Curated Skiing Expert Hayden Wright got his hands on the 2024 Line Chronic 101 this spring. Check out how it performed in the carving, freestyle, and freeride categories, but consider the fact that each and every skier is different; if you have any questions about the Chronic 101 or need recommendations on which ski would be best for you, reach out to a Skiing Expert here on Curated.

Before we get started, it's worth noting that Curated Experts are not sponsored by any brands. All of these reviews are completely unbiased.

Brand Claims

What does Line claim about this ski? This is a totally new ski from Line. They've had the Chronic in the past but this is its new, beefed up big brother!

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of the ski? I was really excited to ski them when I saw them on the list, and when I finally got to jump on them a lot of things checked out. My personal preference for a daily driver ski is anywhere from 100 to 105 mm underfoot. So, being at 101, they’re awesome and easy edge to edge. They were forgiving, but they weren't full noodles. We've skied some skis while reviewing that were much softer than these and these were right in that sweet spot.

How does the shape of the ski affect the way it rides? The Line Chronic 101 has an Aspen veneer, rocker camber rocker shape, 101 mm waist, and the new Thin Tip tech from Line. It really gives it a nice sleek look and a low swing weight. I will be curious to see what the durability is going to be like, but it is still too soon to have a thought on that. Also, they were a damp ski, but they weren't the stiffest ski I've ridden.

Carving

How does the ski turn? I really thought they felt great edge to edge with the camber underfoot.

What is the edge hold like? For being an over 100 mm waist ski, the Chronic 101s held an edge great possibly due to all the camber underfoot.

What about dampness? Any chatter in the skis? If you're a bigger or heavier rider and you're skiing these in the morning fast on groomers, you may experience some chatter in the tips and tails. I’m 6’ 190 lbs and skied the 179 cm length, and on the softer runs I didn't really experience too much chatter. But again, I wasn't skiing on super icy conditions.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle skiing? As far as freestyle goes, that is where the Chronic 101 shines, just like Line claims. This ski is perfect for the skier that's rippin’ all over the mountain in the morning and then cruising into the park once it gets slushy in the afternoon.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? These things are fun for popping, playing, and driving all over the mountain in and outside the park.

Is it good for skiing switch? They ski switched great. It is a twin tipped ski with tip and tail rocker ski. It has a low swing weight with the Aspen veneer core.

How is the ski with jumps? These things are great for hitting jumps. I felt confident and stable underfoot.

Freeride

How is it for freeride skiing? We actually ski these on a decent 6” powder day where it was starting to get a little tracked up, and I was a little surprised at how well these performed. I think the early rise in the tip with that 101 millimeter waist helped it hold its own when skiing powder in the trees, moguls, and ungroomed terrain.

How is it in powder? In anything more than about ten inches of snow, I feel that the Chronic 101s are going to struggle a little bit.

What terrain is this ski good for? These skis were versatile for skiing on and off trail, all over the mountain, and in and outside the park.

What terrain should skiers avoid with it? If you're storm chasing and you're wanting a powder ski, don't take the Chronic 101s. You're going to need a slightly bigger ski for powder specific skiing.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend these skis to? Myself! For anybody that is a freeride or freestyle skier and wants a ski that can ski in the park but is not limited to groomed runs like some narrower options, the Chronic 101 is great.

Who should avoid these skis, there are better options out there for them? If you're an East Coast park skier, Midwest park skier, or if you're just a park skier in general and you don't see anything else outside the park, the Chronic 101 is just going to be a little bit too much ski for you. I recommend you check out the Chronic 94s or some of the other park skis from other companies.

Skis work differently for different types of skiers. If you are wondering whether the Chronic 101 is the right ski for you, chat with Hayden or any other Skiing Experts here on Curated, and they’ll put together free, personalized ski recommendations on the best skis for your needs.