From extreme tree skiing at Mad River Glen to the nostalgic charm of Smugglers’ Notch, the amazing East Coast offers deep powder and epic backcountry terrain if you know where to find it. However, what we think more important is to have the best skis for East Coast. Not all skis available on the market are suitable to be used there. For example, they have to have the right width. If they’re somehow too wide or too narrow, it’ll be impossible for you to ski with a smile on your face. Considering East Coast’s variable conditions, finding the best all mountain skis for East Coast might be a tough task for some. That’s why we’re here to show you all the best options that you can find out there. Don’t worry, you can thank us later!
Speaking of skiing, you might also want to check out the best ski bindings and the best heated socks for skiing! Now, let’s move on to the next section!
How To Choose The Best Skis for East Coast
When you’re choosing the best snowboards for East Coast, there are some important factors to consider. The same thing applies when you’re looking for the best skis for East Coast! Those important factors include:
Waist width
As we mentioned earlier, the best skis for the East Coast should have a certain waist width. They should be between 80 and 95mm so that they can provide stability and good carving on groomed runs and decent flotation in deeper snow. Beginners and intermediates can look toward the lower part of the range. Meanwhile, advanced skiers that plan to explore the whole mountain will appreciate the added width with a 90 or 90mm pair of skis.
Carving ability
Carving is the name of the game on the East Coast. When you’re looking for the best skis for East Coast, they should be able to initiate turns, hold their edges, and stable. The good thing is, it’s actually simpler for East Coasters to choose a pair of skis than it is for West Coasters, who need skis that can both carve and float in powder.
Size
When choosing the right skis, you should place them upright in front of you with the tips facing skyward. They should touch you somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. Anything below your chin or above your head is way out of your size range. Normally, advanced skiers will need longer skis. Meanwhile, beginners are recommended to choose the shorter ones. If you’re a beginner, make sure to also check out the best ski boots for beginners!
Price
Since skis are an investment, you shouldn’t hesitate to spend extra dollars to get a more expensive pair if you have the money. That’s because more expensive skis tend to include more cutting-edge technologies. However, if you’re on a budget, don’t overspend. But, you shouldn’t also sacrifice comfort and performance.
What is the best place to ski on the East Coast?
Well, there are a lot! But the most popular places include Stowe Mountain Resort, Jay Peak, and Smugglers’ Notch Resort which are some of the best ski resorts in Vermont. There’s also Mont Tremblant in Quebec and Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine.
Atomic Redster X9 WB Skis (CU)
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The Atomic Redster X9 WB Skis are high-end skis that are considered by many skiers as one of the best skis for East Coast. They offer the perfect blend of giant slalom carving turns and quick edge-to-edge short radius turns. Basically, they’re really great at carving out all types of turns on all types of pistes given the right technique and input.
Something pretty unique about these skis is that they stick to 100% traditional camber, which is rare these days. Plus, they have no rocker, which means you’ll need to be more precise with your turn initiation, but the payback is more stability and edge grip on ice or hardpack. Apart from that, you’ll also get a livelier ride with more feedback when putting the power down.
What We Love
They’re recommended for those who enjoy nothing more than pushing their edge angles to the max on hardpacked fresh corduroy pistes.
Pros:
- Amazing stability when edging at high speeds
- Great at carving out turns on all types of pistes
- Good edge grip on ice or hardpack
- Suitable for advanced skiers
- Durable and sturdy construction
Cons:
- Not a particularly forgiving option
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Fischer Ranger 102 FR Skis (CU)
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When you compare the Fischer Ranger 102 FR Skis with other best skis for East Coast on this list, you can see that they’re a bit bigger and more suited to bigger terrain. They have 2 sheets of titanium that lend stiffness and stability. There’s also plenty of rocker at the tip and tail that allows you to have fast and easy turning.
Apart from that, you should also know that they’re pretty lightweight. No matter where you want to take these impressive skis, they’ll feel unflappable. The Air Tec Ti wood core and unique Carbon Nose provide minimal weight, effortless turning, and amazing stability. Overall, they impress in every area of performance and will make every trip of yours an adventure.
What We Love
They’re big skis for big terrain but are also lightweight enough for most women to use.
Pros:
- Fast and lightweight
- Steady in a range of conditions
- Great for bigger terrain
- Durable construction
- Feminine design
Cons:
- Some women have difficulty maneuvering them
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Salomon Stance 96 Men’s Skis (CU)
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By some measures, the Salomon Stance 96 Men’s Skis may seem more like race skis than anything else. They have a deep sidecut, 2 layers of metal, and modest amounts of tip and tail rocker. As one of the best skis for East Coast, you’ll feel that when you’re slicing across icy hardpack or windblown trails.
That’s not all, as they’re solid underfoot, quick from edge to edge, and return a ton of energy when you push into them. Because of those features, tons of East Coasters love these skis. Apart from that, there’s also enough rocker to remove the bite from the tip and tail and add some flotation for deeper snow. The company also smartly removes some metal from the ends, making these skis lighter and easier to use.
