Salomon MTN 96 Carbon Ski
Following in the footsteps of an older sibling is never easy, especially when they’re handsome, smart, and good at math. Therefore, Salomon had to take great care when replacing the MTN Explore 95, a ski that set an exceptionally high bar. Eager to get out from under the shadow of its older brother and forge its own identity, the Salomon MTN 96 Carbon accomplishes the same mission as the MTN Explore 95, but in a very different manner. While the MTN Explore 95 spent more time at the gym “getting swole,” the MTN 96 Carbon prefers aerobic and stretching exercises, meaning it is lighter and more flexible than its bigger brother. By utilizing cork, which is 16x more absorptive of vibration than Koroyd, the MTN 96 Carbon is very damp, which will help to lessen the "suck factor" of dropping in on refrozen sastrugi. The shape and sidecut of the ski make it an instant favorite of those lucky enough to ski it. As a proud Gen Z’er, the MTN 96 Carbon also cares deeply about the environment, which can be seen in its construction that utilizes 40% recycled material. The MTN 96 Carbon is damp, forgiving, lightweight, and eager to accompany you on your next adventure.
- Cork Damplifier is 16x more absorptive than Koroyd, providing a smooth ride over rough snow/ice.
- 40% recycled content makes your ski bases look very interesting.
- Full Karuba Woodcore is light and durable.
- Carbon Skin Tail Clip helps climbing skins stay put.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 166, 174, 182, 188 |
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Weight |
1300g [166] 1420g [174] 1565g [182] |
| Weight (pair) | 2600g [166] 2840g [174] 3130g [182] |
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128-96-114 [166] 129-96-115 [174] 130-96-116 [182] |
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Turn |
18 |
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Skin |
Rounded tip, carbon skin tail clip |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
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All-terrain rocker |
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Slightly longer shovel with tapered tail |
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Woodcore with cork damplifier |
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Karuba |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday ski touring |
| Notes | Recycled bases look spacey |
| Bottom Line | Super playful and solid ski |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
5/30/2025
I have an old pair of Dynafit Seven Summit bindings that have 110mm brakes on them. Will these bindings be compatible with the MTN Carbons? My main concern is whether or not the brakes will stay in upward locked in (disengaged) position despite the 14mm difference.
5/31/2025
Gman, It is the binding that locks up the brakes for tour mode. The width of the ski will not matter.
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5/29/2025
Could you compare these to the Freebird Camox? I am in the market for an all around backcountry ski that can do a little of everything while keeping me (intermediate to advanced skier) in control. I'm mainly skiing on Hood with more corn, crust and less powder. I was attracted to this (and the Camox) ski because it would be a bit faster, forgiving, and lighter than my current setup. I also have a little difficulty initiating jump turns partly due to lack of skill but also my heavier Head Kore 99s. Also, do you recommend a particular binding style/model for this ski?
5/30/2025
Gman, As you can see, on paper they are pretty close. And both skis are some of the dampest models in this touring category, nice for spring skiing.
So a tight call. At $300 less, the MTN is unbeatable.
Bindings, just depends on what features you are looking for. And how light you want this setup. Feel free to contact us at help@skimo.co to discuss.
So a tight call. At $300 less, the MTN is unbeatable.
Bindings, just depends on what features you are looking for. And how light you want this setup. Feel free to contact us at help@skimo.co to discuss.
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4/10/2025
I've been skiing the Camox Freebird for 3 years now, and feel I have progressed beyond the ski. I really like how intuitive and easy it is to ski, and it feels great in softer conditions, but I feel that it flops and loses confidence in firm or mixed conditions. I'm considering the MTN 96 and the Backland 100 as upgrades from the Camox for longer days out, days where it hasn't snowed more than 3-4 inches (I have a powder ski for deeper days), and also to use as a spring ski. During winter I spend my time in meadows and trees. Both options seem like a step in the right direction - stiffer and more confidence inspiring in mixed conditions, still pretty lightweight, and will still be a fun playful ride in a few inches of powder. I'm slightly leaning toward the MTN as it seems stiffer and burlier, but wanted to ask for thoughts here. I ski in Colorado, am 6'2, 210lbs, use Maestrale RS boots and will put ATK Freeraider 14's on the new ski. Thanks!
4/10/2025
Hi Vicente,
Thanks for the question! The Salomon MTN 96 is a great ski, but on the softer side in terms of flex - if you are looking for something stiffer than the Camox to drive harder, I'm not sure it would be the best option. The Backland 100 is stiffer, but it's also a lighter ski and more soft-snow oriented.
