The Best Men’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2022: Stöckli Stormrider 102
Check out the all-new Stöckli Stormrider 102 and see what the SKI Magazine Test Crew thought about it at the annual SKI Test.
Become a member to unlock this story and receive other great perks.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
All Access
40% off Season's Streamings Sale
$1.14 / week*
- A $500 value with everything in the Print + Digital Plan plus 25+ benefits including:
- Member-only content on all 17 publications in the Outside network like Outside, Climbing, Backpacker, Trail Runner and more
- Video: Learn to Bump with Plake and Backcountry Basics with Mike Hattrup
- Access to the SKI Gear Concierge service
- Access to the Warren Miller film library and first access to annual film tour
- Gaia GPS Premium with hundreds of maps and global trail recommendations, a $39.99 value
- Annual subscription to Outside magazine
Print + Digital
50% Off Holiday Sale
$0.50 / week*
- Annual subscription to SKI magazine
- Access to all member-exclusive content and gear reviews on SKImag.com
- Ad-free access to SKImag.com
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
Brand: Stöckli
Model: Stormrider 102
Overall Ranking: #3
Overall Score: 3.94 / 5
Specs
Tip / Waist / Tail (mm)
135-102-125
Lengths (cm)
173, 182, 191
Radius (m)
19.8 (182 length)
Waist Width (mm)
102
Gender
Male
Level
Advanced to Expert
Rocker Technology
Yes
Core Material
Balsa, Titanal
Sidewall Construction
Sandwich
Stability at Speed
4.23 / 5
Quickness / Maneuverability
4.68 / 5
Playfulness
3.57 / 5
Forgiveness
3.79 / 5
Hard Snow Performance
4.11 / 5
Crud Performance
4 / 5
Balance of Skills
3.93 / 5
Flotation
3.89 / 5
By changing the sidecut and rocker profile of the famed 105, the Swiss brand added a bit more quickness and a slightly tighter turn radius to the all-new Stormrider 102. The result is a refined smoothness, something that Stöckli is already known for, but at an even higher level. “This ski makes you feel like a great skier even when you lose technical form in tight situations,” comments tester Otto Gibbons. “Easy to engage into a turn.”
The lightweight wood core combined with two full sheets of Titanal might be intimidating for some, but the new rocker profile and a lighter tip oriented for freeride skiing shortens the effective edge and increases flotation in soft snow and crud. Stöckli’s racing roots are evident, however, as the Stormrider 102 still slices and dices when conditions are firm. Plus, they are definitely easier to just grab and go compared to super-G planks. “Don’t be afraid of this burly-looking ski,” advises tester Luke Larsen. “Rolls over with ease and somehow stays rock solid at high speeds.”
The new Stöckli Stormrider 102 didn’t have the highest overall scores in any category, but what really stands out is a top-five rank in Crud Performance. Stöckli traditionally owns the groomers in the All-Mountain Wide category, but the new shape was especially prevalent on a day at Solitude that was all about big storm leftovers.
Learn about the development of the the Stöckli Stormrider 102 and the rest of the line
And while the price might be the highest in the category, it’s important to remember you get what you pay for. “I would have zero issues grabbing this one-ski dynamo on many Western road trip missions,” says tester Matt Schiller. “This year’s balance curve has been elongated to capture more of the user’s weight and abilities when terrain and conditions require touch—not power—to manipulate through dicey sections.”
- Strengths: Stability at Speed (3rd in category), Hard-Snow Integrity (2nd)
- Weaknesses: Quickness/Maneuverability (13th), Playfulness (14th)