Slid into a demo day @ AM and tried all the Blizzard skis (at least all of their freeride models). Designated a run off of Roundhouse that included "Ladie's Slalom" into "Gunner's Knob" to get both groomer action and off-piste wonkiness; two laps per ski. Took out the new Peacemaker (186cm). It has a nice, nimble feel off-piste. Then the Gunsmoke (186cm), followed by the Brahma (180cm - loved it out the gate), Bonafide (180cm - this ski feels incredibly natural and fun, which explains why it sells out and I still can't get my hands on a pair), Magnum 8.0 Ti (I have the Ca version in a 172. This was a 179, which was a bit long for my skiing style), Cochise and Bodacious. Skied the latter two in 185/193 and 186/196 and found both the longer lengths to be surprisingly nimble and easy to whip around off-piste. Only skis left to try are the new longer Gunsmoke and the 187cm Bonafide. Conditions were edgeable hardpack, scraper, firm chalk, and packed buff. In summary: Blizzard has a solid line-up if you are a fairly-to-hella aggressive skier and like to semi-to-full-on charge in all conditions; timid skiers need not apply. Most of the skis took me two runs to dial in, but both the Brahma and Bonafide are quick to figure out and will fly off the shelves next season w/o question.
“The best place in the world to ski is where you’re skiing that day.” — Warren Miller
