2023 Editors’ Choice Women’s Freeride Skis

A pick of the best 2023 Women’s Freeride Skis, featured in our mega Gear Guide.

Head Kore 97 W

£740 including bindings 
Lengths 156, 163, 170, 177 
Radius 15.3m @ 170 
Dimensions 131-97-118 Weight per ski: 1,640g w/o binding 
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THEY SAY 
Buttery light with a strong backbone, the Kore 97 W’s lightweight construction means more energy for day-long mountain adventures.  

A blend of materials reduce weight without sacrificing performance, while a new durable topsheet shape rounds out the Kore 97 W’s offering as a one-ski quiver for the adventurous freeride skier. 

WE SAY 
Precise, powerful and genuinely confidence-inspiring, the Kore 97 W is a lightweight freeride-quiver-of-one that can shred the resort, hike for freshies and slay the backcountry. 

BEST FOR
Ideal for advanced intermediate to expert freeriders looking for a versatile winter weapon to bomb through the trees, float in the powder, carve up the piste and hike for freshies. Super easy to ski yet über technical, it really does respond to the level of input. Get it on an edge, push it as hard as you can and it will match you turn for GS turn. Take your foot off the gas and you’ll find it’s still light enough to make all day cruising a mighty fine good time. Taller, more experienced freeriders will also appreciate the 177cm length. 


Black Crows Atris Birdie

£660 
Lengths 160.2, 166.3, 172.1, 178.5 
Radius 19m @ 172.1 
Dimensions 136-105-122
 Weight per ski 1,800g 
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THEY SAY 
The third edition of this iconic ski has been very slightly refined, to gain even more accessibility and versatility. The lines have been revised and will distinguish it from its predecessors for the discerning eye, but the essential is inside, for a ski that achieves its objectives and delights the heart of the most demanding. 

WE SAY 
A powder slayer, crud buster and all-terrain player. A big mountain ski that’s open to everyone and everything. 

BEST FOR 
Punchy and powerful yet fun and forgiving, it’s an ideal powder ski for both aspiring and established female freeriders. 


Dynastar E-Pro 99

£565 
Lengths
154, 162, 170, 178 
Radius 15m @ 162 
Dimensions 125-97-115 
Weight per ski 1,800g
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THEY SAY 
Wide, maneuverable and stable, the women’s Dynastar E-Pro 99 is for adventurous skiers with an affinity for speed. Its progressive twin rocker shape keeps it playful for a creative approach to natural terrain features. The Hybrid Core adds titanal for precise control and a solid ride that holds up to high-speed arcs. 

WE SAY 
Adaptable and confidence inspiring, we loved its ability to chop and change turn shape and size. Underfoot width police should be aware that despite the ‘99’ in the name, the E-Pro 99 actually comes in at 97mm underfoot in the 154 and 162cm lengths, 98mm in the 170 and only 99mm in the 178cm. 

BEST FOR 
Powerful and determined to drive, it’s a firecrackin’ charger of a ski that will give back most to powerful, stronger skiers who like to be in charge. Ideal for advanced to expert freeriders who will be able to access its versatility and big mountain potential. 


Salomon QST Lumen 98

£540 
Lengths
160, 168, 176
Radius 15m @ 168
Dimensions 131-98-119
 Weight per ski 1,740g
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THEY SAY 
The new QST Lumen 98 is a powerful all-mountain quiver-of-one that thrives in playful lines and shines in changing conditions. With a modern twin rocker shape and versatile 98mm waist, the ski turns effortlessly in the bumps, on-piste, and in powder. Double sidewalls create trustworthy edge hold, while cork inserts and CFX layup provide stability. 

WE SAY 
Intuitive and predictable, the new QST Lumen 98 is a beautifully balanced ski that won’t let you down, whether you’re gunning down the groomers or firing off into the backcountry for freshies. Our only complaint would be that it could do with a slightly more vibrant topsheet to match its well-rounded personality. 

BEST FOR
Easy to control in all terrain, the QST Lumen 98 would suit an intermediate to advanced skier looking for a wider all-mountain ski. Hard chargers may want to go up a length due to the early taper and rockered tip/tail combo. 


Order your copy of the 2023 Gear Guide here, for in-depth reviews on, well, every piece of ski kit worth knowing about.