What are the "ladies' freeride models" recommended by pro shops in 2024-2025?

Many female skiers with a solid foundation of basic or alpine skiing skills want to try freeriding. In such cases, pro shops are the go-to place for help choosing the right skis for your first freeriding adventure. Pro shops offer persuasive advice, combining their extensive knowledge and user feedback to compare and evaluate products from multiple angles. Let's ask a discerning pro shop for some highly recommended skis for those trying freeriding for the 2023-2024 season, or for women just starting out

*All prices shown include consumption tax

ATOMIC｜BACKLAND 108W

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

This model underwent a full model change for the 2024-2025 season, and is wider than the current 106W. It is lightweight yet offers ample glide and is suitable for all snow conditions. It is recommended for those who want to minimize energy consumption and are looking for skis that are lightweight and offer good glide

ARMADA｜ARV 94 ARW 94

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

They are extremely lightweight and offer a solid feel. They are well-balanced skis that you can enjoy in a variety of ways. Both ARV and ARW skis are available in the same size range, so you can choose based on your preference for appearance and flex, which is a good point

Armada skis offer a wide range of women's models, and not only do they have graphics designed specifically for women, but they also carefully create models that are tailored to female skiers, optimizing materials and more!

BLACKCROWS｜CAPITIS BIRDIE

◆Official website: https://www.hasco.co.jp/black-crows/

These skis are sturdy despite being twin tips, and boast excellent carving ability on the slopes. As they are a women's model, they are available in shorter sizes, but because the twin tips have a shorter effective edge, advanced skiers are recommended to choose a slightly longer size! As a ski brand originating from Chamonix, France, they are designed to be enjoyable even in bad snow

ELAN | RIPSTICK 94W

◆Official website: https://www.elanjapan.co.jp/

Despite being a major brand, ELAN boasts a unique originality that sets it apart from other brands, and the experience and quality that only a long-established company can offer. ELAN has long been known for producing excellent skis, and in recent years, its freeskiing potential has also been remarkable.

The RIPSTICK underwent a minor change for the 2024-25 season, but like the previous model, it retains features such as carbon rods for increased stability and SST sidewalls, making it easy to handle off-piste. On-piste, the Amphibio system (which varies the amount of rocker between the inside and outside to balance maneuverability and stability), also used in ELAN's alpine models, delivers performance on par with the demo model. And yet, this lightness makes it an all-mountain freeski that's especially recommended for women!

ELAN | RIPSTICK 100W

◆Official website: https://www.elanjapan.co.jp/

Like the men's model, this ski is suitable for all skiers and snow conditions, and can be enjoyed by anyone. The wide range of coverage for a variety of snow conditions is the greatest feature of RIPSTICK. The lineup of colors is also light urban, giving it a calm impression!

ICELANTIC｜MAIDEN94

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

Lightweight and flexible skis are essential for women, and ICELANTIC's skis meet these two key criteria. The MAIDEN 94 skis feature a completely new design, with a 94mm center width that's perfect for skiing on the slopes or sideboarding

LINE｜PANDORA92

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

Despite its 92mm waist, it's very lightweight. The moderate nose rocker makes it easy to initiate turns and maneuver. Another great thing about these skis is that as your skiing technique improves, you'll be able to ski in powder as well