We’re always looking for new brands to bring into the fold to expand our inventory. This season, we have several new ski brands (and others!) that we’re stoked to share with our Powder7 community. Two new ski brands from smaller builders, a snowboard brand with something for everyone (and one of the favorites at ski test), along with our single-handedly favorite ski accessory. Check out our new brands below!
4FRNT Skis
A direct to consumer brand for years, 4FRNT is breaking into speciality ski shops. We’re beyond stoked to be involved, partly so we can finally start skiing these rad skis we’ve been eyeing from afar for years.
We’re carrying a good array of options from 4FRNT. The newest gear from them is an updated MSP line, their directional all-mountain collection. Formerly quite charge-y, 4FRNT opened up the ski a little bit by tweaking the construction to make it more compliant at slow speeds and overall a bit more accessible. A hand flex will tell you that it’s still very powerful, with titanal layer and the shape still being quite directional. We’ve got the MSP 91, MSP 99, and MSP 107 for a big-mountain charger.
On the freeride side, you have the Devastator, their hallmark freeride ski at 108mm underfoot. A full rocker shape delivers lots of swivel and drift, but the construction is more damp than you might expect. We’ve also got the Sinister, an absolutely badass looking ski. Straight sidecut and long turn radius meet deep tip and tail rocker with somewhat buttery ends. Metal underfoot for the “Stomp Zone” adds support for big landings.
And of course, the Hoji. A workhorse, versatile touring ski (that skews for soft snow) is supportive with a stiff flex and full rocker shape delivers the fun. It’s a Hoji ski, after all!
Bataleon Snowboards
A new snowboard brand to us, but not for riders, is Bataleon. Beyond their step-in FASE bindings and double-BOA boots, the magic comes down to their signature 3BT (Triple Base Technology). By subtly uplifting the base edges at the contact points while keeping camber underfoot, Bataleon creates an intuitive, catch-free ride that floats effortlessly in soft snow without sacrificing edge bite on hardpack.
You’ll see a few new boards on the wall from us: the Goliath, Tornado, the Whatever, the Push Up, the Feelbetter. Leading the charge is the Goliath, a mid-stiff all-mountain quiver killer built for high-speed arcs and stomping side hits. For surfier directional turns in powder and chop, look to the tapered Tornado, while the Whatever brings a playful, freestyle-leaning shape designed to turn the entire mountain into a terrain park.
On the women’s side, the Push Up packs lively pop and dependable edge hold for charging variable snow. The Feelbetter serves up a soft, forgiving flex that takes the dread out of catching an edge and makes progression completely effortless.
Ellis Skis
The new kid on the block. Ellis is making a name for themselves with magazine test awards and lots of buzz in the industry. An American brand based here in Colorado, we’re stoked to offer some local skis from local skiers who are injecting some great new skis into the scene.
Solidly in the freeride space, their lineup includes the Sabr 100, Kanso 106, and Meraki 112. The Sabr features high camber and deep tip and tail rocker to blend edge hold with a manuverable shape for zippering bump lines, hitting the big hit on the way out, and laying down a hard carve. The flex gets progressively stiffer as you go towards the midfoot of the ski.
The Kanso has garnered attention from freeriders for it’s high quality build and focus on creating a playful ride on a versatile chassis. Deep tip and tail rocker keeps things surfy off trail, working with a poplar core that has lots of pop and energy coming out of every turn. It’s technically the softest ski in their lineup.
Despite the wider chassis, Ellis builds this as a stiffer ski to deliver more power and reliable ride through funky snow and afternoon chop. Surfy and plenty fun for the morning and fresh tracks, with more power than you’d expect to keep things running smooth. Low slung rocker gives you that drifty and low to the snow feel, but a poplar core keeps things from feeling too planky.
Rocky Talkies
Many of us at the shop use Rocky Talkies already, so we’re stoked to have them in the fold. Another Colorado based brand, you’ll find many of us using them while alpine touring. But, that’s just the beginning. From summer outings climbing multi pitches or on the river, to resort days without good cell service (or just doing bits across chairlifts), all the way to caravaning with the ski crew late at night chasing pow, you’ll find many serious and silly fun uses out of these.
We particularly love the simple design stays easy to use while wearing gloves or in inclement weather. Quick channel changes can quickly bump your line if others are on a similar channel in the area. This gear nerd uses the standard Mountain Radio, but the Expedition Radio offers a higher wattage and longer battery life that can handle days in the backcountry.