What We Love
They’re lightweight, energetic skis that you can push hard in most conditions.
Pros:
- Quick edge to edge
- Deep sidecut
- Has modest amounts of tip and tail rocker
- Great flotation
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not as stable as other best skis for East Coast
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Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis (CU)
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In many ways, the Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis are similar to the HEAD Unisex Kore 93 Skis (it’s also on this list, so keep reading) in terms of snappiness and versatility. However, they’re slightly burlier, stiffer, and heavier. By removing plastic from the tip and extending the lightweight wood core farther forward, these skis are easier to swing around corners.
Since they’re heavier than most of the best skis for East Coast, they feel more stable. However, it also means that they feel less energetic. Meanwhile, a generous rocker in the tip facilitates initiating turns, especially in softer snow. Plus, there are strands of carbon embedded in a thin layer of fiberglass that run the length of the ski which adds some smoothness when you’re skiing on firmer surfaces.
What We Love
A versatile option that offers great stability and performance.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to swing around corners
- Great stability
- Durable construction
- Amazing flotation
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
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Salomon QST 92 Men’s Skis (CU)
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The Salomon QST 92 Men’s Skis are another great option that skiers should totally consider. Many are digging these skis not just because they’re one of the best all mountain skis for East Coast, but also because they’re probably the lightest that isn’t made of foam or fiberglass. Their rocker profile also makes them an ideal choice for East Coast skiing.
By using these skis, your confidence will be boosted as you carve on hard snow, hit the moguls, or explore some of the steepest corners of the mountain. On top of that, the Full Sandwich Sidewalls will guarantee stability and precision. They’ll also enhance your performance by providing good edge grip and smooth ski-to-snow contact.
What We Love
A fun all-around skis that’ll enhance your skiing experience and make you a better skier.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Work well in all terrains
- Very good for powder in steep terrain
- Offer a good grip
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not that stable in open off-piste
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Black Crows Justis Skis (CU)
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Proud of your hard work and want to spend some of your money on the best skis for the East Coast? Then go ahead and purchase the Black Crows Justis Skis! Costing you significantly more than other best all mountain skis for East Coast, they also look very premium and modern! They’re the go-to option for those evolving in the ski areas and want a pair of skis that can safely take them further away.
These amazing skis have a lot of tip and tail rockers, making them super easy to turn and pivot on soft snow or snap a turn around a tree. Another feature that we really adore is the H-shaped Titanal. For those who don’t know, it’s an aluminum alloy that damps vibrations and adds torsional stiffness. It helps to keep everything calm as you straighten out your line and pick up speed.
What We Love
A high-end option that’s pretty easy to maneuver and durable.
Pros:
- Stunning and durable design
- Great for intermediates
- Great maneuverability
- H-shaped Titanal to damp vibrations
- Quick and stable
Cons:
- The short radius isn’t everyone’s cup of tea
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Nordica Santa Ana 93 Women’s Skis
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The Nordica Santa Ana 93 Women’s Skis are honestly one of the most impressive women’s models we’ve seen. If you happen to be a woman that’s looking for the best skis for East Coast, then you should really consider buying this model. They’re made for those who shy away from nothing, regardless if they’re blessed with freshies or just cruising the front side with their crew.
Aside from that, these skis have a smooth rocker at the tip and tail, as well as generous camber underfoot. Those things make these skis very versatile, offering you easy turning and surfing when you need it on soft snow. Featuring a Balsa wood core under a layer of Titanal, these skis are more suitable for advanced skiers.
What We Love
A stiff, stable pair of skis that’s lightweight and great for all-day sessions.
Pros:
- Lightweight and stiff
- Stunning design
- Smooth rocker at the tip and tail
- Very versatile
- Capable of taking aggressive lines
Cons:
- Less forgiving for beginners
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Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis (CU)
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Compared to other best all mountain skis for East Coast, it’s true that the Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis are slightly more expensive. However, we think they’re worth the extra money! At 94mm underfoot, these updated skis are one of the widest skis out there. However, despite their dimensions, they remain a standout performer on hardpack. What immediately jumps out is their natural feel, as they have lots of energy and pops nicely between turns.
On top of that, these best all mountain skis for East Coast are also very easy to trust in a range of conditions. We love how the solid base and 2 sheets of Titanal give you a stable and planted ride. Even better, they’re also very capable if you decide to head off-trail, as they have decent flotation in soft snow. For true all-mountain appeal, and especially in those regions with a few serious storm cycles each season, these skis are among the best.
What We Love
These skis’ natural feel and solid construction make them a great pick for hardpack.
Pros:
- Great all-mountain appeal
- Perform well on hardpack
- Have a natural feel
- Offer a stable and planted ride
- Good flotation in soft snow
Cons:
- A little bit too wide for frontside use
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Dynastar 2021 M-PRO 90 Skis (CU)
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Yes, Dynastar may not be on the radar for many East Coast skiers, but this French-based brand has a real winner in its latest product, the Dynastar 2021 M-PRO 90 Skis. Compared to the brand’s older skis, this pair has improved in just about every imaginable way. Boasting a 90mm-width design, these easy-to-maneuver skis line up really nicely for progressing intermediates to advanced-level riders that love to explore the whole mountain.
