2023 Blizzard Firebird HRC

There’s a whole lot of fast fun to be had on the 2023 Blizzard Firebird HRC. Structurally unchanged from last year, the HRC is the wider-bodied version of the WRC, coming in at 76 mm underfoot. While this still keeps it squarely in the front side category, from a shape, build, and profile perspective, it is nice to have that extra width in the ski for imperfect snow and mild adventures. The construction of the ski consists of a performance wood core with two sheets of metal as well as two different carbon applications. Between the wood stringers, they inlay vertical strips of carbon that function as the C-Spine of the ski. This adds quite a bit of stiffness and response to the build, giving it that race-room feel and energy. Under the mid-portion of the ski, Blizzard implements their C-Armor, which is a horizontal carbon laminate that stiffens the underfoot zone and increases torsional stiffness and edge grip. In the 174 cm length, the skis produce a 15-meter turn radius, which is right where a lot of these ~76 mm front side skis find themselves these days. Full camber means full edge grip, which is great for high-performance skiers who are looking for true tip to tail contact and smoothness.

Reuben Jalbert was on the 174 and noted that it felt true to size and a good length for him. He scored the ski a 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness and edge hold with 4’s given for stability, quickness, maneuverability, and overall impression. Lower scores of 2 for flotation, versatility, playfulness, and forgiveness are not terribly surprising, as we see a greater span in the scorecard on more single-minded skis like the HRC. Reuben calls the HRC “A very stable medium radius race ski. Perfect for ex-racers who want something stable and edge-able, but a little less work than a dedicated racing setup. Still requires a lot of input, you’ll want to be on top of this ski for sure.” Brad Schauerman was on the longer 182, and while he enjoyed it in the softer snow that we had on our test day, he did note that the 174 would be a better choice for firmer snow and more precise carves. He scored the ski 4’s out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability, so he was right in line with what Reuben had going on as well. Brad calls the HRC a “very stable ski that seemed to handle alright given the sloppy conditions. Would like to try it on a harder surface.”

Marcus Shakun skied the 182 and noted that it was a good length for him, perhaps a bit short, but as the longest possible, he’ll have to make do. Lots of high scores from Marcus on these skis, with 5’s for stability, quickness, edge hold, and overall impression. For a carving ski, Marcus notes that it’s “one ski to do it all on the front side. Can do a variety of turn shapes. Not quite a slalom turn nor a full GS turn. Great for firm and soft groomers, first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. The more you push it the better it gets. These are certainly best served by an advanced to expert skier.” Another big skier, Mike Thomas, was also on the 182, and he also scored the ski 5’s out of 5 for stability and overall impression, with torsional stiffness and edge grip right on the cusp of a 5 at 4.5. Mike states that the HRC is “a really fun ski! This is kind of versatile for a race-like ski. I really enjoy the feel Blizzard gets from their skis. Torsionally strong, but smooth and butter in the longitudinal flex. This would be a great ski for a hard-snow addict who likes technically sound turns.” For a real-world context, Mike also notes that the HRC would be “perfect for an upper-level ski instructor.”

If you’re looking to rip up the front side of the mountain, leaving nothing but deep and round trenches in your wake, the Blizzard Firebird HRC is the tool for the job. With a strong build, a wider-bodied shape, and full camber in the profile, these skis are ready and willing to take you from the top to the bottom really, really fast.