Black Crows Atris Ski

Tested Length: 189.9

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

Introduction: As an avid skier with a penchant for exploring off-piste terrain, I purchased the Black Crows Atris ski as a 50/50 touring and resort ski.   The Atris, a renowned model from Black Crows, promises versatility and freeride performance. Having put it through various conditions, I’m impressed with its all-mountain capabilities, but there are a few areas where it could be further refined.

Performance on Piste: The Atris ski surprises with its on-piste performance, given its reputation as a freeride-oriented ski. The moderate camber underfoot provides a decent level of edge hold, allowing for confident turns on groomed runs. While it may not deliver the same precision as dedicated carving skis, it still holds up admirably. However, it’s worth noting that the Atris truly comes alive when taken off-piste, where its full potential is realized.

Off-Piste Dominance: Off-piste is where the Black Crows Atris excels and shines brightest. With a generous 108mm waist width, this ski effortlessly floats through powder but lacks some of the surfy fun of other powder-oriented skis. The ski’s rockered tip and tail, combined with a softer flex, facilitate relatively easy slashing and the ski releases easily. It isn’t a particularly heavy ski and with the softer flex in the shovels it can get knocked around a bit in chop and crud.  When it’s carving through untouched powder or tackling backcountry lines, the Atris showcases its true prowess in the realm of freeride skiing.

Versatility: The Atris offers a commendable level of versatility, effectively handling a range of conditions. While its strength lies in powder and soft snow, it remains stable and predictable on mixed terrain and variable conditions.  In a way it’s pretty good at everything but not the best at anything.  With a moderate to lighter weight, it’s well-suited for adventurous skiers who want to explore beyond groomed trails and embrace the backcountry’s raw beauty.  I used this ski as a 50/50 ski and skied several Cascade volcanoe lines with it.  While it was a bit heavy for this type of mission, it was a fantastic ski for the descent.  

Construction and Build: Black Crows maintains its reputation for quality construction with the Atris ski. The poplar wood core provides a nice balance of responsiveness and lightweight feel. The ski’s semi-cap construction enhances durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of off-piste adventures..

Design: The Black Crows Atris ski features a sleek and modern design. The top sheet’s distinctive graphics add a touch of personality and flair to the ski, making it stand out on the slopes.  These skis often drew the attention of other skiers on the lift and in the lift line.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Black Crows Atris ski is a worthy companion for adventurous skiers seeking to explore the backcountry and carve their path through powder-filled slopes. Its freeride-oriented design and impressive off-piste capabilities make it an ideal choice for those craving uncharted adventures. While its on-piste performance is satisfactory, it’s the ski’s ability to excel in deep snow and challenging terrains that sets it apart. For thrill-seekers and powder enthusiasts, the Black Crows Atris is a reliable and versatile option that promises exhilarating skiing experiences.