2026 Elan Ripstick 102

Elan has had a stranglehold on fun and energetic skiing for almost half a decade now with the Ripstick series. Splitting the difference between the 108 and 96 in the Ripstick line, the 2026 Elan Ripstick 102 is a very versatile ski that can be used as an everyday freeride ski for a variety of conditions and terrain. As a mid-range width in the Ripstick line, the 102 sits nicely in the wider all-mountain and narrower freeride realm. For years, we’ve touted the Ripstick series of skis as being some of the lightest and most fun skis around, and this 102 takes that torch and carries it into 2026. Elan and their Ripstick 102 are poised to take up a big chunk of the ~100 mm range—especially the part of the population that favors lightweight playfulness. This ski certainly excels in that range.

Asymmetry is an interesting thing when it comes to ski building. There are some construction attributes here that set the 102 apart from the older versions of the ski, making it easier to use at a variety of speeds and a multitude of edge angles. With a full wood core consisting of poplar and paulownia, Elan does away with its Vapor tip inserts in favor of full wood and a flax laminate in the shovel. We still get carbon rods that run alongside the edges but now get two strips of unidirectional carbon under the wood core. These strips are longer on the inside and shorter on the outside to bolster the concept of an asymmetrical ski build. They’re light, with the 182 hitting a paltry 1720 grams per ski. For a 102, this is one of the lighter non-touring or hybrid skis out there, although we certainly won’t tell you that you can’t tour on these skis. Tester Andrew Ruschp states that the 102 is a “Fantastic ski. Great edge hold. Was able to float on heavy corn snow. Great all around very nimble felt like an 88 under foot. Just buy this ski.”

With the amphibio rocker profile, these skis are incredibly smooth and natural from edge to edge. They do not hook or grab at all, rather the turns are seamless and easy. Still, more of a soft snow specialist, as heavier tester Bob St.Pierre remarks: “The shovels felt a bit soft, and that made it not want to be direct with turn initiation, but this was on groomers, and the skis are more meant to be used in softer and fresher snow. It felt a lot more like a freeride ski for lighter skiers than anything else.” Basically, they’re incredibly easy and fun to ski. Those qualities have not left the Ripstick line in the least with this build and shape. With a light weight and an easy to turn nature, the Ripstick 102’s shape is ideal for progressing freeride skiers.

That weight and flex do make for a very accessible ski. As such, there’s a bit of a limit here to the 102, but the good news is that they also make the Black Edition which ramps up the stability with extra carbon rods in the central portions of the ski. As of now, though, the 102 is an amazing option for progressing intermediates through lighter experts who are looking to maximize their fun and enjoyment in various conditions and terrain. If you’re looking for your first ski over 100 mm wide, this is a fantastic place to start. If you love the trees and making quick and easy turns but want a wider platform, the Ripstick 102 is very fun and super simple.