THE PEOPLE’S SKI TEST - 2024 SALOMON QST ECHO 106

Salomon QST Echo 106
Category: Touring
Length Tested: 181
Lengths: 157, 165, 173, 181, 189
Dimensions: 138/106/125
Radius: 18m
MSRP: $950
More Info: https://www.salomon.com/en-ca/shop/product/qst-echo-106-li4641.html#color=76984

I spent a week skiing the Salomon QST Echo 106 on a hut trip deep in B.C.’s Selkirk Mountains, and what an absolute treat. I utilized it to climb, tour and ski everything I could see, from huge glacier runs between towering blue seracs, to long and puckering couloirs, big alpine faces, and steep pillow lines in the trees. And whether the snow was Styrofoam-like crust, or glorious pow, the QST Echo ate it all up with ease. Incredibly lightweight, with camber underfoot, early rise in the tip in the tail, and a 106-millimetre waist width that made it nimble on both the skin track and descent, there were no hang-ups at all with this ski. It was predictable and solid in every type of terrain and snow condition, with an even flex that responded well to skier input on slow, fast, short and long turns. And while I primarily rode it in the backcountry, this ski would be equally at home on the front side. As a result, I feel that anyone from a strong and determined intermediate skier to a seasoned expert would appreciate the ease with which fun is achieved on this ski. I certainly did! —COLIN TAYLOR

Location: Fairy Meadow Hut in the Selkirk Mountains, B.C.

About This Tester:

Colin Taylor
Age: 51 / Height: 5’7” / Weight: 158 lbs
Occupation: Arborist
Years Skiing: 49
Preferred Ski: 176-186cm Length / 100mm+ Underfoot
Preferred Terrain / Conditions: Outside The Ropes / Powder