The 2026 Elan Ripstick 96 is a true all-mountain powerhouse: it’s light enough for long days and quick turns, but strong enough to handle high speeds and mixed snow with composure. At 96 mm underfoot, it’s the sweet spot width for skiers who want to confidently bounce between groomers, trees, bumps, and soft snow without ever feeling out of place.

Why we like it:

Few skis balance agility and stability this well. The Ripstick 96 is light and playful when you want it, but can still push the pace when the terrain gets steeper or more technical.

Who it's for:

Intermediate to expert skiers who want one ski for everything will find the most to love here. It’s especially well-suited to western skiers or eastern skiers hunting for a daily driver with soft-snow chops.

Highlights:

Built with Elan’s Amphibio profile, the Ripstick 96 uses a designated inside and outside edge to improve grip and smoothness through the turn. Carbon rods are embedded in the wood core to cut weight while boosting stability and energy. Vapor Tip inserts help reduce chatter, making the ski impressively composed across choppy or inconsistent snow.

Things to consider:

On hardpack at very high speeds, ultra-aggressive skiers may prefer something with more metal, as the Ripstick 96 is torsionally fairly soft. These skis are blem quality, meaning they have small cosmetic flaws that don’t affect performance or warranty. For the right buyer, that means top-tier gear at a fantastic price.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These ski true to size. Size down for maneuverability in tighter terrain or up for more float and top-end stability.