2027 Rossignol Soul 102 Open

For 2027, the Rossignol Soul 102 returns structurally unchanged but we do get a new name and graphic. Soul consists of this 102 and the narrower 92, and they represent more of an all-mountain zone versus the Sender series which is comprised largely of freeride-oriented twin tips. As such, Rossignol is simplifying their lineups and making it easier for skiers to choose their best ski possible.

Rossignol puts a good amount of tech into their constructions. Built with a poplar wood core for energy and agility, the skis have a lot going for them out of the gate. Rossignol incorporates a titanal beam to the center portion of the ski to dampen vibrations and keep the ski smooth and stable. We also get Air Tip technology that filters down through the years from the original Soul series, and their new take on the VAS vibration absorption system that is found in the shovel of the ski. This build isn’t too light, though, adding up to 2100 grams per ski in the 180—good enough for some power and heft but still light and agile due to the shape and profile. This is the blend that Rossignol banks on when designing a ski like Soul 102. Tester Jose Darias notes that “This ski would seem like an all mountain ski on paper but feels more similar to a Freeride ski than many other all mountain skis out there. It’s got a very strong construction that’s coupled with a shape and rocker profile that wants to charge and go fast. Similar to the Soul 92, the Soul 102 is happy to slow down and make smaller, more relaxed turns but it’s happiest going fast and skiing directly in the fall line. I would want to search out terrain with steeper lines and features to jump off of, but there’s really no terrain type than this ski can’t find itself at home in.”

We certainly agree that this ski, as the wider of the Souls, does lean more to freeride. One of the interesting things about this ski is the size range. We get skis spanning from 156 to 188, opening a large market for these mid-fat floaters. The sidecut of 135/102/125 mm creates a 17-meter turn radius in the 180 which is on the shorter side. This creates that fun-loving and energetic feel that many skiers enjoy. Even though there’s some weight, there’s still agility and mobility. The tail rocker increase is the most notable aspect, as these skis get some inspiration from the wider Senders 110 and 118 in terms of tail rise. It’s still not that dramatic, nor is it rounded—the squared shape still keeps the ski in check when finishing carved turns. Matt McGinnis notes: “I think these skis would actually make a fantastic freeride ski. They’re capable of making tight, pivoty actions, but are also incredibly happy ripping high speed carves. They’re not something I’d take into a terrain park, and I wouldn’t use them on true powder days, but for most days and most terrain, these things are an absolute go. Overall, just an incredibly fun ski for freeride inspired all mountain skiers.”

Soul 102 walks a fine line between all-mountain and directional freeride. This is a heavier-duty ski than some skiers may expect. Coupled with the access of the shorter length, these skis can punch either above or below their class with ease. Experts who are looking for a longer ski in the 188 that can still be amenable to shorter turns and more technical terrain will also enjoy this 102. By blurring the lines between all-mountain and freeride, the Soul 102 is going to be an all-encompassing ski for a variety of skiers and skier styles. It smashes through crud and chop with ease and provides excellent carving performance for a ski of this width. It’s fully confident in variable conditions and technical terrain but is still incredibly smooth and composed in a carved turn on groomers.