About
Top stories
2025
Thoughts
At the heart of every ski

Editorial

2025
Intro
Test center

Where the snow is always present

2025
Intro
Pelli di foca

It's not all about grip

2025
Instruction
Boot lab: Boots under the microscope

The laboratory analysis of flex, walkability, and thermal insulation of ski mountaineering boots

2025
Intro
Skimo poles
2025
Intro
Safety, a culture of doubt

Beyond the basic definition, there’s nothing as variable as snow conditions and the human psyche when under emotional stress. That's why, after purchasing the right self-rescue kit and airbag backpack, it’s paramount you do your research, train, scrutinize your decisions and, if necessary, opt for plan B. And, at least for now, don’t rely on artificial intelligence. 

2025
Race
Light
Tour
Free
Awards
Best bindings 2025

Skiaklper's Awards

2025
Intro
Products for mountaineers

Once you’ve chosen your skis, boots and bindings, your thoughts then turn to harnesses, crampons, ice axe and helmet, though perhaps not everyone, and not straight away. While it’s true that when starting out, especially for those transitioning from resort skiing who just want to start surfing some pow, the important thing is to get self-rescue equipment. It’s equally true, however, that the sport we love is a combination of two words: skiing and mountaineering.

2025
Intro
Boards, boots, and bindings for splitboarding

Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.

2025
Intro
Skimo bindings

They’re probably the element of your setup that’s evolved the most and seen the most crossover between disciplines. Which is why in general lighter bindings have adapted to make allowances for the trend for opting for wider skis, with hybrid drilling patterns and a greater selection of ski brakes. But the aspect that requires most scrutiny is the height difference between the front and rear pins.

This is the Skialper Buyers Guide

Probably The most accurate ski test out there.

Our modus operandi
2025
Instruction
Instruction Booklet

Everything you need to know about the Skialper Buyer's Guide. A handy reference you can access anytime you like, to better understand what we do and why we do it.

2025
Backstage
XL Mountain, the gear guru

Our official tecnical partner

2024
Intro
Tests of glide and waterproofing

A new entry in our tests

2024
Instruction
Boot lab: flex test

Skialper's flex test of ski touring and freeride ski boots

2024
Instruction
Boot lab: warmth test

Our liner warmth test

2024
Instruction
Boot lab: sustainability

How eco-friendly are ski boots?

