Brand: Elan

Category: All-Mountain Skis

Recommended by Carl Beach, Skier, vineyard owner, and international educator — Vidosici, Slovenia

Highlights: stability, lightweight, powder capable

The Ripstick 96 Black Edition Ski is a high-performance all-mountain ski designed for advanced to expert skiers who crave power, precision, and stability across diverse snow conditions. With its unique blend of lightweight materials and robust construction, this ski excels in both aggressive carving and freeride adventures. 1. 96mm waist width for optimal versatility across various snow conditions. 2. Tubelite wood core combined with a carbon layup for reduced weight and enhanced dampness. 3. Amphibio profile for intuitive turn initiation and seamless transitions. 4. Raised tail design that improves maneuverability and stability at high speeds. 5. Engineered for aggressive all-mountain and freeride skiing, providing confidence in variable terrain. 6. Ideal for skiers seeking a balance of playfulness and control without sacrificing performance. The Ripstick 96 Black Edition is perfect for advanced and expert skiers looking to conquer the entire mountain with speed and intent. It thrives in a variety of conditions, from groomed runs to powder-filled backcountry, making it ideal for aggressive all-mountain and freeride skiing. This ski is designed for those who enjoy high-speed carving and navigating chop, ensuring a thrilling experience on the slopes throughout the winter season.

Price: $949.99

Carl Beach's review

My true "all-mountain" skis for softer days inbounds and more challenging days in the backcountry. Not the lightest to skin up, but I really appreciate how they perform on the way down. Go with the Black Edition for more stability and pop while the 96 regular edition is still very good (as well as a bit lighter) and can accommodate a wider range of skier abilities.

Recommended by Carl Beach, Skier, vineyard owner, and international educator

Frequently asked questions

What does Carl Beach say about the Ripstick 96 Black Edition Ski - 2026?

Why does Carl Beach recommend Elan?

Carl Beach recommends the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Ski - 2026 for all-mountain skis. My true "all-mountain" skis for softer days inbounds and more challenging days in the backcountry. Not the lightest to skin up, but I really appreciate how they perform on the way down. Go with the Black Edition for more stability and pop while the 96 regular edition is still very good (as well as a bit lighter) and can accommodate a wider range of skier abilities.

Is the Ripstick 96 Black Edition Ski - 2026 a good all-mountain ski?

Yes — Carl Beach recommends the Ripstick 96 Black Edition Ski - 2026 by Elan as their all-mountain skis pick. My true "all-mountain" skis for softer days inbounds and more challenging days in the backcountry. Not the lightest to skin up, but I really appreciate how they perform on the way down. Go with the Black Edition for more stability and pop while the 96 regular edition is still very good (as well as a bit lighter) and can accommodate a wider range of skier abilities.