RRP: £450

Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188

Turn radius: 17m @180

Dimensions: 127-94-117

Weight per pair: 3400g

More Info: Blizzard

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Over the past few years we really have yo-yo’d between piste-orientated and freeride-biased All Mountain winners, but this time we’ve gone for something so fun we knew it had to win an award. It just a while to work out which one…

 

        

The Rustler series landed last season and wowed our test team; and the Blizzard Rustler 9 arrives this season and we liked it so much it’s hijacked one of our top accolades.

Lee spent the most time aboard a pair and had plenty to say. Actually, he has pretty much written the review…

“This is a really fun and extremely confidence-inspiring all-mountain/freeride ski. It’s a great step up for a skier looking for a more performance-driven freeride ski that’s not too difficult to get the best out of. Titanal is laidinthe shape of the topsheet to filter power to the edges of the ski and gives a 90mm ski incredible edge control. Additional tech comes in via the carbon tip and tail to dampen vibration.

“So if you are stepping up from a piste ski then this is a real cracker. It is in Blizzard’s recreational category, but it skied so well and suited everyone who skied it. Super-easy turn initiation, but incredibly good edge control and great vibration damping. Very pivoty/turny underfoot thanks to that rocker. This was a great all-rounder and perfect for either your one week a year holiday or first steps to becoming a freeride warrior. Next stop Freeride World Tour!”

 

Dickie was equally moved:

“Fun, with edges. So it looks and feels like a slightly skinny freestyle powder ski, but is actually a proper all-mountain tool with added raw entertainment. It felt more relaxed to turn in than the system skis yet still somehow super-lively and fired round nicely from the tail. Super-stable edge to edge, too. A favourite.”

 

The in-category winners tend to be more pistey, but after skiing the Blizzard Rustler 9 the team knew we had to look at it for an overall All Mountain victory. After all, what defines all-mountain skiing more than having the biggest smile wherever you’ve been riding?

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