They sorted me out with a new backcountry setup, and couldn't have been more helpful. Answered all my questions about tech bindings and boots. They obviously use the gear, and seriously know their stuff. They tracked down some hard to find items, and then got my gear sorted and in the post the same afternoon I ordered it. So glad I found this place!
- David M
K2 kick off the hype with an all-new ski range called the Dispatch. Replacing the old Wayback and Talkback touring series of skis, the Dispatch range promise improved downhill performance, at an impressive weight. K2 has also tweaked the titanal laminate, found on the Mindbender range, to provide more power towards the tips and tails for a more locked-in ride. They’ve also removed the Alliance naming, in place of a ‘W’ range – e.g. Mindbender 106 W.
With the closure of Full Tilt boots, it was only a matter of time before we saw a K2 branded three-piece boot. K2’s boot range has now essentially swallowed up the Full Tilt range, with just a few naming changes being the most obvious differences. We were stoked to see that many of the pro lines are still going too.
K2 have also unveiled a brand new touring boot, also called the Dispatch. Kind of like the Reacon, the Dispatch range is boasting a few more touring-friendly features, for increased time on the skin track.
Welcome to our 2023 Alpine Ski Test! It’s hard to believe that we are in our 6th year producing the world’s most comprehensive and expansive compilation of ski testing and reviews. We’ve hit a new high this year, with almost 400 skis from 20 vendors, spanning from race-like GS boards to the widest powder planks on the planet. From men’s to women’s, touring to on-piste, there’s something for everyone out there, and we’re here to help you find it.
One of our main sources of pride is the fact that these tests are honest and unbiased—objective in the truest sense of the word. We filter and sort through mountains of data in order to create a clear picture and personality of a ski, in the hope of creating a connection with you through text, pictures, video, and statistics. This method creates real-world value and personalized data, rather than just a smattering of scores that may not mean to you what they mean to someone else.
Whether you’re searching by brand, category, or through a tester, we’re sure there’s a great ski for you in here. Once you get to a certain zone of width, style, or construction, the differences become less and less important, and for a lot of skiers, sizing, pricing, graphics, and availability become the next most-meaningful step. From there, communication and interaction factor in to the equation—please feel free to reach out with questions and comments, and we’ll be sure to get back to you. Grab your computer, phone, or tablet and get ready to explore countless hours of ski information and footage. Each ski has a writeup, pictures, and a video to go along with it, so make sure you have some quality time set aside to really dive in and get ready for the 2023 ski season!
The Gravity Grabber is a unique, low-footprint solution for storing your ski quiver, designed to get your kit out of the corner and give it the pride of place it deserves. And unlike other storage systems, they don't just hold skis. Each grabber holds a pair of skis, poles, a snowboard, a skateboard, or even your yard …
- Ski Guides
While the 2021-2022 season may be over and gone, we are ready to look ahead at this coming winter's gear! Some of our beloved brands have given us a sneak peak at what's to come. Lets dive into some of the skis we will be bringing in next season, new innovations, and ski series being introduced.
2022 - 2023 Winter Ski Preview
2023 Armada Skis
Look out 2023 Season! Armada is stepping up their game with a new series of Touring skis, updated graphics, and more. At Skiis and Biikes we are excited to be expanding our selection for next season offering women specific park skis and more powder skis. Check out some of the skis we will be offering!
Locator Series
StyleTouringSkill levelIntermediate - AdvanceRocker StyleEST Freeride RockerCoreCaruba CoreBaseComp Series BaseExtrasTI Binding DampenerThere’s an all-new archetype for touring skis built around downhill performance. The Locator Series is designed for adventures beyond the ropes where untouched powder and steep lines await. Combining phenomenal performance characteristics with super light weights, the four skis in this collection are the ultimate tools explore the mountains anywhere your legs, lungs and willpower can take you. Locator Series skis are balanced to excel on the up and the down in the enormous range of conditions found in the backcountry with float, stability and versatility at weights that won’t sap the energy needed to charge the descents. It’s okay to draw outside the lines. There are no limits to where we can go.
