This guide is for Alpine Skis. For help with Nordic Ski sizing, please call us at: (877) 812-6710.
Ski Sizing can be tricky, thanks to a combination of the ever changing ski technology. It used to be that if you extended your arm upwards, you should be able to reach the tips of your skis. Then parabolic shapes came along. Then skis got wider. Then rocker technology came along, and, long story short, there’s way more room for preference and interpretation than ever before. The good news is that the all around quality of skis is increasing, making it more possible than ever to find a ski that fits your specific style and preferences. The bad news, is that it can be a bit more difficult to do- but that’s why we’re here. Take a look at the chart below, and if you have any trouble figuring out your size range, scroll past the cart to where we provide more information regarding these categories.
Sometimes you just need to speak to a expert, so if you're still having trouble picking a size, please give us a call at (877) 812-6710.
Rules of Thumb:
Adults: Between Chin and Eyebrows
Kids: Between Chest and Chin
Height
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
3'
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
3'2"
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
3'4"
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
3'6"
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
3'8"
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
3'10"
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
4'
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
4'2"
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
4'4"
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
120-125 CM
4'6"
115-118 CM
118-121 CM
122-125 CM
125-132 CM
4'8"
121-124 CM
124-127 CM
127-130 CM
130-138 CM
4'10"
124-129 CM
129-134 CM
134-139 CM
139-148 CM
5'
134-139 CM
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-160 CM
5'2"
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-165 CM
5'4"
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-170 CM
5'6"
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-175 CM
5'8"
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-180 CM
5'10"
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-185 CM
6'
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-190 CM
6'2"
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-195 CM
6'4"
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-200 CM
6'6"
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-205 CM
6'8"
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-199 CM
199-210+ CM
Skill Level Descriptions:
Beginner: Chances are you’ll know if this is you. Beginner skiers are classified as people who have never ever skied, right up to those just starting to dabble in Intermediate trails. Chances are if you’re the type of skier who typically skis with a “ski-mentor” or a friend who’s job it is to get you down the mountain. Skill wise, you’ll be able to control your speed with snowplowing, wedging, or forming a “pizza”. Turns will be slow and steady, and at the end of your time as a beginner, you’ll be starting to tip your skis to turn rather than pushing yourself to turn with your heels.
Intermediate: Congratulations! You’ve made it to the next level in skiing. Rather than snowplow your way down blue squares, you’re able to use the shape of your skis to make parabolic or carving turns. You’re likely still pretty cautious in regards to your speed, but are able to stop on demand and have a bit more confidence that you’ll make it to the bottom in one piece. Most intermediate skiers will be tempted to wander off trail, but may not be brave enough quite yet. Some certainly will, but if off-trail skiing becomes your preference, chances are you’ve graduated to the next level.
Advanced: This might be one of the hardest groups to identify. If you know you’re not an Intermediate skier still, but aren’t quite confident enough to call yourself an expert, then chances are this is you. Ski lengths on our chart above will fall somewhere between your nose and eyebrows. This is what used to be referred to as “Expert” until rocker skis came along and let experts go back to over head ski lengths. Characteristics of an advanced skier would be: the ability to ski most, if not all trails, an ability to ski fast, regular ability to ski off trail, and more traditionally, the ability to link full carving turns at full speed.
Expert: Hands down, you’re the best skier on the mountain. Ok, so maybe not the best, but you certainly could be a contendah, kid. Black diamond, double black diamond, centuple black diamond, it doesn’t even matter. You’re that good at skiing. Heck, you could probably even ski blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. Well, maybe not, but you get my point. If you’re truly an expert skier, you probably know it.
Other Considerations:
Weight: There’s no easy way to say it, but skiers who are carrying around a bit of extra weight should consider staying to the higher side of the scale. More weight means the skis will feel softer, and shorter. With a bit of extra length, the skis will have a more accurate flex and better weight distribution. Conversely, skiers who are exceptionally light should stick towards to smaller side of the scale, for similar reasons.
Use: This is a question that’s most relevant to advanced or expert skiers: Where are you skiing? If you’re looking to buy a powder ski, the natural notion is to go a bit longer. In most cases, this is the right call, but skiers should be geo-conscious before buying more than they can handle. For example, East Coast skiers may have visions of skiing wide open powder fields, but the reality is that 9/10 they’ll have to navigate tight trees before finding their 100 yard straight shot of glory. Out West, where things are a bit more open, it’s not uncommon to see skiers on skis much taller than themselves. Powder is likely the most common reason to adjust your ski size, but other specialties such as ski racing, park skiing, and moguls can all skew what size is proper for you.
