Take a look at the most popular gear in Armada Skis' newest collection, bound to offer something for every rider.

With the arrival of the 2024 winter season, the mountains call out to skiers with the promise of fresh trails and exhilarating experiences. Armada Skis steps up to this call with its latest lineup of skis, designed to cater to a variety of snow enthusiasts. Whether you're mastering spins in the park, seeking an all-around mountain experience, plowing through the deepest powder, diving into backcountry escapades, or looking for designs specific for women, Armada's offerings are tailored to elevate your time on the mountain. In this article, I will guide you through the top picks of the season, ensuring you find the perfect ski for your winter pursuits.

With thirteen ski seasons well spent in the PNW’s challenging terrains, I've developed a deep passion (and an unfortunately expensive taste) for ski gear. As I improved, my focus shifted to the performance and feel of the skis underfoot. Last season, I had the opportunity to demo many skis from Armada's impressive fleet, giving me a unique perspective on their offerings. In this article, I aim to share my insights and experiences as an industry expert, helping you better understand what to look out for in the 2024 Armada Skis fleet.

Who is Armada Skis?

Founded in the early 2000s in a basement in Truckee, California, Armada Skis emerged as a rebellion against the status quo, marrying form with function in a way that the ski industry hadn't seen before. The company was created by a group of skiers, namely JP Auclair, Tanner Hall, JF Cusson, Julien Regnier, and Boyd Easley, also known as the AR5. These athletes drew influence from the freedom of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. Their goal was to revolutionize a sport that had for so long been stuck on the roots of alpine racing. Armada became synonymous with the new-school movement in skiing, embodying a culture that appreciates fresh, innovative designs while honoring the time-tested traditions of the sport.

Armada's philosophy revolves around the belief that skiing is more than just a sport: It's a form of artistic expression. This is evident in their product lines, which are celebrated not just for their technical prowess but also for their aesthetic appeal. Each pair of skis is like a canvas, often featuring bold graphics and colors that stand out against the white backdrop of the mountains. But the beauty of Armada Skis isn't just skin deep. Underneath the surface lies a dedication to quality and performance that appeals to both professional athletes and casual skiers alike. Whether it's gliding smoothly over deep powder, or making precise turns on groomed trails, there's an Armada ski built for the experience.

Now, from their headquarters in Park City, Utah, Armada Skis continues to push the boundaries of innovation, building products that redefine skiing. With a commitment to sustainability and improved manufacturing processes, they are not just shaping the future of skiing but also ensuring that the mountains we cherish today can be enjoyed by generations to come. The upcoming lineup promises to offer something for everyone, from the beginner taking their first slide to the freeskiing expert looking to reach new levels. As we preview the top Armada skis for the 2024 season, we're not just looking at a collection of winter sports equipment: We're witnessing the evolution of a lifestyle, a testament to the spirit of modern skiing.

Conquering the Slopes: The Best of Armada Skis

1. The Park Prodigy: Armada BDog

The Armada BDog is a marvel of design, built for those who want to turn the snow park into their personal playground. These skis are about more than just handling hits and rails—they are about creating a seamless connection between skier and snow. Using Phil Casabon’s signature Circle Flex, the BDog features super flexible tips and tails, allowing for both aggressive cuts and graceful landings. The BDog’s straight sections in the sidecut provide tons of surface area and minimal hang-ups on the edges. Suitable for skiers at every level, the BDog’s versatility shines whether you’re hitting your first box, boosting off booters, or landing a 720.

2. The All-Mountain Ripper: Armada ARV 100

When you face a mountain that throws every possible condition your way, the Armada ARV 100 is your partner in crime. This ski tackles various mountain conditions with grace, thanks to an ultra light Caruba Core and w3Dgewall construction that strikes an impeccable balance between weight and stability. The progressive sidecut allows skiers to carve tight turns or charge down open faces with equal finesse. With a tip and tail flex that caters to a variety of turn shapes and styles, these skis deliver confident performance whether you are in the park, charging down steeps, exploring some powder, or ripping groomers. Perfect for the intermediate and expert skier looking to have that constant fun factor in their all-mountain freestyle ski.

3. The Powder Hound: Armada ARV 116 JJ

For those who seek the deep, where powder stacks sit untouched and waiting, the Armada ARV 116 JJ is a dream come to life. This powder ski doesn't just float, it surfs and slashes across soft snow, throws itself down pillow lines and rips through the trees. The generous 116mm waist offers buoyancy, while the Smear Tech 3D base beveling in the tip and tail ensures that turn initiation is as effortless as it is thrilling. You’ll have no problem throwing slashes, presses, and butters all around the mountain on the deepest days. Constructed for max energy and pop, this ski is a haven for powder hounds who live for the next snowfall.

4. The Touring Triumph: Armada Locator 104

The backcountry is a realm of relentless challenges and boundless beauty, and the Armada Locator 104 is engineered to embrace both. This ski is complete with Armada’s most recent touring tech, featuring a Caruba Core and lightweight edge for efficient ascents, and a carbon-fiber reinforcement for responsive descents. Even with a wider waist, the lightweight build of the Armada Locator 104 clocks approximately 1150 grams. Its skin-compatible tails make transitions swift and smooth, while the robust construction and Titanal binding dampener resists the wear of rugged terrain. This ski exemplifies versatility in the backcountry domain, catering to the avid tourer who demands performance both uphill and down.

5. For the Ladies: Armada Reliance 92 Ti

Armada's Reliance 92 Ti ski stands as a tribute to women who command the slopes. Developed with input from world-class female athletes, this ski is ready to tackle any and all conditions across the mountain. The early rise tip and taper of the EST Freeride Rocker tech guide this ski through deep snow and articulates easy turns. The AR100 Sidewalls and Titanal Banding, combined with the cambered tail, deliver a blend of responsiveness and stability on hard-pack terrain. For the women who explore all the mountain has to offer, the Armada Reliance 92 Ti boosts discovery and mastery.

Honorable Mentions

While the aforementioned models capture the spotlight, the spectrum of Armada Skis is diverse and extensive. Sammy Carlson’s Armada Whitewalker 116 is the connoisseur's choice for steep, adrenaline-fueled lines. For the freestyle aficionados, the Armada Edollo offers a symphony of agility and control, designed to make the park your canvas. The Armada Stranger, with its steep sidecut and 15m turn radius, is for those who aim to lay deep carves while enjoying the playfulness and pop of the ski. Each of these skis is a testament to Armada's dedication to niche markets, ensuring that every skier, regardless of their preferred terrain or style, has access to the best of ski technology.

Find the Best Armada Skis for You

The 2024 Armada Skis collection is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to revolutionize skiing. Each pair of skis is a harmonious blend of innovation, precision, and versatility, meticulously crafted to meet the exacting standards of modern skiers. In the park, Armada’s skis come to life, providing the pop and responsiveness required for creativity. If it's the untracked expanses of powder you seek, Armada's backcountry options offer flotation and stability to help you carve your own path. Meanwhile, the all-mountain skis are the perfect companions for those seeking a freestyle performance across varied terrains and conditions.

Recognizing the diversity in preference and skill levels, Armada's 2024 lineup ensures that whether you're making your first turns or dropping into a steep chute, you'll find a ski that feels like it was made for your style. And for those moments of indecision or queries about what’s the best choice to enhance your skiing journey, the Curated Ski Experts—like myself—are ready to help. You can chat with me or a fellow Ski Expert for free, personalized advice on the best Armada Skis for you. Whether you are looking to carve pristine groomers, navigate through dense forests, boost your way through a park, or conquer peaks, let's find the Armada Skis that will revolutionize your ski experience.