Tester and test conditions
As a test rider for the Valhalla 104, I started the race at 187 cm and an unladen weight of 85 kg. With equipment I added a few kilos. Actually, only my children take me to the ski area, otherwise I love ski touring. As I've been skiing the Valhalla 115 for over a year now, I was really looking forward to testing its "little brother".
Fortunately, the test conditions have been quite varied so far, in line with the winter so far. The skis were tested both on tour and in the ski area.
Test report
The Valhalla 104 is not only a freeride ski, but also a touring ski and therefore appeals to skiers who are looking for a versatile, lightweight ski for off-piste powder adventures and demanding tours. With its 104 waist and lightweight construction, the Valhalla 104 promises ultimate fun in deep snow and effortless handling on routes with intensive ascents.
I really like the Valhalla 104 because of its eye-catching design. The successful combination of vibrant colors and dynamic lines gives the ski a modern yet sporty appearance. The construction of the ski promises a balanced mix of stability and lightness. Particularly noteworthy is the remarkably low weight of the ski, which makes it an ideal companion for extended tours.
Even though the Valhalla 104 was primarily developed for use in deep snow, it surprises with decent performance on groomed slopes. The wide waist does not allow the same agility as narrower piste skis, but the ski can still be carved through the ski area in a controlled and stable manner.
The Valhalla 104 shows its strengths above all in medium and wide turns, although it also performs effortlessly in short drift turns. With energetic use of the edge, it masters even demanding conditions with ease and maintains a fluid line. On compact surfaces and groomed slopes, sporty skiers might miss a little more dynamism and momentum. In somewhat more "difficult" conditions, e.g. snow crust/harsh snow, you notice a certain lack of flexibility compared to the 115. For me, this meant that the ski required more power to guide it in an orderly fashion.
The Valhalla 104 unfolds its full potential in powder snow and on tours. In fresh powder snow, the ski glides effortlessly through the snow and offers impressive float. Turns of all kinds are mastered with ease and skiing on unprepared slopes is a real pleasure. The Valhalla 104 is also light and efficient on tours, which is a great advantage on demanding ascents.
After the older models were still a little flabby on the chest, Freddi has quickly reworked and has tackled and eliminated the slight weakness in the current model by adding a little more stiffness in front of the binding. The head confectioner continues to optimize in his workshop in Freiburg and goes to great lengths when selecting his ingredients.
