Best All Mountain Skis for beginners!
Just like every activity in the great outdoors skiing comes with its dangers. One of these possible dangers is a failing of your equipment. This could lead to serious injuries! To decrease the chances of a serious injury occuring and ruining your health and Skiing holiday, it is important to choose the best skis for your goal!
But that leaves another issue. What if you’re just starting out and don’t have specific skiing goals in mind yet? No specific terrain you want to ski on? Well it is no issue whatsoever, because this is where the All mountain skis come in to play! One set of skis made for the various landscapes one can encounter on the mountains. From moguls to powder. Ideal for people who are just beginning!
Of course not only beginners can use All Mountain skis! Therefor this review is not only for beginning skiers. All mountain skis are also ideal for anyone (from beginner to master) who just wants one set of skis for all landscapes and not a lot of sets each for a very specific landscape (also useful if you have a baggage limit).
In short there are various reasons why All Mountain skis are great for both beginners and more advanced skiers. In this review we will compare some of the most popular and highly rated All mountain skis currently on the market. To help you make an informed decision on which set is best for you!
The Volkl M6 Mantra
The Volkl M6 Mantra is the latest model of Volkl. For this new model, Volkl kept the characteristics that made their previous skis so famous and enriched it with the latest innovations. For example, the M6 Mantra comes with a multi-layer wooden core and the sidewall is laminated with extremely stable wood layers. The wood layer in the middle is a flexible and lighter wood than the other layers. The combination of two types of wood contributes to an optimal distribution of stiffness for steering precision. Another innovation is the newly designed ski body with a custom titanal (alloy of aluminium and titanium) frame. This custom titanal frame allows for optimization of the weight of the tip and tail and affects the torsional stiffness which improves driving qualities. The titanal frame therefor makes the M6 lighter and more agile to control.
The M6 has a 3D sidecut concept with 3 different radii, allowing for maximum rotation and speed versatility. The M6 thanks its high durability and great gliding properties to its sintered high-density P-Tex 2100 base. Lastly the new Volk ski has a custom made carbon tip which reinforces handling characteristics. The positioning results in an accurate tip response and improves the stiffness.
The Volkl M6 Mantra comes in various length options. These options are: 163, 170, 177, 184 or 191 cm long. Since this is the first Ski reviewed on this page, I'll go into a bit more detail why length is important and how it is measured. Choosing the right ski length can help you maintain control and maneuverability, while also increasing your speed and overall performance. To choose your ideal ski length, you measure from the ground to somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. But this is not the only consideration when it comes to ski length. More advanced skiers for example often go for skis that are a bit longer and beginners have an easier time on shorter skis.
The width of the M6 is 135 - 96 - 119 mm when you choose the 177 cm length option. Meaning the widest point of the tip is 135 mm, narrowest point of the underfoot (or waist) is 96 mm and the widest point of the tail is 119 mm. The wider the underfoot of the ski, the more float you have when skiing in deep snow and a wider ski may offer a more versatile performance in mixed conditions. A wider ski in general is best suited for skiing off-piste or on powder snow. For beginners, a ski with a narrower waist is recommended. These skis are easier to learn on and transition between turns is quicker. Skis with a narrower waist also hold an edge better in a turn. Narrower skis are best suited for on-piste and ski racing. The Volkl is just wide enough to float a little in the powder while still holding an edge well in hardpack.
The design of the M6 consists of a Rocker tip, Camber underfoot and Rocker tail. Rocker and Camber refer to the shape of the ski when you look at it from the side. With Camber having a slight arch in the middle and Rocker a reverse arch. Camber provides better edge grip and stability and directs energy down to the snow which provides enhanced power. A Camber improves quick and forceful turn initiation, agility, stability and grip on firm snow because of the resulted weight distribution. The Rocker tip and tail let the tip and tail point away from the ground, preventing the ski from digging deeper into the snow. Rocker provides better float in powder and easier and smoother turn initiation. The reverse arch wants to lift the ski up and away from the snow. Rockered tip and tail allows skiers to pivot the ski more as opposed to tipping skis on edge to complete a turn. The more Rocker a ski has however, the less effective edge it has (meaning it will not perform as precisely on hard snow and groomed runs) and Rocker often decreases stability of the ski at higher speeds. So you need the correct dosage of Rocker to act as a performance enhancer in deep snow.
The tail is a partial twin tip. This type of tail is easier to pivot and spin than flat tails and is popular for freestyle skiing and terrain park activities. A partial twin tip can feel less stable than a flat tail, especially when finishing a turn. This tail can be suitable for beginners interested in exploring freestyle aspects.
The turning radius of the M6 is 18 meters when it comes to the 177 length option.
When it comes to reviews the Volkl M6 has a lot of happy customers from various levels and it is recommended by a lot of renowned Ski magazines. The M6 is versatile enough for most snow conditions and holds an edge incredibly well. It also stays stable at high speeds.
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The Volkl Secret 96
The Volkl Secret 96 is known as the female counterpart of the M6 Mantra because of it's shorter size options. Because it is almost the same as the M6, it shares a lot of its properties. For example the Secret 96 also has a custom titanal frame allowing for optimization of the weight of tip and tail and it affects the torsional stiffness improving its driving qualities. The titanal frame makes it lighter and more agile to control. It also shares the 3D radius sidecut for maximal rotation and speed versatility and the Carbon tip which reinforces the handling characteristics. The multi-layer wooden core allows for optimal distribution of ski stiffness for steering precision.
As mentioned before, the Secret is the female counterpart of the M6 Mantra because of its shorter length options. The length the Volkl Secret is available in is either: 149, 156, 163, 170 or 177 cm.
