Salomon Alpine Skiing

Frequently Asked Questions

• What design features give the Salomon QST 94 its versatility in mixed snow and variable terrain?

  The QST 94 pairs a lightweight poplar wood core with fiberglass and basalt reinforcements plus cork inserts in the tip and tail to damp vibrations while remaining lively. A deep tip rocker, camber underfoot and a slightly set-back factory mount (-9.6 cm on many lengths) help it float in softer snow yet remain agile in trees and chopped-up conditions.
• How does the MTN Summit 79 differ from the QST 94 for backcountry touring and hard-snow performance?

  The MTN Summit 79 is built for uphill efficiency and precision with a karuba wood core and monocoque carbon construction that keeps weight low (roughly 975–1,045 g per ski in common lengths) and torsional stiffness high for edge hold on hard snow. The QST 94 is heavier (around 1,810–1,931 g per ski) and tuned for playful all‑mountain performance and flotation, so it sacrifices some uphill efficiency compared with the MTN Summit.
• Should I pick the QST 94 or QST 106 for skiing tight trees and occasional powder days?

  Choose the QST 94 for tighter trees and mixed conditions—its 94 mm waist and quicker sidecut make it easier to pivot and manage in confined terrain. Opt for the QST 106 if you prioritize float on deeper powder and want a wider platform at speed, accepting that it will be a bit less nimble in tight, technical zones.
• How should I size Salomon all‑mountain skis like the QST series based on ability and terrain?

  For intermediate skiers on mixed terrain, aim for ski length around chin to forehead height for easier turn initiation and maneuverability; advanced skiers who favor stability at speed and better flotation should size toward forehead to slightly above head height. If you plan significant touring, consider shortening length for reduced swing weight and easier skinning, but avoid cutting too short or you’ll lose high-speed stability.
• Are S/Lab Shift MNC bindings a good choice if I want one setup for both resort descents and backcountry approaches?

  Yes, S/Lab Shift MNC is a multi‑norm (MNC) hybrid that accepts alpine (ISO 5355) and many touring boot soles, allowing true uphill touring with a pin-mode and a downhill DIN-mode for strong alpine-style retention. They weigh more than lightweight tech bindings and are heavier on the skintrack, but they offer superior downhill performance compared to most dedicated tech bindings, making them a good compromise for frequent resort-to-backcountry users.