Preference: Finally, there’s preference. While this isn’t a free pass to say “screw all that, I know I need 210’s!,” it is an official recognition that different skiers have different preferences which can easily change the length of ski they purchase. Myself? I size up. I like the extra stability on groomers, and with 102mm waist widths, the extra length allows me to use these skis in light powder on those rare East Coast days.
SKI POLE SIZING
Alpine (Downhill) Pole Sizing
The nice thing about sizing ski poles is that it's relatively straight foreword. To determine your size, simply flip a ski pole over, grab it under the basket, and place the handle on the ground. If you're holding the right size pole, you'll notice that your elbow forms a perfect 90 degree angle between your bicep and forearm. If the pole is too long, then your forearm will be angled slightly up. Too short, and you'll find your forearm angled downward. Of course if you don't have ski poles to try this out on, you can always use the chart below. Finding the proper length ski pole is important as ski poles too long will actually shift your center of balance to behind you, and a pole that's too short will put it in front of you.
Skier Height:
3'2 - 3'4
3'5 - 3'8
3'9 - 4'0
4'1 - 4'4
4'5 - 4'8
4'9 - 5'0
5'1 - 5'3
5'4 - 5'6
5'7 - 5'9
5'10 - 6'0
6'1 - 6'3
6'4 - 6'6
Ski Pole Length (IN):
32"
34"
36"
38"
40"
42"
44"
46"
48"
50"
52"
54"
Ski Pole Length (CM):
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
Nordic (Cross Country) Pole Sizing
Cross-country pole sizing is easy as well. For classic or touring poles, the correct size pole should reach your armpit. For skate skiing, poles should be a bit longer. The rule of thumb for skate poles is that they should come between your lip and your nose. So you can measure yourself, or you can just check out our handy-dandy chart below.
Skier Height:
4'11"
5'0"
5'1"
5'2"
5'3"
5'4"
5'5"
5'6"
5'7"
5'8"
5'9"
5'10"
5'11"
6'0"
6'1"
6'2"
6'3"
6'4"
Skate (CM):
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
165
167
170
172
Classic/Touring (CM):
120
122
125
127
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
We're looking for your Mondo Point size, and the conversion is easy! Find your street shoe size on the chart, determine men's, women's, or kid's, and find the corresponding Mondo size! Please keep in mind that ski boots DO NOT come in half-sizes. If you measure a Men's 8/Mondopoint 26, please select 26.5, for example.
BOOT SOLE LENGTH: What is it?
Your boot sole length is the actual length of your ski boot, in millimeters. This is the number that our ski techs will use to mount your bindings. While you’ll still need a final adjustment done before you can ski, providing us with your boot sole length is absolutely crucial if you’d like us to send your skis pre-mounted with your bindings.
HOW DO I FIND IT?
Finding your Boot Sole Length (BSL) is easy. On your ski boot, there will be a 3 digit number on the outside or inside heel of one or both of your boots. Keep in mind that there shouldn't be a decimal (ex. 28.5). If the number you see has a decimal, then you’re probably looking at your Mondo Point size which isn’t accurate enough to use when mounting bindings. Other hints that you're looking at the Mondo Point and not the BSL would be if it looks something like "270/275" or if the number is found on the bottom of the boot. If you’ve looked all over and still can’t find your BSL, it’s also acceptable to measure along the bottom of the boot from the very tip of the toe, to back of the heel- just make sure you measure in Millimeters!
ISN'T THE BSL THE SAME AS MONDO POINT?
Nope! The mondo point size is the generic boot size that every boot maker uses it. Think of it as a shoe size, like a "size 11" for example. The boot sole length is the literal length from toe to heel of that boot, measured in millimeters. It's entirely possible and very common for boots with the same Mondo Point to have different Boot Sole Lengths. Because ski bindings are so precise, it's crucial to have them mounted to the BSL and not the Mondo Point.
HOW CAN I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR FREE MOUNTING OFFER?
