The Salomon QST 118 is all about the drift. It likes to smudge the top of the turn, swivel a smidge in the middle and pivot as it drifts to the finish. If a turn were a performance of Hamlet, the QST 118 would show up near the end of Act II and leave before Act IV.

Aside from its smear tactics, the most noticeable trait of the QST 118 is its light weight, less than 2kg in a 185cm, which is a blessing considering its surface area, roughly the same square mileage as Montenegro. All you have to do to guide the QST 118 through powder is push it around; advanced technical skills aren’t required.

Its swivel-centric personality is made possible by a bi-directional baseline that presents a relatively small platform underfoot to the snow. Although the supportive midsection feels short, it’s interesting how quickly one adapts to the ski’s capabilities and acclimates to charging through crud on a loose foundation.

The QST 118 would rather maneuver around a wind berm than try to demolish it, and when spring snow turns as stiff as day-old oatmeal it will subtly convey that such slop isn’t on its to-do list. For the Finesse skier who cherry-picks his powder days, the QST 118 is superb. For seniors who need to milk the most mileage from a small reserve tank, the QST 118 helps make a great day last longer, earning it a Realskiers Silver Skier Selection.