The Blizzard Hustle 9 returns to the ranks in 2024, unchanged from the 2023 model with the same successful construction, shape, and graphic. The Hustle 9 is a hybrid ski intended for use in both the resort, the backcountry, and everything in between. In comparison to the other Hustle 10 and 11 skis, the 9 is the best suited for a touring application. However, it certainly has some resort performance that should not be overlooked. Throughout our testing, we did find that the Hustle 9’s performance needle is skewed towards touring more so than downhill lift service. So, who would benefit from a ski like the Hustle 10? Perhaps someone who wants to tour up their local resort before the lifts start spinning and then catch a run or two off of the lift before heading into work. Or perhaps someone that wants a touring ski with more downhill performance than a lightweight, touring specific ski. The Hustle can be justified in a multitude of ways for a wide variety of skiers, and maybe you too!

As with all of the Hustle skis, the Hustle 9 uses a complex construction which combines uphill and downhill performance to produce a ski with hybrid resort/backcountry capabilities. The Hustle 9 enlists Blizzard’s TrueBlend Freeride Core and Carbon D.R.T. (Dynamic Release Technology) to fine-tune the flex pattern of the ski while retaining a low weight. TrueBlend consists of a multi-stringer lay-up of 3 types of wood: 8 stringers of Beech, 3 of Poplar, and 5 of Paulownia. This technique fine tunes the flex of the ski by strategically positioning these stringersto be more forgiving in the extremities, stable underfoot, and torsionallysemi-supplein the extremities based on the materials’ densities.The Carbon D.R.T. laminate supports the TrueBlend core to provide additional energy and responsiveness to the ski so that they may be pushed harder and taken into more extreme terrains compared to other dedicated touring skis. A combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass works to dampen vibrations and provide stability without adding weight and altogether the pair weighs in at an impressive 3400 grams. These construction methods work together to produce a ski that is both stable and playful while remaining light enough to take anywhere into the backcountry or resort.

Formerly, the Hustle 9 shared the same sidecut and profile as the Rustler 9 to function as the more touring oriented and energetic variation of the Rustler. Going into 2024, the Hustle 9 preserves its shape while the Rustler 9 gets a complete overhaul. The sidecut is one that makes it the most well-suited for touring of all the Hustle skis: 127.5mm in the forebody, 94mm at the waist, and 117mm in the tails which generates a turning radius of 17 meters. Dimensions such as this are great for all snow conditions whether it be fresh soft snow or wind skewered firm snow there is a balance to be found for ultimate versatility. As for shape, the Hustle has a twin-tip freeride profile with tip rocker, camber underfoot, and tail rocker making it highly maneuverable with smooth turn initiation and release. The tip and tail rocker also make pivoting easy for when in tight trees or couloirs along with floatation in deeper snow conditions.

The 2024 Blizzard Hustle 9 is a very unique and highly versatile, hybrid resort/backcountry ski. It is unique because there are a multitude of applications for which it can be used for. Depending on the application, you can pair the Hustle 9 with a lightweight tech binding, a hybrid binding, or an alpine binding. Not many skis have this kind of versatility and Blizzard has done well to make this ski one that appeals to a broad range of skiers while also following through on a high level of performance. If you are an aggressive skier who wants to touring into zones with big hits and want to charge hard, or someone who wants a 50/50 resort/backcountry ski, or perhaps you are someone looking or a playful and light resort ski that will not tire you out while lapping the lifts all day; the 2023 Blizzard Hustle 9 is certainly a ski that should be on your list.