The 2027 Armada Whitewalker 116 is Sammy Carlson's signature freeride ski, a powder-focused twin that's stout enough to charge big-mountain lines but light enough to hike for them. With an ultralight Caruba core and Smear Tech, it's one of the most distinctive deep-snow tools in the lineup.

Why we like it:

The Whitewalker 116 has a creative, surfy character that comes through immediately in soft snow. It can handle real big-mountain charging when you point it, but it always feels like it's egging you on to slash, jump, and play with the terrain instead of just plowing through it.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who ski a lot of powder and big-mountain terrain, especially those who dabble in human-powered missions. Ideal for creative freeride skiers who want to slash, jump, and get sideways, not just point and charge.

Highlights:

The Caruba core is the foundation of the whole ski and a smart choice for a powder twin like this. Caruba is Armada's lightest core material with snappy and resilient ride characteristics, which keeps the swing weight down on a ski this big and helps the Whitewalker stay engaging at lower speeds. Smear Tech is the headline tech, a 3D-beveled base profile in the tip and tail that sheds snow, refuses to catch in crud, and self-centers in deep snow. Pin Tip & Tail keeps the contact points minimal for a more surfy, freestyle-friendly feel. Lightweight Edges are heat-treated for a snappier, lighter feel, and the Comp Series Base is sintered UHMW with carbon for glide where it counts. Add it all up and the Whitewalker 116 is one of the more committed-feeling powder twins out there, with personality dialed in by Sammy himself.

Things to consider:

This is a dedicated powder and soft-snow tool. It's not built to live on firm snow or groomers, and the playful, freeride-twin character means it doesn't want to be locked into long carved turns.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis a touch shorter than stated length thanks to the rocker profile. Most skiers can size up if they want extra flotation in deeper snow.