Tight trees, steep bumps and ripping groomers—these planks will eat them all for breakfast. You’ll see them being pulled out by skiers who claim the front-row parking spots. The ones with ice in their veins and carving in their brains.
1. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition
Lengths 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
DIM 136-96-110 mm
Radius 16.2 m @ 172 cm
With glowing reviews, Elan’s Ripstick 96 Black Edition is the sleek freeride machine that will help you tame the whole mountain. Our rowdy crew wrote pages of praise over this ski’s versatility, and for good reason. “It’s a benchmark ski,” cheered Andrew Plourde. “There’s a ton of energy when you come out of each turn, making the ski feel snappy and lively no matter the terrain.” With a 136-mm tip and 96-mm of plank underfoot, the Ripstick 96 will surf with style and grace through a fresh blanket of cold smoke. But don’t be fooled; it can also park a mean arc on the hardpack. The ski’s signature Amphibio Portfolio delivers rocker on the outside edges and camber on the inside, making the Ripstick 96 an easy choice to take out in variable conditions or after a humble storm. Simply put, this thing rips (pun intended).
2. Peak Skis 88 by Bode
Lengths 160, 168, 176, 184 cm
DIM 129-89-108 mm
Radius 18.9 m @ 176 cm
Peak Skis emerged on the scene as the brainchild of Olympic and World Cup Champion ski racer Bode Miller. The brand is rooted in Bozeman, Montana, and with such an incredible backyard to draw from, it’s no surprise Peak Skis has quickly created some of our testers’ favorite skis. The 88 by Bode is the thinnest underfoot offering from the company. It caters to the skier who lives to trench groomers day in and day out. It’s an on-piste weapon, as the ski will eat crud and firm snow, giving you confidence on days when others won’t even step out. Part of the control and stability lies in Peak Skis’ Keyhole Technology. A strategic keyhole cut in the ski’s inner metal gives an easier initiation into the turn and allows you more stability with a balanced flex. Our testers felt the difference immediately, and we wager that you will too. This isn’t your traditional carving ski. It is the peak of carving skis.
3. Salomon Stance 96
Lengths 168, 176, 182, 188 cm
DIM 132-96-114 mm
Radius 20 m @ 182 cm
With a new build, less weight and the same excellent edge control, the 2024 Salomon Stance 96 is a ski to remember. Boasting a sturdy Double Titanal laminate backbone and a karuba and poplar full wood core, this is a ski that loves to charge on hardpack. Salomon heard last year’s feedback and eliminated some of the stiffness and weight in this updated construction. The result is a ski that still holds up when speed is the mission, but can also dance through trees and moguls much friendlier than the previous model. “Very maneuverable. It rips smooth, easy turns on firm snow and can blast through the chop,” says Phil Maslow. It’s always great to see a company listen, learn and improve, and that’s precisely what Salomon did with the 2024 Stance 96, a directional bomber of an all-mountain ski for those who crave stability and a dash of playfulness.
4. Icelantic Pioneer X
Lengths 166, 174, 182, 188 cm
DIM 131-96-118 mm
Radius 17 m @ 174 cm
Icelantic hit this classic model with a makeover, and boy, is it a winner. The Pioneer X is a mad scientist project in which the Icey team took its classic “all-mountain dad ski,” as they’ve called it, and beefed that sucker up. This one’s for the young guns now. Birchwood makes up this ski’s core, with two poplar stringers running throughout. At 96-mm underfoot, the Pioneer X is ready to tackle firmer conditions without compromising the staple versatility and playfulness in fresh snow that Icelantic fans crave. But don’t just trust us. Take it from exuberant tester Dan Grund who describes it as, “super fun in steep, tight trees, ripping zipper lines and laying trenches. Hooting all over the mountain.” The Pioneer X is a must-have for a playful and forgiving ride.
5. Blizzard Rustler 9
Lengths 162, 168, 174, 180, 186 cm
DIM 131.5-96-121 mm
Radius 18 m @ 180 cm
Unless you’ve been skiing with horse blinders, you’ve probably seen a pair of Blizzard Rustlers on the feet of some of the wildest skiers in the game. Maybe it’s your good pal who skis tight couloirs like nobody’s business. Maybe it’s the unknown sender taking that backy deep off the Hollywood hit under the lift. Whatever the case, it’s probably time you hopped onto a pair to see what all the hype is about. And we can tell you from experience, the hype is real. The 2024 Rustler 9 is an ideal everyday plank for the hard-charging freeride skier. This beauty is built with a Titanal shock absorption platform underfoot, FluxForm edge control build and Blizzard’s TrueBlend Freeride core, combining poplar, paulownia and beech wood stringers for lightweight power. At 96-mm underfoot, it’s a ski that you can rely on to charge hard even when the snow refuses to fall.
