Last tested
2023
Status:ongoing
2025

Ultra 65

Smart choice Light
An all-rounder for an intermediate–expert level with the right amount of versatility and responsiveness
In brief
Suitable for
top athletes
Not suitable for
beginners
Also suitable for
fitness touring, versatility
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

Buyer’s Guide reviews

Positioning
Handling
New school ski-tourer
Suggested curve arc
Medium radius
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
On-snow performance
Hard / packed
Powder
Wind-blown / crust
Damp / wet
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
Trip purpose
Height difference / Engagement
Performance / Line
Skiing / Slope
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Recommended use
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Recommended level
Technical Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
High level
Weight
lightmedianheavy
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in

In words

Intro
An enduring classic from Austrian skimaker Hagan, it's got a shiny new look but under the topsheet it's the same ski as last year, with carob and carbon fiber core. Available in two sizes, 151 and 161 cm, in terms of weight it sits somewhere in the middle of the category, opting to use a little more material rather than shaving off a few extra grams just for the sake of it. Over the years it has become a benchmark for medium–high level athletes.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
product
On the snow
As we all know, virtue lies in the middle. And that's certainly the case with the Ultra 65. It initiates and holds turns easily, never losing the line, even at speed. But despite this, it's not an easy ski; you need to stay centered and know that it gives as good as it gets. But it's the right kind of twitchy, never tiring. It's easy to turn, though less so than the Mezzalama or DNA; lively, but less so than the Transalp RC, putting less strain on your leg muscles. It requires a little movement to release a turn, and on cold snow that's not too hard you can trace wider arcs and pick up speed. On bulletproof terrain it's penalized a little for a slight lack of tip and tail, even if it in terms of contact it's one of the best in its class. When the snow gets deep it needs a little tail work to get it to float well. All these scenarios can be managed by detuning the edges a little, especially for women and lighter men.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Lab
Very concave at the tip and tail; flat with uneven sections in the center. Not waxed, structure applied. Good edges 1.5 x 1.3 mm at 89.5°, base edge 0.8°. Edge at tip and tail very poor, needs tuning and waxing before taking it out.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in

Technical specifications

Construction
cap-sidewall
Materials
carob wood, carbon fiber
Base
sintered polyethylene with graphite
Available sizes
151, 161
Made in
Austria
Price
759 €
Declared specsMeasured by us
We measured the length 161 to get all the details
161 cm
Length
XXXXX
97 cm
Tip width
XXXXX
80 cm
Tail width
XXXXX
65 cm
Waist width
XXXXX
N/A
Edge contact
XXXXX
N/A
Camber
XXXXX
N/A
Tip rocker
XXXXX
N/A
Tail rocker
XXXXX
700 g
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Left weight
XXXXX
N/A
Right weight
XXXXX
23 m
Sidecut radius
XXXXX
N/A
Load-bearing surface
XXXXX
N/A
Tip torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Center torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Tail torsion
XXXXX
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Top stories
Tutorial
Emergency Repairs on Ski Bases

The Skialper tutorials

Tutorial
Maintenance and complete check-up of ski mountaineering bindings

The Skialper tutorials

2025
Thoughts
At the heart of every ski

Editorial

2025
Intro
Test center

Where the snow is always present

2025
Intro
Skimo skins

It's not all about grip

2025
Instruction
Boot lab: Boots under the microscope

The laboratory analysis of flex, walkability, and thermal insulation of ski mountaineering boots

2025
Intro
Skimo poles
2025
Intro
Safety, a culture of doubt

Beyond the basic definition, there’s nothing as variable as snow conditions and the human psyche when under emotional stress. That's why, after purchasing the right self-rescue kit and airbag backpack, it’s paramount you do your research, train, scrutinize your decisions and, if necessary, opt for plan B. And, at least for now, don’t rely on artificial intelligence. 

