Salomon, the iconic ski brand born in the heart of the Alps, has become a symbol of excellence in mountain sports. With a history spanning over 70 years, the brand's strong connection to snow sports is evident in every product they create. What started as a small workshop by François Salomon, producing saw blades, quickly transformed into a pioneering venture with the development of automated steel edge production for skis.

Salomon's rise to prominence began in 1972 when they became the leading manufacturer of bindings worldwide. This success continued with their remarkable boot creations. In 1990, Salomon introduced their first ski, the S9000, which later made its mark at the Olympic Games just two years later.

Today, Salomon remains at the forefront of the industry, catering to a wide range of mountain pursuits including alpine, race, uphilling, cross-country, and backcountry adventures. One standout creation is the Stance 88, designed specifically for women (with a men's version, the Stance 96, also available).

Founded: 1947

Headquarters: Annecy, France

Website: https://www.salomon.com/en-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Salomon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salomon/

Atomic, an Austrian ski brand with a rich history, has solidified its position as a leading manufacturer of high-quality technical skis. In 1988, engineer Rupert Huber revolutionized the market by introducing the world's first Atomic powder ski, aptly named Powder Magic. This groundbreaking design drew inspiration from snowboards, showcasing Atomic's commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries.

Since its acquisition by Amer Sports in 1994, Atomic has continued to thrive and excel in the production of skis. Today, the brand remains a prominent player in the industry, catering to experienced athletes seeking to race, conquer on-piste challenges, or embark on thrilling backcountry adventures.

Atomic's commitment to performance is evident in their freeride line, exemplified by the exceptional Bent Chetler 100 ski. Developed in collaboration with legendary athlete Chris Benchetler, this all-mountain design delivers a truly exhilarating experience. Whether carving through the park, cruising on groomers, or navigating tree runs, the Bent Chetler 100 offers a perfect blend of fun and versatility.

Founded: 1955

Headquarters: Salzburg, Austria

Website: https://www.atomic.com/en-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATOMICSKIING/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicski/

Rossignol, a ski brand with a rich history spanning over a century, is widely recognized and trusted in the sport. Founded by carpenter Abel Rossignol in the French Alps, the brand has a prestigious legacy. Notably, Rossignol's Allais design played a crucial role in securing a gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Today, Rossignol offers a vast array of ski designs to cater to various skiing disciplines. Their range includes all-mountain, big-mountain, freeride, cross-country, backcountry, and entry-level resort skis. Continuing their pursuit of innovation, Rossignol recently unveiled a new freeride collection. Noteworthy in this lineup is the Sender Ti, a genuinely aggressive ski that has garnered praise. Additionally, the Holyshred, another ski from this collection, stood out as one of the favorite skis of 2021. The Holyshred is designed to excel in versatile conditions and is crafted using certified sustainable and recycled materials, showcasing Rossignol's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Founded: 1907

Headquarters: Isère, France

Website: https://www.rossignol.com/us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rossignol/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossignol/

Black Crows, a relatively modern manufacturer in the ski industry, stands out among other leading brands. Established in 2006 by professional freeskiers Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagnet in the French Alps, the company had a clear vision in mind. They set out to create a ski that excelled in deep snow, while also being stable, versatile for short turns, and easy to handle.

Their vision became a reality with the Corvus, the brand's second mold, which quickly gained popularity and remains one of their most sought-after designs. The Corvus is designed to conquer the challenging descents of the Mont Blanc massif, showcasing the brand's commitment to producing capable skis.

As one of the best ski brands, Black Crows has successfully attracted a hipster, millennial audience through its stylish aesthetic and curated events. Notably, the Chamonix Unlimited Festival, a five-day extravaganza that combines Black Crows ski testing with an electronic music festival, has become a highlight for fans of the brand.

Founded: 2006

Headquarters: Chamonix, France

Website: https://www.black-crows.com/fr/en/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackcrows.skis/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackcrows_skis/

Dynafit, a renowned ski brand, has left an indelible mark on the ski industry with its innovative products and impressive achievements. The brand gained significant recognition when Franz Klammer won a downhill ski race in 1973 while wearing Dynafit boots, which was followed by an Olympic medal just three years later. This success paved the way for Dynafit to continue revolutionizing the industry with its lightweight and protective boots and bindings designed specifically for ski touring and ski mountaineering.

In 2004, Dynafit made a significant breakthrough by introducing specialty skis tailored for speedy big-mountain ascents. These skis played a pivotal role in supporting Benedikt Böhm and Basti Haag's record-breaking round-trip on the towering Mustagh Ata, standing at an impressive 24,753 feet. Embracing its identity rooted in ski mountaineering, Dynafit has recently made further advancements with its Carbonio Line, offering strong and lightweight equipment designed specifically for avid ski tourers.

One standout ski in Dynafit's collection is the Blacklight 80. This performance-oriented ski is perfect for speed enthusiasts and those embarking on extensive big-mountain ski tours. Dynafit achieved remarkable weight reduction in the Blacklight 80 through the incorporation of a specialized insert for dedicated skin attachment. This innovative design feature demonstrates the brand's commitment to delivering high-performance gear while prioritizing the weight-conscious needs of its customers.

Founded: 1950

Headquarters: Munich, Germany

Website: https://www.dynafit.com/en-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dynafit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dynafit/

Blizzard, a renowned ski brand, has a rich history that dates back to the aftermath of World War II. In 2006, the brand was acquired by the Tecnica Group, leading to further advancements in their ski manufacturing process. Today, the factory churns out nearly 900 skis every 24 hours, a testament to Blizzard's commitment to quality and efficiency. Blizzard's commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and performance has firmly established them as a top choice for skiers worldwide.

