The QST 85 isn’t trying to compete with the best skis in the All-Mountain East genre; rather it’s a value ski meant to sell for $399. The target skier is looking for all-condition ease, not turn cranking power. The ample front rocker keeps the tips from getting any ideas of their own when traveling off-trail. Soft snow is its friend, but once the snow gets heavy and clumpy, the QST 85 loses its composure.

High speeds and hard snow give the QST 85 fits, so anyone with aggressive tendencies should step up to a stouter ski. The QST 85’s specialties include rolling gently edge to edge, holding a medium-radius turn at temperate speeds and in off-trail conditions – moguls included – as long as said conditions aren’t too challenging.   The intermediate skier with off-piste aspirations makes the best potential partner for this lightweight yet responsive Salomon.