The 2024 Elan Wildcat 82C is an excellent example of a sophisticated and technologically advanced front side ski that still has a wide and broad application. Fun, agile, and incredibly quick, the Wildcat 82C is a crisp and sharp turner that operates extremely well on groomed and smooth terrain. While there’s a lot going on here in terms of innovation, it’s still a pretty accessible ski for most skiers. Intermediates who are progressing and advanced skiers looking for a mix of front side and all-mountain will love the light weight and easy-turning nature of the Wildcat 82C. It blends the disciplines with a wider-bodied shape but keeps the overall footprint and construction firmly in the front side and carving realm. While on-piste prowess is more in this ski’s wheelhouse than off-trail versatility, it’s still on the manageable side of the spectrum, so if you’re looking for one ski for mostly on-trail use but with some adventure built in, this is a great place to be.

Elan is able to use a variety of unique techniques in the construction of their skis because they are right/left-specific. As such, they build their skis in an asymmetric manner that allows them to be creative with where they put certain materials. In this 82C, they start with a laminated wood core that is both energetic and durable. The fiberglass laminate adds a good amount of energy to the mix while their Amphibio TruLine technology is the main driver for the ski’s smoothness and grip. By placing additional material over the inside edges of the downhill ski, they’re able to boost the edge power while keeping the uphill edge floatier and easier to turn. This creates a cohesive feeling for the skis, making the skier feel like they’re on one plane rather than two. In addition, Elan places a carbon laminate over this TruLine zone, adding stiffness and energy to the mix.

The same techniques are applied to the shape and profile of the ski in terms of asymmetry. The Wildcat 82C uses an Amphibio Rocker profile to enhance the ski’s smoothness and intuitiveness. In the right ski, for example, the inside edge has longer camber while the outside edge has longer rocker. They’rebasically twisting the ski in order to create this effect, and it works amazingly well. There’s minimal taper to speak of in this ski—a bit in the tail just to make it a bit friendlier, but overall, there’s a long effective edge in this ski, especially on the inside edges. As a result, the 158 cm length produces a shorter 12-meter turn radius that allows for crisp and clean carved turns. We’re entering the slalom realm of turn shape here, so if you’re looking to link round and perfect carves, this is a great place to be. While the waist and shape are a bit narrow and sharp to be used in an all-mountain format, there’s some versatility here, just not a lot.

With a wide range of skier and a high-end build, the 2024 Elan Wildcat 82C is an excellent choice for those in the intermediate and above realm who spend most of their time in an on-trail format. Most of us ski groomers most of the time, so it’s highly beneficial to have a ski that excels in this zone. As far as Elan is concerned, the Wildcat 82C is a prime-time performer in this realm with a sophisticated and technological build and shape.