The 2023 Rossignol Experience all-mountain collection is geared slightly more towards groomer application and firm snow performance than ever before, and this Experience 82 Basalt is a perfect example. At 82 mm underfoot, it basically blurs the line between frontside and all-mountain skis. This particular model is intended to be approachable and appropriate for less aggressive and more intermediate-level skiers who will benefit more from a lighter, quicker ski as opposed to a heavier, more powerful option. To achieve this, Rossignol uses a lightweight Paulownia wood core that uses basalt laminates instead of metal. Basalt is a really cool material for ski construction as it provides a nice amount of stability, responsiveness, and vibration damping at a much lighter weight than metal. If you’re wondering, the basalt stone is washed, crushed, melted, and then stretched into fibers before going into the ski. For those of you thinking “there are rocks in these skis?” The answer is yes, but also kind of no. Its shape is mostly camber with some nice tip rocker, which Rossignol refers to as their All Trail Profile. There isn’t any early taper, meaning that as you tip the ski further on edge, you get a longer effective edge and better grip. Rossignol also uses their Drive Tip Solution construction, which uses a blend of materials to help further reduce vibration and chatter and turn those harsh impacts into smoother and more usable energy once it reaches your foot. Also, with an integrated binding, the 2023 Rossignol Experience 82 Basalt is a great value.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber
CORE MATERIALS
Rectangular Sidewalls
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers, All Mountain
On the 176, Dave Hatoff noted the sizing to be just right. He gave the ski high marks of 4’s out of 5 for overall impression, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. 3’s covered the rest of his card, making the case for the Experience 82 Basalt as a well-rounded all-mountain ski. He calls it “Easy to ski and engage in a turn, this ski will appeal to a wide variety of skiers. A great front side ski, excels on groomers, bumps and steeps. Playful but just the right amount of flex and stiffness. Can be skied fast or slow, and you don't have to be on your "A" game all the time to enjoy this ski. Intermediates to advanced skiers will enjoy this ski.” The range of the ski at those levels is what really makes it stand out. There are a lot of skis that excel in one area or another, and for a front-side/all-mountain ski, the blend of these characteristics is one of the best parts of the Experience 82 Basalt.
Matt McGinnis, also on the 176, has a pretty specific demographic nailed down for this ski: “Dad hasn’t skied in 30 years? New boyfriend who’s never skied but wants to impress your ski family anyways? The Rossignol Experience 82 Basalt gives both of these guys a shot at success. Super maneuverable and easy to ski, the E82 Basalt makes it easy to correct your errors and look like a hero when you get it on edge. More specifically, the gratuitous early rise combined with a stiffer tail makes it easy to engage a turn, and prevents washing out if you find yourself on your heels. While this ski would be easily overpowered by strong skiers on advanced terrain, it would make an excellent option for beginner or intermediate frontside skiers looking to build confidence.” Matt’s top scores were 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, and forgiveness, while he had a low mark of 2 out of 5 for flotation, which isn’t terribly surprising given the narrower shape of the ski.
Overall, the 2023 Rossignol Experience 82 Basalt is going to be best for skiers who spend most of their time on groomed slopes and who aren’t the most aggressive skiers. They strike a nice blend between precision and forgiveness. It is a fantastic ski for a beginner or intermediate to use as a tool to promote progression in their technique and capabilities on snow. It’s not too demanding or too tiring, but as you progress, the ski will remain supportive, and most importantly, fun!
