The 2027 Armada ARV 88 is the freestyle-leaning all-mountain twin in the ARV lineup, built on a snappy poplar chassis with W3DGEWALL sidewall construction. It's a popular, durable ski for skiers who want park DNA but enough waist to handle real all-mountain terrain.

Why we like it:

This ski has a lively, springy energy that rewards skiers who ski actively. Pop off side hits, butter the nose, stomp the landing, and keep moving. There's a playfulness baked into the flex that's hard to fake on an 88.

Who it's for:

Advanced intermediates through advanced skiers who want a true all-mountain twin with a frontside lean. Ideal for park-to-pow skiers, weekend rippers, and anyone who likes the freestyle feel but doesn't want to give up all-mountain capability.

Highlights:

The poplar core is the soul of this ski, giving it that signature ARV pop and lively, energetic feel. Ash binding inserts add a hit of stiffness right where you mount up, which matters for stomping landings and driving the ski through harder turns. The W3DGEWALL injected sidewall construction wraps the core with a 3D-molded bond that's tougher and more uniform than a traditional sidewall, and it cuts weight in the process. Slight tip and tail rocker keeps the ski versatile in soft snow and chop, but there's plenty of camber underfoot for edge hold when you need to lay it over. The Impact Edge resists damage from rails and ice, the S7 base is sintered for some glide and durability, and the whole package comes in light enough to ski all day without feeling beat up.

Things to consider:

The 88-mm waist plus freestyle-twin shape means this is more of a frontside-biased all-mountain ski than a true freeride tool. It can handle softer snow but it's not where the ski wants to live. Skiers chasing more soft-snow capability should look at the wider models in the ARV line.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to length. Stick to your usual all-mountain size, or go up if you ski the ARV 88 mostly inbounds and want more stability.