The 2027 Volkl Katana V-Werks with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings was built to attack big lines and deep snow. This freeride ski runs a hand-built, carbon-rich construction over a wide footprint, blending serious float with the high-speed composure that lets confident skiers open it up when the terrain gets steep and the snow gets deep. We paired the Katana V-Werks with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

V.Werks construction keeps a ski this big shockingly light, so it floats and surfs without wearing you out. There is a stable, planted feel at speed that belies the low weight, and that combination is rare in a freeride ski.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers chasing powder, big mountain terrain, and fast descents. Ideal for strong skiers who want a wide ski that floats effortlessly but still holds together when they point it downhill.

Highlights:

Volkl's V.Werks program means hand-built, lightweight construction, and here that pairs a light wood core with carbon to keep swing weight low across a 112 mm waist and its big footprint. The wide shape and generous rocker supply the float a powder day demands, while carbon reinforcement adds the torsional stiffness that keeps everything stable and trustworthy at speed. What comes of it is a ski that surfs and smears in soft snow yet refuses to get knocked around when you charge through variable terrain. Powder-hungry freeride tool, high performance ceiling. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

Wide and soft-snow focused is what this is. It can carve a groomer in a pinch, but a narrower ski will always feel more at home on hardpack. That performance ceiling also asks for a confident, capable skier to reach it.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Length runs true here, so stick with your usual freeride number, or size up for even more float on the deepest days.