Recommended skis [110mm or wider] | 11 skis with high reviews from pro shops to watch for the 2023-24 season

Professional shops are a great source of help when choosing new skis. They allow you to test ride numerous brands and models on the snow, and by combining their extensive knowledge and user feedback, they can compare and evaluate products from multiple angles, making their advice persuasive. Skis, in particular, are a great reflection of the discerning eye and attention to detail that only a professional shop can offer. Let's ask a discerning professional shop to tell us about the most noteworthy skis for the 2023-2024 season

Skis with a waist width of over 110mm offer overwhelming buoyancy from their wide body, allowing for unrestricted maneuverability in powder. Many skis are wide and have a softer flex, but this zone demands balanced performance, including a certain degree of edge grip and turning ability. This selection includes skis that are versatile enough to be enjoyed not only in powder but also on the slopes for cruising and playing with the terrain

ATOMIC｜BENT 110

The popular BENT series is enjoyable for everyone from freestylers to those with a freeride orientation. A 110mm center width, previously unavailable in the BENT series, was added for the '22-23 season, much to the delight of BENT CHETLER fans. Like
other models with this center width, it features the HRZN tech construction for improved buoyancy, offering a comfortable softness that allows for nimble movement and excellent control in powder. Its light weight also makes it ideal for backcountry climbers.  

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ICELANTIC｜SHAMAN 2.0 110

More freedom! No need to worry! If only there were skis that you could enjoy skiing on...this is exactly what you'd want!

◆Official Website:https://icelanticskis.jp/

With a waist of 110mm, a tip of 160mm, and a tail of 130mm, and a radius of 13.5-17m, these incredible dimensions were conceived with the idea of ​​being fun and nimble not only off-piste but also on-piste and in the park.

In recent years, FREESK has become increasingly specialized, with many models being released that specialize in something. Of course, I think that's a natural evolution, but I was hoping for a ski that would allow me to ski more freely and without being too particular, and that's exactly the kind of ski that has been released! There's also the slightly narrower SHAMAN 2.0 99, which I also recommend as a variation!　

You can enjoy gliding all day without getting tired

This ski boasts incredible maneuverability that belies its form, and delivers outstanding performance on everything from groomed slopes to powder, unaffected by changing snow conditions. It's our top recommendation for this season!
It received high praise from participants at our Mt. Peaks test ride event (laughs). Thanks to its exquisite combination of materials, it's a fantastic ski that allows the rider to enjoy skiing freely for extended periods without fatigue.

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ROSSIGNOL｜SENDER FREE 110

A Rossignol masterpiece that I saw at FWT and that made me think, "This is going to win!"

This is a masterpiece created by Rossignol for freeride in the '23-24 season, which was also seen at the FWT (Freeride World Tour) (limited model at select stores). In recent years, freeride has become increasingly popular, and skis with a center width in the low 110mm range have become more common, but Rossignol has finally released a ski with the perfect center width of 110mm that is great for both powder and hard-packed snow. This twin-tip ski balances buoyancy in

powder with riding performance on hard-packed snow. Condensing Rossignol's technology, the PEFC-certified poplar wood core provides the ride comfort unique to wood, the Damp Tech in the top and tail provides excellent vibration absorption for stability, the titanium underfoot provides grip and sharp turns, and the Air Tip makes it easy to initiate turns with a light swing, resulting in a very well-balanced ski.
The recommended binding position is 3cm back from the center, which is quite a front set, but progressive and directional settings are available 2cm forward and backward, and for those who prioritize gliding performance, the directional setting 2cm further back is recommended.

Weighing in at a hefty 2,240g (measured at 184cm), this ski has a very solid construction and feels like a hard-spec model. However, the flexible top and tail allow for freestyle movements such as butter tricks, slides, and swerves, while also providing a firm grip for sharp turns. The stability during air landings is outstanding, making this a ski that will make you think, "I'm going to win with this." It's not for everyone, but it's a masterpiece that I would recommend to skiers who are confident in their skills.

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FACTION｜MANA 3

A single ski that can be enjoyed for a long season

◆Official Website:https://jp.factionskis.com/

This ski is recommended for those who want to enjoy jumping and hitting natural terrain like in a park, but the camber and firm underfoot make it fun to carve on flat terrain as well. The twin tip makes it easy to turn, and the light and stable feel of the waist makes it easy to ignore, making it recommended for skiers who don't jump

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BLIZZARD | HUSTLE 11

It really shines in powder! It's fast and, as the name suggests, lets you "hustle."

◆Official Website:https://www.tecnica-group.com/

First of all, when selecting skis, I have one criterion: skis that are freeskiing but also allow for enjoyable carving turns on groomed slopes. While there are many different ways of thinking and styles, this is the core principle for me. There are many excellent skis out there that are specialized for big mountains and powder, but it is true that many of them are selective in terms of the rider and the location where they are used. So, naturally, I select skis that are easy to use both on groomed slopes and in the backcountry.