We offer FREE mounting if you provide your actual Boot Sole Length ("BSL") in mm in the “sole length” box below selecting length of ski. If the box is left blank, the skis and bindings will be sent separately and unmounted. We cannot guarantee mounting if your BSL is provided after the original order is placed. If you need to find your BSL, but would still like to submit your order, please enter "I will provide" in the Sole Length box and we will hold your order for mounting. Please note: We are unable to mount Look Pivot bindings because the actual boot is required due to the extremely small amount of adjustment in the heel. Please remember, you will still have to take them to a certified technician at a local ski shop before your first run. They will need to set the forward pressure, DIN, toe height, and test the bindings with your boot to ensure safety.
ALPINE SKI SIZING
This guide is for Alpine Skis. For help with Nordic Ski sizing, please call us at: (877) 812-6710.
Ski Sizing can be tricky, thanks to a combination of the ever changing ski technology. It used to be that if you extended your arm upwards, you should be able to reach the tips of your skis. Then parabolic shapes came along. Then skis got wider. Then rocker technology came along, and, long story short, there’s way more room for preference and interpretation than ever before. The good news is that the all around quality of skis is increasing, making it more possible than ever to find a ski that fits your specific style and preferences. The bad news, is that it can be a bit more difficult to do- but that’s why we’re here. Take a look at the chart below, and if you have any trouble figuring out your size range, scroll past the cart to where we provide more information regarding these categories.
Sometimes you just need to speak to a expert, so if you're still having trouble picking a size, please give us a call at (877) 812-6710.
Rules of Thumb:
Adults: Between Chin and Eyebrows
Kids: Between Chest and Chin
Height
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
3'
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
3'2"
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
3'4"
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
3'6"
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
3'8"
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
3'10"
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
4'
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
4'2"
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
4'4"
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
120-125 CM
4'6"
115-118 CM
118-121 CM
122-125 CM
125-132 CM
4'8"
121-124 CM
124-127 CM
127-130 CM
130-138 CM
4'10"
124-129 CM
129-134 CM
134-139 CM
139-148 CM
5'
134-139 CM
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-160 CM
5'2"
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-165 CM
5'4"
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-170 CM
5'6"
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-175 CM
5'8"
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-180 CM
5'10"
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-185 CM
6'
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-190 CM
6'2"
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-195 CM
6'4"
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-200 CM
6'6"
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-205 CM
6'8"
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-199 CM
199-210+ CM
Skill Level Descriptions:
Beginner: Chances are you’ll know if this is you. Beginner skiers are classified as people who have never ever skied, right up to those just starting to dabble in Intermediate trails. Chances are if you’re the type of skier who typically skis with a “ski-mentor” or a friend who’s job it is to get you down the mountain. Skill wise, you’ll be able to control your speed with snowplowing, wedging, or forming a “pizza”. Turns will be slow and steady, and at the end of your time as a beginner, you’ll be starting to tip your skis to turn rather than pushing yourself to turn with your heels.
Intermediate: Congratulations! You’ve made it to the next level in skiing. Rather than snowplow your way down blue squares, you’re able to use the shape of your skis to make parabolic or carving turns. You’re likely still pretty cautious in regards to your speed, but are able to stop on demand and have a bit more confidence that you’ll make it to the bottom in one piece. Most intermediate skiers will be tempted to wander off trail, but may not be brave enough quite yet. Some certainly will, but if off-trail skiing becomes your preference, chances are you’ve graduated to the next level.
Advanced: This might be one of the hardest groups to identify. If you know you’re not an Intermediate skier still, but aren’t quite confident enough to call yourself an expert, then chances are this is you. Ski lengths on our chart above will fall somewhere between your nose and eyebrows. This is what used to be referred to as “Expert” until rocker skis came along and let experts go back to over head ski lengths. Characteristics of an advanced skier would be: the ability to ski most, if not all trails, an ability to ski fast, regular ability to ski off trail, and more traditionally, the ability to link full carving turns at full speed.
Expert: Hands down, you’re the best skier on the mountain. Ok, so maybe not the best, but you certainly could be a contendah, kid. Black diamond, double black diamond, centuple black diamond, it doesn’t even matter. You’re that good at skiing. Heck, you could probably even ski blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. Well, maybe not, but you get my point. If you’re truly an expert skier, you probably know it.
Other Considerations:
Weight: There’s no easy way to say it, but skiers who are carrying around a bit of extra weight should consider staying to the higher side of the scale. More weight means the skis will feel softer, and shorter. With a bit of extra length, the skis will have a more accurate flex and better weight distribution. Conversely, skiers who are exceptionally light should stick towards to smaller side of the scale, for similar reasons.
