Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • REVIEWS
      • »
      • Ski Gear
      • »
      • Skis
      • »
      • Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      Last season we reviewed Rossignol’s Blackops Sender Skis and were thoroughly impressed with how they performed not only in the backcountry but also around the resort. This year Rossignol has given the Blackops line up a refresh and it now consists of three skis, the Blackops Escaper with a new top sheet design and the all-new Blackops Alpineer 86 and of course the Blackops Alpineer 96 which we’re going to review here. The new Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis are a dedicated free touring or alpine touring (AT) ski thanks to their lightweight design and narrow waist.

       

      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      Light, responsive and powerful—a ski touring dream in a pretty cool looking package.

      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

      The Blackops Alpineer 96 uses what Rossignol calls their ‘Powder Rocker’ which means they have rocker in the tips and tails and camber underfoot. While the rocker in the tails is very subtle and has no more than a slight upturn on the last few inches of the ski, the rocker found in the tips is quite pronounced and progressive. Like their predecessors, the Soul 7’s, these skis have a very noticeable tip rocker which is ideal for skiing in deep snow and busting through chop and broken snow. Underfoot the aggressive camber provides the Blackops Alpineer 96’s with considerable pop from turn to turn.

      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      To minimize weight, Rossignol has used Paulownia wood and Microcell Foam to create a lightweight core for efficient uphill touring and downhill performance. Since the Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis have 10mm more width in the waist (technical 12mm as the 185 length skis are 98 underfoot even though the other lengths are 96mm) this wider version is more adept at skiing deeper snowpacks and are more versatile in tough conditions while not adding any noticeable weight.

      Rossignol has purposely placed most of the ski’s mass in the centre of the ski, underfoot to lighten the swing weight and maximize control and power beneath the skier's feet. The ski's tips are filled with air in what Rossignol calls their (aptly enough) ‘Air Tip’ design, this provides improved manoeuvrability and turn control which makes them more versatile and easier to ski. In addition to this, Rossignol’s exclusive ABS Beam construction keeps the construction light yet durable without sacrificing power or performance. This is all contained within a semi cap construction, with sidewalls underfoot and caps at the tips and tails for added durability and weight reduction

      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      On both the tips and tails of the Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis, there is a skin notch to securely fasten your skins. While you don’t need to purchase Rossignol's pre-cut skins it does help as they fit the custom cut skin notch on the ski's tips. I was able to test these skis with the more conventional tip and tail connectors found on the G3 Minimist Skins.

      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      To keep the Blackops Alpineer 96 set up super like, we mounted the skis with Plum’s new OAZO Bindings, you can read that review here.

      Construction:

      • Paulownia and Microcell Foam Core
      • ABS Beam – The ABS Beam works as a platform under the foot, guaranteeing grip, smoothness, and heightened sensations on each turn.
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      Features:

      • Smooth Stability - Lower pop factor translates to a smooth, damp feel for comfortable cruising and stability at speed
      • Ultralight Touring - Paulownia and Microcell core create a featherweight core for ultralight touring performance
      • Sustainably Minded - Rossignol's Respect program considers the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the product life cycle through materials selection, manufacturing, and distribution logistics to help build a more sustainable future for generations to come
      Rossignol Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis

      Verdict:

      Rossignol’s new Blackops skis replace the much revered Soul 7 skis which I regrettably never had the chance to ski so I can’t comment on their similarities to the new Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis. Rossignol has said, however, that the Soul 7 was known for its manoeuvrability and soft snow prowess, but that the brand wanted to evolve this ski to be more powerful and stable which is what lead to the creation of the new Blackops collection. However, having reviewed the Blackops Sender Skis I can tell you that the same DNA found in the Sender Skis is contained within the new Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis. Just think of them as the little brother to the Blackops Sender’s and much more touring orientated.

      The Blackops Alpineer 96’s skied surprisingly well in pow considering how narrow they are relative to other skis I’ve reviewed—which are generally in the 100cm+ category. This is thanks to that Soul 7 inspired aggressive rocker upfront that is super progressive so the tips float really well no matter how deep the snow is.

      I focused much of my review time on these skis in the backcountry (since that’s what they are made for) so I can’t say with confidence how they perform on groomers but the time I did have with them on firmer snow they seemed to hold an edge well and turn initiation was easy thanks to their generous camber underfoot.

      Where I did notice that these skis had to work a little hard (like most lightweight skis) was in the chunder and refrozen or variable snow. The Blackops Alpineer 96’s were easily deflected as they did not possess the mass to power through more challenging conditions—this is a super light ski after all! A wider shovel would have helped compensate for their narrow 98mm waist as this would provide the added surface area and mass needed to aggressively push through obstacles and improve floatas well. This would,  however, also weigh them down a little more.

      Due to their light 2.4kg / 5.3lb weight, the Blackops Alpineer 96 Skis were a pleasure to climb with, light and relatively effortless on the skin track when compared to a lot of other AT skis reviewed. The black top sheet design did attract a lot of solar energy, however, and this would cause any snow build-up to melt and further facilitated more snow to accumulate before the entire mess either turned to heavy mush or refrozen ice.

      On the tips of the Blackops Alpineer 96’s the Skin notch is a nice touch and made for custom cut Rossignol skins but traditional skins still work well with my testing as I was not sent a pair of the made-to-fit skins.

      Overall, this was one fun touring ski, a little less confident on groomers and variable snow but you have to remember that this is one of the lightest skis we’ve reviewed. At only 98mm underfoot it packs more punch for its weight class in deep pow than you’d expect and makes you smile on both the up and down.

      PROS:

      • Skis like a fatter ski in pow.
      • Light on the up, responsive on the down.
      • Reasonably priced.

      CONS:

      • Narrow for a touring ski in snowier regions.
      • Deflects easily in variable conditions due to its weight and dimensions.
      • QR code placed in front of the binding mount is an odd location and takes away from the overall top sheet design.

      SPECS:

      Price: $899.95CAN / $699.95US
      Weight: 2.4kg / 5.3lb(per pair)
      Dimensions: 128/98/118mm (185cm length)
      Turn Radius: 22m (185cm length)
      Lengths: 161, 169, 177, 185cm

      RATING: 8.5/10

      Powder Performance    1.5/2 
      Groomer Performance  1.5/2 
      Stability                       1.5/2
      Weight                          2/2 
      Value                            2/2

      buy backcountry skiing gear


      Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

      Leave a Comment:

      Back to the rest of the reviews.


      We strive to have the most accurate and up-to-date information in all our reviews but products change constantly and personal requirements are user-specific so we recommend using certified technicians that can set up your gear to your personal needs and specifications.  
      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.