2027 Elan Ripstick 108 Skis

The Ripstick 108 is the widest ski in the Ripstick lineup, built squarely with deeper days and bigger lines in mind. It's wide enough to float when storms roll through but, true to the Ripstick formula, doesn't feel like a one-dimensional powder ski. The Carbon Deck construction keeps the swing weight low and the energy up, which means it can still handle a tracked-out morning or a groomer transit without feeling like a chore.

Why we like it:

The float-to-weight ratio is the standout here. A lot of 108-underfoot skis feel either heavy and damp or floaty but vague; the Ripstick 108 lands somewhere refreshingly different, with that lightweight, energetic Tubelite woodcore feel that makes the ski feel quick from edge to edge even at this width.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert freeride skiers who want a wide ski for storm days and big mountain terrain but still want it to feel lively and responsive. A great fit for skiers who don't want their powder ski to feel like a tank.

Highlights:

Carbon Deck Technology is what gives the Ripstick line its character, and at this width it really shines. The Tubelite woodcore is the foundation, and it's exactly what you'd hope for in a wider ski: light, energetic, and rebound-prone. Around it, Elan layers in carbon rods running along the length of the ski for power and torsional stability, plus UD carbon edge bands that sharpen up edge response so the ski actually carves when you tip it on edge. The Flax fibre layer is one of those quietly excellent details; it does a lot of the vibration-damping work that you'd otherwise need metal for, which keeps the ski composed without adding weight. The Amphibio profile is Elan's signature shape, and at this width it gives you a noticeable assist in soft snow while still letting you set an edge when conditions firm up. SST slanted sidewalls keep the edge transmission direct, and the sintered base is plenty fast for the long traverses that come with a powder ski.

Things to consider:

At 108 underfoot this is a soft-snow specialist first and an everyday driver second. If you're skiing primarily firm conditions, the narrower Ripsticks will serve you better; this one really shines once the snow gets deep or chopped up.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to size. Most skiers will land at their normal length; if you ski hard and fast in big terrain, sizing up adds stability without much penalty given how light the build is.