Use: This is a question that’s most relevant to advanced or expert skiers: Where are you skiing? If you’re looking to buy a powder ski, the natural notion is to go a bit longer. In most cases, this is the right call, but skiers should be geo-conscious before buying more than they can handle. For example, East Coast skiers may have visions of skiing wide open powder fields, but the reality is that 9/10 they’ll have to navigate tight trees before finding their 100 yard straight shot of glory. Out West, where things are a bit more open, it’s not uncommon to see skiers on skis much taller than themselves. Powder is likely the most common reason to adjust your ski size, but other specialties such as ski racing, park skiing, and moguls can all skew what size is proper for you.
Preference: Finally, there’s preference. While this isn’t a free pass to say “screw all that, I know I need 210’s!,” it is an official recognition that different skiers have different preferences which can easily change the length of ski they purchase. Myself? I size up. I like the extra stability on groomers, and with 102mm waist widths, the extra length allows me to use these skis in light powder on those rare East Coast days.
SKI POLE SIZING
Alpine (Downhill) Pole Sizing
The nice thing about sizing ski poles is that it's relatively straight foreword. To determine your size, simply flip a ski pole over, grab it under the basket, and place the handle on the ground. If you're holding the right size pole, you'll notice that your elbow forms a perfect 90 degree angle between your bicep and forearm. If the pole is too long, then your forearm will be angled slightly up. Too short, and you'll find your forearm angled downward. Of course if you don't have ski poles to try this out on, you can always use the chart below. Finding the proper length ski pole is important as ski poles too long will actually shift your center of balance to behind you, and a pole that's too short will put it in front of you.
Skier Height:
3'2 - 3'4
3'5 - 3'8
3'9 - 4'0
4'1 - 4'4
4'5 - 4'8
4'9 - 5'0
5'1 - 5'3
5'4 - 5'6
5'7 - 5'9
5'10 - 6'0
6'1 - 6'3
6'4 - 6'6
Ski Pole Length (IN):
32"
34"
36"
38"
40"
42"
44"
46"
48"
50"
52"
54"
Ski Pole Length (CM):
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
Nordic (Cross Country) Pole Sizing
Cross-country pole sizing is easy as well. For classic or touring poles, the correct size pole should reach your armpit. For skate skiing, poles should be a bit longer. The rule of thumb for skate poles is that they should come between your lip and your nose. So you can measure yourself, or you can just check out our handy-dandy chart below.
Skier Height:
4'11"
5'0"
5'1"
5'2"
5'3"
5'4"
5'5"
5'6"
5'7"
5'8"
5'9"
5'10"
5'11"
6'0"
6'1"
6'2"
6'3"
6'4"
Skate (CM):
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
165
167
170
172
Classic/Touring (CM):
120
122
125
127
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
We're looking for your Mondo Point size, and the conversion is easy! Find your street shoe size on the chart, determine men's, women's, or kid's, and find the corresponding Mondo size! Please keep in mind that ski boots DO NOT come in half-sizes. If you measure a Men's 8/Mondopoint 26, please select 26.5, for example.
BOOT SOLE LENGTH: What is it?
Your boot sole length is the actual length of your ski boot, in millimeters. This is the number that our ski techs will use to mount your bindings. While you’ll still need a final adjustment done before you can ski, providing us with your boot sole length is absolutely crucial if you’d like us to send your skis pre-mounted with your bindings.
HOW DO I FIND IT?
Finding your Boot Sole Length (BSL) is easy. On your ski boot, there will be a 3 digit number on the outside or inside heel of one or both of your boots. Keep in mind that there shouldn't be a decimal (ex. 28.5). If the number you see has a decimal, then you’re probably looking at your Mondo Point size which isn’t accurate enough to use when mounting bindings. Other hints that you're looking at the Mondo Point and not the BSL would be if it looks something like "270/275" or if the number is found on the bottom of the boot. If you’ve looked all over and still can’t find your BSL, it’s also acceptable to measure along the bottom of the boot from the very tip of the toe, to back of the heel- just make sure you measure in Millimeters!
ISN'T THE BSL THE SAME AS MONDO POINT?
Nope! The mondo point size is the generic boot size that every boot maker uses it. Think of it as a shoe size, like a "size 11" for example. The boot sole length is the literal length from toe to heel of that boot, measured in millimeters. It's entirely possible and very common for boots with the same Mondo Point to have different Boot Sole Lengths. Because ski bindings are so precise, it's crucial to have them mounted to the BSL and not the Mondo Point.
