12 Best Blizzard Skis of 2023 | For All Types of Skiing

Blizzard’s Zero G series represents the best of the backcountry crop across the industry. Its balance between uphill efficiency and dependable downhill sits right in the sweet spot for every practical minded backcountry enthusiast. The 105 is the most well-rounded of the series, with enough underfoot to take advantage of fresh snow and a reasonably damp ride to survive in questionable conditions.

Fresh from the mill and rearing to set off for your favorite secret stash- the Hustle 10 draws equal influence from the Blizzard’s uphill-oriented Zero G series alongside their playful Rustler skis. The result of this union is a skintrack-friendly freeride ski that is at home both in the resort and beyond. It’s a capable tool ready for any unexpected conditions likely to crop up in or out of bounds.

The Rustler series is a well-balanced collection, each model tackling a different take on all-mountain skiing. While the Rustler 9 may have a similar overall shape to the rest of the series, it is by far the most well-rounded. Building on the typical aggressive Blizzard attitude, the Rustler 9 takes a flexible, freeform approach to all-mountain skiing- with special emphasis on low snow conditions.

The Rustler 11 is a soft-snow oriented, eminently skiable, big mountain option from Blizzard. It’s yet another example of Blizzard’s knack for making fun peformers–with a couple of Freeride World Tour appearances, it’s more than proven itself a viable option for the best riders out there on a global stage.

Carrying the flag as Blizzard’s premier women’s powder ski is no small task, particularly when you’re expected to do double duty on days when the snow isn’t waist deep. The Sheeva 11 is the widest and the best equipped of Blizzard’s women’s freeride series to tackle deep, untracked snow wherever you can find it. It’s also equipped with the maneuverability to make the rest of the hill fun when the snow isn’t great.

Since its initial release in 2014, Blizzard’s Brahma 88 has garnered a reputation as one of the staunchest firm-snow skis on the mountain. Until recently, the Brahma demanded the strongest of skiers with the most polished of techniques. Now, thanks to some design tweaks the ski is more “ski-able” than ever while retaining its capacity to rip up the frontside of any mountain.

Among the most recognizable and beloved of all Blizzard’s skis, the Black Pearl is Blizzard’s mainstay frontside ski for women. Like the Brahma above, the Black Pearl brings the best Blizzard has to offer to the whole mountain, but at its core is built for women who love to cut trenches on groomers. The Black Pearl is the absolute benchmark in advanced to expert women’s firm-snow skis.

The Bonafide has been a long-trusted tool of aggressive and technically proficient skiers everywhere. It’s not the most forgiving ski, nor the most playful ski. But it strikes a fair balance between a competition ski and something that’s more suitable for recreational level skiers. Those in search of something that can justifiably be brought out any day in any conditions have found their daily ride for the next few seasons.

If you were previously familiar with any other Blizzard ski, chances are it was the Cochise. Though its several reconceptualizations, the Cochise has always been known for being a heavy hard-charger that can be ridden in any conditions. It’s the heart and soul of Blizzard’s freeride skis, and this most recent version was created with the intent of getting more people riding the Cochise, without compromising on its burly charging capabilities.

The Cochise is a serious ski, and we’re excited to see it being broadcasted to a wider audience than ever before. The Cochise is a demanding ski despite the efforts Blizzard has made to make it more accessible. That being said, it’s an all-mountain ski that won’t hold you back, and will return every investment that you make into it.

There are frontside carving skis and then there are skis like the Phoenix. Like the Thunderbird above these are serious skis built to emulate racing skis, while still retaining some practicality on your average resort slope.

With full camber, dual titanal sheets, and a TrueBlend Woodcore, Blizzard is bringing everything they have to the table in order to produce a women’s carving ski they can be proud of.

To be clear, this is a ski for people who know how to ski. It’s demanding in a way that promises massive returns on your performance- provided you have the finesse and technical knowhow to keep it in control.

A race plate binding system channels every ounce of pressure that you channel into your skis more efficiently than a traditional binding system, while active Carbon Armor, now standard in all of Blizzard’s top performance models, works to dampen vibrations.

Any ex racer looking for a ski that can keep up with her has at long last found a worthy ride.

The Spur is a long-loved and dependable powder ski that is best saved for the deepest days. Skiers in the market for a beloved new set that will never touch the ground will find it a well-suited match, it’s built to float and not much more. The Spur is one of our favorites in the 120+ waisted category, those looking for something with a little bit more everyday skiability should look towards the asymmetrical Spur Concept.

The Spur is a serious ski for seriously deep days. If you need something that you’re only going to break out during the biggest storm cycles than look no further. But, those in the market with something with a little more versatility would have better luck with the Spur Concept or the Rustler 11.

The Firebird is Blizzard’s professional-grade race series, and the WRC is the fan favorite out of the line. It’s Blizzard’s attempt to bring some liveliness back into piste skiing, the WRC achieves this through a fast-yet forgiving feel while headed downhill. You can feel the force beneath your feet, without having to worry about being eaten alive like with comparable race options.

Whether you’re looking for something to give you the edge in your casual league, or simply enjoy making the kinds of turns that the Firebird likes to make, Blizzard has delivered on one of the more reasonable recreational racers currently available. For a less-aggressive version of a frontside ski, the Quattro line also has some interesting options.

Not all of Blizzards skis are built to blow up the mountain, the Quattro series is for frontside devotees and progressing skiers who want something that will grow with them. This lightweight, carbon piste ski is a forgiving, turnable, option for that feels more like a reliable carver than it does a beginner ski. It’s a perfect option for those coming into their own as skiers, and something that will grow with you as you get your technique dialed.

This lighter carbon-enhanced version of the Quattro has an edge on the rest of the series because it’s a little lighter, and for the vibration dampening qualities of its construction. For piste skiers looking for a little more driving power, check out the Firebird or one of the full Ti versions of the Quattro.

While the freeride and all mountain categories swallow up the vast majority of the ski press each season, the true test of excellence between brands is the quality of their recreational race skis.

Blizzard’s Thunderbird is their chance to show their best face–with all the bells and whistles included in the rest of their lineup. Those in search of a worthy competitor to the Firebird, look no further.

You’ll hear comparisons drawn to luxury sports cars, given the price and barrier of entry brands never expect to sell many of these, but they definitely catch a lot of attention when a high-caliber skier absolutely destroys the mountain.

This new offering from Blizzard is a little more affordable than alternatives in the same category (like Völkl’s Racetiger), but is no less capable of turning heads and impressing your friends in the beer league.