The best big-mountain skis of 2016

Also read: Top park skis | Top women’s skis | Top powder skis | Top all-mountain skis

Big-mountain skis cater to those who enjoy extreme descents in variable terrain. The big-mountain skier needs a tool that can handle high speeds and mixed conditions, while also floating above deeper snow when the flakes are flyin’. Upon completion of our industry leading ski test, a total of 30 big-mountain skis were bestowed with Editors’ Pick badges; these skis were also highlighted in our Buyer’s Guide. Below, we’ve compiled the top 20 for your consideration.

100-114 mm-waisted freeride skis

You might like these skis if… Cliffs, chutes, crud, couloirs—you’re constantly charging treacherous terrain. You seek a stable ski, capable of handling burly lines at high speeds. You enjoy the occasional jaunt onto the hardpack, but you’re really at home while ripping big, open turns in soft and variable snow conditions. Then again, a balls-to-the-wall straight-line will do just fine, too.

1. Völkl 100Eight

Volkl 108 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.96***

“The trophy of Völkl’s new Eight series, this ski is a badass multitool…” Click for full review and scores.

2. Armada Invictus 108 Ti

Armada Invictus 108 Ti Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.72***

“To quote the famous duo of Goose and Maverick, the Armada Invictus 08 Ti skis “have the need—the need for speed…'” Click for full review and scores.

3. Atomic Automatic 109

Atomic Automatic 109 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.71***

“After the successful expansion of the Automatic line last year, the 109 comes back unchanged for 2015-16…” Click for full review and scores.

4. Fischer Ranger 108 TI

Fischer Ranger 108 Ti Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.68***

“Our testers were highly impressed by the completely redesigned 2015-16 Fischer Ranger 108 Ti Skis…” Click for full review and scores.

5. Salomon Q Lab

Salomon Q Lab Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.62***

“Take a look at that stability rating for the Q Lab—she’s as steady as they come…” Click for full review and scores.

6. Faction Chapter 106

Faction Chapter 106 Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.58***

“After delving into five-point sidecut ski design with last year’s 116-mm waisted Chapter, Faction expanded the line to include a 106 mm variation, and our testers ate it up…” Click for full review and scores.

7. Blizzard Cochise

Blizzard Cochise Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.57***

“The esteemed Cochise comes in hot this year with Blizzard’s new Carbon Flip Core construction…” Click for full review and scores.

8. Völkl Mantra

Volkl Mantra Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.55***

“The Völkl Mantra Skis are the Tim Duncan of the ski world—it’s ageless and seems to get better every year, cementing itself among the legends in skiing lore…” Click for full review and scores.

9. 4FRNT Hoji

4FRNT Hoji Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.52***

“One tester said the 4FRNT Hoji Skis ‘made [him] look at the mountain in a whole new way…'” Click for full review and scores.

10. Kästle BMX 105

kastle bmx 105 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.51***

“‘Like a classic European sports car, the 105 is made to hug the road,’ said one tester about the BMX 105…” Click for full review and scores.

100-114 mm-waisted freestyle skis

You might like these skis if… Your ideal ski is agile and stable, helping you stick that flatspin 360 off your favorite wind lip, then ride away through the crud with ease. Taking flight off natural hits is your specialty. You need enough girth for modest pow days, yet a ski that’s competent on edge for your hardpack endeavors. A softer flex with some early rise tickles your fancy. Shred your way into that very eligible skier babe’s heart. Don’t forget to smile and wave.

See the best 100-114 mm-waisted freestyle skis on the next page.

Also read: Top park skis | Top women’s skis | Top powder skis | Top big-mountain skis

100-114 mm-waisted freestyle skis

1. Faction Candide 2.0

Faction Candide 2.0 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.84***

“A staple in Candide Thovex’s pro model series, the 2.0 reflect the flying Frenchman’s silky smooth and extremely playful skiing style…” Click for full review and scores.

2. Blizzard Gunsmoke

Blizzard Gunsmoke skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.82***

“The Gunsmoke continues to garner high praise, season after season…” Click for full review and scores.

3. K2 Shreditor 102

k2 shreditor 102 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.49***

“The Shreditor 102 is an all-mountain instrument that should most definitely be on your radar, and not just because of that badass vintage topsheet…” Click for full review and scores.

4. Line Moredecai

line mordecai skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.43***

“Designed by Eric Pollard, the Mordecai is a ski that you can shred every day, regardless of the conditions or terrain…” Click for full review and scores.

5. Blizzard Peacemaker

Blizzard Peacemaker Skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.41***

“If you’re in the market for a pair of boards that dominates day-in and day-out, the Blizzard Peacemaker Skis should definitely be on your short list…” Click for full review and scores.

6. Head Collective 105

head-collective-105-skis-2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.39***

“It’s no surprise to see the Collective 105 high on the charts…” Click for full review and scores.

7. J Skis The Friend

J Skis The Friend skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.38***

“The J Skis The Friend Skis from OG Jason Levinthal caters to rip-roarin’ pow lovers who put playfulness on a pedestal…” Click for full review and scores.

8. Salomon Rocker 2 100

Salomon Rocker 2 100 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.32***

“In its second year of production, the Rocker 2 100 received high praise from our testers once again…” Click for full review and scores.

9. Scott Sports Punisher 110

Scott Sports Punisher 110 skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.27***

“Much like the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the Punisher 110 packs quite the punch in any environment on the hill…” Click for full review and scores.

10. Icelantic Nomad

Icelantic Nomad skis 2016 — ***Overall Score: 8.16***

“Lovers of steep, challenging, burly, rowdy, (insert similar adjective here) terrain take note: the Icelantic Nomad Skis ain’t scared…” Click for full review and scores.