This Ski Is A Staff Favorite:
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By: Cara
If you're looking for a ski that navigates its way uphill like a mountain goat but still charges downhill then you're in the right place. The Navis Freebirds must have some sort of magic in them because they are nearly as fun to ski uphill as they are downhill. Black Crows builds their skis with finesse and that fine tuned performance comes out as soon as you hop on a pair them. When it comes to their Freebird line, they cut weight without cutting performance making the skis an absolute joy in the backcountry. These gems will take you anywhere you want to go, as far as you want to go. From powder, to hardpack, to corn, and everything in between, the Navis Freebirds will navigate it all like a dream. They are a phenomenal every day touring ski that will handle anything you throw at them. All in all, the Navis Freebirds open up the mountains in a way that makes you feel free as a bird.
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By: Matt M
I saw a lot of the Navis Freebird skinning up Arapahoe Basin this winter—but fear of being cliche didn't keep me from picking up a pair for my new backcountry setup. These skis absolutely nail the sweet spot for a backcountry ski. At 102mm underfoot, they're wide enough to float and narrow enough to be quick and nimble. Relatively stiff, they're reliable in crusty chutes while also being light enough to be a worthy option for bigger tours. At 5'7"/160, I was tempted to size down to a 169, but the 179 has proven to be the best choice I've made all winter. Fun, fun, fun 'till daddy takes the Freebird away...
In Depth Staff Reviews:
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By: Matt M
PHOTOS: Owen Leeper and Matt McDonald
In Bariloche, Argentina, we start with 17-ounce tenderloin cuts—bife de lomo—and a bottle of Malbec. "Anywhere in the States, this is $60 steak," Owen says. But we're in South America.
We "ball out," and dinner costs each of us around $30. Our next vintage Argentina moment? Hiking through mud, slush, bamboo and rain from the parking lot at the Cerro Catedral ski resort to Refugio Frey, a hut in the Bariloche backcountry.
Contrast two and a half hours of trudging through lenga forest with the winter scene when we ultimately reach the hut and you fully appreciate Patagonia's different biomes. In Lord of the Rings terms, it's Misty Mountains meets Fangorn Forest. Low clouds shield the upper spires from view as we chow down beef goulash. By ...
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By: Mike
Let's be honest: most of us here at Powder7 are in it for the gear. We like gear--buying gear, testing gear, talking about gear--and we won't apologize for that. That's why we're always pumped when chilly November air arrives and it's finally time for our first on-snow ski demo of the season, hosted by Loveland Ski Area.
When it comes to picking our favorite skis at a demo day, however, it's impossible to choose just one. Even narrowing things down to the usual top 10 list feels too constricting for us. So, after testing out the latest gear and falling in love over and over again, we ended up with the following list highlighting a baker's dozen of the best 2018 skis from the Loveland demo.
Justin - Rossignol Sky 7 HD:Â Though I'm listed on the official Powder7 gameday ...
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2020 Black Crows Navis Freebird Description:
Widely recognized as one of the best alpine touring skis in skiing, the Navis Freebird only gets better for 2019-2020. Black Crows extended the side lines of the ski to improve edge grip and stability at high speed. They also added a titanal plate underfoot for extra strength and binding reinforcement. Other than those updates, the Navis Freebird is still the go-anywhere, ski-everything model that it was in previous seasons. Long front rocker makes for a playful, floaty ride in powder, while a splash of early rise in the tails make the skis easy to release when you need to. Those traits pay dividends whether you are meadow-skipping on the pass or touring out of a hut for a week. For big spring lines, abundant camber underfoot and relatively stiff flex keep you upright and confident in pinner couloirs or down 14ers. The Navis Freebird brings the full backcountry package for expedition skiers and casual now-and-then folks who keep it safe and simple.
2020 Black Crows Navis Freebird Specs:
| Dimensions: | 136/102/116 |
| Radius: | 18m@167cm |
| Rocker: | Freeride Rocker |
| Ability Level: |  |
| Construction: | Partial Sidewall |
| Weight: | 3300 grams (per pair for size 179cm) Learn more about ski weights |