Because of these skis’ wider dimensions and slightly loosened-up build, they have a lower speed limit than some of the best skis for East Coast in firm conditions. However, they do come alive in the bumps and when you dip briefly off-trail. This playfulness also translates to great quickness on hardpack, which is a great plus!
What We Love
A great all-around option for intermediates to advanced skiers that’s capable of handling pretty much any terrain type.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Great for intermediates and advanced skiers
- Versatile
- Lightweight and durable Poplar core
- Pretty quick on hardpack
Cons:
- Lower speed limit than some of the best skis for the East Coast
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Volkl Kendo 88 Skis (CU)
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The Volkl Kendo 88 Skis are a long-time favorite of many skiers, and they’re also one of the best skis for the East Coast. Did you know that they have a very well-rounded design? These skis are narrow enough to carve well and take on groomed runs at a variety of speeds, but they’re also surprisingly well-suited for powder days considering their moderate 88mm width.
Since the past models have been criticized for being too stiff for intermediates, Volkl has loosened things up by utilizing the Titanal Frame construction. This construction incorporates metal only along the perimeter of the skis, making them more flexible. If you live in Vermont near some of the snow-heavy East Coast resorts, these skis are definitely one of the best you can use to take you all over the mountain.
What We Love
One of the most versatile skis that are well-suited for groomers and powder days.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Titanal Frame construction
- Can take on groomed runs at a variety of speeds
- Suited for powder days
- Great stability and grip
Cons:
- Not that playful
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HEAD Unisex Kore 93 Skis (CU)
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The HEAD Unisex Kore 93 Skis are literally so good at everything that they feel like many different skis. They’re stable and aggressive like race skis when you lean over them over on hardpack and they’re also a competent surfer of powder. However, the one that steals our hearts is their agility. They’re quick edge to edge, without feeling shaky, and have enough rocker in the tail that you can adjust your turn radius without ever losing control.
In case you’re wondering, these best skis for the East Coast are made for stronger skiers who may favor frontside trails or East Coast resorts. Adding the vibration-damping Koroyd beneath the foot and folding ultra-strong graphene into the fiberglass layup, these skis have just the right amount of stiffness and playfulness.
What We Love
They’re a pair of versatile and aggressive skis that can handle almost everything.
Pros:
- Really versatile
- Stable and aggressive
- Quick edge to edge without feeling shaky
- Ideal for stronger skiers
- Vibration-damping Koroyt
Cons:
- Might be too narrow for deep snow
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Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis
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The Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are built to be East Coast-friendly. As one of the best skis for East Coast, they have 2 layers of Titanal and their proprietary Flipcore Technology keeps chatter to a minimum. Plus, these skis’ lightweight carbon tip and tail, as well as tight turn radius, make them a wonderful carver. As you might expect from Blizzard, this model is quite comfortable even at high speeds and is an all-around smooth operator on anything from ice to plowing through the curd.
If you’re wondering what type of terrain do these skis handle best, the answer is groomers and hardpack. That said, their performance isn’t quite as impressive on moguls and in soft snow. Another thing you should note is that they’re not made for beginners. This high-performance option is geared toward more experienced skiers who prefer to stay on-piste and don’t need a ton of playfulness for dodging trees.
What We Love
Their robust construction and ability to handle groomers and hardpack make them an ideal pick for those who prefer to stay on-piste.
Pros:
- Flipcore Technology to keep chatter to a minimum
- Lightweight carbon tip and tail
- Comfortable even at high speeds
- Handle groomers and hardpack really well
- An ideal pick for advanced skiers
Cons:
- Not as versatile as some of the best skis for the East Coast
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Rossignol Experience 88 TI Men’s Skis (CU)
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Rossignol really hit it out of the park with the Experience 88 TI Men’s Skis, versatile skis that can take on the entire mountain and has an ideal build for East Coast conditions. These 88mm-width carving skis come with easy turn initiation and edge-to-edge quickness. They’re also decently playful thanks to a light but sturdy metal laminate and Rossignol’s Air Tip Technology that reduces weight with the honeycomb-style design.
But perhaps most surprisingly, these skis are super confidence-inspiring in chopped-up and variable conditions. Considered as one of the best all mountain skis for East Coast, these skis’ versatile nature means that they can handle all the hardpack days you can throw them, plus a few inches of new snow when necessary. Want to bring them on a resort trip out West? No problem, as long as you’re not venturing too far into deep powder.
What We Love
They’re one of the best all mountain skis for East Coast that can handle anything from powder to crude.
Pros:
- Lots of energy when connecting turns
- Carve tightly on hardpack
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Very versatile
- Great for skiers of all skill levels
Cons:
- Less playful than some all-mountain alternatives
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