When its time to push send the last thing you want to do is wonder if the ski thats under you is going to hold up to whatever you're asking it to attack. No one wants to be standing up on a line second guessing their gear. Big mountain skis 100-108(ish) mm waist are the skis you reach for when its time to paint the mountain with your own flare. Best in conditions for freeriding or when the snow is just right. Not the chest deep powder day yet soft enough to get sendy and unleash your full send.
Tested by women for women. Best Big Mountain Women's Skis 24/25 She-Shredz ski picks below.
SLUGGER 102 ~ Praxis
Overview: The Slugger 102 by Praxis is that sweet spot. Hitting in at 102 mm, not too wide yet not when conditions are less than ideal the Slugger can still hit make a splash. A nice dusting of fresh snow? She can hold her own making the Slugger a great daily driver. While being a bit of a heavy hitter (pun intended) the Slugger has a larger turn radius than other skis listed below. Making the Slugger an excellent option for those who are looking for a sturdy ski that yet manages to maintain a playfulness that gives the rider a sense of confidence that its time to shred.
Why It Shreds: Full disclosure after getting on the Slugger, we felt the need to add it to our personal quiver thats just how great this ski was. While we opted for the flex option #3 from Praxis (Praxis has multiple flex options) to allow slightly more control in tight spaces lets get into why the Slugger is a knock out of the park (ok I'll stop with the baseball puns) for women looking for something that is durable, sturdy, and ready to really allow you to unleash. On groomers it craves and locks in on edge instantly. On off-piste shes ready to take you on whatever ride you allow her to accompany you on. On curd and soft snow the Slugger really could care less what was underneath. The Slugger held an edge and didnt once waiver.
Speed is her friend rewarding strong skiers in a agressive stance. The slugger requires a spicy rider to rein her in. For those of you who are searching for ski that can hold her own regardless of crud, slush, ice, and a few freshies look no further. Praxis is also known for being very durable. Something to consider for those who are on their skis quiet a bit.
Who It's For: Advanced to Spicy Shredders that know how to unleash and be in a constant agressive stance. With a slightly larger turning radius than other skis on the list, the Slugger rewards skiers who want to attack.
Want to know more? Stay tuned for our Deep Dive in the Slugger.
Where To Buy: https://www.praxisskis.com/skis/praxis-slugger/
MAVEN 103 CTi ~ Atomic
Overview: A new addition to the Atomic lineup, the Maven 103 CTi is Atomics answer for women who are searching for a freeride ski. With HRZN 3D tip giving the skis a unquie feature allowing riding in a deeper conditions. A light ski that allows for quick turn initiation, the Maven 103 CTi offers a ride unlike other skis on the list. The sister ski to the Maverick 105 CTi, but in a more compact form.
Why It Shreds: For those of you who have riden the Atomic Backland Series the Maven 103 CTi will feel familiar with its Atomic flare to their skis. Light and playful yet able to hit full throttle the Maven loves speed. One of the most surprising things we found about the 103 CTi is how great she floated on 8 inches of fresh snow. The Maven floats incredibly well. making this a great ski for those of you who live in an area with that cold crisp snow (Utah we're looking at you). A super playful construction making the Maven 103 CTi a great option for those who are searching for ski with lots of pop and light underneath.
One thing we did find is in crud the Maven did not preform as well as others on the list. When we found things becoming more variable we noticed slide outs and wished the Maven had a little more bite in her.
Who It's For: Skiers who are advanced to spicy. Those of you who live in cold areas without a lot of freeze melt will love how she preforms on cold snow. If you looking for a ski that is inutitive and is not going to fight you when you find yourself needing to whip the skis around give them a try. If you find yourself in between sizes give the larger size a chance. You may find the lightweight construction to be in your favor.
Want more? Check out for more in our deep dive of the Atomic Maven 103 CTi.
PANDORA 106 ~ Line
Overview: Energetic. The first word that comes to mind when you think of the Pandora 106 from Line. Are you the kindof girl that is ripping groomers one moment the next throwing a 360? Meet your new bff. You know what the Pandora is going to do leaving very little doubt in regardless of what you're sending.
Why It Shreds: Having gone through an overhaul this year. The Line Pandora 106 offers an interesting take in a mid fat ski. Stable yet energetic the Pandora's personality for the right skier offers a slice of heaven. Directional however allowing the play to not be sacraficed is a feature that a lot of others skis can not figure out, yet Line did just that.
Those of you who are looking to get some air give the Pandora 106 a demo.
Who It's For: Advanced and spicy riders who are fans of freeriding and freestyle will have a smile on your face when you are hucking it off that one side hit, you know the one. For those of you who find yourself wanting to get sendy but for more a ompf feel check out the Slugger by Praxis.
Where To Buy: https://lineskis.com/en-us/p/pandora-106-2425
DANCER 3 ~ Faction
Overview: The Faction Dancer 3 turquoise (there is no difference in the ski besides color for the Dancer 3) coming in at 106 mm has a lot of interesting things going on. Faction put a heavy emphasis on control and stability when designing the Dancer 3. From XL edges and full strength sidewalls allowing the Dancer 3 to bite the harder pack. Yet the Dancer 3 does well in deeper conditions with its freeride flat tail.
Why It Shreds: Some days its fresh others its not, thats just a part of skiing. Then there are the days that you get to the parking lot unsure of snow conditions based on elevation (hey Tahoe this ones for you) while no one wants to bring multiple pairs of skis the Dancer 3 allows you to feel confident in that choice.
With impressive edge control on those days where its light and fluffy on the top and icy underneath you wont regret having the Dancer 3 on. Being a bit more directional than the Line Pandora 106 we would say that this is a great option for those of you who are searching for something that will hold up when you're pushing the gas yet a little more giving than the Slugger by Praxis due it's ability to initiate turns with slight more ease.
Who It's For: Advanced and spicy shredders will appreciate the range that the Dancer 3 allows for stability in a variety of variable conditions. For those of you who are searching for something a little less work to reign in check out the Secret 102 by Volkl.
SECRET 102 ~ Volkl
Overview: The newly redesigned 102 Secret by Volkl is a familiar friend to those of you who have made a turn or two. Known as a great option for female freeride, the Secret 102 allows you to ride a wider waist without sacrificing turn initiation. Making the Secret 102 a ski that has a lot to offer to alot of women out there.
Why It Shreds: Sometimes you just want a ski that is predictable. The Secret 102 by Volkl offers just that. A ski that will allow you to send without having to feel out of control. The infamous 3D cut raidus makes turning on what is regardless underneath you a breeze.
A great option for a shreder who is searching to up their game without feeling overwhelmed. The Secret 102 is a choice that even advanced riders will appreciate her ease when things get a bit dicey.
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