All ski lovers know that not all skis are made equal – and anyone who’s been to a ski resort would have come across the Rossignol Soul 7. High up on the list as the most popular, innovative and playful freeski in the world, it was hard to take a chairlift ride without seeing their black and yellow tips dangling over the powder.
But the Soul 7 is now resting in ski heaven after a full life making powder skiing more fun and accessible for those who were once fearful.
Rossignol released their replacement in January this year, along with a range of other brand new skis set to roam the slopes like never before.
If you love to freeride or as Rossignol says, ride free, then allow us to introduce Rossignol’s the BlackOps series. Christmas is around the corner and, let’s be real, you’ve probably earned them, right?
The BlackOps Sender, RRP $1299
These puppies sound like a video game, and with good reason; just like their name, the Sender is ready to get sendy down whatever you might throw their way; whether it be fresh, powdery tracks, hard pack, cruisy groomers or post-rain crust.
The 104 waist makes them a versatile all-mountain ski with smooth rocker lines and a tip and tail rocker to keep you afloat, while the camber underfoot offers up very decent edge grip in the sketchy stuff.
With stability even at speed, and available from sizes 164cm all the way through to 186cm, this isn’t just one for the fellas. Everyone will find them pleasantly easy to manouveur while still being solid underfoot (not to mention the design is blissfully unisex).
Bonus: They’re made from wood that comes from responsibility managed forest. 15% of the top sheet is recycled, 30% of the base is recycled and a solid 100% of the edges are recycled steel.
Bonus bonus: They’re a really, really good-looking sets of skis (kind of a resin vibe) so at least if COVID has ruined your Northern Hemisphere ski plans, you can put them on display in your living room.
Buy them if: You want the one ski to rule them all.
The BlackOps Sender TI, RRP $1499
The TIs are where sendy goes to take on a whole new level. Advanced and expert skiers who are constantly chasing the powdery good times and freeriding like they have a bit of a death wish… these are for you.
With endless power and performance up for grabs, these skis offer up 180, 187 and 194 lengths with waists of 104, 106 and 108 respectively, guaranteeing enough surface area to keep you afloat in the pow while also offering enough shape to carve the groomers on your way back to base.
These are the official Soul 7 replacement but with more directional shape and profile.
Technical terrain is a no-brainer with this rocker profile, which will keep you riding smoothly, while the camber comes in to offer up great edge contact on firmer conditions.
Bonus: The ABS material Line Control Technology offered up by Rossignol guarantees another level of stability even if you’re going really, really quick.
Buy them if: You’re still grieving the Soul 7 and want to step it up a notch to look like a hero in the pow.
The BlackOps Rallybird, RRP $1299
Go anywhere, do anything, fly free. The Rallybirds are designed to be effortlessly responsive, whether you’re the kind of gal that likes to cruise groomers all day long, charge the steeps, be challenged in trees and tougher terrain, or flip and switch between all of the above.
The Rossi team have come up with a ski that encourages you to explore and roll between soft snow and mixed conditions without hesitation, as the stability of the ski allows for speed without any panic or vibration. The width of the ski also offers up increased power and control, without sacrificing on its excellent maneuverability. Go for the 154, 160 or 170 length with a waist ranging from 100 to 102.
You can also feel good about the purchase, with the wood materials combining with the recycled topsheet, base, and edge materials to reduce the environmental impact of the product life cycle.
Bonus: The ski is made from lightweight materials, including a Paulownia wood core, that makes the ski super stable while not weighing you down when you’re lugging it through the car park over your shoulder – they’re just 3.6kg per pair.
Buy them if: You want all the latest in technology, a super-smooth ride and a ski that can handle just about anything you throw at it, all in the one pretty package.
The BlackOps Rallybird TI, RRP $1399
Ladies, let’s do this. For too long we’ve been making do with softer skis that can’t handle the crud and chop that comes alongside the better conditions.
Thankfully the team at Rossi recognise that the girls need advanced and technical skis to conquer advanced and technical terrain – and they’ve produced a pair that perform equally as well on the deeper powder days as they do on the cruisy groomer runs. From first chair to last run, whether you need float or edge, they’re here and they’re ready to free ride at your will.
Lengths come in at 163, 171 or 178 with a waist from 101 to 103, and at their heaviest they’re still only 3.8kg per pair.
Bonus: Air tip is an exclusive Rossignol technology that has been masterminded for freeriding and wide open spaces. They fill the tip with air for maximum lightness and built, resulting in the weight being focused in the center of the ski to maximize control and power beneath your feet. Pretty cool.
Buy them if: You’re an advanced to expert skier and want confident control in variable snow conditions, and you’re sick of skis with too much chatter and or a lack of control.