HOW CAN I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR FREE MOUNTING OFFER?
We offer FREE mounting if you provide your actual Boot Sole Length ("BSL") in mm in the “sole length” box below selecting length of ski. If the box is left blank, the skis and bindings will be sent separately and unmounted. We cannot guarantee mounting if your BSL is provided after the original order is placed. If you need to find your BSL, but would still like to submit your order, please enter "I will provide" in the Sole Length box and we will hold your order for mounting. Please note: We are unable to mount Look Pivot bindings because the actual boot is required due to the extremely small amount of adjustment in the heel. Please remember, you will still have to take them to a certified technician at a local ski shop before your first run. They will need to set the forward pressure, DIN, toe height, and test the bindings with your boot to ensure safety.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI SIZING
Fitting cross country skis is different then fitting alpine skis. Instead of fitting the ski by height, the skis that we carry are fit by weight. Check the charts below to see which size you need. Still have questions? Don't hesitate to give us a call at (877) 812-6710 and let us help you.
Pretty much from the moment the men’s Elan Ripstick Black Edition skis were released, a core sect of women’s Ripstick lovers immediately began demanding a women’s black edition ski. Amongst those was our very own Emily, who loved the 2023 Elan Ripstick 94 W, but whose aggressive skiing style badly wanted a more serious version of the ski. Luckily for Emily, as well as aggressive female skiers everywhere, Elan eventually heard the call and released the 2023 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition. A carryover ski for 2024, Emily recently put the ski to the test, and while the black on black tiger stripe graphics are incredibly cool, they weren’t what impressed her most about the ski. To find out what did, click through and read her full review of the 2023/2024 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition!
This week in ski news, we’ve got something of a follow-up issue as we recap the results from a number of competitions that we previewed with you last week. We’ll kick things off as we always do this time of year, with the latest updates from the world of FIS alpine racing, where Shiffrin continues to tally up the gold medals. From there, we’ll bring you a recap of X Games results, including news of multiple never-been-done tricks. Finally, we round out our competition coverage with a recap of two Freeride World Tour events, followed by an update from Japanese ski culture. Find out all the news you need to know, and catch a number of great edits and event recaps, in this edition of Top Five Fridays!
Have you found yourself drooling over Bob’s outerwear kit in this year’s reviews? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lots of people have. This week, Bob put his pen to paper and wrote a bit about his Strafe Hayden Jacket and Summit Pants - an insulated kit that’s received plenty of compliments while simultaneously keeping him warm on the mountain. From fit to fabric, Bob breaks down the kit from head to toe in this review of the Strafe Hayden Jacket and Summit Pants. Enjoy!
Here on the East Coast, we’ve had what you might call a “firm” start to the year. As such, we’ve been thinking more and more about how traditional frontside skis have become a bit overlooked, despite being the perfect tool for a vast majority of ski days. Case in point: the all new 2024 Rossignol Forza series. Numbered to indicated edge angle potential, the new Rossignol Forza series offers something for everyone, starting with the entry level Forza 20, right up to the Forza 70 Master. This week, we’ll be focusing on a review of the 2024 Rossignol Forza 70, while also touching on the Forza 70 Master, Forza 60, and Forza 50. If you’re someone whose considering buying a dedicated frontside ski next season, you’ll for sure want to have the Rossignol Forza series on your radar. Click through to find out why!
This week in ski news, we’re talking about competition. As you’ve likely heard, Mikeala Shiffrin notched another two first place finishes, bringing her total to 84, and making her the most successful FIS female ski racer of all time. We’ll tell you all about that, as well as preview the upcoming X Games and Freeride World Tour stop, both of which are scheduled for this weekend. Finally, we round things out on a down note, as there’s big changes on the horizon for Warren Miller Entertainment. Find out all you need to know from this week in ski news in this edition of Top Five Fridays!
Last week, we shared Emily’s review of the 2023 Nordica Unleashed 98 W, an exciting new ski from Nordica for the 2022-2023 season. Today, we’re following that up with a review of the 2023 Nordica Unleashed 108. Much like the Unleashed 98 W, we were super impressed by the 108’s versatility. By bringing Santa Ana influenced construction techniques into a twin tip shape, Nordica has created a powder ski that’s powerful while remaining versatile. To learn more about Bob’s experience on this excellent ski, click through and read our full review of the 2023 and 2024 Nordica Unleashed 108!
