Elan Ripstick 102 Skis 2027

The Ripstick 102 might be the most underrated ski in the entire Ripstick lineup.

Everyone talks about the Ripstick 96. Rightfully so. It's one of the most versatile skis ever made and remains one of the easiest skis in the industry to recommend.

But what if your skiing priorities lean a little more toward soft snow, trees, bowls, and off-trail adventures?

That's where the Ripstick 102 comes in.

When Elan redesigned the Ripstick collection, they didn't simply make the 96 wider. They created a ski that fills a very specific role in the lineup. The Ripstick 102 sits right in the sweet spot between an all-mountain ski and a freeride ski. It's built for skiers who want one ski that can truly do everything, but whose idea of a perfect day involves spending more time off trail than on it.

Compared to the Ripstick 96, the 102 gets a little more width and a little more rocker. That might not sound like much on paper, but on snow it makes a meaningful difference.

The 102 floats better.

It pivots easier.

It feels less demanding in trees, bumps, and technical terrain.

And when conditions get soft, the ski comes alive.

That's not to say the Ripstick 102 gives up much on groomers.

Far from it.

One of the reasons Ripsticks have developed such a loyal following is their energy. They initiate turns effortlessly, feel light underfoot, and have a playful personality that encourages you to ski creatively. The Ripstick 102 maintains all of those characteristics while adding enough platform and stability to tackle bigger terrain and deeper snow.

It's still remarkably fun to carve.

It's still quick edge-to-edge for its width.

It's still easy to ski.

And unlike many skis over 100 mm, it never feels cumbersome or sluggish.

A lot of that comes from Elan's construction philosophy. The Ripstick remains relatively lightweight compared to much of the competition, which pays dividends every time you enter tighter terrain, navigate bumps, or spend all day exploring the mountain.

Compared to the Ripstick 102 Black Edition, the standard Ripstick 102 is more forgiving, easier to maneuver, and more approachable for a wider range of skiers. The Black Edition adds stability, edge grip, and a higher performance ceiling for stronger and more aggressive skiers. The standard 102 focuses more on versatility, ease of use, and fun.

For many skiers, that's exactly what they're looking for.

Want to carve groomers in the morning? No problem.

Dip into some trees after lunch? Easy.

Find a fresh stash of snow three days after a storm? That's where it shines.