Elan Ripstick 88 Skis 2027

The Ripstick 88 has been one of our favorite skis in the high 80 mm category for years, and with the latest update for 2025/2026, it's better than ever.

What makes the Ripstick 88 so special isn't that it's the best at one thing. It's that it's really good at everything. Groomers, bumps, trees, mixed snow, cruising with the family, skiing hard with your buddies—it handles all of it with an ease that's difficult to find in today's ski market.

At a time when many skis in this category continue to get heavier, stiffer, and more demanding, the Ripstick 88 remains refreshingly approachable. It's one of the lightest skis in the category, incredibly nimble, and remarkably easy to ski. Turn initiation is effortless. Edge-to-edge transitions feel natural. Even skiers still developing their carving skills often find themselves making cleaner, more confident turns almost immediately.

The latest version builds upon that foundation while addressing one of the few areas where stronger skiers occasionally wanted more. The ski feels noticeably stronger and more composed at speed. Firm snow performance has improved, edge hold feels more confident, and the ski maintains its calm demeanor when conditions get challenging.

That doesn't mean it suddenly became a demanding charger. Far from it.

The Ripstick 88 still prioritizes maneuverability over brute force. There are certainly more powerful skis in this category, but most of them require more effort and precision from the skier. The Ripstick 88 remains incredibly easy to bend into a turn and forgiving when your technique isn't perfect. That's a trade-off many skiers will gladly make.

What really separates the Ripstick 88 from many other skis in this width is its versatility. Some 88 mm skis feel like frontside skis that occasionally venture off-piste. The Ripstick 88 feels like a true all-mountain ski that happens to be excellent on groomers. Its lightweight construction and quick pivoting nature make bumps, trees, and tighter terrain far more enjoyable than many competitors. No, it's not designed for bottomless powder, but when the snow gets soft or terrain gets technical, the Ripstick often feels more comfortable than skis that are theoretically built for those conditions.

More than anything, the Ripstick 88 has one of the largest sweet spots we've ever experienced.

It's honestly harder to find someone this ski won't work for than someone it will. Progressing beginners love how approachable it is. Intermediate skiers appreciate how much confidence it builds. Advanced skiers enjoy its versatility and ease of use. Even accomplished experts often find themselves smiling because skiing simply feels less work and more fun.

The arrival of the Ripstick 88 Black Edition doesn't change that. In fact, it helps define who this ski is even better.

The Black Edition is aimed at stronger, faster, and heavier skiers looking for additional stability, dampness, and carving power. It raises the performance ceiling and rewards skiers who consistently push harder. The standard Ripstick 88, however, remains the better choice for the vast majority of skiers. It's easier to bend, easier to maneuver, less demanding, and more forgiving. If the Black Edition adds muscle, the standard Ripstick 88 keeps the magic.

That's why year after year the Ripstick 88 remains one of the safest recommendations we make. It doesn't demand perfection. It doesn't pigeonhole you into one style of skiing. It simply makes skiing enjoyable in just about every situation you'll encounter.

And that's exactly why it continues to be one of our favorite skis on the wall.