2023 Skis of the Year: Atomic Maverick 88 TI, Salomon QST 106, and Look SPX 12 Pro

Introduction

Finding the right ski setup is less about chasing the newest graphics and more about matching a ski to the way you actually ride. The three products in this roundup cover the core needs of a strong ski day: a versatile all-mountain ski, a powder ski that still carves, and a binding that feels secure from the first turn. These are 2023 models, which often means strong value. In many cases, the ski underneath a new top sheet is the same as the previous season, so shopping the older model can be the smarter move. If you are buying now, the 2023 versions are worth a close look, especially when 2024 pre-orders run higher.

Why 2023 Skis Can Be the Smarter Buy

Ski development is expensive, and brands often keep a successful shape and construction in place for more than one season. A new top sheet does not always mean a new ski. That creates an opportunity for buyers: last year’s model can deliver the same on-snow feel for less. The 2023 options here are not compromise picks. They are the models that stood out enough to be worth seeking out, whether you want one ski for most days or a dedicated powder setup.

If you are comparing a 2023 ski with a 2024 pre-order, look at the shape, rocker profile, and construction before assuming the newer version is different. In many cases, the difference is cosmetic, and the older model is the better value.

What to Look For in a 2023 Ski

The most important factors are terrain, snow conditions, and the kind of turn you enjoy. An all-mountain ski in the high 80s underfoot is a strong choice for groomers, bumps, and occasional soft snow. A wider ski in the 100s is better for powder and trees, but it may feel like more ski on firm days. Bindings should match the ski and the skier: a DIN range that suits your ability and a release feel you trust. If you want one setup that covers most of the mountain, start with a versatile all-mountain ski. If powder is a priority, add a wider ski as a second pair.

Atomic Maverick 88 TI: The All-Mountain Benchmark

The Atomic Maverick 88 TI is the most versatile ski in this group. It follows the Vantage lineage, and it keeps the stability and broad terrain range that made that series popular. The update adds a little more rocker and shape in the tip and tail, which gives the ski extra pop into and out of the turn. That pop is moderate rather than dramatic, but on a ski that already feels composed, it adds useful energy without making the ride nervous.

The titanium construction gives it a secure feel underfoot, while the front of the ski has enough shovel to stay above softer snow. It is the kind of ski that can handle most of a season, from groomed runs to occasional powder, and it carves with confidence. For a one-ski quiver, this is the strongest candidate. It is the most diverse option here for skiers who want a stable platform that still feels lively.

Salomon QST 106: The Powder Ski That Still Carves

The Salomon QST 106 is the powder-focused choice. It has a shape that floats well in soft snow, but the standout trait is the way it loads into a turn. There is a slight bulge in the middle of the ski that creates a comfortable, supportive arc. You can stand on the turn, feel the ski settle, and then release into the next one. That shape also helps the ski move edge to edge in the trees, which is often where wide skis feel slow or cumbersome.

The 106 width is wider than the 98 version, but the overall shape is close enough that the powder performance and carving feel carry over. It is a strong pick for skiers who want a dedicated soft-snow ski that does not give up the ability to carve. For deep days and tree runs, this is the ski that makes the most sense. It is not a one-ski replacement for a narrower all-mountain model, but as a second ski it covers powder and soft conditions beautifully.

Look SPX 12 Pro: The Binding That Feels Locked In

The Look SPX 12 Pro is the binding choice here. It has a DIN range that goes up to 12, which suits the kind of skiing these skis are built for. The feel is secure and planted, with a pivot-style release that has long made Look bindings a favorite for skiers who want a strong connection to the ski. That locked-in feel is the main reason to choose it.

It is not the only good binding option, and other brands have improved, but this design has a proven, reliable character. The bindings were also found on sale, which makes them an even easier recommendation when the price is right. If you already like a binding that feels direct and confidence-inspiring, this is a straightforward match for either ski in this roundup.

How to Choose Between These Picks

The right choice depends on how you split your ski days. If you want one ski that can handle groomers, soft snow, and most of the mountain, the Atomic Maverick 88 TI is the clear starting point. It is stable, versatile, and lively enough to keep a strong skier engaged. If powder is the priority, the Salomon QST 106 is the better tool. It floats, turns easily in trees, and still carves with a supportive feel that makes soft-snow days more fun. Pair it with the Look SPX 12 Pro if you want a binding that feels secure and direct.

For a two-ski quiver, the Maverick and QST cover the widest range of conditions, and the Look binding can be used on either pair. If you are buying now, the 2023 versions are worth a close look, especially when they are discounted compared with 2024 pre-orders.

Final Buying Advice

Start with the terrain you ride most often. A versatile all-mountain ski like the Atomic Maverick 88 TI will handle the widest range of days for most skiers. If you chase powder and spend time in trees, the Salomon QST 106 is the more specialized tool, and it still carves well enough to be fun on softer groomers. The Look SPX 12 Pro is a strong binding match for either ski, especially if you want a secure, planted feel.

When comparing prices, remember that 2023 models are often the same ski as the newer version with different graphics. That makes them a practical way to get proven performance without paying a premium for a fresh top sheet. If you can find the 2023 model on sale, that is usually the best value.

Conclusion

These three picks cover the core of a confident ski setup: an all-mountain ski that can do most things well, a powder ski that still feels comfortable on edge, and a binding that feels locked in and reliable. For most skiers, the Atomic Maverick 88 TI is the best single-ski starting point. Add the Salomon QST 106 for powder days, and pair either ski with the Look SPX 12 Pro for a secure connection. The 2023 versions offer a smart balance of performance and value, especially while 2024 pre-orders carry a higher price.