Ski Suggestions For Mix of Groomers And Glades?
I recently got a work bonus, which of course means I'm going to spend it on something fun rather than something responsible. I've been riding a pair of Nordica Navigator 75s for the last several years, and it's safe to say I've outgrown them. I took a trip out to Jay Peak last year, and I found them so difficult to handle in the glades: I had so much trouble pivoting quickly and controlling speed. I'm sure my technique is partly to blame, but all the more reason to get a new pair to grow into.
I'm 5'6" 170 lbs, and consider myself intermediate/lower advanced. I'll definitely hold onto my Navigators for now, but I'd like to get something that can handle both groomed trails and glades/trees rather than a dedicated off-trail ski.
I'm currently looking most closely at the Blizzard Rustlers, but I worry that they'll be too wide. I've also heard good things about Salomon QST and Stance. Elan Ripsticks also seem to come highly regarded, and I found a good deal on a pair, but I've heard they don't love carving or groomed trails as much? I was envisioning something around 80-90 mm waste width with more of a rocker/camber/rocker profile than what I currently have.
Any other suggestions or strong contenders?
Posted Jul 26, 2026, 11:39 PM UTC