6. Rossignol Sender 94 Ti
Lengths 156, 164, 172, 178, 186 cm
DIM 128-94-118 mm
Radius 19 m @ 178 cm
Sometimes it can seem like the name, topsheet and pizzazz of a ski get more attention than the ski itself. That is not the case here, friends. Rossignol declined the razzle-dazzle and went straight to the point with the Sender 94 Ti. The ski’s paulownia wood core and Titanal beam construction give you uncompromising stability and power. Pair this with Rossignol’s progressive sidecut, and you have a true missile that will not disappoint those who crave control during high speeds and big airs. Tester Oliver Smith proclaims, “These things rip like nobody’s biz. Felt really stable in the carve with minimal chatter. This ski has more confidence than LeBron in the fourth quarter, and that’s saying something.” From parking arcs on the groomer at Mach 10 to stomping that cliff you’ve been eyeing down; the Sender 94 Ti is here for it.
7. Fischer Ranger 96
Lengths 159, 166, 173, 180, 187 cm
DIM 129-97-120 mm
Radius 18 m @ 180 cm
Fischer’s Ranger series has become a freeride staple. That’s not something that happens overnight. As Fischer has shown, it’s a process that takes years of fine-tuning, research and development, patience, athlete feedback and perseverance. The Ranger 96, Fischer’s answer to the one ski quiver, is the culmination of all this and more. Philip Welsh, esteemed FREESKIER staffer proclaims, “If you want to carve some beautiful turns, this is your ski. Crushed on the groomers, felt super stable at high speeds and had a quick response time. Easy to maneuver and fun to ski.” The Ranger 96 incorporates a beech and poplar wood core, Shaped Ti metal for stability and a Fischer’s Freeski Rocker to ensure you’ll still surf through fresh storms. From dawn patrol in the backcountry to hot groomer laps on the hill, the Fischer Ranger 96 is a ski that will make your days much more enjoyable.
8. Line Blade Optic 96
Lengths 163, 170, 177, 184 cm
DIM 129-96-119 mm
Radius 16 m @ 177 cm
Like a teenager moving to a new high school, Line has reinvented itself with the Blade Optic series. Personally, we’re pretty damn fired up about it. This type of ski was missing in Line’s arsenal, but no longer. The Blade Optic 96 harnesses what Line calls Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive; that name is not lying in the slightest. A carefully shaped Titanal sculpture flows underfoot and into the tip and tail of the ski, delivering a confident ski you might not be used to from Line. But that’s okay. Change is only natural. The shape of the ski retains the playfulness you want and expect with the stability you need, so you can take those side hits into the stratosphere without worry. Our testers claimed it was poppy, snappy, stiff and playful. It’s rare to hear that combination of words for just one ski, but Line’s Blade Optic 96 delivers. “This ski popped, locked and dropped. Full send, full fun,” raves Matt Steen.
9. 4FRNT MSP 91
Lengths 165, 171, 176, 181, 187 cm
DIM 130-91-117 mm
Radius 16.5 m @ 181 cm
Many skis on this list excel at high speeds. But bring it down for a casual lap, and it could be more enjoyable. 4FRNT has fixed that problem with the MSP 91. A nimble ski that holds up at high speeds, this ski should be on your radar if you’re seeking a new driver for side hits, bumps and groomers. John Weir summed it up perfectly when he wrote, “It’s an all mountain play machine for newschool carvers. With plenty of pop and a surfy tail, the MSP 91 will have you seeking side hits and slamming bumps.” The MSP 91 is a resort-minded ski that will ensure you have fun even when the snow isn’t falling.
10. Blackcrows Mirus Cor
Lengths 168.3, 173.2, 178, 184.2 cm
DIM 134-87-123 mm
Radius 13 m @ 178 cm
Blackcrows’ narrowest ski underfoot, the Mirus Cor, proves that size does not matter. Breathe a sigh of relief, fellas. Here we have Blackcrows’ small but mighty freestyle weapon. It’s a ski that hugs a turn on fresh corduroy and handles in the air. With a single titanal plate underfoot, the Mirus Cor can hold up when you push the speed limit. That being said, the ski’s double rocker and fishtail give it added maneuverability in fresh snow. Blackcrows claims that it’s built to carve in a freestyle way. Our testers absolutely backed that claim, as they had a blast taking this agile and stable twig across the front side of Jackson Hole. Those suckers in the lodge will see nothing but a blaze of orange on your feet as you zip down after catching the first chair. Ski with speed, confidence and agility on the Mirus Cor.
