Following the motto "Let the powder snow fly!", this year's freeride models were tested in two categories.
In Heiligenblut, members of the local ski clubs put this winter's freeride skis to the test. They examined skis with less than 10 cm of sidecut that also perform reasonably well on groomed slopes, as well as wider, true powder skis. The 114 mm sidecut model proved most popular with the testers. The Blizzard Rustler 9 was awarded Snowstyle of the Year.
BLIZZARD RUSTLER 11 (WIDE)
Radius: 20.5 m, Sidecut: 142-114-132
Recommended retail price (without binding): €800
Test score: very good, average: 44.6
A recommendation for absolute freeride junkies. With a waist width of 114 millimeters, it's perfect for tearing through waist-deep powder, but also performs well in tracked-out terrain. However, a certain level of technical skill is required.
ELAN RIPSTICK 108 (WIDE)
Radius: 21.3 m, Sidecut: 143-108-124
Recommended retail price (without binding): €949.95
Test score: very good, average: 44.6
Impressive in its versatility, dynamic handling, and strong float in powder. Also stable at high speeds.
VÖLKL MANTRA M7
Radius: 17.9 m, Sidecut: 139-96-121
Recommended retail price (without binding): €850
Test score: excellent, average: 47.25
Top-rated – especially the women's model is a true all-rounder.
BLIZZARD RUSTLER 9
Radius: 18 m (Men) / 17 m (Ladies)
Sidecut: 131.5-96-121
Test score: very good, average: 43.7
Visually stunning, this model impresses with its driving characteristics. Its smooth ride during long turns on the slopes is particularly noteworthy. Off-piste, it proves to be agile, reliable, and pleasantly controllable.