I would look at the Fischer Transalp 98 CTi for a stiff, damp ski with more performance in firm and variable snow! The stiff flex on this ski will allow you to drive it harder from the shovel, and the tip rocker makes it easy to initiate turns. These skis are also torsionally pretty stiff, and the titanal section that extends out from the mounting plate does a good job of dampening out vibrations for how light the ski is!
As always, if you want to dive deeper into skis, feel free to shoot us an email - help@skimo.co!
Thanks for the question! The Salomon MTN 96 is a great ski, but on the softer side in terms of flex - if you are looking for something stiffer than the Camox to drive harder, I'm not sure it would be the best option. The Backland 100 is stiffer, but it's also a lighter ski and more soft-snow oriented.
I would look at the Fischer Transalp 98 CTi for a stiff, damp ski with more performance in firm and variable snow! The stiff flex on this ski will allow you to drive it harder from the shovel, and the tip rocker makes it easy to initiate turns. These skis are also torsionally pretty stiff, and the titanal section that extends out from the mounting plate does a good job of dampening out vibrations for how light the ski is!
As always, if you want to dive deeper into skis, feel free to shoot us an email - help@skimo.co!
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2/24/2025
How do these compare to the BD Helio 95s? Mostly interested in their ability to handle weird spring snow conditions in the PNW. I like the BDs I have but they don’t always feel very composed in unpredictable conditions
2/25/2025
Hi Arin!
I think you'd find the MTN 96s to be an improvement in such conditions! These skis are very predictable and backed by a forgiving attitude, making rough conditions a little easier to manage. With the added bonus of a versatile shape, these would make for a great PNW spring ski. Thanks!
I think you'd find the MTN 96s to be an improvement in such conditions! These skis are very predictable and backed by a forgiving attitude, making rough conditions a little easier to manage. With the added bonus of a versatile shape, these would make for a great PNW spring ski. Thanks!
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2/1/2025
Hi,
How do these compare with Elan Ripstick Tour 94 and 104s, and DPS Pagoda 100? Specifically looking for a forgiving all around ski for my wife (if you have another suggestion please let me know!). She's a technically sound skier who takes it easy.
Thanks,
Sam
How do these compare with Elan Ripstick Tour 94 and 104s, and DPS Pagoda 100? Specifically looking for a forgiving all around ski for my wife (if you have another suggestion please let me know!). She's a technically sound skier who takes it easy.
Thanks,
Sam
2/1/2025
Hi Sam! I've had the pleasure of taking this ski out a few times and have found it to be one of the most approachable, easy-going skis I've encountered. Despite its friendly nature, it doesn't have that lackluster feeling that is somewhat common with approachable skis. You can still push the ski hard, and it will respond well. Due to its shape and profile, it is quite versatile, performing well across a range of conditions. Now, the other skis noted are also great choices, offering a high level of compliance. With that, though, in my experience, they weren't as forgiving as the MTN 96s. Could be a great one for her. Thanks!
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11/20/2024
OK, I've got a hard comparison question. How does the Salomon MTN 96 compare to the K2 Wayback 98. They are similar on paper, both seem to be versatile user-friendly skis. For the weight, which ski is more damp, more forgiving, and more intuitive? Thanks for the awesome site!
11/20/2024
Hi Bruno,
Both versatile, great skis. I would give the MTN 96 the edge in terms of forgiveness and dampness. The Wayback is stiffer, but still damp for sure.
Both versatile, great skis. I would give the MTN 96 the edge in terms of forgiveness and dampness. The Wayback is stiffer, but still damp for sure.
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8/18/2024
Where is the mount point on these bad boyz?
8/19/2024
Steve, It is not on the picture here. But on the actual ski there is a line with Recommended printed on the ski. About in the middle between the two spots that say Mounting Zone.
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6/16/2024
I’m curious how the mtn 96 compares to the echo 106 in terms of softness in the tip and ability to stay compliant/damp through rough high altitude crap snow. I like how the echo skis except how soft the front of the ski is…I’ve gone over the bars on the echo a couple times, both times surprised the crap out of me as I was just driving the ski as I would any normal ski and upon hitting either stickier snow or a slight concavity the ski just folded on me. Is the mtn 96 as soft as the echo, and also what is the camber like (would it be hooky at all?) Much appreciated
6/17/2024
Hi Dan,
The MTN 96 is a bit softer ski in its category, and it hand flexes relatively similar to the Echo - I think the tip is a little bit stronger and it is less rockered, but it's still a bit softer ski. I don't think it would be too hooky - the camber isn't too extreme, and our experience of this ski has been that it's fairly smooth and forgiving.
