Black Crows

Vastus Freebird Ski - 2021

Around two pounds per plank, the Black Crows Vastus Freebird Alpine Touring Ski is most certainly an ultralight option for technical ascents on high-altitude mountaineering missions. Despite its ultralight weight, the ski stands out to us because of its moderately stiff flex which supplies surprisingly capable downhill performance. This balanced flex profile is achieved by a paulownia wood core that's beefed up with carbon stringers, providing a supportive flex pattern at an astonishingly low weight.

Its 76mm waist excels on firmer snow found in high altitudes, and the extra long camber maintains edge control down steep, icy chutes. The ski’s short radius supplies intuitive handling and maneuverability in the tight couloirs that tend to attract ski mountaineers.