2025
Race
Light
Tour
Free
Awards
Best bindings 2025

Skiaklper's Awards

2025
Intro
Products for mountaineers

Once you’ve chosen your skis, boots and bindings, your thoughts then turn to harnesses, crampons, ice axe and helmet, though perhaps not everyone, and not straight away. While it’s true that when starting out, especially for those transitioning from resort skiing who just want to start surfing some pow, the important thing is to get self-rescue equipment. It’s equally true, however, that the sport we love is a combination of two words: skiing and mountaineering.

Recommended pairing
BOOT OF THE YEAR RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
La Sportiva
Stratos VI
Buckles: 2
Weight: 530 g
Top match
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Dynafit
DNA by Pierre Gignoux
Buckles: 2
Weight: 510 g
Top match
PRO'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Scarpa
Alien 4.0
Buckles: 2
Weight: 610 g
Top match
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Made for women
Scarpa
Alien 1.0 WMN
Buckles: 2
Weight: 735 g
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Scarpa
Alien 1.0
Buckles: 2
Weight: 785 g
SMART CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
La Sportiva
Stratos Hybrid
Buckles: 2
Weight: 728 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Boots
Race
Dynafit
DNA
Buckles: 2
Weight: 810 g
tested 2024
Boots
Race
Dynafit
Mezzalama
Buckles: 2
Weight: 875 g
tested 2024
Boots
Race
La Sportiva
Raceborg II
Buckles: 2
Weight: 735 g
Recommended setup
BINDING OF THE YEAR RACE
tested 2025
Bindings
Race
ATK Bindings
Revolution Brake World Cup
Type: full pin
Weight: 122 g
Top match
preview 2024
Bindings
Race
ATK Bindings
SL Brake World Cup
Type: full pin
Weight: 135 g
Top match
tested 2025
Bindings
Race
Ski Trab
Titan Gara WC + Stopper
Type: full pin
Weight: 160 g
Top match
tested 2025
Bindings
Race
Dynafit
DNA+
Type: full pin
Weight: 128 g
Top match
preview 2025
Bindings
Race
Grizzly
GR 98 II
Type: full pin
Weight: 98 g
Top match
preview 2025
Bindings
Race
ATK Bindings
Trofeo Brake
Type: full pin
Weight: 145 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Race
Light
Kreuzspitze
RS
Type: full pin
Weight: 169 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Race
ATK Bindings
Revolution World Cup
Type: full pin
Weight: 105 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Race
Plum
R World Cup
Type: full pin
Weight: 144 g
tested 2024
Bindings
Race
Grizzly
GR 48
Type: full pin
Weight: 48 g
Similar products
PRO'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Ski Trab
Gara World Cup 70
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 710 g
tested 2024
Skis
Race
Atomic
Backland 62 UL Vert
Width Center: 62 mm
Weight: 650 g
tested 2024
Skis
Race
Fischer
Transalp RC Carbon
Width Center: 65 mm
Weight: 690 g
preview 2025
Skis
Race
Made for women
Ski Trab
Gara World Cup 60 Lady
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 685 g
preview 2025
Skis
Race
Made for women
Movement
Race Pro 66W
Width Center: 66 mm
Weight: 620 g
preview 2025
Skis
Race
Kästle
TX 65 WC
Width Center: 65 mm
Weight: 690 g
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Movement
Race Pro 66
Width Center: 66 mm
Weight: 675 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Dynafit
Mezzalama
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 790 g
SKI OF THE YEAR RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Dynastar
M-Pierra Menta
Width Center: 65 mm
Weight: 700 g
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Elan
Lynx 65 UL
Width Center: 65 mm
Weight: 690 g
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Ski Trab
Gara World Cup 60
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 700 g
SMART CHOICE RACE
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Ski Trab
Gara
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 760 g
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Dynafit
DNA Pro
Width Center: 64 mm
Weight: 690 g
tested 2025
Skis
Race
Atomic
Backland 65 UL
Width Center: 65 mm
Weight: 670 g