent long effective edge, which further improves the ski’s pop and its edge hold. Whether you prefer short, snappy turns or sweeping high-speed arcs, these skis transition from edge to edge with precision and lots of energy.
Despite its groomer-centric design, the Dancer 79 surprises with its versatility beyond the corduroy. This ski also proves particularly advantageous in spring conditions, making it surprisingly nimble when navigating slushy bumps. If you haven’t experienced a sub-80 mm ski recently, the Dancer 79 makes a compelling case for revisiting this category.
By combining throwback elements with modern materials and construction techniques, Faction has created a specialized tool that excels at its primary mission while offering unexpected versatility. For skiers who prioritize edge hold and carving precision on firm days, the Dancer 79 delivers performance wrapped in a classic silhouette.
Available Lengths
158, 166, 172, 178, 184 cm
Turn Radius
17 m @ 178 cm
Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail)
118 - 79 - 107 mm
Radius: Medium
Profile: Low Tail Rocker
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