2027 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

The Ripstick 102 is the one-ski-quiver candidate of the Ripstick lineup, sitting at a width that's wide enough to handle real powder days but narrow enough to still hold its own when the snow firms up. Built on the Carbon Deck platform, it's aimed at freeride skiers who want a single ski that can handle pretty much anything the resort throws at them, from morning groomers to afternoon stashes.

Why we like it:

It's hard to overstate how versatile this width is when the build is dialed, and the Carbon Deck construction really does the trick here. You get the lightweight, energetic feel of the Tubelite woodcore paired with the carbon and flax reinforcements that keep it from feeling vague or twitchy. The result is a ski that genuinely feels balanced, neither powder ski nor frontside ski, just a really good ski.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert all-mountain and freeride skiers who want a single ski that can handle a wide variety of conditions. Especially good for skiers who like exploring the whole mountain rather than locking into one type of terrain.

Highlights:

Carbon Deck Technology is the construction story across the Ripstick line, and the 102 is arguably where it makes the most sense. The Tubelite woodcore keeps things light and lively, which matters a lot in a wider ski because it means you're not fighting the swing weight when you want to make quick adjustments in trees or chop. Carbon rods run the length of the ski to add stability and power, while UD carbon edge bands give the ski a surprising amount of edge precision for its width. The Flax fibre layer takes care of the vibration damping that you'd otherwise need a metal sheet for, which means you get composed performance without the weight penalty. SST slanted sidewalls direct power straight to the edge, the Amphibio profile makes the ski both easy to initiate and grippy when committed, and the sintered base keeps you moving on the flats and the cat tracks.

Things to consider:

At 102 underfoot this leans toward the freeride side of the all-mountain spectrum, so if you spend most of your time on hardpack you'll probably want one of the narrower Ripsticks. The lightweight build is a feature for most, but heavier or more aggressive skiers may prefer the Black Edition for additional muscle.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to size. If you're between sizes and ski more aggressively or in bigger terrain, size up; if you ski tighter trees and bumps, size down.