2023 Stockli Stormrider 95

Stockli’s Stormrider 95 is quite possibly the most versatile and highest-quality one-ski quiver ever. This is big-time accolade here, but the blend of performance, shape, and construction really wills this title into reality. Still, it might not be the best ski choice for everyone, but for high-end all-mountain skiers looking for a ski that carves, floats, and swerves down the mountain in any conditions or terrain, this is as good a choice as any. Built with a wood core and two sheets of metal, the Stormrider 95 is strong and burly, yet has a lighter weight and more approachable flex than some of the mid-90's competitors. The tip shape is floaty and fun, while the tail has more of a business-like flair to it. Thanks to the 95 mm underfoot width, the skis have that combination of edge grip and flotation that skiers looking for one ski to do it all will really love. Titec Pro topsheet technology puts the power, dampness, and stability right under your boots, allowing you to directly input your influence into the ski. Thanks to Stockli’s never-ending pursuit of quality and precision, the Stormrider 95, which returns unchanged for 2023, is right at the top of our list for the most amazing ski in the world.

I got the pleasure of following Steve McKenzie down his test run, and it did not disappoint. From my perspective, he was knifing turns on the groomers, hitting rollers at high speeds, and simply slaying Stowe from top to bottom. He was on the 175, and noted that it skied a little longer than a 175. I would have sworn he was on the 184, but skied the 175 like it was a lot longer. He gave all 4’s and 5’s on his card, with the 5’s going for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, playfulness, stability, and maneuverability. The 4’s were given for forgiveness and flotation. Steve notes that this Stormrider 95 is “An absolute monster! This ski can do it all, from bullet-proof bumps to deep GS groomer turns all at full throttle speeds. 0 chatter at high speeds and kept pushing for more (Garmin watch tracked me at 61mph (NO BULL)) I had to pull back because my eyes were watering! Perfect flex from tip to tail for side hits and rollers, 5/5: would recommend to a friend.” Ryan Daniel thought the 175 was a bit short for him, but he was still all 4’s and 5’s on his card as well. Ryan’s a pretty aggressive skier like Steve, so it’s nice to see similar scores. Ryan gave 5’s for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and versatility. Ryan states that the “Ski was short for me. This is a great ski that can do it all. It is right at home in the bumps, hard-pack groomers, and powder. This ski is forgiving and great for any ability.” We do talk a lot about the range of skiers that can handle the Stormrider 95, and Ryan is keying in on that with his feedback as well.

David Wolfgang found the 175 to ski true to size, and he gave it all 4’s out of 5 with the exception of 3’s for quickness and maneuverability. David states that “Having skied the Stormrider before in soft snow, I was curious how it would perform in frozen corduroy with a finish of freezing rain. I can best summarize the Stormrider's performance- smooth as a well-aged Kentucky bourbon. An all-around pleasure of a ski experience.” Great analogy there. Benny Wax, like David, also had a lot of 4’s for the ski, all of them, in fact, showing a well-rounded and high-end attitude about the Stormrider 95. Benny calls it “a comfortable and playful ski in very diverse and changing conditions.”

If you ski a bit of everything, and do it at a variety of speeds and in versatile conditions and terrain, the Stockli Stormrider 95 has it all for you. The best part is that it does everything at such a high level of quality and precision, and that’s part of the Stockli story and why these skis are in such high demand year after year.