THE PEOPLE’S SKI TEST - 2024 BLIZZARD RUSTLER 11

Blizzard Rustler 11
Category: Freeride
Length Tested: 186
Lengths: 168, 174, 180, 186
Dimensions: 142/114/132 @ 186
Radius: 20.5m @ 186
MSRP: $899.95
More Info: https://www.blizzard-tecnica.com/ca/en/men/skis/freeride-1/rustler/rustler-11-flat

My very first pair of skis was the 75-millimetre underfoot Blizzard Thermo, and sadly, this is the first Blizzard I’ve tried since. What took me so long? While I was admittedly a bit intimidated when I stepped onto the Rustler 11, looks can be deceiving. Big and burly at first glance, yet supple and stable on snow, this ski proved to be a nimble sheep in wolf’s clothing. I skied it in a wide variety of snow conditions, from isothermic groomers, to dust-on-crust, and blower, thigh-deep storm snow. And in all of the above, it was both effortless and solid. Its generous early rise in the tip and tail made schnoodling through bumps and trees a breeze, while its 114-millimetre waist width was a dream in the deep stuff. On harder snow, the Rustler seemed to be unflappable, without any speed limit on groomers or crud. And unlike other skis, I didn’t need to bring my a-game to make the most of it. Sized accordingly, the Rustler 11 would be well suited for a strong and enthusiastic skier, regardless of technical ability, and will provide a whole lot of fun while encouraging improvement at any skill level. —COLIN TAYLOR

Location: Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, B.C.

About This Tester:

Colin Taylor
Age: 51 / Height: 5’7” / Weight: 158 lbs
Occupation: Arborist
Years Skiing: 49
Preferred Ski: 176-186cm Length / 100mm+ Underfoot
Preferred Terrain / Conditions: Outside The Ropes / Powder