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How long do ski boots last
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How we test our range of skis
We've put in the hours, rigorously testing our selections to bring our top skis for Winter 2025/2026 - broken down into piste, all mountain, backcountry, freestyle and freeride categories.
Our Ski Test is where the real magic happens. Each year, we gather our team from across all our stores to hit the slopes and test our skis ourselves. This isn't just about finding the best skis; it's about finding the ideal ski for your needs - your style, your ability, your experience.
Our category winners don't just stand out - they go above and beyond. These skis perform in terrain and conditions that surpass expectations. They might even appeal to a different audience than you'd expect. We know, because these are the skis that we buy ourselves.
Best piste skis
Our piste ski winners
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Piste winners
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Best all mountain skis
Our all mountain ski winners
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All mountain winners
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Best park / freestyle ski
Our park / freestyle ski winner
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Park / freestyle winner
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Best freeride skis
Our freeride ski winner
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Freeride winner
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Best backcountry skis
Our backcountry ski winner
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Backcountry winner
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Final thoughts
We have skis for you to try, for free, at three of the UK’s best indoor snow slopes. Try out some skis and choose which model is right for you before buying. Our shops in Castleford, Milton Keynes, and Tamworth carry models from a wide range of brands, waiting for you to take on the slope.
Staff favourites
The Nordica Belle 72 was my favourite ski of the staff ski test in Tignes. It’s 72mm under foot making it super nimble on the slopes with great turn initiation. Its double core technology makes it super smooth when going fast and cushions any lumps and bumps you might come across. Always puts a smile on my face any time I ski it.
Emily
Tamworth Store
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The Nordica Santa Ana 87 was a stand out ski for me on our recent staff ski test. It’s a ski that has developed a real following over the last couple of years. Our customers certainly love it and we’re seeing its increased use among professionals and instructors on the mountain. It’s easy to see why. This is a ski that delivers performance and power at high speeds when you’re charging about the pistes, but it’s equally responsive and nice to use at slower speeds or dipping on and off the piste. It’s a great all mountain ski.
Kerry
Web Team
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My favourite from the ski test was the Salomon QST 100. It's an all-mountain charger and really lives up to the QST name. It holds a really nice edge on piste, but it also charges through slush and variable conditions. It's super floaty, a really fun and versatile ski.
Nick
St Paul's Store
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The Atomic Maverick 88 CTI was incredible - the best ski I've skied on the test. It's super smooth with loads of hold in the edge. It can push you on, but is forgiving at the same time. One that you can take anywhere and everywhere.
Ian
Braehead Store
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The Candide Area 91 skis are really are a lot of fun, you can bounce off everything. And it's not just for the park, you can rail from edge to edge, carve and turn really nicely.
Alex
Milton Keynes Store
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