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, achieving lightweight design, high rebound, and stability.
the Basalt Fiber QST board replaces the previous carbon and hemp combination (C/FX) with "Basalt Fiber," a fusion of basalt-derived material and graph fiber, which is placed throughout the entire length. This provides superior flex and edge grip.
Cork Dampening 2.0: Cork Dampening technology has been updated to version 2.0. By placing newly developed integrated TPU and cork inserts at the top and tail, vibration absorption has been improved.
The Freeride Rocker Profile combines moderate tip and tail rocker to handle a wide range of snow conditions, from powder and deep snow to rough and groomed snow. The combination of rocker and camber balances buoyancy and maneuverability. The fourth generation features a modified rocker point. The shallower rocker lengthens the effective edge, making it easier to transfer power to the board when you press down, improving edge grip and increasing stability. Buoyancy is slightly reduced, but it's still more than sufficient, making it an all-situation ski that can handle any terrain.
of Radius adjustments introduces a new 192cm size. This longest size boasts a radius (turning radius) of 20m. The third generation had a longest size of 194cm with a radius of 18m. The increased radius improves stability during high-speed skiing. It seems to have been optimized to support hard performance that takes advantage of speed.
now comes in unisex two-color options! For the 2025-2026 season, the QST series has also received design updates. The QST ONE O SIX, QST 100, and QST94 all feature completely redesigned looks. While last season the men's and women's designs were different, for the 2025-2026 season they are unisex and available in two colors, allowing you to freely choose your preferred 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, also underwent a complete redesign. While retaining its excellent edge hold, it improved agility and gained greater freedom of operation. This was made possible by a new structure called "Powerflex 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 STEER EDGE: By widening the edge compared to conventional steel edges, durability and grip on the snow surface are enhanced, improving stability in various conditions.
•Full Poplar Wood Core: Poplar wood is used throughout the entire ski, achieving lightweight design, high rebound, and stability.
Founded in 1947 in Annecy, France, Salomon's roots lie in a family business that started with saws and ski edges. In 1966, they developed the world's first binding with an automatic release function in the heel piece. Six years later, their binding sales exceeded 1 million sets annually, making them the world's No. 1 binding manufacturer. Later, they developed a rear-entry boot which became a huge hit, and in 1990, they released their first ski, the "S9000," creating a Salomon sensation worldwide
. Since its founding, Salomon has consistently led the global winter sports industry as a pioneer, releasing innovative ski products through thorough product development and a pursuit of design excellence.
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
