In the world of versatile skis in the mid-100's range, the 2024 Liberty Origin 106 is a fantastic option. The use of construction, shape, and profile all combine to create a fun-loving ski that is equally at home in the resort as it is in the backcountry. For years, Liberty has made some of the most progressive shapes on the planet, and they were really at the forefront of the wide twin tip movement. They make great skis that are a ton of fun, and we’re all about it. There’s a lot of applications for this 106, allowing both expert-level freeriders to expand their comfort zone as well as bringing more moderate skiers into deeper snow with greater confidence. In the Origin series, the 106 has been a benchmark model, providing equal parts float and responsiveness for today’s modern freeride skier.

Liberty has also been ahead of the game when it comes to vertical metal laminates. We first saw this style in Liberty’s V-Series of skis for the front side, and it wasn’t long after that the freeride and all-mountain versions picked up on this technology. Blending poplar, bamboo, and paulownia in the wood core brings a nice mix of energy, silence, and stability to the mix, while the central metal strut adds dampness and strength. We get two strips of carbon and two layers of fiberglass that also help boost the energy while the poured polyurethane sidewalls keep the quiet and smooth personality of the ski fully intact. At 1980 grams per ski in the 182 cm length, the Origin 106 has a nice balance of power, playfulness, and agility.

The shape is where we see this ski start to separate itself from the herd. There’s a lot of mid-100's out there, so the Origin 106 needs to do something to bring it to a different level. The roundness of the shape overall is the thing that makes the 106 unique. The taper is on the moderate side, but the tips and tails are decidedly rounder than average. We’re also getting moderate rocker in this ski that facilitates flotation and smoothness. This lines up well with the overall character and personality of the ski as it allows for that straight/slash/straight/slash style of skiing that is so fashionable these days. We’ve always felt that the 106 range was a great shape to have for a soft snow ski that still offers good versatility, and the footprint has a lot to do with it. The 20-meter turn radius in the 182 is perfect for varying up turn shape and style, making the ski amenable to different carves, arcs, smears, and skids. Blending camber and rocker with taper makes good sense in this ski, and it opens up the Origin to the world of modern freeride skiing.

There’s a whole lot to like about a well-rounded and actually round ski that allows for creative and confident skiing in a variety of conditions and terrain. This ski has always been a fan-favorite for those that want more of a twin tip style of ski but with that all-mountain format and realm. The flex is appropriate for both soft and firm snow, allowing the skier to access the entirety of the sidecut while remaining stout enough for grip, energy, and rebound in a variety of applications. If you’re an advanced or expert skier looking for that one fun-loving and playful ski that handles all matters of soft snow, you’re in luck with the Liberty Origin 106.