Blizzard Launches Freeride Collection

Blizzard has introduced the next generation of its best-selling freeride skis, Rustler and Sheeva, fully re-engineered to pop, drop or float off anything and everything thrown their way. From molds to construction technologies, there’s no shortage of Austrian-grade innovation in these skis. But ask anyone on the development team, and they’ll tell you these skis are about delivering that “feeling” that keeps free riders frothing for more.

“Whenever I speak to athletes about the products we make and what it is about their favorite skis, they all seem to use words that try to describe a specific balance or sweet spot,” said Frank Shine, Blizzard Creative Marketing Manager. “It’s hard to put into words, but you know it when you feel it, and if we continue to push ourselves to make skis with this magic swag that has our athletes coming back for more, then we are heading in the right direction.”

Blizzard’s product development team turned to its team of accomplished freeride athletes throughout every phase of development, gathering insights for what could be improved, what needed to remain the same and testing prototype after prototype to nail their vision. The goal was to make a ridiculously fun ski that would pop and float in playful terrain while balancing the flex of the ski for improved confidence at high speeds or variable conditions.

At the heart of the skis lies the Trueblend Freeride Woodcore, which positions different densities of wood at varying lengths throughout the core, resulting in stiffness underfoot, softness in the tip and tail and a specifically designed flex for every length of every model. To ensure the requested playfulness without compromising stability, the company reimagined the use of Titinal with FluxForm –  three sections specifically shaped and placed to make the ski stable underfoot, yet torsionally soft and forgiving in the tip and tail.

When combined with the new sidecut and rocker profiles, all of which are different for every length of the ski, Blizzard delivers an energetic freeride ski that delivers that feeling of being alive when you click your poles and drop into that spicy chute or stomp a line like you owned it.

The new Rustler series comes in three models: the Rustler 11, available in five lengths from 168 to 192 cm; the Rustler 10, available in six sizes from 162 to 192 cm; and the Rustler 9, available in five lengths, from 162 to 186 cm.

The Sheeva models, designed in collaboration with their Women2Women group, share the same energetic freeride spirit, but have some construction tweaks to achieve the desired performance and feeling for lady shredders.

The new Sheeva series comes in three models: the Sheeva 11, in three lengths from 168 to 180 cm; the Sheeva 10, available in five lengths from 156 to 180 cm, and the Sheeva 9, available in five sizes, from 150 to 174 cm.

The new Rustler/Sheeva models will be available at select retailers this month, with full retail launching in the fall.

For more information, please visit the Rustler Sheeva website here