If you like to drive your tips a bit harder, though, and would prefer something meaningfully stiffer than the Echo in the front of the ski while still being a great all-arounder, I would look at the new Atomic Backland 95. It's a stiffer ski, and I found it to be very predictable in relatively challenging conditions for a light ski.
The MTN 96 is a bit softer ski in its category, and it hand flexes relatively similar to the Echo - I think the tip is a little bit stronger and it is less rockered, but it's still a bit softer ski. I don't think it would be too hooky - the camber isn't too extreme, and our experience of this ski has been that it's fairly smooth and forgiving.
If you like to drive your tips a bit harder, though, and would prefer something meaningfully stiffer than the Echo in the front of the ski while still being a great all-arounder, I would look at the new Atomic Backland 95. It's a stiffer ski, and I found it to be very predictable in relatively challenging conditions for a light ski.
6/17/2024
Thanks a ton Carlos, super helpful. One follow-on question: thoughts on the transalp 98 cti compared to the backland 95?
6/19/2024
Hi Dan, I've skied both of those so can jump in here. The CTI series is stiffer and, in my opinion, can handle even more "drive" than the Backlands. I would say they are the most "alpine-y" skis in our current lineup (we've had internal debate about what exactly that means, but you know it when you ski them...you'd be happy with a pair as resort skis). The CTIs are similar to the Scott Superguides in that respect, but more backcountry-friendly with no "hooky-ness". With the Titanal inserts, the Fischers certainly won't fold on you.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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11/25/2023
Hi! Do you know if there is any difference between 22/23 and 23/24 model?
11/25/2023
Hi TatraGeorge, it did not change for this season.
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4/24/2023
Hi! I'm currently on the MTN 95 in 184 cm. Loved 'em until this past week skiing DEEP powder/ spring heavy snow in Chamonix, where I tended to overpower them and suffer annoying nosedives.
I'm 190 cm /6.3) and 83 kg (180 lbs.) So, I'm looking for a longer ski around 188-190 cm with a waist 95-103'ish (the elusive one ski to do it all; main focus steeps in spring in the alps; snow can be anything) to pair with a pin binding (ATK) and Scarpa F1.
How do these new MTN 96 in 188 hold up against the old MTN 95, the Atomic Backland 100 and Black Crows Camox Freebird - or some other suggestion you think fit the bill. I'd like to keep the weight below 3300g for the pair.
I'm 190 cm /6.3) and 83 kg (180 lbs.) So, I'm looking for a longer ski around 188-190 cm with a waist 95-103'ish (the elusive one ski to do it all; main focus steeps in spring in the alps; snow can be anything) to pair with a pin binding (ATK) and Scarpa F1.
How do these new MTN 96 in 188 hold up against the old MTN 95, the Atomic Backland 100 and Black Crows Camox Freebird - or some other suggestion you think fit the bill. I'd like to keep the weight below 3300g for the pair.
4/24/2023
Hey Enruk,
The Majesty Supernova is a sweet ski that will provide more float but remain maneuverable. The Majestys Cut off the tail allows you to use a size down, but feel stable and float as if you had a longer ski.
The Atomic Backland 100 will provide more float and ski similar to your MTN 95, but won't be as dynamic as a ski like the Majesty.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out at help@skimo.co or give us a call we would love to dive deeper into your question!
The Majesty Supernova is a sweet ski that will provide more float but remain maneuverable. The Majestys Cut off the tail allows you to use a size down, but feel stable and float as if you had a longer ski.
The Atomic Backland 100 will provide more float and ski similar to your MTN 95, but won't be as dynamic as a ski like the Majesty.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out at help@skimo.co or give us a call we would love to dive deeper into your question!
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2/28/2023
How would you compare these to the Armada Locator 96? I was originally looking at the Armadas, but the Salomons seem intriguing as well.
I'm 1,74m tall and would opt for the 178cm Locator or the 182cm MTN.
I'm 1,74m tall and would opt for the 178cm Locator or the 182cm MTN.
2/28/2023
Karl,
The MTNs are fairly damp and forgiving, thanks to the cork. Think obedient and easy to ski. A very good all around ski!
