Returning unchanged for 2024, the Black Crows Corvus Freebird is wide, light, and ready for your next adventure. Derived from its alpine version, the Corvus, the Corvus Freebird sets itself apart with a slightly different construction, shape and profile to make it better suited for touring applications. The differences make the Freebird version an ideal hybrid touring ski for exploring and finding deep snow in the backcountry as well as the resort. Lots of touring oriented skis sacrifice performance for weight, but the Corvus Freebird finds the sweet spot between touring and downhill performance. Making it one of the best options for aggressive skiers that are looking for a ski that can be used both in the resort and out of the resort for soft snow applications.

The Corvus Freebird does not share many similarities construction-wise to its close relative, the Corvus. With touring being more of an influence on the Corvus Freebird’s design, weight needed to come down and more forgiveness needed to be incorporated. A poplar wood core is used for its energy and responsiveness to maintain a high degree of performance. Glass and carbon strings are then used to reinforce the poplar core to add longitudinal stiffness and add dampening properties to the ski. Finally, a titanal binding plate tops off the Corvus Freebird’s construction to add dampening properties as well as provide a solid anchor point for lightweight bindings. Not only does the titanal plate provide binding stability and dampness, but it allows the skier to push the ski harder than more touring/backcountry skis in a resort setting or off big hits in the backcountry. Now with that being said, the Corvus Freebirds are not going to be the lightest touring capable skis out there. Coming in at 3750 grams for the 183.4cm length, they are neither the heaviest, nor the lightest. But since it is designed to be a hybrid ski, that weight makes complete sense to us.

The Corvus Freebird has some notable differences to the alpine version, with regards to both profile and sidecut. Both the profile and sidecut have been tailored to the needs of aggressive backcountry skiers. Starting with the profile, there is much more pronounced tip rocker as well as early rise to provide maximum floatation in soft snow conditions. Camber is also found in the Corvus Freebird compared to the alpine Corvus, which is completely flat underfoot. By introducing camber underfoot, the Freebird will have a lot of energy and pop while also retaining edge grip on firmer snow. Also, more tail rocker is found on the Freebird, which assists with tail release and overall maneuverability in softer snow. The sidecut is marginally different to that of the alpine version with a forebody width of 140mm, waist width of 107mm, and a tail width of 119mm, generating a 21 meter turn radius. 140mm in the forebody compliments the early rocker by assisting with maximum floatation in deep soft snow. Significant tip to tail taper in the Freebird facilitates easily turn initiation and release no matter how deep the snow is.

For aggressive skiers seeking a hybrid resort/touring ski with a focus on floatation and charging capabilities, look no further than the 2024 Black Crows Corvus Freebird. By blending touring capabilities with true downhill performance through the use of slightly different construction materials and shapes, this ski finds an incredible balance that many skiers would benefit from having. Whether you are in the resort on a powder day, or finding lines in the backcountry, the Corvus Freebird will feel right at home, and so will you.