Elan Ripstick Tour

While designed primarily for backcountry touring, the Ripstick Tour is versatile enough for resort use. Its 104mm waist and stable construction handle groomed runs and sidecountry terrain well, though it is significantly lighter than a dedicated resort ski, so it may feel less planted on hard-packed ice.

The Amphibio profile uses a specific cambered inside edge for precise grip and a rockered outside edge for a smoother, more forgiving turn entry. This design makes the ski feel intuitive and surfy in soft snow while maintaining reliable edge hold when you need to carve on firmer snow.

At 1540g, the Ripstick Tour is impressively lightweight for its size, making it an excellent choice for long days in the mountains. The TubeLite wood core and carbon reinforcement keep the weight down without sacrificing the torsional stiffness needed for technical ascents.

This ski is ideal for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers who want a balance of climbing efficiency and downhill performance. It suits those who prioritize a lightweight setup for the ascent but still want a damp, stable ride when navigating variable snow conditions on the way down.

While a 23m radius is on the longer side, the ski's rocker-camber-rocker profile and lightweight construction make it surprisingly agile. You can pivot and smear the skis easily in tight spaces, though it will naturally prefer wider, sweeping turns at higher speeds.