The reason I recommend this ski the most is simply that it's "fun to ride." That's the most important thing when skiing, isn't it! Until now, BLIZZARD skis have generally been associated with strong metal laminate skis. This image has been prevalent, but the HUSTLE is constructed with a new core material + carbon fiber.

The sidecut itself is the same as BLIZZARD's RUSTER, but the way the ski moves is completely different. The new core material itself is light, and you can feel the flex beautifully under your feet. With the added response of carbon, it gives the impression of a light and responsive ski that flexes well. I think

the scene where this ski truly shines is in powder. These skis are incredibly fast and, as their name suggests, they're perfect for "hustling." They don't sink as deeply as metal skis, making them very user-friendly even for skiers unfamiliar with powder. I personally used these skis as my main skis this year, and they performed flawlessly in all conditions except for windpack and hard-packed powder on the Happo Kita slope!

Even on groomed slopes, depending on the bindings you pair them with, you're guaranteed enjoyable carving turns. Since their greatest selling point is their agility, separate bindings are recommended. A lower mount height (binding height) will also help to maximize the skis' agility! Because these skis are so versatile, you can freely choose your bindings.

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LINE｜BLADE OPTIC 114

Flexible flex and torsion

◆Official Website:https://lineskis.com/ja-jp

, while incorporating metal, boast flexible flex and torsion, making them ideal for freeriding.
Imagine a ski that combines the metal technology of the LINE BLADE model with the VISION freeride model.

They can handle varying snow conditions in backcountry areas and even more challenging snow environments. While metal often conjures images of stiffness, these skis feature a pleasant, not-too-stiff flex. They're perfect for freeriders who want to ski on any mountain and in any snow.

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VÖLKL｜REVOLT 114

It has excellent maneuverability and stability at high speeds, making it ideal for vertical sliding

◆Official Website:http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/

You can glide through powder and hard snow without losing speed. This fun board responds to strong and quick movements. It is especially maneuverable and stable at high speeds, making it ideal for vertical dropping

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ARMADA｜ARV116 JJUL

When the conditions are unpredictable and you can only take one bike to the mountains, this is the one to go with

◆Official Website:https://armadaskis.jp/

Lightweight and easy to handle, it allows anyone to enjoy powder riding, and despite being a powder ski, it also has excellent turning performance on groomed slopes, making it highly versatile in all conditions. If I can't predict the conditions and can only take one pair of skis to the mountain, I will always take the JJUL. Here's

a bulleted list of the good points and appeal of the ARV116 JJUL:
- Anyone can easily enjoy the best powder ride. -
Excellent handling and easy turning on groomed slopes and in spring snow.
- Despite being a powder ski, it allows for sharp carving on groomed slopes.
- Despite being ultra-lightweight, it provides a sense of security and stability.
- Allows for nimble handling like a park ski (jump tricks and buttering, etc.).
- With SHIFT Bindings, it can cover both backcountry and groomed slopes with just one pair of skis.

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ATOMIC｜BACKLAND 117

Skiing that gives you peace of mind even as your speed increases

◆Official Website:https://atomicsnow.jp/

These skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to make firm turns even in powder. The bindings are positioned in a classic position, and there's just the right amount of flex to prevent excessive flex when accelerating, giving you a very stable and secure feeling. These skis are recommended for skiers who want to take on wide slopes

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ARMADA｜WHITEWALKER 121

Whether you're just starting out in powder snow or are an advanced snowboarder, there's no limit to your level

◆Official Website:https://armadaskis.jp/

Last season, the Sammy Carlson signature model, the WHITEWALKER 121, made its debut in the ZERO series and sold out immediately due to its overwhelming popularity. This season, it will be available again with the same design and construction!
Compared to the ARV 116 JJ UL in the same ZERO series, it offers stronger gliding performance, greater stability, and power, enabling a variety of riding styles. This is a product we highly recommend for powder skiers seeking even more speed and a new kind of turn!

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RMU｜BUTTERKNIFE

There are powder skis out there that don't need length!

The era of short, fat skis has arrived! The Butterknife's defining feature is its asymmetrical shape, resembling half a surfboard, allowing you to experience the feeling of surfing on skis. It comes in one size: 176cm with a 126mm center width.

With a firm tip and a flexible tail, even though it's short, the tip lifts while the tail sinks, allowing for smooth sliding. The asymmetrical radius of 25m outside and 17m inside allows for smooth, pulled turns from the beginning to the middle of the turn, while the inside radius allows for a sharp turn recovery in the latter half, resulting in incredibly smooth turns.

The tail shape is exquisite, making it perfect for techniques like cutting into corners. Its short length makes it very easy to handle, making it ideal for tree runs and riding on different terrains. While its appearance might deter some, this is a ski that even those who struggle with powder should try.
In this day and age, with the increased width options, there are powder skis where length is no longer necessary! A recommended way to enjoy it is to use a closed stance and treat it like a single board, similar to a snowboard; this will allow you to experience ski surfing even more!

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