Meet them all

Alpine guides, ski instructors, elite athletes. Heaps of skill and expertise. Add their immense passion into the mix, and you've got a dream team of testers.
Testers
Free
tester
Julian
Giacomelli
Ski instructor and Aspirant Mountain Guide
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Nicola
Ricaldi
Snowboard instructor and store owner
Tour
tester
Yannik
Anselmet
Mountain Guide and ski instructor
Race
tester
Maximilien
Drion du Chapois
Professional athlete
Light
tester
Mike
Arnold
Alpine guide
Free
tester
Federico
De Michiel
Ski instructor, FWQ athlete
Tour
tester
Filippo
Menardi
Mountain Guide
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Ettore
Personnettaz
Italian national snowboarding instructor
Tour
tester
Enrico
Mosetti
Alpine guide
Light
Race
Tour
tester
Katrin
Bieler
Free
Tour
Light
tester
Silvia
Moser
Ski instructor
Race
tester
Damiano
Lenzi
Race
tester
William
Boffelli
Professional athlete
Race
tester
William
Bon Mardion
Professional athlete
Light
tester
Fabio
Iacchini
Alpine guide and ski instructor
Light
tester
Davide
Spini
Alpine guide
Light
tester
Andrea
Bormida
Alpine guide
Tour
tester
Matteo
Calcamuggi
Alpine guide and ski instructor
Tour
tester
Andrea
Cismondi
Ski instructor and coach
Tour
tester
Martino
Colonna
University instructor
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Jean
Edouard Hardy
Italian national snowboarding instructor
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Nicola
'Tux' Chanoux
Snowboard instructor
Free
tester
Edoardo
Longo
Ski instructor and coach
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Gianluigi
'Gigi' Lozzi
Snowboard instructor
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Ivan
Mola
Snowboard instructor
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
tester
Nadir
Musella
Snowboard store clerk
tester
Sisa
Vottero
Ski instructor
Light
tester
Simon
Bellabouvier
Ski instructor
Light
tester
Philipp
Reiter
former athlete/photographer
Race
tester
Robert
Antonioli
Professional athlete
tester
Martina
De Silvestro
Ski instructor
Light
tester
Gilles
Sierro
Alpine guide
Free
tester
Edoardo
Borello
Ski instructor and alpine guide in training
Free
tester
Diego
Castellaz
Ski instructor and alpine guide in training
Race
tester
Davide
Magnini
Professional athlete
Free
tester
Davide
Cusini
Ski instructor
Free
tester
Alex
Zingerle
Ski instructor and coach
Tour
tester
Alessandro
Speranzoni
Materials engineer and ski instructor
Free
tester
Alberto
Casaro
Ski instructor and coach
Race
tester
Nicolò
Canclini
Professional athlete
editorial board
Jacopo
Chianale
Skialper technical editor
editorial board
Guido
Valota
Ski instructor
editorial board
coordinator
Claudio
Primavesi
Editor in chief of Skialper
editorial board
Davide
Marta
Publisher/Ski instructor
editorial board
Danilo
Noro
ski shop owner
editorial board
coordinator
Michele
Guarneri
Editorial team
editorial board
Federico
Foglia Parrucin
Logistics and warehouse manager
Photographers
Alice
Russolo
Daniele
Molineris
Federico
Ravassard
Photographer
Alo
Belluscio
Photographer
Matteo
Agreiter
Photographer
Nicola
Damonte
Photographer
Davide
Terenzi
Photographer
Race
Pierre
Lucianaz
Giovanni
Danieli
Photographer
Elisa
Bessega
Photographer
Alberto
Storti
Photographer

