I have a confession to make: I’m a massive fan of Blizzard Skis. I used to live in Canada, where they’re manufactured, and back in the day purchased Canadian made Blizzards whenever possible. These days, though, it’s mostly about supporting American brands, especially since the Canadian dollar tanked. Still, I couldn’t resist purchasing a pair of Blizzard Skis just to see how they sounded. It wasn’t easy finding a good demo, though, since they’re relatively rare in North America. After much searching, I finally found a Canadian operator who had a pair in his possession. I hopped on a call with him and tried out the product, recording the experience with my trusty BlueJay microphone.
Table of Contents
The Difference In Sound
Before we get going, let’s be clear about one thing: there is a significant sound difference between regular skis and Blizzard Skis. The former are designed to be relatively quiet, relying on a whisper thin layer of toxic metal to glide across the snow. These are the types of skis James Bond would use, if he wanted to keep his identity a secret. On the other hand, Blizzard Skis are modeled on dragons’ wings and are, therefore, considerably noise makers. If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media, you’ve already heard them described as such. So, when your friends ask you how your skiing holidays were, you can proudly say: “The snow was on the quiet side this year.
After trying them out for myself, I have to say they live up to their reputation. While it’s true that they don’t produce the same sensations as a real ski, they certainly produce enough noise to be heard over the din of the holiday throng. They’re also a whole lot of fun to ride. The only downside is that they don’t stack up well and require a little more work to maintain proper speed. Still, as I said, they’re exceptionally good for making snow angels in the winter.
The Specs
A good set of Blizzard Skis will set you back about $700, which is more than enough to buy a decent set of regular skis. Not only that, but they also come with a free pair of snow wings, which significantly reducener the impact on the environment. The only downside is that, unlike regular skis, you can’t adjust the tension without taking them apart and putting them back together again. So, you’re kind of stuck with the design the manufacturer gave you. Another thing to keep in mind is that, unless you’re planning on using them on a regular basis, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a pair of ski boots that fit well and have the proper amount of support.
The Build Quality
Speaking of support, let’s talk about the build quality for a minute. A good set of Blizzard Skis will feel significantly more solid to the touch than a regular pair of skis. This is because they’re made of a tighter, more plastic-like material and have a sturdier frame. While this may not sound like much, it makes a noticeable difference when you’re paddling through the snow or standing up after a big jump. It also means they’ll hold up to more wear and tear, since the material is more resistant to extreme temperatures and impacts. All this adds up to better value for your dollar’s worth.
The Overall Feel
Last but not least, let’s address the elephant in the room: these Blizzard Skis feel different. They don’t feel like your average run of the mill skis, and that’s a good thing. Sure, they’re still made of the same basic materials as your average ski, but there’s more focus on the design. For example, where regular skis are usually made of wood and metal, Blizzard Skis are often made of synthetic materials such as plastic and fiberglass. It’s definitely not a thin veneer of plastic over metal as in the case with most modern skis, which tend to look the same from all angles. So, even if you don’t particularly care for the sound or feel of Blizzard Skis, at least you’ll know what you’re getting into.