23/24 Test Day 26: Blizzard/Tecnica and Burton

Throughout the season we meet with brand reps several times to test gear in a variety of conditions. On this test day, we met up with our fave crew from Tecnica-Blizzard at Sunapee to take their new Rustler/Sheeva line out for some laps in spring snow. We’ve hyped this line up a lot already this season, but that’s only because we are so impressed by it. These skis and the team that made them deserve all the hype — they really are that good. 

Conditions were some of the best we’ve had on the east coast this season. Not too cold, a solid mix of cruising hardpack and softer patches as the day warmed up — the perfect way to round out our Blizzard testing. 

We also had our snowboard crew with us to ride some new Burton boards. We've done some Burton testing this year but this was a good chance to do some board comparisons so our team can better recommend shapes and styles for different types of riders. 

“The Blizz/tech day was one of my best ski days of the year,” said Devon Scovill, head of the softgoods department here at TSM. “We have spent plenty of time talking about the new Sheeva, but I really do find that ski to be an improvement over the current model. It’s really fun in a variety of conditions and holds its own better on groomers and hardpack than before.”

Devon skied both the Sheeva 9 and Sheeva 10, testing them back to back to compare differences in width. She was also rocking a new Strafe kit for 23/24. This was the updated version of the Strafe Willow Half Bib Pant and the Meadow jacket. Lightweight and easy to move in, it’s the perfect kit for springtime conditions and even some late season touring if you can find it. 

Boot fitter Andrew Plourde spent the day on the Rustler 9 and Rustler 10. “These are for sure one of my top tested skis this season,” he said. “They are a huge upgrade from last year's Rustlers. It’s impressive how well they can ski a more hardpack day at Sunapee but then also pivot and schmear a turn when you need them to.” 

In regards to skis, our crew actually spent most of the day testing some new Blizzard prototypes. We can’t say much about them, but we did have a blast testing them and providing feedback. There is really nothing like getting the chance to test gear from the future. Last year, we were part of prototype testing for the 23/24 Rustler/Sheeva series, so we know firsthand how important days like this can be for a brand and we love being part of that process for them.  

On the snowboard side, buyer Neil Soucy spent his day riding the Burton Family Tree Grill Master. The Grill Master is a directional all-mountain board that would be well suited to a rider that isn’t overly aggressive. “You can definitely push it if you want to, but it just has a really smooth, consistent feel in all terrain,” said Neil. “For more variable, east coast conditions it feels really comfortable. If you were to get it in better snow it would float nicely too.”

Compared to the Hometown Hero — another board from the same Burton Family Tree line — The Grill Master is a little less poppy and snappy feeling but overall is more consistent. 

As the season winds down, we will be rounding out our list of favorite upcoming products and recapping the year on our socials and podcast, The Boston Ski Party. 

For any gear questions, book an appointment to see us in Boston or contact one of our gear experts!