As we get deeper into the season, we're continuing the trend of reviewing the ski kits you see our team of reviewers wear as they put skis to the test. This week, Jeff's checking in with a review of his Armada Grands 3L Jacket and Emmons 3L Bibs. Between the fit, features, and price point, this setup comes highly recommended. Learn more by checking out this all new gear review, fresh off the press!
Another week in the books, another round of ski news! This time around we’ve got a special edition of Top Five Fridays as Bob takes over highlight #1 to share some pretty significant announcements from the world of ski boots. After that, we’ll get back on track with coverage of the most recent FIS World Cup Alpine action, as well as a feel good story regarding Ukrainian refugees and a small ski area in Wyoming, and a story we’re very unsure about. Get the details of these highlights, as well as our favorite edits from the week, and more in this installment of Top Five Fridays!
New from Nordica for the 2022/2023 season is the Unleashed series. Taking cues from both the Santa Ana and the Soul Rider, the Unleashed skis are unique in that they offer a powerful twin tip platform. This week, Emily takes us through the details beneath the topsheet of the 2023 Nordica Unleashed 98 W, showing us how they're made and how they ski. For someone like Emily whose skiing features a mix of powerful turns, bump runs, and switch skiing, the 2023 Nordica Unleashed 98 W proved to be a candidate for a one ski quiver. To read the full extent of her review, click through!
Since it's inception a few years back, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti has been a bit of the strong silent type. Often overlooked due to its boisterous competitors, the Maverick 88 Ti is an incredible all mountain ski for a wide swath of skiers. Easy to initiate, strong through the carve, and not overly temperamental about speed, we've been fans of the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti for years now, and we've decided it's finally time to give it its due in this complete ski review. Enjoy!
A few weeks back, we test drove a new format for shorter, on snow ski reviews when we brought you an on hill discussion of the 2023 Stockli Montero AR & AX. You all seemed to love it, so we're following the formula again today, bringing you an on snow ski review of the 2023 Volkl Deacon 84. Remaining unchanged, the Deacon 84 is an incredible strong, consistent ski that fans of this category have come to love. To learn more, click in and check out this on snow video review!
This week on Top Five Fridays, you might catch a bit of déjà vu as we cover a handful of topics that continue to dominate ski news. First on that list is an update from Mikaela Shiffrin, who’s chasing both Lindsey Vonn and Ingmer Stenmark’s World Cup records. We’ll bring you up to speed on the latest there, as well as the most recent weather reports which suggest that the atmospheric river that’s given all of this winter’s snow to just three states might be ready to move on. Finally, we’ll check in with an update from Utah’s Department of Transportation as well as a cool promotion from the Indy Pass and Native Campervans before rounding things out with an excellent batch of ski edits. Find out all you need to know from this week in ski news in this edition of Top Five Fridays!
Now that we’re a couple months into our 2023-2024 ski review season, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the new kits that Bob, Jeff, and Emily have been rocking this season. Because our prolific ski review team finds themselves out on the hill testing skis in all conditions, we thought it’d be fun to start highlighting some of the kits they’re wearing this year. As such, we’re bringing you a review from Bob this week, as he breaks down the fit, functions, and features of his new Black Crows Freebird XPore Pants and Jacket. If you’re ready to learn more about some great, highly technical outerwear from Black Crows, go ahead and click through!
Well team, with your help, it’s been another successful annual fundraiser here at SkiEssentials, Pinnacle Ski and Sports, and now Basin Ski and Sports. With your help, our annual fundraising event raised a grand total of over $10,000! This year, we’re splitting that money between multiple youth ski groups, as well as the Stowe and Killington Fire and Rescue teams, whose crucial services are often overlooked. Click through to read a full recap of this year’s event, and find out just where exactly the money you donated is going. And once again, thank you all so much for your contribution to making this our most successful fundraiser ever!
Well, it’s that time of year again- the time of year when brands start issuing early previews and releases of their most exciting skis for the year ahead! This week, we’re incredibly excited to share with you the news that Blizzard has just announced a full redesigned Rustler and Sheeva line, taking what they learned from an already incredible series of skis and making them more playful, powerful, and fun than ever before. After having the chance to ride these new skis and learn more about them last week, we’re extremely excited to share with you all there is to know about their updated construction details, as well as our initial impressions. If you’re as excited about being in early release season as we are, don’t wait a second longer - click through and check out this exciting new batch of skis from Blizzard!
