Elan Ripstick 96 Skis 2027

The Ripstick 96 has been one of the easiest skis in the industry to recommend for years.

Why?

Because it makes a huge range of skiers better.

Whether you're an intermediate looking to venture off-trail for the first time or an expert searching for a lightweight daily driver, the Ripstick 96 has a way of building confidence that very few skis can match.

For the latest generation, Elan improved one of the few criticisms we've ever had.

The new Ripstick 96 is stronger, quieter, and more stable than previous versions, yet somehow it remains just as approachable and easy to ski.

That's not an easy balance to strike.

An updated rocker profile makes turn initiation smoother and more predictable while improving maneuverability in bumps, trees, and tighter terrain. At the same time, redesigned tip and tail shaping help the ski grip harder on firm snow while reducing the tendency to get knocked around in chopped-up conditions.

The result is a Ripstick that feels more composed everywhere.

On groomers, the ski lays over beautiful arcs and feels more planted than previous generations. Off piste, it remains one of the most intuitive skis on the market. Trees, bumps, mixed snow, spring slush—it handles all of it with a calm, predictable feel that encourages skiers to explore terrain they might otherwise avoid.

That's always been the magic of the Ripstick.

It's light. Nimble. Agile.

Unlike many skis in the 95-100 mm category, it never feels like work. The ski responds immediately to input, pivots effortlessly, and remains incredibly easy to balance on. For progressing skiers, that's a confidence-building dream. For experienced skiers, it simply makes skiing more fun.

And while the Ripstick 96 remains incredibly approachable, don't mistake that for weakness.

This newest version has noticeably more backbone than previous generations. Strong skiers can push it harder, ski it faster, and trust it more when conditions become firm or challenging. If you've skied older Ripsticks and felt they occasionally lacked support, this update addresses that concern in a meaningful way.

That said, the Ripstick 96 still knows exactly what it is.

It's not trying to be the Ripstick 96 Black Edition.

The Black Edition remains the choice for stronger, more aggressive skiers who prioritize carving performance, stability, and power. The additional carbon gives it a higher performance ceiling and more horsepower.

The standard Ripstick 96 takes a different approach.

It's lighter on its feet, easier to bend into a turn, slightly more forgiving, and more confidence-inspiring for the majority of skiers. If the Black Edition is the athlete, the standard Ripstick 96 is the crowd favorite.

For many skiers, it's actually the better choice.

The reason is simple: versatility.

There are very few skis that can carve this well, handle off-trail terrain this comfortably, and remain this approachable for such a broad range of abilities. From progressing intermediates to advanced skiers looking for an easy-going daily driver, the Ripstick 96 continues to be one of the most well-rounded skis available.