We’re getting a new graphic for the 2024 Blaze 106 this year, but the ski returns otherwise unchanged. This is fantastic news for Blaze 106 enthusiasts who love the mix of uphill efficiency and downhill prowess. While this ski was originally marketed as a touring ski, the resort application of the ski quickly gained traction. Volkl was pretty early on the whole 50/50 resort/tour thing, and we’ve found that they did a great job going with the flow when skiers discovered that they were really amazing in-bounds skis as well. Sure, feel free to put a full tech or hybrid binding on these skis—they do just fine in an uphill format. Make sure, though, that you’re not missing out on a great lift-served option in the mid 100’s range—especially one that’s light and floaty and a ton of fun.

Built with Volkl’s Hybrid Multilayer wood core, the ski starts with a blend of beech and poplar. We also get their Isocore material in here, which lightens the load even further—basically it’s a light weight plastic that not only reduces weight, but also adds some much-needed stability to the mix. The core is slotted, with vertical strips milled out from the base. This takes additional weight out of the bulk of the ski. To balance that, Volkl includes a Titanal Binding platform that not only helps keep bindings (specifically tech) in place, but also adds a structural element, mainly because the laminate extends from edge to edge. Since it’s pretty light, coming in at 1593 grams in the 165 cm length, Volkl has to add some additional material to ensure smoothness and chatter-free skiing. This comes in the form of Suspension Tips and Tails. By placing a rubberized material in the ends of the ski, Volkl is able to absorb unwanted vibrations as well as adding mass to the ends to knock down chattiness.

Talk about a long and low rocker profile. This Blaze 106 is about as close as it comes to a fully-rockered ski these days (without actually being one).Basically, though, from the front of the toe piece through the tip, the shovel is slightly bent upwards, and the same goes for the tail behind the heel. While the splay, especially in the tail, doesn’t really ever amount to much, the shovel’s height off the snow does allow the 106 to float with the best of them. We’re seeing some massive tip widths here, too, with the widest part of the ski measuring 146 mm and the tail hitting 128. Combine that with the 106 waist and a 3D Radius sidecut, and we’re seeing some big numbers in the front and back. The ski has great short-turning focus when you’re skiing the middle—16-meters in the 172, but if you let them run at shallower edge angles in the tips and tails, we’re seeing radii of 33 and 25-meters respectively.

These skis have been quite versatile when it comes to application since inception. Thanks to the light weight, the ski’s ability to tour as well as charge, and the solid yet maneuverable construction, there are many skiers who will find equally as many reasons to get this ski. It could be anything from a dedicated tourer to a pow day ski for skiers like us in Vermont. Any way you choose to use it, you’ll be amazed at the blend of agility, flotation, and composure of the 2024 Volkl Blaze 106.