Salomon Reveals Next-Gen S/LAB Freeride Arsenal
Pioneers in alpine sports innovation, Salomon, has announced new additions to its 2026/27 S/LAB collection: S/LAB QST X and S/Lab Shift2 16 MN. Built for riders who seek out the steepest lines, the deepest snow, and the toughest terrain, the new S/LAB products introduce updated shapes, materials, and construction that deliver greater power, control, and reliability in demanding freeride conditions.
“These new products were shaped by our athletes who dream big and ski hard, and we’re proud to infuse that feedback directly into the new S/LAB Freeride line,” said Lauren Samuels, Salomon’s North American Alpine Category Manager. “Each season we push to give freeride athletes new and innovative equipment that keeps up with their ambition, and this year’s S/LAB additions deliver more stability, power, and control in demanding environments.”
The S/LAB Freeride lineup now includes:
S/LAB QST X
Built for freeride athletes and powder chasers, the QST X is designed to handle big lines and variable conditions. With a 116 mm waist, generous rocker profile, and light weight construction it floats easily in powder and stays quick to pivot and maneuver. The ski uses a Karuba poplar mixed wood core reinforced with flax-carbon fibers, plus cork inserts in the tip and tail to help dampen vibrations. It’s finished with wide steel edges and fully recycled double sidewalls for added durability. In 2026 the S/LAB QST X gets new graphics that speak to the strength and fun that this ski provides.
S/LAB Shift2 16 MN
From Salomon’s first product in 1947 to the new S/LAB Shift2 16 MN, the company’s approach has stayed the same: focus on craftsmanship, functionality and performance in every binding. The Shift2 16 MN sits at the top of Salomon’s binding lineup and combines three key features:
• 3-Part Power Heel: Engineered for maximum shock absorption, offering 16 mm of elastic travel, this new heel is an adapted version of the iconic Strive 16 and STH 16 heel engine with a new design to accommodate the uphill mode of a Shift binding.
• Power Block AFD: The new micrometric, height-adjustable AFD introduced with the Shift2 13 in 2024, with a single-block aluminum insert that supports the boot and provides 30% more lateral stiffness compared to the original Shift bindings.
• Dual-Purpose Toe: A toe engine that allows for the best of both worlds. When on the ascent, the toe transforms into a traditional pin toe mechanism providing the best uphill range of motion. When switched into the downhill-mode, the toe functions as a traditional alpine toe with more boot-binding contact for a secure and intuitive feel.
Salomon Welcomes Cole Richardson
Salomon is proud to welcome Canadian freeride skier Cole Richardson to its global freeski team. Forged in the demanding terrain of the Canadian Rockies, the Canmore, Alberta-based skier brings a deliberately loose and playful style to big-mountain lines and deep snow, fully leveraging the performance of Salomon’s new S/LAB Freeride arsenal.
At just 24 years old, Richardson has helped redefine modern Rockies skiing, blending technical precision with instinctive creativity. Raised by ski-racing parents and shaped by years at Lake Louise Ski Resort, he has left his mark through standout performances in films from Matchstick Productions and Blank Collective, as well as his unconventional multi-media exhibition Intermission.
Shortly after joining Salomon, Richardson traveled to Hokkaido, Japan, alongside fellow rising talent Tenra Katsuno to test the new S/LAB Freeride setup in some of the world’s most coveted snow. Watch Cole Richardson’s welcome edit on @salomonfreeski.
The 2026/27 S/LAB Freeride collection will debut for early access at select retailers and at salomon.com.