The width of the tip is 135 mm. The underfoot width is 96 mm and covers the base for almost any snow depth without affecting performance in either direction. Lastly the widest point of the tail is 119 mm. These measurements are for the 163 cm length option. The Volkl is just wide enough to float a little in the powder snow, while still holding an edge well in hardpack or icy conditions.
The design for the Volkl Secret 96 is just like the M6 Mantra a Rocker tip, with a Camber underfoot and a Rocker tail. The tail once again is a partial twin tip. The 163 cm length version has a turning radius of 14 m.
Reviews mention that the ski is versatile enough for most snow conditions and this ski has a lot of satisfied customers, from beginner to expert. The Volkl Secret holds an edge extremely well and stays stable at high speed. The Secret is good for big sweeping turns and if you stay on top of them a quick dance should be possible. The Volkl is however, more aggressive and stiff than the Blizzard Black Pearl 88, which we'll review later on this page
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The Nordica Enforcer 94
The Nordica as you know it has gotten a 2024 update on the width of the waist. It's new construction and Rocker arch profile make it extremely versatile. It ensures a forgiving descend at low speeds and unparalleled performance at high speed. The Nordica Enforcer 94 has a new carbon chassis with a core made from wood between 2 metal plates. This structure provides stability and responsiveness and dampens vibrations, resulting in a smooth descend. Another major plus for the Enforcer is that it is available in both adult and children sizes.
The length options for the enforcer are: 165, 172, 179, 186 or 191 cm. The width of the tip for the 179 cm option is 127 mm, the narrowest point underfoot is 94 mm and the widest point of the tail 115.5 mm.
The design of this ski is an all-mountain Rocker. This is the same as a tip and tail Rocker, meaning the Camber of the ski ends early at both the tip and the tail. This allows for easier ins and outs of the turn, it also enhances floatation in soft snow and makes it easier to pivot or steer in this soft snow.
This ski has a flat tail. Which increases the surface area that comes in contact with the snow. This provides stability and delivers better edge contact which can contribute to improved control and maneuverability, especially when finishing turns. Flat tails are beneficial for skiers who like switch riding (backwards skiing). A flat tail can make it easier for beginners to control the skis and maintain stability while still learning basic techniques. It does offer less freestyle features than a twin tip and is better for carving and skiing at high speeds.
The turning radius of the 179 cm Enforcer is 17.1 m.
Reviews mention the Nordica Enforcer 94 to be a stable and good all-round ski. When compared to the Volkl however, it does miss some of the features that make the Volkl stand out and it does not have the same great reviews as the Volkl.
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The Nordica Santa Ana 98
The Nordica Santa Ana 98 is known as the female version of the Nordica Enforcer. It consists of a wood and carbon core with a field-friendly metal plate. Its predecessor had a core made from 2 metal plates, this allowed for extreme stability and charging, but the 2 metal plates made the ski extremely stiff and too heavy for beginners and intermediates. That's why Nordica removed one metal plate in their new design. This makes this ski more forgiving, while still remaining an excellent choice for hard chargers. Just like the Nordica Enforcer, the Nordica Santa Ana has a new design that improves corner grip and dampens vibrations for extremely smooth descends.
Because this ski is known as the female version of the Nordica Enforcer, it also comes in shorter sizes. The length options for the Nordica Santa Ana include: 151, 158, 165, 172 or 179 cm.
It has a tip width of 131 mm, underfoot of 98 mm and 118 mm tail. Its relatively wide size makes it very versatile.
The design is a Rocker tip, Camber underfoot and Rocker tail, just like the Volkl skis mentioned before. It has a partial twin tip tail and a turning radius of 15.6 meters for the 165 cm ski.
Reviews mention this ski to be for the more aggressive people who want a ski that can charge while still being very approachable. The Santa Ana especially performs well in soft snow, but can also hold its own on groomed trails and chopped up snow.
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The Blizzard Black Pearl 88
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is often compared to the Volkl Secret 96 and is also known as a female ski. It has a light wooden core and stable flip core technology. The Blizzard is equipped with more robust surface protection and has stable steel edges with extra material, this means less service work is required to keep this beautiful ski beautiful and functional!
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is available in length options: 147, 153, 159, 165, 171 or 177 cm. The width of the tip-underfoot-tail is 128-88-110 mm when you choose the 165 cm version. This ski also has a design with a Rocker tip, Camber underfoot and Rocker tail and the tail is once again a partial twin tip. The turning radius is 14 meters.
Reviews for the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 are equally as good as for the Volkl Secret 96. Both from happy customers and from the media. The Blizzard however, is likely a bit easier to use for beginners because it has a narrower waist and is less stiff then the Volkl. Less stiffness means the Blizzard is a more forgiving ski and also less aggressive than the Volkl Secret, making it a great ski for those who are still getting the hang of this beautiful sport. The Blizzard is not ideal for powder snow. But is is still known as a stable and reliable pair of skis.
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Closing statement
This is the end of this review, we hope you became a bit wiser in knowing which ski is right for you.
To give a quick recap:
If you’re truly starting out as a beginner, look for a shorter and narrower ski to learn the basics. Narrower skis are easier to learn on, because transition between turns is quicker and they are easier to hold an edge in a turn.
Before buying a ski, look at what type of skier you want to be. Do you want to go off-piste and/or do a lot of freestyling? A ski with a (partial) twin tip might be better for you, because it is easier to pivot and spin. Are you truly a beginner and perhaps still a bit scared of falling? Then a flat tail might be better for you, giving you a bit more stability and better edge contact. The flat tail is ideal for beginners who still need to learn how to control the ski and need to learn the basic techniques. Or are you more of an aggressive skier? Then it is worth taking a look at the Nordica Santa Ana or Enforcer!
Thank you for reading our review! We truly appreciate all your support.
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