Choosing the right touring ski is important, especially for women looking for comfort, performance and lightweight design in the mountains. Salomon is known for their innovative and high-performance ski equipment, and their range of women's touring skis provides a wide range of options for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
What is Touring Ski?
Before we dive into the specific models, let's quickly review what touring skis are. Touring skis are designed for those who love to combine skiing and mountaineering. They need to be light enough to handle long ascents while being stable and reliable on descents. With Salomon being one of the leading manufacturers of ski equipment, you can be sure that their touring skis deliver on all parameters.
The most popular Salomon Touring Skis for women
Salomon has a wide range of touring skis for women, ranging from lightweight models for technically demanding ascents to skis that are more versatile and good in both deep snow and hardpack. Here are some of the best models from Salomon's 2024 collection.
MTN 86 Carbon
The MTN 86 Carbon is one of the lightest skis in the Salomon range and a great option for women looking for a ski for long tours with a lot of vertical meters. This model weighs less than 1,150 grams per ski, making it ideal for uphill moves without compromising stability on the descent.
- Core: Karuba wood with carbon reinforcement for light weight and strength.
- Waist: 86 mm, making it suitable for a wide range of terrains.
- Use: Perfect for touring on varied terrain, especially for those who want a lighter ski.
MTN 91 Carbon
The MTN 91 Carbon is slightly wider than the MTN 86, making it more versatile, especially in deeper snow. It combines lightness with excellent downhill performance, making it a great choice for women who want a more balanced touring ski.
- Core: Karuba wood with carbon and basalt reinforcements for increased durability and stability.
- Waist: 91 mm, which ensures a nice buoyancy in powder snow but still provides control on hard surfaces.
- Use: Suitable for both freeride and touring on a variety of surfaces.
MTN 96 Carbon
MTN 96 Carbon is a touring ski designed for advanced skiers who love off-piste and deep snow. With a waist of 96 mm, this ski provides great buoyancy and stability, making it perfect for those seeking more challenging descents in the great outdoors.
- Core: Wood core with carbon and basalt fiber reinforcements for an optimal weight-to-strength ratio.
- Technology: Salomon's Cork Damplifier technology for better vibration dampening.
- Use: Great for freeride touring and deep snow conditions.
How do you choose Touring Skis?
When choosing the right touring ski, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to help you find the perfect model.
Weight
The weight of your skis determines how efficiently you can handle ascents. Lighter skis like the MTN 86 and MTN 91 Carbon are ideal for longer tours with a lot of vertical meters. However, make sure they also have enough strength for descents, especially on technically difficult terrain.
Width
The width of the skis is important to ensure stability and buoyancy in the snow. Wide skis, like the MTN 96 Carbon, provide good buoyancy in deep snow, but can be less maneuverable on hard-packed snow. Narrower skis, like the MTN 86 Carbon, are more versatile and well suited for technically demanding ascents.
Skiing style
If you're into fast, technical descents, you should choose a ski with a stiffer profile and good vibration dampening, like the MTN 96. On the other hand, if you prefer longer tours and lightweight equipment, models like the MTN 86 Carbon are a better choice.
FAQ about Touring Skis from Salomon
How do I choose the right size ski?
When choosing skis for touring, they should be around your height or slightly shorter, depending on your preference for maneuverability or stability.
Are Salomon touring skis suitable for beginners?
Yes, many of Salomon's touring skis are suitable for both beginners and more advanced skiers. For beginners, lighter skis with a narrower waist are recommended, such as the MTN 86 Carbon. Touring is not for first-time skiers, but there are touring skis that are easier to control than some other touring skis.
Which binding systems are best suited for Salomon touring skis?
Salomon offers several binding options, including their MTN PURE and S/LAB Shift systems that fit most of their touring skis. It's important to make sure your bindings are compatible with your boots for optimal safety and performance.
