2026 Blizzard Anomaly 102

The 2026 Blizzard Anomaly 102 gets a new graphic for this year but returns structurally the same. Same shape and profile as well, allowing skiers to get another crack at this high-octane all-mountain/freeride ski. All Anomaly skis share similar builds, with different shapes and profiles to keep them separate. The 102 is the widest, and in addition to providing rock-solid performance on the feet of aggressive all-mountain skiers, it’s also got some soft snow capabilities. It’s not quite the freeride ski that the Rustler 10 has turned out to be, but it’s useful in soft snow. Especially at speed—this ski really likes speed.

The construction certainly stands out here. Built with Blizzards’s True Blend All-Mountain wood core consisting of poplar and beech stringers, the Anomaly 102 has a strong and sturdy core. The beech stringers are longer than the poplar ones, extending further into the tips and tails than the poplar. Along the sides, most of the wood shifts back to the lighter poplar to boost flexibility and approachability. They put a full sheet of metal on the bottom and then get a bit more creative with the upper laminates. By taking a full sheet and cutting the central strip out, they can layer the metal in a more effective manner. The arms along the side provide more grip and power to the edges while the center chord keeps the ski smooth and vibration-free. The result is a strong and capable ski in all conditions and terrain. It’s got some heft as well, with the 188 sitting on the scale at a stated weight of 2240 g/ski. Tester Josh Matta states that it’s “Easily one of the best feeling skis today in the slush and crud. Absolutely rails turns in this stuff and feels very quiet on the snow. Very stable yet quick and nimble. The ski is clicking all the boxes.” It’s nice to have support in heavier spring snow for sure.

The shape of this ski blurs the line between all-mountain and freeride. At 102 mm underfoot, the Anomaly is a softer snow charger and functions very well at higher speeds. In the 188, which is a pretty big ski, the 102 hits 24-meters in the turn radius. This is certainly on the long side and aids in high-speed stability. In addition, the shape makes it easier for skiers to break free from a turn and drift the thing sideways when asked. There is tip and tail rocker and width-appropriate taper, allowing the Anomaly 102 to be a decent floater for its width and weight. This separation is key, especially since they occupy very similar widths. Tester James Halnon notes that “For a heavier 100+ ski it wasn’t quite as fun as others I’d tried this week. On Cliff Trail I did find myself giggling a bit as it absolutely mowed down piles of slush and corn but quickly found myself a bit uncomfortable on Nosedive. The short, whipped turns were something to be desired, though when I dug in for wide sweeps on the final down.”

This is a bit more of a specialist ski. Experts will get the most out of the Blizzard Anomaly 102. This ski rocks when it comes to higher speeds, straighter lines, and more aggressive driving. It can carve—it has two sheets of metal after all—but if you are willing to put in some effort to get it to drift, it’ll answer that call. While it’s not as approachable or agile as the Rustler 10, it certainly fares better when encountering open zones, crud, windblown snow, and other adverse conditions. Technical skiers will love the power while those who are more moderate may find it to be slightly unwieldly, especially in shorter turns and at slower speeds. Let it run.