Best in class

Here you'll find our best rated products of the year as well as highly recommended products for different uses in each category
Best of the year
SKI OF THE YEAR FREE
tested 2025
Skis
Free
Made for women
Black Diamond
Women's Impulse Ti 98
Width Center: 98 mm
Weight: 1.690 g
SKI OF THE YEAR FREE
tested 2025
Skis
Free
Black Diamond
Impulse 104 Ti
Width Center: 104 mm
Weight: 1.880 g
SKI OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Blizzard
Zero G 85 W
Width Center: 85 mm
Weight: 1.110 g
SKI OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Salomon
MTN 86 Pro
Width Center: 86 mm
Weight: 1.230 g
SKI OF THE YEAR RACE
OF THE YEAR
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Dynastar
M-Pierra Menta
Width Center: 65 mm
Weight: 700 g
SKI OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Atomic
Backland 101 W
Width Center: 101.5 mm
Weight: 1.260 g
SKI OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Dynastar
M-Tour 108 F-Team
Width Center: 108 mm
Weight: 1.500 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR FREE
tested 2025
Boots
Free
Lange
XT3 Free 140 Pro Model LV GW
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.915 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR FREE
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Scarpa
4-Quattro SL WMN
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.290 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
Tecnica
Zero G Peak W
Buckles: 2
Weight: 900 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
La Sportiva
Kilo
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.000 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
La Sportiva
Stratos VI
Buckles: 2
Weight: 530 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Tecnica
Zero G Tour Pro
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.320 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Scarpa
Gea
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.220 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR FREE
tested 2025
Bindings
Free
Salomon
S/Lab Shift2 13 MN
Type: full pin,full step-in
Weight: 920 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR FREE
tested 2025
Bindings
Free
ATK Bindings
Freeraider 15 Evo
Type: full pin
Weight: 395 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
Haute Route 10 Plus
Type: full pin
Weight: 220 g
OF THE YEAR
BINDING OF THE YEAR RACE
tested 2025
Bindings
Race
ATK Bindings
Revolution Brake World Cup
Type: full pin
Weight: 122 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
RT 11 Evo
Type: full pin
Weight: 295 g
ALL MOUNTAIN SPLIT OF THE YEAR
2025
Splitboards
Split All Mountain
Rossignol
XV Split
Weight: 3.300 g
SPLIT OF THE YEAR POWDER
2025
Splitboards
Split Powder
Jones
Ultralight Hovercraft 2.0
Weight: 2.700 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR SPLIT
2025
Bindings
Split All Mountain
Split Powder
Spark R&D
Surge ST Pro
Weight: 680 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR SPLIT
2025
Boots
Split All Mountain
Deeluxe
Spark Fusion
Weight: N/A g
POLE OF THE YEAR FREE
2025
Poles
Kang
Bamboo Freeride
Type: fixed length
Weight: 295 g
POLE OF THE YEAR LIGHT
2025
Poles
Dynafit
Mezzalama
Type: fixed length
Weight: 133 g
POLE OF THE YEAR RACE
2025
Poles
ATK Bindings
Carbon Kevlar
Type: fixed length
Weight: 140 g
POLE OF THE YEAR TOUR
2025
Poles
Leki
Bernina Lite 2
Type: telescopic
Weight: 251 g
OF THE YEAR
SKINS OF THE YEAR FREE
2025
Skins
Tour
Contour
Hybrid Mix
Material: mohair, nylon
Dry weight: 314 g
SKINS OF THE YEAR RACE
2025
Skins
Race
Pomoca
Race Pro
Material: mohair
Dry weight: 112 g
SKINS OF THE YEAR TOUR
2025
Skins
Tour
Light
Pomoca
Tour Pro
Material: mohair, nylon
Dry weight: 276 g
Our top recommendations
SMART CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Ski Trab
Gara
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 760 g
SMART CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Faction
La Machine 1 Micro
Width Center: 91 mm
Weight: 1.290 g
SMART CHOICE FREE
tested 2025
Skis
Free
Faction
Dancer 3
Width Center: 106 mm
Weight: 2.100 g
SMART CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Line
Vision 96
Width Center: 96 mm
Weight: 1.740 g
PRO'S CHOICE FREE
tested 2025
Skis
Free
K2
Reckoner 110
Width Center: 110 mm
Weight: 1.860 g
PEOPLE
PEOPLE'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Dynafit
Mezzalama
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 790 g
PRO
PRO'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Ski Trab
Gara World Cup 70
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 710 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Movement
Session 90
Width Center: 90 mm
Weight: 1.390 g
PRO'S CHOICE TOUR
PRO
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Black Crows
Navis Freebird
Width Center: 102 mm
Weight: 1.750 g
PRO'S CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Elan
Lynx 82 UL
Width Center: 82 mm
Weight: 1.040 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE FREE
tested 2025
Skis
Free
Völkl
Blaze 104
Width Center: 104 mm
Weight: 1.800 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Wedze
Wilder 85
Width Center: 85 mm
Weight: 1.320 g
SMART CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
La Sportiva
Stratos Hybrid
Buckles: 2
Weight: 728 g
SMART CHOICE LIGHT
OF THE YEAR
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Tecnica
Zero G Peak
Buckles: 2
Weight: 980 g
SMART CHOICE FREE
tested 2025
Boots
Free
Atomic
Hawx Prime XTD 130 Boa GW
Buckles: 2
Weight: 2.017 g
SMART CHOICE TOUR
GREEN
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Scarpa
Maestrale
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.380 g
PRO'S CHOICE FREE
tested 2025
Boots
Free
Scarpa
4-Quattro Pro
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.555 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Dynafit
DNA
Buckles: 2
Weight: 810 g
PRO'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Scarpa
Alien 4.0
Buckles: 2
Weight: 610 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Dynafit
Ridge Pro
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.250 g
PRO
PRO'S CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Scarpa
4-Quattro XT
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.500 g
PRO
PRO'S CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Scarpa
F1 XT
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.145 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE FREE
tested 2025
Boots
Free
Salomon
Shift Pro 130 AT GW
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.693 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Scarpa
F1 SE
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.380 g