Skiis and Biikes will be offering the following models (in order from left to right in image): Locator 112, Locator 96, Locator 104
ARW Series
StylePark - WomensSkill levelBeginner - IntermediateRocker StyleAR Freestyle RockerCoreCaruba CoreBaseComp Series BaseExtrasSmear Tech, S7 Base, AR75 SidewallThe ARW Series remains the most dedicated women’s all-mountain freestyle lineup out there. This collection offers everything you need to scratch some tricks off your list with style and grace.
Skiis and Biikes will be offering the following models (in order from left to right in image): ARW 96, ARW 86, ARW 84
ARV Series
StyleParkSkill levelBeginner - Intermediate - AdvanceRocker StyleAR Freestyle RockerCorePoplar Ash CoreBaseS7 BaseExtrasSmear Tech, AR75 SidewallShop the 2022 ARV SeriesThe ARV SERIES is the funnest family in skiing. Built for the all-mountain, freestyle skier, the ARV Series packs performance and durability. From park, to sidecountry, to backcountry, the ARVs are giving skiers a step up in a step-down world.
The ARV line also features two powder skis, the ARV 106 and ARV 116 JJ (Available Online Only).
Skiis and Biikes will be offering the following models (in order from left to right in image): ARV 84, ARV 86, ARV 96
Other notable 2023 Armada skis we will be offering are (left to right in image):
- 2023 Armada ARW 106 UL
- 2023 Armada ARV 116 JJ UL
- 2023 Armada Stranger
- 2023 Armada Whitewalker 121
- 2023 Armada Declivity 82 TI
2023 Atomic Skis
Serving up newness with a long history of ski innovation, Atomic's 2023 line is sure to please everyone from racers to powder chasers. Look out for newly technology in carving skis and the ever impressive partnership with Bent Chetler. We are proud to offer a stunning selection for the upcoming season.
Atomic Redster Q Series
StylePiste, CarvingSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShapeAll Condition Piste ShapeRocker StyleActive CamberCorePower WoodcoreBaseWorld Cup BaseExtrasRevoshock S, TI Powered, Structured TopsheetShop Atomic SkisThis is not a ski for race gates or speed suits. The Q wants to get out and run. It excels on firm morning corduroy, slashes through chop and handles slush with aplomb. When the on-piste conditions get a little dicey, the Redster Q is right at home. The Redster Q traces its DNA straight to Atomic’s World Cup-winning Redster program. With Revoshock, Power Woodcore, and a Titanal powered laminate, this ski has racing in its blood and exploration in its soul. The following Atomic Q Series skis will be available at Skiis and Biikes (pictured left to right):
Atomic Bent Chetler Series
StyleBig Mountain Powder, ParkSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShapeDirectional ShapeRocker StylePowder RockerCorePower WoodcoreSidewallDura Cap SidewallExtrasGlossy Topsheet, HRZN Tech Tip & TailShop Atomic SkisFrom freeride to freestyle, the Bent Family delivers the broadest bandwidth of performance characteristics for any terrain. Designed by Chris Benchetler, developed and loved by the Atomic Freeski Team, every Bent is super playful in big mountain powder and fearlessly progressive in the park. HRZN Tech Tip & Tail delivers 10% more surface area for awesome flotation in deep snow without adding any width or weight to the ski. This feature also creates a more relaxed tip and tail for more playful, progressive performance in freestyle terrain. Leaving true ingenuity to the skier, abstract base and top sheet graphics reinterpret Benchetler’s hand-drawn artwork to encompass a passion for self-expression and creating art through skiing.
2023 Blizzard Skis
Blizzard Thunderbird Series
StyleCarvingSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShapeAll Condition Piste ShapeRocker StyleCamberCoreTrueblend Woodcore on-pisteBaseSintered Carbon BaseExtrasRevoshock S, TI Powered, Structured TopsheetShop Blizzard SkisThe Thunderbird collection has been specifically designed around two fundamental concepts that are key to having a great on-piste skiing experience. First, is to deliver the highest level of on-piste performance, making it extremely accessible. The ability to have power and performance on demand has never been so available. Second, is the ability to choose models based on turn shape. These two concepts, combined, provide with the ultimate confidence and freedom to carve and ski fast or slow on any groomed piste.
