Expert Review: Blizzard Sheeva 10 Skis
All photos courtesy of Dani Janas
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in September of 2019.
My take
Blizzard Sheeva 10s are a great support team for me as I dig deep into turns and make quick switches through trees. They are a comfortable and flexible ride while still remaining sturdy.
About the skis I own
- Model: 2019 Blizzard Sheeva 10
- Size: 164cm
About me
- Height: 5’7”
- Weight: 125lbs
- Experience: 25 years of skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought these: September 2019
- Days tested: 90
- Mount position: Centered
- Boots: Technica
- Boot Size: 6.5
- Bindings: 2019 Marker
- Where I’ve used it: New England/Stowe, Wildcat, Attitash, Sunday River, Sunapee
- Terrain: Mostly groomers and tree skiing with occasional jumps and moguls
How they perform
What I was looking for
I needed a ski that upgraded me from cautious and timid skiing to really homing in my expert skills. These skis opened my abilities because of the comfort they provided and the confidence they gave me to go above and beyond my skill level.
Why I chose this gear
I chose this gear because of the research I had done. I wanted a ski that I could trust in heavy powder conditions, but also a ski that I could take anywhere essentially. These skis can do just that. They qualify as an all-mountain ski, though I prefer them on groomers and glades.
What I love about them
- Speed: I grew up as the baby of the family, so I not only had to catch up, but I had to keep up, too. Now in my adult years, I am the fastest skier I know. These skis are my perfect match for flying down the trails.
- Edge hold: These skis have strong edges so I can make super-deep turns and keep them for as long as needed. They also hang tight in icy conditions, which I am no stranger to in New England.
- Turns: Taking turns is fun on a ski that is designed to dig in and be immediately responsive to my maneuvers.
- Groomers: Groomers are easy and fun as always, but even more so when I can take control over any conditions.
- Powder: The Sheeva 10s float great through powder. It almost feels like there isn’t any ski or snow under my feet and I am gliding through it all.
- Trees: Glades are no problem to these skies, and I can’t say that I miss every root or rock, and these skies are sturdy and wide enough to compensate for the hits.
- Park: I love landing on these skies because it feels like I have a platform beneath me that is catching me once I make contact after taking a jump.
- Backcountry: These make for a very solid ride, so I can trust them going through even the most grueling terrain and I know they can withstand the different obstacles (that either miss or hit).
- Durability: I’ve probably skied about 90 days and in all conditions with these skies, and they are holding up perfectly. I got them tuned once in two years, and there was no problem with the edges or rust.
- Weight: These skies are lightweight, and their design is wide enough to make carrying them on my shoulder very easy.
- Switch riding: I mostly switch in lower speeds, but the rocker of the skies make it very easy and maneuverable to do.
- Stability: The Sheeva 10s are quiet but give back on the mountain to create ease of ride. They feel very light underfoot without being flimsy.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Moguls: The wide waist of the skis are not cut out for moguls, but because of the great edges, I can still dig in and take quick turns as needed.
Favorite moment with this gear
On a bluebird day, I followed my cousin through some trees at Stowe, and the trail was untouched. There was nearly a foot of fresh powder, some of the best I had ever been on before, and it really felt like I was gliding on air.
Value for the money vs. other options
I had a tight budget when purchasing skis, and though I did splurge a little extra for these, I’m so glad I did. The ride on them is amazing, and I am always confident they will be there when I need them. I take them every trip because they are fun to play around in any condition. My previous skis were Atomics and the waist was much smaller, so the shaping and rocker-camber-rocker on the Blizzard Sheeva 10s have really pushed my skiing to the next level.
Final verdict
My final verdict is that I LOVE the Blizzard Sheeva 10s. For someone who skis extremely fast, I know I can push these skies to the limits and have no fears of losing control, even in terrible mountain conditions.