The 2024 Stockli Edge 88 is a fantastic example of a hybrid ski done right. Think whatever you want about this category in general, but this ski stands out as a smooth, solid, and stable performer while others in this range can be chatty, floppy, or just downright weird. This thing is all about precision, and that’s no surprise given Stockli’s general attitude towards that attribute. The Edge 88 blurs the line between a resort ski and a touring option, offering up a great option for skiers who like to dabble in it all, from day-long tours on distant mountain peaks to ripping down the resort trails and bowls on more of an alpine-inspired setup. Boots and bindings have a lot to do with the overall application here, as you can use anything from super-techy to burly and rugged. Those choices will point the end game in a particular direction, but overall, if you’re looking for a lighter version of a Stormrider 88, the Edge 88 is the way to go.

Overall, we’re seeing a weight savings of just over 120 grams per ski versus the Stormrider 88, so while it’s not a huge drop in weight, it does count, especially if you use lighter boots and bindings to complement the skis. In the 174, the Edge 88 hits 1533 grams, so that’s right around the sweet spot for hybrid touring. They accomplish this drop by using a super light core, thin glass laminate, Titec Evo, and Touring Super Light Edge technology. The fact that they use their metal laminate as the topsheet is no small feat—this makes the ski super smooth and incredibly damp while using that lighter and thinner metal to boost the bulk of the performance to the next level. In addition, this EVO material in the topsheet is very slippery, so it reduces the amount of snow that sticks to the top of the ski, creating a more efficient climbing machine. We get a metal-based touring tail as well, and that not only increases the sturdiness and durability of the ski, but also allows for the skin fixation to be a stronger point of contact.

There’s a bit longer of a turn radius in this Edge 88 versus the Stormrider, and that’s by design. With most touring skis, the longer the radius, the easier it is to skin, as the ski isn’t trying as hard to turn with each stride. This straighter cut also allows for better dictation of turn shape and style on the way down, which is a very important part of this whole equation. While there’s rocker to be found in the tips and tails, it’s not a whole lot, and this makes for a more versatile and all-mountain feel. There are better floating skis out there for sure, but perhaps they don’t tour as well as this one, or have the same overall feel and character. It’s all about compromise, and for the Edge 88, the playfulness is slightly on the lower side of the spectrum. That said, it’s agile and easy to turn, so it does have some hints of that attribute. The 174 cm length generates a 19.6-meter turn radius, showing that longer and straighter cut and its influence on the touring world of skis.

Pick your own adventure on the 2024 Stockli Edge 88. This ski functions equally as well with a tech binding as it does with a normal alpine one. The usefulness of the ski is off the charts for a variety of skiers. While it might operate better on the feet of more accomplished skiers, there’s also some good options for progressing skiers who are looking to use this as more of a resort option. In that realm, this is an interesting ski because it allows for agility and precision without being overly demanding.