Blizzard Phoenix Series
StyleCarving, All-MountainSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShapeBMP ShapeRocker StyleFull CamberCoreTrueblend Woodcore on-pisteSidewallSanwich Compound SidewallExtrasSintered carbon baseBlizzardShop Blizzard SkisThere’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when a perfectly groomed canvas of corduroy is sprawled before you and the anticipation of laying down arcs and sending it full throttle gets you going. Whether lapping groomed trails with your friends, or speeding down firm snow, you can expect that feeling of smooth transitions and effortless arcs that make any day on the hill a good day.
2023 Dynastar Skis
Dynastar E Series
StyleAll MountainSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShape3D Profile TechnologyRocker StyleTip RockerCoreTrueblend Woodcore on-pisteBaseSintered BaseExtrasHybrid CoreShop Dynastar SkisThe counterpart of the E 4x4 series, tailored to the female body shape for maximum versatility. Skis designed to help you improve your performance on all kinds of terrain and explore the entire ski area with comfort and performance. Take skiing pleasure to a whole new level with outstanding reliability and smooth gliding on all kinds of snow. The 3D profile provides lightness, agility and strength for optimum power distribution while the Hybrid core maximizes control and snow contact for even more thrilling and vibrant sensations.
Dynastar Speed Series
StyleCarvingSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShapeBMP ShapeRocker StyleOn TrailCoreAsh WoodSidewallSandwich Full SidewallExtrasFull TI LayerShop Dynastar SkisFrom the first turn to the last, from dawn to dusk, slope after slope, we can never get enough. No matter our level, we feed on adrenaline. The SPEED range combines a hybrid core with the V TECH technology to ensure: power, control and agility.
2023 Head Skis
Head Kore Series
StyleAll MountainSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShape3D Profile TechnologyRocker StyleTip-Tail RockerCoreKaruba-Poplar Light Weight WoodcoreBaseStructured UHM C BaseExtrasMultilayer-Carbon sanwich cap, GraoheneShop Head SkisWe stripped back what wasn’t needed, further refined our products and left only the essentials. Go bigger, further, higher, and deeper, you can trust KORE equipment to deliver on the days you dream of. With less weight to hold you back, you can focus entirely on one thing: The skiing.
Head Joy Series
StyleCarving, All-MountainSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvancedShapeV-Shape ProfileRocker StyleAllride RockerCoreWood Composite CoreSidewallSandwich Full SidewallExtrasLYT Tech, ERA 3.0, GrapheneShop Head SkisWith technology and performance straight from a race pedigree, introducing the new JOY line. Each ski in this range has been individually designed for strong female skiers who demand maximum versatility, meeting a range of abilities, from beginner to expert, both on and off-piste terrain.
2023 Icelantic Skis
Icelantic Nomad Series
StyleAll MountainSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvanceShape3D Profile TechnologyRocker StyleRocker/ Camber/ RockerCoreHybrid Flight CoreBaseDurasurf 4001 sintered HDPE base, EXTL 2200 Tri-Axe fiberglassExtras2.2mm steel edge, Durasurf 2001 HDPF sidewallShop Icelantic SkisThe Icelantic Skis are the narrowest option in an outstanding freeride lineup built to take on any challenge on the mountain, whether that's pinning the chute you've been eyeing up for years or booping your favorite side hits. As with all Nomads, the ski starts with a Poplar and Paulownia core and uses Icelantic's no-nonsense sandwich construction with Tri-Axe fiberglass, rubber foil over the edges for dampness, and top grade base and sidewall material from Crown Plastics. When you're out for the day, and the plan isn't limited to what you'll find inbounds, the Nomad series is a good companion to have.
Icelantic Riveter Series
StyleCarving, All-MountainSkill LevelIntermediate - AdvancedRocker StyleRocker/ Camber/ RockerCorePoplar Power CoreSidewallDurasurf 2001 HDPE SidewallExtras2.2mm steel edge, Durasurf 4001 sintered HDPE baseShop Icelantic SkisYou can end your hunt for a versatile daily driver. The Icelantic Riveter Skis deliver riveting performance across the board, from perfect corduroy to windblown crust to fluffier, friendlier stuff. Bomber Icelantic construction based on their Poplar Power core and proven Tri-Axe layup mean this ski rides as solidly as many heavier options, with a snappy, responsive personality you'll appreciate when you bring them up to speed.