Novelties 2022/23 | Skis

However, the information is largely based on mailings we received from manufacturers and our own research online - after all, we weren't able to scrutinise the new products ourselves at ISPO, let alone take copyright-free pictures...

There continues to be a trend towards more sustainable production materials, a broader(er) product range and line care, as well as cosmetic changes. The increased availability of unisex models is also noticeable.

Due to the scarcity of information and the aforementioned lack of a personal exchange with the manufacturers on site, here is a small list overview of the various manufacturers: 

There is a new line from Armada for the upcoming season: the Locator series, which sees itself as a freetouring line and will be available in widths of 112mm, 104mm, 96mm and 88mm. With a weight of roughly 1500g in 112mm and 180cm length, there is still enough energy left in the legs for the descent even after a long ascent. 

There are also three other models: the Whitewalker 121, which will only be available in 183cm length and is intended to appeal to more freestyle-oriented riders, as well as the ARG II UL ski with an incredible 133mm centre width.
The prize for the best name also goes to Armada with the Short Pants Paradox ski with a centre width of 112mm and a 21.5m radius. Available in 168cm and 176cm - according to the manufacturer a big mountain ski for smaller riders.

Salomon has revised the QST series. With four different models, the popular freeride model series is broadly positioned and therefore offers the right ski for every use. New is the QST Blank, which, with a waist width of 112 mm in the centre of the ski, is primarily intended for deep days. Also new is the QST 98, which is designed to be stable even in extremely tight and super-soft turns and at high speeds. The 98 mm waist allows it to float well even in powder snow and in combination with the S/LAB Shift binding it is perfect for the odd short ascent. The QST series is therefore available in 92mm, 98mm, 106mm and 112mm centre widths.

With the completely new Pure line, SCOTT is creating a new series ranging from piste skis to powder weapons. The new line-up includes the following models: 

Pure Pow 115 Ti, Pure Pro 109 Ti (PG material test), Pure Mission 98 Ti, Pure Mission 98 W's Ti, Pure Free 90 Ti, Pure Free 90 W's Ti, Pure Piste 77 Ti and the Pure Junior for young freeriders.

In addition, the new Proguide series replaces the former Speedguide series as lightweight and ascent-orientated touring skis. The Proguide models are made with an elliptical sandwich sidewall construction made of carbon/aramid and a continuous paulownia wood core. This is available in 89mm centre width in 156cm, 163cm, 169cm and 176cm, and in 96mm in lengths of 167cm, 173cm and 179cm. In terms of weight, they weigh between 1040g and 1280g.

Völkl has new carving models: the Flair as a ladies-only model, the Deacon in 72mm and 76mm as a men's model. A new park ski is also being launched, the Revolut in 84mm and 90mm.

Further updates were made to the Kendo and Kenja models in 88mm and the Mantra and Secret models in 102mm.