2026 Elan Ripstick 88

The 2026 Elan Ripstick 88 is a carryover model this year, bringing the same build, shape, and graphics along with it. There's a lot to like about this ski. Mainly, how does a ski with this much flex and this little weight provide so much energy and fun? That’s the main question and we hope to be able to answer it with our testing. At the end of the day, the main answer comes down to the carbon tubes. These little rods of carbon do so much of the heavy lifting, incorporating energy and pop into the mix of grip and versatility. As an 88 (actually 90 mm underfoot), these skis have the capacity to go from on-trail to off in the blink of an eye. They are incredibly quick and easy to use with amazing zip.

Elan takes some fun liberties here with the build as they do use asymmetry and a right/left-specific ski. The Ripstick 88 continues the poplar and paulownia wood core from tip to tail. In fact, the Ripstick uses a flax weave in lieu of vapor tips, so there’s more material up front in terms of wood. They did, however, seem to thin the core profile a bit, to keep the weight to a minimum and allow for proper flex in the tips. The 88 is feather-light, hitting 1600 grams per ski in the 182 cm length. That’s pretty darn light. We won’t tell anyone they can’t tour on this ski due to the weight, even though there are more specific tour skis within Ripstick’s line. That type of versatility is hard to come by at this weight—these skis are so incredibly simple to maneuver. Tester Jeff Neagle states that the Ripstick 88 is “One of my favorite all mountain skis. At my weight it holds an edge just fine and honestly carves great, but then it’s quick and agile in bumps, super easy to ski, and just such a fun-loving ski.”

Not only does Elan use asymmetry in the build, but also in the shape. The taper is brought down in the shovel to make for a wider tip that is drifty and playful. We get better flotation as well as an easier turning character. Due to the shape and profile, Jeff notes that the new 88 is best when used “Really any kind of terrain is fair game the bigger limitation would be really deep snow, but there are lots of wider Ripsticks.” We keep coming back to weight, but shape has a lot to do with agility as well, with a short turn radius and an easy-to-use personality. Those things add up to a ski that’s super nimble and quick. Amphibio Rocker profile also adds to the allure, featuring more rocker on the outer edges and more camber along the insides. This makes for an incredibly smooth and predictable character that makes perfectly parallel turns with ease.

This is a true all-terrain ski. These skis have such a large sweet spot. It’s harder to find someone who this ski won’t work for versus someone that it will. This appeal is very broad, from progressing beginners to lighter and less aggressive experts. Even those that are accomplished, skilled, and strong will find something to like here. They are incredibly easy to use and very friendly in a variety of snow conditions and terrain. Now in the second season, the Ripstick 88 will attract a new set of skiers with its alluring character.