The Best Women’s All-Mountain Skis of 2022: Elan Ripstick 94 W

This old favorite slid down the rankings a bit this year, but that’s just a testament to how competitive this growing All-Mountain category has become. At the end of the day, the Elan Ripstick 94 W is still the same great ski that testers raved about last season thanks to Elan’s tried and true Carbon Line Technology, which offers surefire stability at speed and dependability in crud.

Testers love the way the Elan Ripstick 94 W tends to pull you into the turn, making it easy to initiate turns and transfer from edge to edge. Some testers complained that the ski wasn’t always ready to release its edge when they were, but others praised the ski’s responsiveness. Because testers were split on that front the Ripstick 94 W ended up with lower marks in Quickness.

While some might see this as a weakness, skiers who shy away from squirrely skis and gravitate toward planks with a more even, predictable flex will dig the Elan Ripstick 94 W.

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“A very consistent ski,” notes tester Robin Barnes. “The tip enters the turn nicely, the mid-body flexes smoothly, and the tail releases as predicted.” This characteristic makes the Ripstick 94 W particularly strong in crud, where most skiers will appreciate having a predictable and sturdy platform underfoot.

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons the Elan Ripstick 94 W didn’t top the rankings this season is because testers realized that, compared to some of the livelier skis in this category, the Ripstick 94 W has room for growth in the Playfulness department.

That said, testers agreed that this is one of the most consistent, approachable, and confidence-building skis in the category. Says tester Tracy Gibbons: “Great one-ski-quiver for the gal who spends 70 percent of her time on piste, 30 percent off.”

All ladies could learn to ski the Elan Ripstick 94 W, but more aggressive skiers will have more fun right off the bat. “This ski will help all women find their inner ripper,” notes tester Erika Northrop. “Go fast and take chances.”

• Strengths: Stability at Speed (11th in category), Crud Performance (10th)
• Weaknesses: Quickness (11th), Hard-Snow Integrity (11th)

Shop for the Elan Ripstick 94 W online: evo | REI

Learn More

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Elan Ripstick 94 W – 2021 Women’s All-Mountain Ski Review

This favorite from last year got a major construction overhaul to make it lighter underfoot while boosting its overall performance. Elan’s new Amphibio Carbon Line technology includes carbon mesh reinforcement for added stability and carbon rods inserted around the perimeter of the wood core for a playful rebound. A new tip and tail profile also makes turn initiation easier. Testers crowned the new Ripstick the zippiest ski in this category—as lively as last year, now more accessible to intermediates. Says tester Kelli Gleason: “Like the best mullet. Serious in the front, party in the back.”

• Strengths: Stability at Speed, Quickness
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Forgiveness