All-Mountain Ski Buying Guide
Quick answer: A good all-mountain ski is 90–105mm wide underfoot, has a mix of camber underfoot and rocker in the tip (and often tail), and a medium flex. Size it to land between your chin and nose: go shorter if you're newer or like quick turns, longer if you ski fast or in deep snow.
An all-mountain ski is designed to perform well across conditions and terrain: groomers, moguls, powder and off-piste. Many skiers call it a “one-ski quiver.” Owning one versatile pair is more convenient and cost-effective than buying skis for every condition, and skiing the same pair everywhere helps your technique improve faster. Here's what to look for.
Waist width
All-mountain skis typically measure 90–105mm underfoot. That's narrow enough to carve groomed runs and wide enough to float in soft snow. Wider waists favor powder and off-piste; narrower waists favor hardpack. In the Pacific Northwest, where you'll see everything from ice to deep, heavy snow in one week, 95–100mm is a sweet spot.
Camber vs. rocker
Camber is the slight upward arch from the middle of the ski toward the tip and tail. It creates contact points that improve edge hold and stability on hard snow, and it's essential for carving.
Rocker is the upward curve near the tip and tail. It helps the ski float in powder and soft snow, makes turns easier to start, and reduces tip dive.
More rocker is easier to maneuver off-piste; more camber is more stable on groomers. Most all-mountain skis blend both. Unless you already know your preference, choose a ski with a mix.
Flex
Flex is how stiff the ski is from tip to tail. A stiffer ski is more stable at speed and grips hard snow better, but takes more strength and skill to turn. A softer ski is easier to turn and feels playful and surfy, which makes it a good choice for newer skiers, but it's less stable at high speed. A medium flex is the all-conditions sweet spot.
Twin tips
If you want to learn tricks, ride the park or ski switch, consider a twin-tip all-mountain ski. With rocker at both ends, twin tips land easily in either direction and release smoothly out of spins.
How to size all-mountain skis
- Ability: all-mountain skis suit intermediate to advanced skiers. Beginners should size down for control.
- Length: most all-mountain skis should reach your chin to nose. Longer adds stability and float; shorter is quicker and easier to turn.
- Weight and style: heavier or more aggressive skiers can size up; lighter or more cautious skiers can size down.
- Try before you buy: demo a few skis if you can to feel the difference in length and width.
Our all-mountain ski picks
- Fischer Ranger Skis Stable, versatile freeride ski
- Fischer Nightstick 97 Skis Playful twin tip, 97mm underfoot
- Armada ARV 100 Skis Freestyle all-mountain, 100mm
- Line Pandora 99 Skis Light, easy-turning women's ski
- Tyrolia Attack LYT 11 GW Bindings Alpine binding, GripWalk compatible
Need help choosing a length or mounting bindings? Our ski shop at the Grand Avenue store in Portland can size, mount and tune your setup.
All-mountain ski FAQ
What width is an all-mountain ski?
Usually 90 to 105mm underfoot. Around 95 to 100mm is a versatile choice for Pacific Northwest conditions.
How long should all-mountain skis be?
Most skiers should choose a length between their chin and nose. Size down if you're newer or prefer quick turns, and up if you ski fast or in deep snow.
Are all-mountain skis good for beginners?
They're best for intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners can ride them if they choose a softer flex and a shorter length.
Is camber or rocker better?
Camber grips and carves better on hard snow; rocker floats and pivots better in soft snow. Most all-mountain skis combine both for versatility.