2025 Elan Ripstick 102

Splitting the difference between the 108 and 96 in the Ripstick line, the new 102 is a very versatile ski that can be used as an everyday ski for a variety of conditions and terrain. As a new width in the Ripstick line, the 102 sits nicely in the wider all-mountain and narrower freeride realm. For years, we’ve touted the Ripstick series of skis as being some of the lightest and most fun skis around, and this new 102 takes that torch and carries it into 2025. By souping up the build, changing the shape, and adding some length options, Elan and their Ripstick 102 are poised to take a big chunk of the ~100 mm range—especially the part of the population that favors lightweight playfulness.

There are some new construction attributes here that set the 102 apart from the older versions of the ski, making it easier to use at a variety of speeds and a multitude of edge angles. With a full wood core consisting of poplar and paulownia, Elan does away with its Vapor tip inserts in favor for full wood and a flax laminate in the shovel. We still get carbon rods that run alongside the edges, but now get two strips of unidirectional carbon under the wood core. These strips are longer on the inside and shorter on the outside to bolster the concept of an asymmetrical ski build. They’re light, with the 182 hitting a paltry 1720 grams per ski. For a 102, this is one of the lighter non-touring or hybrid skis out there, although we certainly won’t tell you that you can’t tour on these skis. Tester Chris McClelland notes that “This definitely feels like a ski for softer conditions, be that powder or spring slush. Felt good on groomers but definitely not a high-speed carving machine.” That’s understandable due to the weight. He continues, stating that “It was surprisingly playful for the tail shape and felt really good in softer snow/bumped up terrain. Definitely a great ski to putz around Stowes woods.” The blend of build and shape certainly add to the mobile nature of the ski and its ability to maneuver through tighter spaces and places.

The new 102 features an entirely new shape and profile, with slightly wider tips to engage in the turns and a new mid-fat width for blending on and off-trail capabilities. With the amphibio rocker profile, these skis are incredibly smooth and natural from edge to edge. They do not hook or grab at all, rather the turns are seamless and easy. Still, more of a soft snow specialist, as heavier tester Bob St.Pierre remarks: “The shovels felt a bit soft, and that made it not want to be direct with turn initiation, but this was on groomers, and the skis are more meant to be used in softer and fresher snow. It felt a lot more like a freeride ski for lighter skiers than anything else.” Basically, they’re incredibly easy and fun to ski. Those qualities have not left the Ripstick line in the least with this new build and shape. We love how simple and effective they are for most skiers looking to master the whole mountain.

As such, there’s a bit of a limit here to the 102, but the good news is that they also make the Black Edition which ramps up the stability with extra carbon rods in the central portions of the ski. As of now, though, the new 102 is an amazing option for progressing intermediates through lighter experts who are looking to maximize their fun and enjoyment in various conditions and terrain. If you’re looking for your first ski over 100 mm wide, this is a fantastic place to start.