The 2018 QST Stella 106 was already a superior women’s powder ski when Salomon sent it to the gym to lose weight and put on some muscle. The 2019 Stella shed 60g’s thanks to a two design modifications that made it more powerful and precise. A new base layer of basalt runs the full length of the ski, helping to maintain snow contact, while side-to-side strands of C/FX fiber magnify the effects of the longitudinal carbon/flax braids already in the core. The additions make the new Stella so strong it doesn’t need extra mass to calm it down.

While the new Stella is still easy going in first gear, when wound up she’s an all-terrain terror. The report filed by Squaw Valley’s Stacey Kellner provides of snapshot of Stella’s wide-ranging skills. “Conditions: Light-ish pow (by Tahoe standards), with some choppier snow. I loved this ski! Easily crushes through chopped-up pow, but still sturdy on hard pack. All while floaty enough to make those fresh turns feel extra fresh. This could be a great (almost) everyday ski, even with the 106 underfoot.”

For finding the elusive perfect balance between Power and Finesse, we award the QST Stella 106 a Silver Skier Selection.