THE PEOPLE’S SKI TEST - 2024 ROSSIGNOL BLACKOPS 98 W

Rossignol Blackops 98 W (Dusk)
Category: Freestyle (Women’s)
Length Tested: 170
Lengths: 160, 170
Dimensions: 131/98/121
Radius: 17m @ 170
MSRP: $799.95
More Info: https://www.rossignol.com/ca-en/womens-freeride-skis-blackops-98-open-RALMF02000.html

The first day I skied the Rossignol Blackops 98 W, despite the conditions being fairly wanting, I was impressed with how comfortable it made me feel in challenging snow. For more of a playful, freestyle-oriented ski, with ample tip and tail rocker, it still retained a sturdiness that allowed me to navigate icy chutes and chunder. But the real surprise came when Red Mountain Resort got a sneaky, unexpected pow day, and I found myself on this ski in 25-to-30 centimetres of fresh. Initially, I was gutted that I wasn’t on something wider than a 98-millimetre underfoot ski, but after my first lap, I was blown away by how much fun I was having. This ski was such a good time in powder, as while it didn’t necessarily float on top, it cut right through the middle, resulting in face shot after face shot. It would occasionally submarine, but it was more than worth it for the overall experience. The Blackops, like its name, expertly handled any tricky situation I threw at it, which made it an excellent all-mountain, all-condition ripper. —KATE VERHAGEN

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

About This Tester:

Kate Verhagen
Age: 33 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 157 lbs
Occupation: Geologist
Years Skiing: 32
Preferred Ski: 180cm Length / 105mm+ Underfoot
Preferred Terrain / Conditions: Well-Spaced Trees / Powder