The 2024 Nordica Unleashed 108 Tree is a fantastic example of a modern and energetic freeride ski. This thing is done just right and proper, allowing skiers the ability to explore deeper snow and more playful zones while keeping the on-trail performance at an absolute maximum. These Tree versions of Unleashed feature a different graphic, a slightly thinner core profile, and shorter sizes. While this points the line towards lady skiers, it’s not locked in there—there's a huge range of skiers that will benefit from skis like this, especially when it comes to pure freeride and freestyle performance. The Unleashed series, as a whole, has burst on to the scene with enormous fanfare. Pretty much anyone who skis these loves them, and who are we to argue with this fact. From the 90 on up to the new 114, these skis have a universal appeal because they turn well, float fine, and do it all with a surprising amount of energy and grip. At the 108 level, we’re looking at a pretty wide ski that’s got the ability to feel a lot more agile than the shape lets on. Thanks to the blend of shape and build, freeride-oriented skiers will get all they need out of the Unleashed 108 Tree.

These Unleashed skis have a lot going for them in terms of construction. It’s virtually identical to the Santa Ana line when it comes to nuts and bolts—it's more in the shaping and profile that differences arise. Starting with a performance wood core, this ski is pretty stout and stable. We also get two laminates of carbon-infused fiberglass on top and bottom of the core. This carbon adds a good deal of energy to the mix without adding much weight. Most of the damping comes from the Terrain Specific Titanal laminate that sits above the core. By shaping the titanal to give the ski full-width contact in the shovel and tail, with a narrower shape through the mid-body of the ski, Nordica adjusts the character of the ski to fit the terrain, conditions, and general personality of the ski. Since it’s narrower in the middle, this allows skiers to access the entirety of the sidecut and create some deep and round carves. For a 108, it’s one of the better carvers out there, and this is especially impressive given the twin-tipped nature of the ski.

The shape and profile are where this ski stands apart from the Santa Ana series, mainly due to a longer running length and effective edge. These types of shaping principles are more often found in freestyle-oriented skis, and that contributes to the fun-loving and playful nature of the Unleashed 108 Tree. While the more freeridey Santa Ana’s have smoother and longer rocker profiles, that doesn't make them quite as precise in a turn, or as reactive. In the 174, we’re getting an 18.3-meter turn radius, and since the build allows for easier flex, skiers can definitely find that arc in a variety of snow conditions and terrain. The precision you feel is the attribute that stands out beyond the rest—there are better floaters out there at 108 mm underfoot, and there are lighter skis, but this one has an insane amount of edge grip and turn initiation to it, making it easy to ski for the width and weight.

Best when used in softer snow, the 2024 Nordica Unleashed 108 Tree has a whole lot of wiggle room as well. For the shape, it’s an amazing carver on firmer snow, and when it gets deep out there, you’ll still have the width to keep you on top. When the off-piste freestyle acumen of the ski is introduced, you’ll feel like you’re on your own private terrain park out there on the hill, allowing for playful and creative skiing. While mainly geared towards advanced and expert skiers who are looking for a wider option in their quiver, progressing intermediates can size down on this ski and take advantage of the smooth, damp, and precise personality of this fun-loving ski.