2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings	2026 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD 2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD	—

tester:

Pete Fox

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 100+
Age: 43
Years Skiing: 42

Strong, down the fall line, big turns on open terrain

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Perry Merrill - hard pack/variable ice.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The ski is true to size.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Thunderbird 82 LTD is an absolute blast, with super quick edge to edge turns and a very playful nature.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Definitely a front side carving ski, it excels in fast, short turns.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced/expert, the ski is very stable but wants to transition edge to edge fast, if you get behind the ski, or lose forward pressure on your boot, you’re not going to have a good time.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Truly a fun ski, if you want to build your quad muscles quickly, this might be the one for you!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Bruce Bell

Ability: Expert
Height: 5/11/2026
Weight: 180
Days / Year: 70
Age: 69
Years Skiing: 65

Technically oriented. Ski racing background

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe. Firm groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The size felt about right.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Initial impression was the ski is very damp and stable. Excellent edge hold.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Best for frontside skiing. Nice turn shape and edge hold.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

A better skier would appreciate the edge hold and tip response at the top of the turn.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Blizzard continues to impress with the quality of the ski experience.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Kyle Phillips

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 210
Days / Year: 80-100
Age: 43
Years Skiing: 25 years

Controlled and Aggressive, side hit glory

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Nose Dive, groomer frozen granular.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The 176 was perfect.

Scores

Floatation:2/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:3/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Thunderbird 82 LTD rips. I normally think Blizzards you have to stay on top of them or the ski runs away, but not this ski. It took what you put into it but didn’t demand more.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This is a groomer ski. With the stiffness and shape, this is solely a front side ski.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is a ski accessible for intermediate on up. They aren’t demanding like other stiffer front side skis.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I’ve seen this so recommended but never tested it. I can finally see why people rave about it. Normally, Blizzard skis I feel I have to really be giving it my all 24/7. But the Thunderbird is okay with what you want to put into them and it makes for very enjoyable carving.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Landel Cochran

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 300
Days / Year: 35 days
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 28 years.

Fast, not blistering. Prefer medium to long turns on most terrain. Intentional but not lightning quick.

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Gondola groomers, hardpack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

175 felt right for me.

Scores

Floatation:3/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is a stiff and heavy ski. It may not be a full on race ski, but the construction and feel is race-adjacent. Two full sheets of metal offer tremendous vibration damping and stability. As typical for this type of build, it lacks liveliness at slow and medium speeds but it feels blissfully bulletproof at blistering speed. This ski rewards excellent technique and strong legs. It requires critical edge angles and some muscle to get it to bend.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

The Thunderbird is a ski for people who love to ski fast on hard snow. It wants to be driven hard and it can hold its own. It has an agile turning radius, excellent torsional rigidity, and gobs of stability at speed. It also did surprisingly well in "transitional terrain" due to the 82 waist. Where some race-width skis may get a bit squirrelly in an inch or two of softer snow, this ski feels just fine.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is definitely best matched to advanced and expert skiers. While I would not call this ski approachable for a progressing intermediate, it is also not too punishing either. It just does not offer much friendliness under 30 mph and without getting it on edge. This is a ski with a serious personality. It is not going to inspire confidence, but it certainly will reward confident and capable skiers.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

If you like the feel of a race ski but want a ski with a less limiting shape, this is a great choice. It is like a race car that has been modified for more ground clearance but not detuned.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jake Webber

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 215
Days / Year: 30-40
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 30

Angular

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola groomer

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right

Scores

Floatation:3/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:4/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Fast… and fast is fun.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomed. This is a stiff carving ski through and through.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced. Requires technique and effort to get the most out of it, but the ski returns are more than worth it.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Nothing. This ski knows what it is and what it’s for, and it’s optimized for that singular purpose.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 0
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 37

Flowy, creative, as smooth as I can be.

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, Vermont. Packed powder groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size, I like this length

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Thunderbird line is awesome. They absolutely rip, but they're more user-friendly than true race skis. I strongly believe this category is where most people should stop when they're looking for a high end carving ski. I can understand wanting something narrower, but not many people are actually going to need anything stiffer or stronger or more precise. That said, I actually think I prefer skiing the non-LTD version of this ski. They are very, very similar, but the LTD feels a touch stiffer. At my weight, I think I prefer the feel of the non-LTD so I'd just save some money and go that route, but they're both very good.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It's best on groomers, but the 82 width allows for some soft snow conditions. It's not really something I'd want to ski off trail. That's where a ski like the Anomaly 84 would come in to play and provide better performance.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Definitely best for an advanced or expert skier. Even then some might prefer the non-LTD like me.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Wouldn't change a thing! Great ski, great design.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 100
Age: 47
Years Skiing: 37

Smooth and silent, but stiffer as of late.

Ski:

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, VT. Soft groomer day.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt fine in this length. Going to the 182 gets you more stability in longer turns but is likely not needed for most skiers, including bigger ones.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:5/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These skis are rock-solid and ideal for carving high edge angle turns. They felt 100% stable at any speed. Not as much rebound or energy as the non-LTD version, but considerably stiffer especially underfoot.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This is a groomer ski for sure. If the groomers are in less-than-ideal shape, this ski motors right through it.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Expert skiers will get the most out of this ski. Skiers with a race background looking for a wider carver will love the stability and race feel out of this LTD.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I like the non-LTD version, better, so I guess take out the race plate?

Read the Full Ski Test →

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

2027 Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD Skis W/ Comp 12 Bindings

Why we like it:

Who it's for:

Highlights:

Things to consider:

Fit & sizing considerations:

Reviews

Q&A

Learn more about the Blizzard Thunderbird 82 LTD

SIMILAR PRODUCTS