Ski Trab Ortles Next 90
An easier, more playful iteration of the Ortles 90, courtesy of the torsion reinforcement wrap in basalt and glass fiber
- Author: Claudio Primavesi
- Photographer: Daniele Molineris
The same geometry and sizes as the Ortles 90 Pro, the same performance that demanding skiers seek, but more playful and greater ease of use in all conditions, including powder. And all for a mere 20 grams extra weight. Below, we reveal the recipe behind the Ortles Next 90. And the key ingredient that determines its character: a torsional reinforcement wrap in basalt/glass fiber in place of carbon.
Beneath the wrap layer, the layup is very similar, with the tried-and-tested Liwood Air lightweight wood technology and 14 layers — the signature features of skis made by the Bormio-based manufacturer. The basalt fibers provide enhanced deformability and less vibration than carbon, which fulfils the central aim of the project: enhanced ease of use on challenging terrain and higher speeds. Another major upgrade has been to the flex, with a super soft tip and tail that makes the ski easier to manage and more playful.
Andrea Bormida
The multi-layer technology ensures a very soft flex at tip and tail which makes it more manageable — a feature best appreciated in soft, even snow. The Shock Absorber technology is designed to reduce tip chatter. And combined with the wood core, it works admirably, especially in hardpack, ensuring the ski feels reassuringly stable.
«The shovel is more rigid than a classic ski but the softer torsional profile means it adapts better to differing terrain types, with the need for slightly more attention initially when tackling crud and uneven snow. This makes it a great all-rounder, and decidedly more intuitive to use than other lightweight models»
Despite its modest waist width, the ski floats well and carves well, without compromising edge hold — a fact helped by the feeling transmitted by the underfoot section of the ski, which consistently feels reassuringly stable. With a decidedly nimble feel, this is a ski that loves speed and medium-arc turns, whilst remaining light enough for ascents and well-balanced during kick turns. The feel in challenging conditions is relatively neutral, making this a reassuring ski that feels comfortable in almost any terrain — a central tenet of the philosophy of the Bormio-based manufacturer.
Technical specifications
The Brand
Share this article
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
The word ski mountaineering encompasses skiing and alpinism. The calling to head high, to reach summits, ridges and the most spectacular vantage points, and then don your skis, often inevitably requires you to use mountaineering equipment. In order to make the right choice, you need to understand how it works and know how to use it.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
