For 2008, look for Blizzard to strengthen the brand’s position and availability. The company has always made great skis, featuring race-bred, wood-core sandwich construction. With continued involvement of athletes like Kent Kreitler, this could be a breakthrough year for the company.
Titan Kreitler
Length: 191
Dimensions: 135-119-125
MSRP:$ 1,275 (with bindings) Stoke: 7
This pro-model ski is not for everyone, but if you think you can line up massive AK peaks like Kent, then go for it. “A LOT of ski” and “tons of control under foot” were two testers’ takes on the Kreitler. This wood-core beast has a bona fide race construction and plenty of guts. It’s best suited for “wide open spaces” and it “loves speed.” As such, it’s a lot like its namesake: very fast.
Titan Argos
Length: 173, 180, 187, 194
Dimensions: 132-101-118
MSRP: $1,150 (with bindings) Stoke: 8
Another solid wood-core offering from Blizzard, the Argos is our testers’ ski of choice from the Austrian manufacturer. According to testers, the Argos is “a legit big-mountain ski” and is “as close to a one-quiver ski as you’ll find.” As you would expect from a company that has found success manufacturing race skis, the Argos can be “a bit stiff,” but for experts and heavier skiers who know how to drive a ski, it’s one of the best options yet from Blizzard.
Big Akira
Length: 171, 178, 185, 192
Dimensions: 130-105-120
MSRP: $1,150 (with bindings) Stoke: 6.5
The Big Akira’s graphics mark a huge departure for the company, one which we hope is the future for all its skis. But while the ski looks different, the performance is pure Blizzard. This twin-tip offering is “a beefy powder crusher that likes speed.” It’s a good option if you’re looking for a big-mountain twin that stands out from the crowd.
Poacher
Length: 157, 164, 171, 178
Dimensions: 116-80-105
MSRP:$ 475 (with bindings) Stoke: 4.5
Jumps: 6 Pipe: 6
Playfulness: 6 All-Mtn: 5
The Poacher, Blizzard’s new twin-tip offering, was the only park ski with an integrated binding system we tested. Most of our testers felt this made the ski too heavy and cumbersome in the park. However, “the ski cannot handle the forces given to it,” reported one tester. Another said, “This ski is very soft, fun to mess around on with butters and on rails but it’s too soft for jumping.
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