This category of all-mountain missiles is built for those who prefer lift laps over lunch breaks. Part playful, part powerful, these skis will have you ripping chopped-up moguls and northside trees from bell to bell.
1. 4FRNT Switch
Lengths 163, 170, 177, 184 cm
DIM 127-99-123 mm
Radius 19 m @ 177 cm
This ain’t your grandma’s all-mountain ski. Probably because your grandma didn’t devour turns across the hill like you do, but also because the 4FRNT Switch is a beautiful bridge between freestyle and all-mountain like you’ve never seen before. A relatively new addition to the 4FRNT lineup, the Switch is a ski that lets you surf or charge however you please. The 99-mm waist width gives it versatility on fresh or hard-packed snow, and its progressive flex pattern ensures you can still get jiggy on side hits, off cliffs and beyond. Ski tester and Pit Viper President Dave Bottomley claims, “This bad Johnson was versatile and playful for fun all over the mountain. It packed enough stability to rail turns all the way back to the chair.” Now that’s a stamp of approval that we can get behind. For the freestyle-minded rider seeking a ski that will turn any part of the mountain into a playground, the Switch is your ticket to happiness.
2. Rossignol Blackops 98
Lengths 162, 172, 182, 192 cm
DIM 131-98-121 mm
Radius 19 m @ 182 cm
A ski forged over the years from the input of freeskiing legends like Tatum Monod and Parker White? Yes, it does exist. And yes, you’re looking at it. If you’ve tuned into the freeride scene for the last few years, this ski name won’t be new. But if you’ve never considered it, now is the time. The BlackOps 98 was brought to life by the Rossignol team to be the perfect ski for making good days even better. The progressive rocker brings balance to the ski, with 50 percent camber, 25 percent tip rocker and 25 percent tail rocker. In other words, this ski grants edge control and stability underfoot with playful ease in the tip and tail; an ideal combination that couldn’t stay secret forever. While you COULD rip any old ski on fresh snow, the BlackOps 98 provides an experience few can match. If your ideal missions focus on pillows, cliff drops, cat track hucks and more, the BlackOps 98 is your perfect companion.
3. Dynastar M-Free 99
Lengths 171, 179, 185 cm
DIM 128-99-120 mm
Radius 17 m @ 179 cm
It’s a playful, freeride skier’s dream. The M-Free 99 is a fantastic option for those looking to snag a pair of planks that will tear up the resort, off-piste and anywhere in between. Most days, you probably are not skiing two feet of pow, nor are you sliding around an icy mound. The M-Free 99 is here for those tweener days when you have hot laps on the brain. Dynastar’s hybrid core combines poplar wood with PU, a synthetic material that supplies dampness underfoot with minimal weight. The result is a stable yet lightweight ski that is a blast for a multitude of riding styles. Throughout all the variable terrain, slope angles and snow conditions offered at Jackson Hole, our testers reported consistently positive feedback on the M-Free 99. “Do it all ski. Playful and forgiving, but not just a ski for daddies and weekend warriors,” chimes Jordy Grant-Krenz. You won’t go wrong with this tool fueling your creativity on the hill.
4. Peak Skis 98 by Bode
Lengths 160, 168, 178, 184, 190 cm
DIM 128-98-116 mm
Radius 23.5 m @ 178 cm
Perhaps Peak Skis’ most versatile waist width, the 98 by Bode is an all-mountain missile that won’t shy away from anything in the resort. It starts with two full metal sheets alongside the wood core, tapered in the tip and tail for better turn initiation. Of course, the 98 by Bode includes Peak Skis’ KeyHole Technology for ideal flex and easy turn initiation. It’s a directional ski, encouraging the rider to stay forward in their stance and hug some mean GS-style turns down the hill. Our testers consistently mentioned that the 98 by Bode gave them a feeling of confidence at speed and stability on their edges, even on steep slopes with less-than-optimal snow. It’s a ski that takes you along and says with a comforting voice, ‘Get in. We’re going skiing.’
5. Icelantic Shaman 2.0 99
Lengths 169, 176, 182 cm
DIM 149-99-119 mm
Radius 15 m @ 176 cm
Icelantic has taken this classic and thinned it out. The Shaman 2.0 99 lives for quick arcs and nimble tree skiing. The oceanic topsheet will have onlookers marveling as you slice and dice your way through tricky terrain. Eight mm of camber and the 99-mm waist width ensures you can hug fast turns on the groomers and beyond. But fear not. The Shaman 2.0 99 will not shrink away from those bottomless turns when the snow comes down. With a 149-mm shovel in the tip and the accompanied tip rocker, you’ll stay afloat when the flakes start stacking up. Tester John Weir claims, “The Shaman 2.0 99 provides a powerful carver to Icelantic’s lineup.” That’s a FREESKIER fact-checked claim, John, and we couldn’t agree more.
