Volkl has long been one of my favourite ski brands because their skis are consistently well-constructed, innovative, and high-performing — plus, they’re always fun to ride. Having skied the V-Werks BMT 109 as my dedicated touring ski for several years, the Mantra V-Werks as my daily driver at the resort, and the V-Werks Katana for deep powder days, I’ve been on the lookout for a ski that could simplify my quiver — something versatile enough for all-around cruising yet playful enough to take beyond the resort boundaries on touring days.
While I could never give up my beloved V-Werks Katanas — I’ve been riding them since their release in 2015 and have already gone through several pairs — their 112 mm waist and hefty weight make them a bit much for every day. A lighter, more responsive ski sounded like a fun change. Enter the 2026 Blaze 104: a light, agile powder ski that I’m hoping will still kick ass on groomers.
This directional all-mountain ski features a traditional profile with rocker in the tips and tails and slight camber underfoot. It’s designed for maximum maneuverability and versatility in all snow conditions. To achieve this, Volkl has incorporated TPU shock-absorbing material in the tips and tails — their “Suspension Tip Design.” This helps the skis adapt to variable snow, absorb vibrations in hard crud, and feel more playful in soft powder. The result is added stability, smooth float, and a lively, responsive ride.
The Blaze 104’s shape incorporates four distinct radii — what Volkl calls “4 Radius Drive.” A 20 m radius in the shovels enables quick turn initiation with precision and agility. Between the shovel and binding, a 40 m radius enhances stability at speed by minimizing deflection from variable snow. Underfoot, a 15 m radius ensures quick and dynamic carving on firm snow, while a 25 m radius behind the bindings provides control and a clean finish to each turn. By tailoring the radii to specific zones, Volkl has created a ski that blends easy handling with stability and all-condition versatility. It feels approachable for beginners yet delivers enough punch to satisfy advanced skiers.
At the core, a full-length Hybrid Multilayer Woodcore keeps the Blaze 104 both light and stable. Constructed from poplar and beech with a CNC-milled Isocore center and a thin Titanal binding platform underfoot, this core delivers the strength of a freeride ski with touring-friendly weight. Volkl’s “Green Core Technology” replaces traditional PU foam with recycled PET bottles and eco-friendly glue, while all wood is FSC-certified.
Classified as a lightweight all-mountain freeride ski, the Volkl Blaze 104 excels in soft snow, trees, and variable terrain — yet it still performs admirably on groomers. Its maneuverability and short-radius turning make it surprisingly nimble for a 104 mm-wide ski. The intuitive feel makes it approachable for beginner to intermediate skiers, while the ski’s inherent power and responsiveness appeal to more advanced riders looking for a one-quiver backcountry/resort setup.
A ski that’s confident inbounds yet light enough for touring is the holy grail of ski design — and the Blaze 104 comes close. Thanks to its lighter weight and 4 Radius Drive design, it’s agile in trees and bumps and absolutely loves soft snow. Although it’s been slimmed from 106 mm underfoot in previous years, it remains wide enough (and a bit lighter) to float effortlessly in deep snow and handle mixed conditions. The elastomer tips and tails help tame chatter in broken powder, though they can’t fully smooth out the ride on refrozen or icy snow.
With minimal camber underfoot, the Blaze 104 doesn’t offer strong rebound between turns, but its long rocker profile makes for effortless initiation and exceptional performance in tight spaces. On firm groomers, you’ll find its edge hold is limited at higher speeds, but it remains manageable with confident technique.
The true charm of the Blaze 104 lies in its versatility. Light enough for touring yet powerful enough inbounds, it’s a capable choice for skiers who split their time between resort laps and the backcountry. The built-in skin notch is a thoughtful touch, though the heavily rockered tails can make kick turns slightly tricky.
The ideal companion to the new Volkl Blaze 104 Skis is the Marker Cruise 10 Bindings, as they provide solid performance in a lightweight, easy-to-use design. You can read that full review of the Marker Cruise 10 Bindings here.
Overall, the Blaze 104 is a well-balanced, playful ski that qualifies as a one-quiver ski. It can ski the resort and then go out of bounds for some side country laps. Light on the uptrack and confident on the down, and smiles all around.
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Price: $849.99CAN / $849.99US
Lengths: 158, 165, 172, 179, 186cm
Dimensions: 143 / 104 / 128mm (186 length)
Radius: Tip - 21m / Shovel - 45m / Waist- 18.5m; Tail - 24m (186 length)
Weight: 3790g / 8.34lbs (186 length pair)
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