With winter right around the corner, we’re back with our fifth annual ski test, which features authentic and impartial reviews on 33 pairs of skis. And if you’ve checked it out at some point over the past four years, then you know the drill. We assembled a 13-person, Rossland, British Columbia-based team of everyday skiers who work everyday jobs and pay full pop for skis, and asked them to put 11 of our brand partners’ latest offerings through the paces at the third largest ski area in Canada, Red Mountain Resort. And as opposed to doing so over the course of a weeklong demo event, and getting only a few runs on each ski, they had the second half of the winter—from February to April—to ski on them for as many days as they liked. Then, once Old Man Winter readied himself for his annual hibernation, our testers chose which skis they liked best, and provided us with honest, informed and unbiased reviews in both written and video form. Click on the thumbnails below for both, and if the way our testers sound and ski seems relatable, then perhaps the 2026 Forecast Ski Test will assist you in determining which set of skis is perfect for you.
gear
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - DYNASTAR M-FREE 108
The Dynastar M-Free 108 is a light, nimble and amazing freeride ski that was easy to operate and manoeuvre all over the mountain in any type of snow conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - DYNASTAR M-FREE 108
The Dynastar M-Free 108 is a light, nimble and amazing freeride ski that was easy to operate and manoeuvre all over the mountain in any type of snow conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - DYNASTAR M-FREE 99
It’s hard to put into words just how much I loved the Dynastar M-Free 99, as it’s one of the most dependable and versatile pair of planks that I’ve had...
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - DYNASTAR M-FREE 99
It’s hard to put into words just how much I loved the Dynastar M-Free 99, as it’s one of the most dependable and versatile pair of planks that I’ve had...
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - DYNASTAR E-PRO 99
If you’re like me, you dream about powder skis and touring skis, but give little thought to the ski you’re on 90 per cent of the time—the every day ski....
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - DYNASTAR E-PRO 99
If you’re like me, you dream about powder skis and touring skis, but give little thought to the ski you’re on 90 per cent of the time—the every day ski....
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION MANA 3
The all-new Faction Mana 3 is the perfect compromise between the directional versus double rocker dilemma.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION MANA 3
The all-new Faction Mana 3 is the perfect compromise between the directional versus double rocker dilemma.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION PRODIGY 3
As much as we would all love to ski fresh tracks all day, every day, the reality is, if you want to get after it, some days you’re going to...
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION PRODIGY 3
As much as we would all love to ski fresh tracks all day, every day, the reality is, if you want to get after it, some days you’re going to...
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION DANCER 3X
I’ve always heard that the ballerina is the greatest athlete in the world, and the Faction Dancer 3X embraces this identity.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION DANCER 3X
I’ve always heard that the ballerina is the greatest athlete in the world, and the Faction Dancer 3X embraces this identity.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FISCHER RANGER 102
The Fischer Ranger 102 is a perfect pair of planks for an intermediate to advanced skier who’s looking to ski sunny resort laps with the family in any type of...
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FISCHER RANGER 102
The Fischer Ranger 102 is a perfect pair of planks for an intermediate to advanced skier who’s looking to ski sunny resort laps with the family in any type of...
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FISCHER RANGER 96
The completely redesigned Fischer Ranger 96 is a playful ski that’s ready, willing and able to tackle a variety of snow conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FISCHER RANGER 96
The completely redesigned Fischer Ranger 96 is a playful ski that’s ready, willing and able to tackle a variety of snow conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FISCHER RANGER 90
In the midst of a mid-winter drought across British Columbia, the Fischer Ranger 90 proved to be an ideal ski for low-tide conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FISCHER RANGER 90
In the midst of a mid-winter drought across British Columbia, the Fischer Ranger 90 proved to be an ideal ski for low-tide conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - HEAD KORE 111
If an all-wheel drive Ferrari and a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet had a baby, it would be the Head Kore 111.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - HEAD KORE 111
If an all-wheel drive Ferrari and a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet had a baby, it would be the Head Kore 111.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - HEAD KORE 105
As the lightest and stiffest-feeling ski I tried, the Head Kore 105 was like the Toyota 4Runner of the test for me.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - HEAD KORE 105
As the lightest and stiffest-feeling ski I tried, the Head Kore 105 was like the Toyota 4Runner of the test for me.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - HEAD KORE 97W
The Head Kore 97 W is an extremely adaptable ski that performed well in any and all conditions.
THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - HEAD KORE 97W
The Head Kore 97 W is an extremely adaptable ski that performed well in any and all conditions.