6. HEAD KORE 99
Lengths 156, 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm
DIM 134-99-120 mm
Radius 17 m @ 177 cm
When freeskiing pioneer and ski tester Shannon Schad says Head’s Kore 99 is “easily one of [his] favorite skis of the test,” you better pay attention. The Kore 99 performs best on steep slopes while hugging the fall line. Like ice cream on a hot summer day, it’s there for you when you need it. The Kore 99 incorporates a karuba-poplar lightweight wood core that brings power without the overbearing weight some similar skis might pack. Our testers noted that while it held up at speed, it had the responsiveness and weight reduction many skiers crave. If you ski across the entirety of the mountain and need something that will give you confidence when charging but playfulness when jibbing, the Kore 99 deserves to be on your list.
7. Peak Skis 98 by Dav
Lengths 160, 168, 178, 184 cm
DIM 128-98-116 mm
Radius 23.5 m @ 178 cm
Light but stable. A paradox? Maybe. Impossible? Not for the wizards at Peak Skis. In the world of skiing, it often seems impossible to find a lightweight ski that will still hold up in varied terrain. Enter the 98 by Dav, developed with iconic adventure skier Chris Davenport. Best suited for a rider who craves resort hikes, backcountry day missions or just a nimble, stable and responsive ski, the 98 by Dav sounds like a perfect marriage. This unisex model is here to be skied fast. The 98 by Dav is for those seeking a bit more agility and mobility. It still hugs a mean arc, is proficient in bumps and crud, and won’t let you down in fresh snow. However, the Peak by Dav skis have less metal than their Peak by Bode counterparts, meaning you’ll easily engage a turn, but you won’t throw your back out as you shlep up the hike toward stacked fresh powder. Tester and Jackson Hole local ripper Christian Johansen gave it a stellar score, noting it’s a, “super fun, agile ski. Carved like a dream and engaged turns easily and efficiently.”
8. K2 Mindbender 99Ti
Lengths 166, 172, 178, 184, 190 cm
DIM 134-99-120 mm
Radius 19.6 m @ 184 cm
The Mindbender 99Ti is a hard-charging ripper’s dream. This ski isn’t your last relationship because this thing is stable as all hell. K2 has implemented its Titanal Y-Beam plate in several skis in the previous few years, and it’s clear that they have refined this technology each season. The 99Ti sits in the middle of the Mindbender collection, the perfect choice for those looking for a ski that can stand up to the test of big turns during low tide, or take it out after a fresh storm. Rest assured, the 134-mm tip and 120-mm tail will keep you afloat. After carving a few laps like nobody’s business, testing legend Devan O’Connor declared, “Once I found the sweet spot, whoa buddy, this trenched. Absolutely packs a punch in the best way.” A ski that incorporates Titanal is never for the faint of heart, but if you crave stability, style and responsiveness, look no further than the Mindbender 99Ti.
9. Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti
Lengths 170, 177, 184 cm
DIM 133-98-119 mm
Radius 17 m @ 170 cm
The engineers at Scott know that the best way to build a hard-charging ski is with input from hard-charging skiers. For the Pure Mission 98 Ti, that’s exactly what Scott did. The team brought in freeride legend Jérémie Heitz to sculpt a ski that would hold up on some of Heitz’s favorite steep descents in the Alps and worldwide. The Titanal layer added to the paulownia, beech and carbon fiber core ensures the Pure Mission won’t shy away from a fall line hugging carve as you chow through crud. There’s minimal compromise in this ski, and that includes weight. Heitz wanted a stable yet lightweight ski that was easy to travel with in the backcountry. Ask and you shall receive. The skier in pursuit of fast descents, long days and big turns will love the Pure Mission 98 Ti.
10. ZAG Slap 98
Lengths 173, 180, 187 cm
DIM 130-98-116.5 mm
Radius 20 m @ 180 cm
Zag has been building, testing and refining its skis in Chamonix, France, for 20 years. With that much time and experience, you can be sure that they know a thing or two about the craft. It might surprise you that the Slap 98 isn’t here for the Tof Henry-type lines that Chamonix is known for. No, this ski is here for the hot lappin’, sun-shining, versatile day. Our testers loved the Slap 98’s performance on the groomers and how easily the ski initiated a turn. It excels on softer snow when you need something playful to surf the mountain from bell to bell. The ski includes Zag’s staple dampening strip, which runs tip to tail through the center and helps to give you a more stable ride and eliminate chatter when you put the pedal down. “Tons of fun to rip this one in all sorts of conditions,” wrote FREESKIER staff alumni Shane Dowaliby. “This one was ready for everything I threw at it.”
