Blizzard Zero G 88W Skis

The Zero G 88, 95, 88W and 95W skis all use the same construction and have a sidecut with five unique radii based on zones. There is one zone underfoot, one between the mid point and tips, mid point and tails and then one in the tips and one in the tails. Underfoot, the centre radius is more straightforward for increased grip and confidence on steep and icy terrain. From here, it is a smooth transition towards the tips and tails where better turn initiation is required in various snow conditions.

The Zero G 88W Skis, like the rest of the new skis in the lineup, use Blizzard’s new Trueblend Woodcore, which is made up primarily of lightweight Paulownia Wood with stronger Poplar wood to achieve a smooth yet strong ski performance. Blizzard removed some of the carbon previously used in favour of poplar wood for better strength and stability underfoot. Finally, an Ash wood insert is placed in the core underfoot for torsional rigidity and power transmission where you need it most. The result is a ski with softer tips and tails for easy turn initiation and versatility in all types of terrain.

The tips still utilize Blizzard’s unique ski notch, this time with a slight refinement for easier attachment and removal of their custom-cut Pomoca Skins (highly recommended).

In the tails, there is a subtle skin notch to ensure that your skins do not migrate off the skis while attached.

The end result of this new construction is a playful and confident ski that is strong yet smooth. The latest top sheet graphics are also a nice upgrade and very appealing underfoot.

The  Zero G 88 W Skis were mounted with Marker Alpinist 8 Bindings which is the lightest version in their Alpinist Binding line-up, which is ideal for women or lighter weight people.

• Designed specifically for women
• 5 radius sidecut
• Trueblend Woodcore
• Tip and tail skin notches
• New construction and top sheet design

I have been skiing on the Zero G 105 Skis for over 6 years now, ever since their redesign in 2019 which made them more adept in variable conditions. Since then, I have been hard-pressed to find a better touring ski in this weight class that is as confident in all terrain and snow conditions. Given that the Zero G 88W are female-specific skis, I’ve had a female skier test and review them, and here are her thoughts:

Coming from the Zero G 96 Skis, I was intrigued to see how these narrower, redesigned Zero G 88 Skis would perform. I was surprised how well they skied for their width, as they are as narrow as they are light. This only speaks to the capability of Blizzard’s newly designed construction. Given that I was sent the skis in late April to test, the conditions I was limited to were mainly dust on crust, groomers and corn snow, so I’d be interested to see how these perform in deeper snow and powder conditions. In the current spring conditions, they were an absolute blast, playful and nimble in corn snow and frozen crust. I didn’t detect any initial chatter on harder-packed and icy snow, though more time on the skis is required.

What I enjoyed most about the Zero G 88 W skis was how confident they rode, skiing down, you could lean off the skis and be right on edge, carving hard when needed. This goes to show how responsive and more immediate my input is compared to a fatter ski. It also speaks to the torsional rigidity underfoot, which is always present should you need it.

Their ultralight weight also allows for an agility that heavier skis aren’t able to match. At just 2.3kg per pair, they are effortless to initiate a turn and nimble to pick up and return. They ski with you, taking your lead and delivering what is expected, not the other way around. They aren’t made to drive ahead and plow through obstacles given their diminutive size, they are made to defy gravity with a quick unweight and carve of the snow, which suits my lightweight physique and non-aggressive ski attitude.

The Zero G 88W Skis are truly a fun ski with a new beautiful top sheet design full of colour and playful waves. While confident, fun and flowy on the way down, where they are true heroines are on the hike back up the mountain.