Since their inception in 1947, Blizzard skis have become global leaders in all-mountain and backcountry ski design. Their skis have earned a special place in the hearts of skiers, including ourselves, for their exceptional performance in both categories. One standout model is the Black Pearl 88, a perennial best-seller in the United States. Its rockered tip and tail, combined with camber underfoot, deliver unparalleled responsiveness and versatility.

Blizzard also caters to the adventurous souls with their Zero G model. Whether you're uphill skiing, skinning, or tackling ski mountaineering, the Zero G offers a thrilling experience. It strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and torsional rigidity, ensuring sensitive and energetic performance in any terrain.

Founded: 1945

Headquarters: Salzburg, Austria

Website: https://www.blizzard-tecnica.com/us/en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blizzardski/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blizzardskis/

Nordica, a famous ski brand trusted by snow athletes worldwide, has a rich history that dates back over 70 years. Originally established as a footwear and boot manufacturer in Montebelluna, Italy, by brothers Adriano and Oddone Vaccari, Nordica quickly gained recognition for its high-quality products. With their expertise as experienced hide traders, the Vaccari brothers focused on crafting cross-country and alpine ski boots, as well as climbing footwear.

Throughout the years, Nordica gear has been the go-to choice for elite athletes, including the likes of Zeno Colò and Felix Neureuther, who have achieved remarkable success at prestigious events like the Olympics and the World Cup. Since 2002, Nordica has been part of the Tecnica Group, which also owns Blizzard. This affiliation has enabled Nordica to offer a well-rounded collection of skis that are both popular and excellently constructed, all at an affordable price.

As one of the best ski brands, Nordica boasts an impressive lineup consisting of six models for men and seven for women, conveniently categorized into all-mountain, resort, race, and freeski. Among these, the Enforcer stands out as a top choice for all-mountain skiing. Its versatility makes it a reliable companion for skiers of various skill levels, as it offers stability, exceptional carving abilities, and quick edge-to-edge transitions.

Founded: 1939

Headquarters: Treviso, Italy

Website: https://www.nordica.com/usa/en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NORDICA.INTERNATIONAL/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nordicaski/

Völkl, a ski brand with a rich history spanning over a century, continues to excel in producing durable and reliable skis specifically designed for experienced skiers, experts, and backcountry enthusiasts. The brand's roots trace back to Georg, a master cartwright for horse-drawn wagons, and his son Franz, who carried on the family legacy by crafting boats, sleds, and skis. These skis were initially known as the Vöstras.

In 1967, Völkl garnered global attention with the introduction of a distinctive zebra-patterned topsheet, propelling the brand into the spotlight. Today, Völkl stands as the largest ski manufacturer in Germany and enjoys a well-established reputation in the alpine ski race scene.

Among their diverse product lineup, several standout models cater to all-mountain and backcountry skiing. Notably, the Revolt 104 twin-tip ski offers a freestyle flex, making it a thrilling choice for park sessions, powder runs, and challenging terrain across the entire mountain. Equally impressive is the Blaze 94, which combines playfulness and performance, excelling in backcountry adventures while also maintaining stability on resort days.

Founded: 1923

Headquarters: Straubing, Germany

Website: https://volkl.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voelkl.skis/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volklskis_usa/

DPS, a relative newcomer to the ski industry, has quickly made a name for itself under the guidance of veteran ski engineer Peter Turner and ski designer Stephan Drake. In less than two decades, DPS has established a reputation for producing coveted backcountry and powder ski designs that are as much a work of art as they are high-performance equipment.

What sets DPS apart is their meticulous attention to detail in crafting their skis. They meticulously piece together top-shelf materials to create unique constructions across their entire lineup. Skiers are willing to invest in these well-crafted, refined pairs, and one standout model is the Pagoda Tour RP, priced at $1,299. This ski is a dream come true in blower powder, offering an exhilarating experience. Moreover, it maintains its predictability and sturdiness even in variable and crusty conditions.

DPS offers the innovative DPS Phantom 2.0 pretreatment, which bonds to the ski's base, providing the glide of an always-fresh wax. This eliminates the need for hot iron applications, making maintenance easier for skiers. Additionally, the brand is recognized for pioneering the first-ever rockered ski with a sidecut, revolutionizing skiing performance.

Founded: 1950

Headquarters: Munich, Germany

Website: https://www.dpsskis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPSSKIS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpsskis/

Located in Begunje, Slovenia, Elan is a renowned ski brand with a rich history spanning over 75 years. Visitors can explore the world's first ski producer museum dedicated to Elan, gaining insights into their legacy. One of the brand's most recognizable figures in North America is ski icon and ambassador Glen Plake, known for his distinctive mohawk hairstyle.

Elan's origins trace back to a time when they crafted tools used by Slovenians in their resistance against the Nazis. These tools later played a significant role in helping athlete Ingmar Stenmark secure numerous victories in the 1986 World Cup, setting a remarkable record of 86 wins on Elan skis.

For the past 17 years, Elan has prioritized creating skis tailored to women's needs. The W Studio initiative embodies this approach, involving women at every stage of ski development, from concept to shelf placement. As one of the best ski brands, Elan has also made significant strides by appointing Melanja Korošec as the Global Product Director, emphasizing the inclusion of women in key roles at the company's factory.

Founded: 1945

Headquarters: Begunje, Slovenia

Website: https://elanskis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElanSkis/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elanskis/