Big Mountain Powder Skis

More about Big Mountain Freeride Skis

FREERIDE SKIS – PERFECT FOR DEEP POWDER SNOW

Watch out! When “deep powder” is predicted, skis in this category – in great expectation – wax themselves. In the alps, these days are limited, but when the powder swell finally comes, freeride skis are your backup for the maximum surf!

With proper center and shovel widths, you'll get the most out of your powder day. With partners like Armada, Atomic, Black Crows, DPS and many more, we are proud to present you a wide range of high quality skis every year. In this category guide we tell you what you should look for when buying freeride, big mountain and powder skis.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE CENTER & TIP WIDTH OF FREERIDE SKIS?

Don't worry. With center widths starting around 100 millimeters and wide tips to roll pizza dough, we've got all the thick slats covered in the big mountain powder ski category. It really doesn't get any wider than this!

Freeride skis differ in construction, shape and rocker, but they have one thing in common: a center width of over 100 millimeters. Basically, the more center width, the more flotation in powder. The cut to the ski tail and tip directly affects the radius and therefore the maneuverability of the ski. The smaller the cut, the more inert the skis ride. A stronger, tailored cut provides for more playful skiing characteristics.

Watch out for edge grip! Larger center widths have a negative effect on edge pressure. If you are looking for a freetouring ski, be aware that switchbacks and technical traverses are significantly more demanding.

ROCKER & CAMBER ON FREERIDE SKIS

Well, noticed anything? The experts were certainly getting a little bit nervous about the last view lines above. Flotation only due to center-width? Of course, the riding characteristics and properties such as floatation of any freeride ski are determined to a considerable extent from the balance between rocker and camber. In addition, there is the total weight as well as the mass ratio on the ski. These two factors depend on the range of use of the ski and accordingly the reinforcements.

The more the ski is rockered towards the center, the more it generates flotation. Whether untracked slopes with light Champain powder or moistured snow, full rocker skis are the easiest for beginners, due to the enormous lift. Tip & tail rockered skis offer additional carving performance due to the camber area under the center of the ski. But be careful! Please make a distinction between on-piste carving and cruising in powder. Skis in the powder and big mountain category have absolutely no business to do on pistes.

FREETOURING SKI & BIG MOUNTAIN HOW DOES IT WORK?

Are you looking for lightweight powder skis that you can also use for ski touring? Then simply use the filter “weight”. Powder freetouring skis often weigh only 1300 – 1700 grams and therefore offer easy handling during the climb.

Lighter means less effort in the ascent, with a simultaneous increase in buoyancy in powder. Higher weight provides more driving stability and grip on the edges, which has a positive effect at higher speeds and more difficult snow conditions.

BACKCOUNTRY OR BIG MOUNTAIN FREERIDE SKIS?

These are two keywords that are synonymous for the entire freeride ski range. Where “backcountry freeride skis” are supremely turnable and dynamic in tight and playful terrain, big mountain freeride skis feel more lean. The focus of backcountry skis here is not on speed, it''s on performance for nature given kickers, step-ups and downs.

Big Mountain Freeride skis are designed for high speed, smoothness and stability in the terrain. These skis offer very high control at speeds, long turns on steep slopes and points exactly where the performance limits of all-mountain skis are found!

But beware. These boards are not meant for the sporadic trip into the backcountry. Proper freeride skis are specialists for massive powder conditions where snowcats are beyond their capacity and the avalanche warning sign turns into dark red. They are the perfect addition to your existing all-mountain or piste skis.

THE RIGHT BINDING FOR FREERIDE SKIS

Okay, you're already planning to camp in the lift queue with your folding chair to drop your first lines? Then hopefully you've taken care of the right binding for your freeride ski!? Freeride skis bring due to their center width and volume decent momentum and this must be secured. These bindings are optimized for freeride use and prevent, for example, early releases after hard drops.

In addition, freeride bindings also offer the appropriate stopper width. If you want to put together a freeride ski set, make sure when choosing a binding that it also offers compatible stoppers.

WHICH LENGTH FOR FREERIDE SKIS?

To make sure to have fun, you should definitely choose the right ski length. For beginners, we recommend exactly the own body size. For advanced skiers and pros, it can be a bit more. However, your own height plus an additional 10 centimeters is absolutely sufficient because of the ski surface. Do you like to ride playful? Then you can reduce the length again. Basically, long skis equal smooth running, short skis equal maneuverability.

If you have no further questions, then grab your powder mates and hit the butter-soft slopes! But don't forget your avalanche safety equipment!

Want to read more about skiing? Then we have more interesting blog posts for you below!

Freetouring – The unique combination between ski touring and freeriding
Flat, Camber, Tail und Tip: Which rocker type is the right one for me?
Back Protection: Necessary safety equipment
Tips & Tricks: A guide to ski waxing
Ski Length Guide

Have fun reading!