The 2025 Volkl Blaze 86 with Marker Squire 11 Bindings is a lightweight and versatile all-mountain ski that performs exceptionally well both in the resort and in the backcountry. Its moderate waist width and remarkably light construction make it easy to handle, allowing skiers of all levels to confidently explore the mountain. Whether tackling bumps, weaving through trees, or carving on groomed slopes, this ski proves adept in every scenario. We paired the 86 with the Marker Squire 11 because of the Squire’s high performance and dependability for lighter weight all mountain and freeride skiers. With a light weight construction and a safe, reliable release, the Squire 11 is a go to choice to keep performance high and weight low.

Why we like it:

The Blaze 86 offers impressive versatility, opening up the entire mountain, including the backcountry, to skiers.

Who it's for:

Intermediate skiers and beyond will find the Blaze 86 well-rounded and enjoyable. Those who love to navigate bumps and tight trees will particularly appreciate the quickness and agility of this lightweight ski.

Highlights:

The Blaze 86 continues Volkl’s tradition of hybrid resort/touring excellence. Like its wider counterparts, it features Volkl’s Multilayer Woodcore, which is milled out along the bottom to reduce weight. Fiberglass underfoot adds stiffness for better grip on firm snow, while Suspension Tips minimize swing weight and vibrations, enhancing the ski’s playful and lightweight feel. Additionally, Volkl’s 3D radius allows for a variety of turn shapes, boosting the ski's versatility and playfulness. Marker’s Triple Pivot Light 2 Toe and Hollow Linkage Heel systems work in tandem to provide powerful energy transmission to the ski, allowing for maximum edge grip and control of the ski. Lighter weight skiers can rest easy knowing the Squire 11 will be easier than ever to step into thanks to a re-designed heel piece. Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Squire 11 is the anti-ice rail, which sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape the sole of your boots clean before stepping in.

Things to consider:

While the Blaze 86 is impressively lightweight for a resort-capable ski, it’s on the heavier side for a dedicated touring ski. For those seeking a pure touring experience, lighter options are available. For hybrid resort and touring use, pairing it with a hybrid binding will optimize performance in both areas.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The Blaze 86 skis true to size.