2026 Atomic Maverick 88 CTI

The 2026 Atomic Maverick 88 CTI brings the much-beloved ski into the future. With changes made introducing the 105 and 115 CTI skis last year, the 88 wasn’t far behind for a refresh. This ski has not lost any grip or energy but has gained mobility and softer snow performance. It’s a bit more flexible and more amenable to versatile all-mountain conditions and terrain. The outgoing Ti version had a crazy blend of light weight and stiff flex, and while that worked great for a lot of advanced and expert skiers, it was also a bit harsh for those who prefer a mellower ride but still want a precise and agile ski. Now, we get an updated tip shape, a woodier feel, and greater soft snow capacity than ever before in a Maverick ski.

Built with a poplar and ash wood core, the ski gets carbon stringers, fiberglass, and titanal underfoot to add power. It’s not nearly as pingy or reactive as the older ski as a result, and that’s going to give the new CTI a more traditional feel. It keeps the light weight feel, though, and brings the softer snow performance to the next level. While still supportive, these new skis are not overly stiff, and that’s a good thing for skiers who are looking to mix between firm snow and soft snow without giving up performance. In the 179, the ski sits on the scale at about 1770 g/ski, putting it on the lighter side of the spectrum, especially versus heftier skis like Nordica Enforcer 89.

The other main change here is the shape, with wider tips and tails, the ski gets a shorter radius as a result. We drop about 1.5 meters in turn radius, going from 18.2 to 16.5 in the 179. This makes the new CTI incredibly easy to turn and initiate. It serves well for bumps, trees, and other tight spots but doesn’t feel quite as confident at speed. Tester Bob St.Pierre notes that “From the start, this ski wants to turn. The new tip shape is more engaging and wanting to turn than the older Maverick 88 for sure. Underfoot and through the tail it's still quite strong and reactive, but not as precise or powerful as it's been in the past. The tip is floatier, and this ski is much better suited for softer snow, moguls, trees, or any other area in which mobility is placed at a premium.”

Overall, it feels like this ski is aimed at and will satisfy more of the middle ground of advanced skiers. This is a smart strategy from a sales perspective as the outgoing Ti version was more of a singular ski in terms of snow feel and energy while this CTI is more universal. With increases in soft snow capabilities, it’s one of the most versatile 88’s out there, with a light weight and supportive flex.