Since its debut in 2016, the QST series has been SALOMON's flagship freeride ski model, constantly pursuing cutting-edge technology, design, and graphics, and expanding what SALOMON calls the "infinite possibilities of freeride."
After 10 years, the QST series has finally entered its fourth generation for the 2025-2026 season, and has been reborn. The flagship model, the S/LAB QST BLANK, has been completely redesigned, incorporating new technology, updated materials, a tweaked shape, and new graphics. With the help of young mountain athletes, this product has evolved to support their endless adventures and challenges, and maximize their performance
The fourth-generation QST Blank utilizes the latest materials and technology, delivering unprecedented stability and maneuverability while maintaining the same cutting-edge shape and versatile 112mm waist. Let's take a look at the background to this further evolution in performance
Full Poplar Wood Core The entire ski is made of poplar wood, providing lightweight, high rebound, and stability.
Basalt Fiber: The fourth-generation QST uses a full-length Basalt Fiber, a fusion of basalt-derived material and graphite fiber, instead of the previous carbon/hemp combination (C/FX). This provides excellent flex and edge grip.
Cork Dampener 2.0: Cork Dampener technology has been updated to 2.0. Newly developed co-molded TPU and cork inserts in the tip and tail improve shock absorption.
Freeride Rocker Profile: A combination of moderate rocker at the tip and tail allows for a wide range of snow conditions, from powder and deep snow to rough and packed snow. The combination of rocker and camber balances flotation and maneuverability. The rocker point has been changed in the fourth generation. The shallower rocker lengthens the effective edge, making it easier to transfer power to the board when stepping down, improving edge grip and increasing stability. While flotation is slightly reduced, it is still more than sufficient, making it an all-situation board that can be used in any field.
The fourth generation now features a new radius of 192cm. This longest size has a radius (turning radius) of 20m. The third generation had a longest size of 194cm with a radius of 18m. The larger radius improves stability during high-speed gliding. It can be said that it has been optimized to support hard performance that makes the most of speed .
The design is now unisex and available in two colors! For the 2025-2026 season, the QST series has also received a design update. The QST ONE O SIX, QST 100, and QST94 have all been redesigned. Last season, the designs for men and women were different, but for the 2025-2026 season, the unisex design is available in two colors, allowing you to freely choose your favorite color.
At the 2025-2026 new model test ride event held at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in April, staff member Shoji Kishi introduced the "S/LAB QST BLANK."
For the 2025-2026 season, the STANCE, positioned as an all-cruising model, has also undergone a full model change. While maintaining its excellent edge hold, it has improved agility and achieved greater freedom of maneuverability. This was made possible by a new structure called "Power Flex TI," a new technology developed by SALOMON and newly adopted for the 2025-2026 season.
PowerFlex TI
This technology places titanium in the center of the ski for superior edge grip and energy transfer, while thin titanium bars are added to the toe and heel. Strategically placed titanium sheets enhance responsiveness and stability, while also effectively absorbing vibrations while skiing. This results in superior edge grip and smooth carving, even on hard surfaces
Wide steel edge: By widening the steel edge, durability and grip on the snow are enhanced, improving stability in various conditions.
Full poplar wood : Poplar wood is used throughout the ski, achieving light weight, high rebound, and stability
The company's roots date back to 1947, when the Salomon family started a cottage business of saws and ski edges in Annecy, France. In 1966, they developed the world's first binding with an automatic release function in the heel piece. Six years later, annual sales of bindings exceeded one million sets, making them the world's number one binding manufacturer. They later developed rear-entry boots, which became a huge hit, and in 1990, they released their first ski, the S9000, creating a global sensation.
Since their founding, SALOMON has focused on thorough product development and design, introducing innovative ski products and consistently leading the global winter sports industry as a pioneer.
In the late 1990s, SALOMON released the twin-tip ski "SALOMON Teneighty," which had a huge impact on the freeskiing scene. The Teneighty became an icon of freeriding, laying the foundation for a new ski culture and freeriding
