2023 Liberty Genesis 106

The 2023 Liberty Genesis 106 returns unchanged but for a graphics update. On the wide side of the Genesis line sits the 106. Liberty makes some amazing freeride skis, and these are some of the best in the bunch. With Liberty’s VMT 1.0 construction, the skis get a boost from the single vertical metal laminate. It’s a strong yet simple improvement to the ski, as that vertical orientation of the metal makes for an efficient way to increase the dampness and stability of the ski. Not like it’s really needed in something that’s mostly intended to be used in fresh and soft snow, but it does help, and when you do find yourself on groomed or non-powder terrain and conditions, you’ll be pretty stoked that it’s got it. After all, it doesn’t take up much space or weight, so it’s all beneficial for the most part. With width-appropriate taper and rocker, these skis are very playful, almost obsessively so, and it makes the softer snow really stand out as the preferred method of conveyance on these skis. The shape, profile, and construction of these skis all add up to a wonderfully playful and versatile 106 that has a whole lot going for it in the right direction.

Carly Monahan was on the 164 and found it to be true to size and a good length for her. Flotation, playfulness, and forgiveness all earned the coveted 5 out of 5, with stability, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression right on the heels with 4’s out of 5. These are some consistently high scores from Carly, and we’re all about it. Whenever a 106 gets a high score for maneuverability and torsional stiffness, that’s a good sign of a ski that can do a variety of things at the same time. She calls the Genesis 106 “Fun and floaty. Ready to surf and smear but happy to lean into turns and hold an edge. Won’t work you too hard, but still reliable.” The combination of those things—being able to hold an edge as well as being surfy and smeary—is exactly what you want to see in a freeride ski, especially one that has multiple uses and applications.

Also on the 164, Alli Ruschp found the ski to be true, and she gave the ski 5’s out of 5 for flotation, playfulness, and forgiveness, showing that the well-rounded nature of the ski falls on the fun side of the spectrum. 4’s follow close behind for stability, quickness, maneuverability, and overall impression. Like Carly, we’re seeing some consistent top marks flow out of the scorecard, and we think that’s just great news. “Snurfy, that’s what it skis like. Playful in soft deep snow, great flotation and control. Light weight and not too demanding for a wide ski. Either powder or west coast ski for intermediate advanced ladies.” We’re always appreciative of when a tester invents a word like “snurfy” to describe a ski. I feel like we should have an annual competition in this test to see who can invent the best new adjective to describe a ski. So far, “snurfy” is a front-runner.

New England skiers will use this more on a snow day, while snowy-zone skiers will find this to be a nice daily driver. Either way you choose to use the Liberty Genesis 106, you’re going to have a blast. Best-suited for advanced and expert skiers who know how to use a wider, more freeride-oriented ski in its intended application, the Genesis 106 is here to bring the party to the people—and the mountain.