The Locators are essentially the polar opposite. Stiff and poppy, playful in powder. Overall one of my favorites, only criticism is they can get a bit excessively energetic at high speed in variable conditions. They do hold up very well in variable/less than ideal conditions, but at high speeds they just keep getting more energetic. Again, very good all around touring ski, just depends on your skiing style.
The MTNs are fairly damp and forgiving, thanks to the cork. Think obedient and easy to ski. A very good all around ski!
The Locators are essentially the polar opposite. Stiff and poppy, playful in powder. Overall one of my favorites, only criticism is they can get a bit excessively energetic at high speed in variable conditions. They do hold up very well in variable/less than ideal conditions, but at high speeds they just keep getting more energetic. Again, very good all around touring ski, just depends on your skiing style.
3/1/2023
Hi Emmett,
thanks a lot for your answer! I think I will go for the Locator then, I feel like the 178cm lenght would also fit me a bit better.
I've got another question though, regarding ~95mm skis in gerneral: None of them seem to have a cutout in the tip for a "race-style" tip-fix for the skin. Whats the reason behind this? In my opinion the tip-fix with an elastic cord should work the same on skis that are a bit wider, or are there any reasons one should not use this kind of tip-fix on wider skis? Thanks again in advance!
Best regards, Karl
thanks a lot for your answer! I think I will go for the Locator then, I feel like the 178cm lenght would also fit me a bit better.
I've got another question though, regarding ~95mm skis in gerneral: None of them seem to have a cutout in the tip for a "race-style" tip-fix for the skin. Whats the reason behind this? In my opinion the tip-fix with an elastic cord should work the same on skis that are a bit wider, or are there any reasons one should not use this kind of tip-fix on wider skis? Thanks again in advance!
Best regards, Karl
3/1/2023
Karl,
I think it may partially stem from people ripping the bungee off on thicker, stickier skins. Not an issue if you pull the skin by grabbing the skin material itself, not the bungee. We do cut tip notches into wider skis all the time, and Dynafit offers the Free 107, which has a tip notch. Note their skins use a beefier rubber stick versus a bungee. We can build skins like that or you can cut down a Dynafit skin.
I think it may partially stem from people ripping the bungee off on thicker, stickier skins. Not an issue if you pull the skin by grabbing the skin material itself, not the bungee. We do cut tip notches into wider skis all the time, and Dynafit offers the Free 107, which has a tip notch. Note their skins use a beefier rubber stick versus a bungee. We can build skins like that or you can cut down a Dynafit skin.
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2/20/2023
Hi, how does they compare with old mtn 95 explore in powder? Can you say which ski is better for downhill overall (95 explore vs 96 carbon)? I just lost my loved 95 explore and I am wondering if I should buy them again or if i should try the new 96 carbon.
2/20/2023
Hi Lucas, they are different skis for sure. The 95 is a bit more powerful and the 96 more playful so it comes down to your ski style which will suit you better. Float is similar, maybe a touch more in the 96. If you loved the 95, no particular reason to switch, though the 96 sure is fun!
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1/30/2023
Steven
(used product a few times)
First couple weeks on these, excellent skis! Not a super experienced skier, but have found these to be surprisingly good inbounds in less than ideal conditions.
Comment on this review:
1/16/2023
I've been riding the 1,77 mtn 95 for a long time. Unfortunately with this new version they changed the lenght. Now I'm not sure if I should go longer with the 182 or shorter with the 1,74. I'm 1,78 myself. Considering the changes in the new model, what measure would you advise?
1/16/2023
Hi Roberto, yes it's a different ski. For choosing a length it could come down to your turning style...if you like shorter and quicker turns it's ok to loose a few cms; the ski is still plenty stable. The 182 you could open up for longer turns and float a bit more in soft snow, but maybe could require a bit more boot to drive.
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12/19/2022
Good afternoon
Anyone tried these skis ? How are they behaving on hard pack slopes and changing terrain ?
Are they good all round skis and how do they compare with the g3 findr and Dynastar M96 ?
Thanks
Hadrien
Anyone tried these skis ? How are they behaving on hard pack slopes and changing terrain ?
Are they good all round skis and how do they compare with the g3 findr and Dynastar M96 ?
Thanks
Hadrien
12/19/2022
Hi Hadrien, yes we typically test all the skis we carry! These carve great on hard pack while being bit more playful and quicker than the previous 95s. They aren't so stiff as to be a handful in mixed terrain, but maybe not the power to just blow through it either. Less mass than the skis you mention, but we found them quite compliant.
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