Our 2026-2027 Elan Ski Demo Selection
Elan Skis: A Pinnacle of Performance in the Rockies
Elan has built its reputation around an unusual combination: skis that feel light, quick and intuitive without sacrificing the precision and performance experienced skiers expect. Born in the Slovenian Alps, Elan has also become one of skiing’s most innovative manufacturers, with technologies such as its asymmetrical Amphibio profile helping create skis that are exceptionally easy to initiate and maneuver.
For 2026–2027, Hamilton Sports’ Elan demo collection focuses on the Ripstick family. The new Ripstick 88 Black Edition brings more power and precision to a quick all-mountain platform, while the Ripstick 96 Black Edition adds width and soft-snow versatility. For women, the Ripstick 84 W and Ripstick 94 W cover everything from fast groomer laps to bumps, trees and softer off-piste snow.
The common thread is a distinctly energetic, lightweight feel. If you want a ski that responds quickly, changes direction easily and doesn’t require a lot of effort to access its performance, the Ripstick collection deserves a serious look.
Elan Skis Available to Demo
Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition
Available Sizes: 161cm, 168cm, 175cm, 182cm, 189cm
New for 2026–2027, the Ripstick 88 Black Edition takes the quick, intuitive character of Elan’s Ripstick 88 and adds the additional carbon reinforcement of the Black Edition construction. The result is a light, energetic all-mountain ski with increased stability, edge grip and precision for stronger skiers who want more performance without stepping onto something heavy or overly demanding.
SkiEssentials’ first testing of the new 88 Black Edition found a noticeable increase in stiffness and edge grip underfoot compared with the standard Ripstick 88, while retaining the quickness and effortless turn initiation that define the Ripstick family. Testers were particularly impressed by its combination of agility, edge grip and very low weight. That should make the 88 Black Edition equally appealing for carving groomers and for skiers who like to move quickly into bumps, trees and more technical terrain.
Best for: Advanced through expert skiers; groomers; bumps; trees; quick turns; energetic all-mountain skiing.
Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition
Available Sizes: 161cm, 168cm, 175cm, 182cm, 189cm
The Ripstick 96 Black Edition moves deeper into all-mountain and freeride territory while maintaining the light, agile personality that makes Ripsticks so distinctive. Its Black Edition construction adds carbon reinforcement for more stability, edge grip and responsiveness, while the 96mm waist provides enough platform to feel comfortable when the snow gets deeper or more variable.
At this width, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition is an exceptionally versatile Western ski. Testing has consistently highlighted its quickness and maneuverability, particularly in bumps, trees and technical terrain, while the wider platform and rockered profile provide useful flotation in softer snow. It’s light enough to pivot easily, energetic coming out of a turn and capable on groomed terrain without feeling like a dedicated carving ski. For a skier who wants one Elan that can comfortably cover a lot of different terrain, the 96 Black Edition is the standout choice.
Best for: Intermediate through expert skiers; groomers; trees; bumps; soft snow; light powder; versatile all-mountain skiing.
Elan Ripstick 84 W
Available Sizes: 147cm, 154cm, 161cm
The Ripstick 84 W is the most frontside-oriented ski in Hamilton Sports’ Elan collection. Its narrower waist makes it quick from edge to edge, while Elan’s lightweight construction and Amphibio profile help make turn initiation smooth and intuitive. It’s approachable enough to inspire confidence, but still has the responsiveness and energy stronger skiers want when they start pushing the pace.
The narrower platform favors groomed snow and quicker turns, but this isn’t a ski that needs to stay on perfectly manicured trails. Its light weight and maneuverability make it easy to take into bumps and mixed terrain as well. Compared with the Ripstick 94 W, the 84 W puts more emphasis on precision and edge-to-edge quickness than flotation, making it particularly appealing for women who spend most of their day on packed snow but still want the freedom to explore.
Best for: Intermediate through advanced women; groomers; firm snow; bumps; quick turns; lightweight all-mountain performance.
Elan Ripstick 94 W
Available Sizes: 147cm, 154cm, 161cm, 168cm
The Ripstick 94 W adds more width and soft-snow capability while retaining the light, maneuverable character of the Ripstick family. It’s a true all-mountain option for women who want to move comfortably between groomers, bumps, trees and softer off-piste snow rather than choosing a ski specialized for one part of the mountain.
Independent testing of the Ripstick 94 W has praised its combination of lightweight construction, strength underfoot, carving ability and useful flotation. That balance is what makes the 94 W such an appealing one-ski option: there’s enough width to provide confidence in fresh or chopped-up snow, but it remains nimble enough for tighter terrain and quick direction changes. For a day at Snowmass where you may encounter a little bit of everything, this is exactly the kind of versatility that makes sense.
Best for: Intermediate through expert women; groomers; trees; bumps; soft snow; variable conditions; all-mountain versatility.
Why Rent Elan Skis from Hamilton Sports?
- Full selection of 2026–27 Elan demo skis, freshly tuned and ready for Aspen conditions
- Steps from the Aspen Mountain gondola for convenient pickup or easy ski swaps
- Staffed by skiers who know the terrain—and which skis work best for the day’s conditions
- Trusted as one of the best ski shops in Aspen for quality rentals, premium equipment and expert service
Whether you prefer the quick precision of a narrower Ripstick or the added versatility of a wider all-mountain ski, Elan’s 2026–27 collection combines low weight, effortless maneuverability and serious performance in a package that’s simply fun to ski.
