A must-see for women who want to enjoy turning and improve their quality: Salomon's QST Stella 106

Salomon's "QST series" has established a firm position in the freeride scene.
While many skis suitable for backcountry and fresh snow are shifting towards lighter weight, the "QST" is a heavy-duty ski that excels in skiing at high speeds in all types of snow and terrain.

Skis that prioritize gliding performance are highly regarded by skilled skiers, and the women's model, "QST STELLA 106," has received similarly high praise. Therefore, to get a clearer look at the "QST STELLA 106," Noriko Fukushima and Mirai Nakagawa explored it through a session.

The reason why "QST" became a hit

The "QST," which debuted in 2016, made significant progress with its third update between 2021 and 2022.
Rethinking the freeride concept and redesigning the lineup with an optimal waist range and design, it's an all-mountain model that delivers stable, high-speed performance in any conditions.
While skis designed for backcountry and powder skiing are increasingly becoming lighter, the relatively heavy, robust, and powerful skis that can handle rough snow have been welcomed by skiers who prioritize performance.

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Many athletes use the 112mm waist width QST BLANK in domestic freeride competitions, including Katsuno Tenran, who competes in many FWT races, and who have also used the QST series in the video works BLANK Collective Films and SALOMON TV

The secret to its popularity is the ease of quick changes and its high performance in steadily transmitting the skier's power to the skis

The thin, lightweight tip and tail are fitted with cork for excellent vibration absorption, while the full poplar wood core construction offers both flexibility and strength. It provides a smooth, grippy glide that feels like it's sticking to the snow surface, and its stability is exceptionally high.
The underside features a double sidewall construction injected with high-density ABS to enhance edge hold. Furthermore, a composite material woven from hemp and carbon is incorporated along the entire length of the ski, ensuring that power is transmitted to the entire ski without any loss.

Above all, the outline with the wide points of the tip and tail closer to the center allows for quick pivoting. The high maneuverability compared to the weight is a major advantage

The women's model "STELLA 106" is comparable to the "QST 106."

The women's models of the "QST" are the "STELLA 106," as well as the "LUMEN 98" and "LUX 92." All of these models are counterparts to the "QST106," "QST98," and "QST92."

The features are almost the same as the men's "QST", but the length range is different, with women's sizes starting from 157cm

Noriko Fukushima, who has been riding the QST since it was introduced, talks about the ride comfort of the QST STELLA 106

"I've been riding Salomon skis for over 20 years, and the combination of the QST's sidecut and rocker is simply exquisite; it can do anything. Powder, carving, jumps—it's all effortless.
The skis have a wide range of positional flexibility and flex smoothly, remaining stable even at high speeds. Turn entry is incredibly smooth."

Nakagawa Miku joined Salomon from the 2023-2024 season. Fukushima Noriko is based in Hakuba, and Nakagawa Miku is based in Hokkaido and takes part in freeride competitions while also taking photos and hosting session events

The two of them had their first session in Hakuba

A session with Nakagawa Mirai, who changed materials

"I had seen Noriko in magazines since I was doing basic skiing, so she was like a god to me. I never thought we would ever get to ski together... But when I found out that Noriko was also competing in the technical competition, which was my first time competing, I was already satisfied with that alone (laughs)."

By the time Nakagawa Mirai was competing in freeride competitions, Fukushima Noriko had already left the competition scene and was busy with filming and running her family business. The two had almost no time to interact. Fukushima Noriko said of Nakagawa, "I knew her name, of course, and had seen her photos and had the impression that she was a good skater."

The two of them ended up skiing together for the first time in Hakuba, Fukushima Noriko's hometown

With limited time at the end of January, they decided to assess the conditions and chose a forest area. There wasn't much snowfall, but the two of them started their session on a slope that they knew well and where there was still powder left

On the north slope, which is about 30 degrees, there is a small, untracked slope between the trees, and the artist leaves his work by repeatedly sliding down it and climbing back up

"I looked down at the slope I was aiming for, whizzed through the trees, and made a pinpoint turn. It was quite a technical photo session."

" said Fukushima Noriko. After hearing her comment, Nakagawa Miki said the following

"In Hokkaido, it's rare to have sessions with just the ladies, so I'm very happy to have the opportunity to do this regardless of the conditions. Noriko's skis are powerful and she has a lot of experience, so she has solid control on any slope and is also fast. It's rare to see skiing like this up close, so it's a very valuable experience."

For her, who usually skis at ski resorts near Sapporo or in the backcountry, the mountains of Hakuba were a completely new experience. What's more, she enjoyed skiing with other experienced women

Meanwhile, Fukushima Noriko also said that the session with Nakagawa Mirai was stimulating

"He's a skier with a style that you don't see very often. Mirai has close-knit legs and a beautiful silhouette. Most of the people around him have a slightly wider stance and ski powerfully. Instead of pushing hard into the maximum turn and sending up a huge spray, he floats up in sync with the turn. His ski control is outstanding, and his skiing is one that you can watch with confidence."

Their impressions: We want highly skilled women to get involved

The bike they used in this photoshoot was the QST STELLA106, 173cm tall. Let's hear their impressions

"Thanks to the 173cm length, I was able to enjoy short pitches of tree climbing without feeling scared. I like how they're strong and reliable for their speed, despite their length. All of Salomon's women's skis are flexible and strong, and performance isn't compromised just because they're for women, so I highly recommend them." - Noriko Fukushima

"These skis allow me to perfectly replicate my style of 'sticking to the basics' without compromising on that. They truly are a case of 'simple is best'. Their 173cm length makes them easy to handle and hike up. They were perfect for pinpointing narrow slopes and for shoots that require multiple climbs. --Miki Nakagawa"

The two, who have ridden these skis outside of the situation we were shooting in, describe the QST STELLA106 as a ski that is easy to handle in any condition. And they both say that the combination of side curve and rocker is just right. What does "just right" feel like?

I visited Nakagawa Mirai and Fukushima Noriko in that order

"It's not at all lacking or unreliable, which is common with women's models. But it's not too formidable either, so the expression "just right" really fits perfectly

The skis are easy to handle without any effort, and have an exquisite balance that prevents them from losing power even when you increase the gear slightly

The combination of supple strength and a light, snappy pop is what makes it "just right." It has ample float even in deep powder, and carving performance on packed slopes is outstanding. I felt that the combination of side curve and rocker was outstanding, as it eliminates the difficulty of angling on packed snow, which is common with wider skis, in order to increase float."

"When carving on groomed surfaces, the board has a firm grip, and skilled women can enjoy the stability of the board when going fast and the fun of creating a solid arc

The 173cm height makes it easy to handle even in deep powder, and it's well-balanced, allowing you to enjoy skiing easily in any situation. I love these skis!

These supple skis flex smoothly, turning precisely as much as you press down, without sliding or catching, allowing you to enjoy turns exactly as you want.
Their feel is so captivating that it will enchant both seasoned skiers and first-timers alike. Highly skilled female skiers, in particular, will be able to fully appreciate their performance.

QST STELLA 106
¥121,000
Sizes = 157, 165
Dimensions = 136-106-123mm (157cm), 137-106-124mm (165cm), 138-106-125mm (173cm)
Radius = 16m (157cm), 17m (165cm), 18m (173cm)
Weight = 1730g (157cm), 1810g (165cm), 1900g (173cm)