Icelantic might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of ski giants like Volkl or Rossignol, but this brand deserves serious consideration, especially within the all-mountain category. Proudly handcrafted in Denver, Colorado, USA, Icelantic skis have carved out a reputation for exceptional durability and are increasingly recognized for their performance across the ski industry. We put their acclaimed all-mountain ski, the Pioneer 96, to the test in a 182cm length to see how it stacks up.
Performance Analysis
air time on the icelantics!Air time on the Icelantic Pioneer 96!
Credit: Scott Rokis
Stability at Speed
The Icelantic Pioneer 96 demonstrates increasing stability as speeds climb, particularly on smooth, groomed snow. However, at slower speeds, the ski can feel a touch less planted, and in variable snow conditions, some chatter is noticeable. While the Pioneer 96 might not match the unwavering stability of some top-tier models, it compensates for this with strengths in other crucial performance areas, offering a balanced all-mountain experience.
pushing the pioneers to their speed limit.
Pushing the Icelantic Pioneer 96 to their speed limit.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Carving Capabilities
Icelantic specifies a 19-meter turn radius for the 182cm Pioneer 96, yet our testers found it to ski with a shorter, more agile feel. Edge-to-edge transitions are rapid, making quick, energetic turns exceptionally fun. This responsiveness lends itself well to dynamic carving on groomed runs and varied terrain.
short carving turns on steep groomers with the icelantics under your…
Executing short carving turns on steep groomers with the Icelantic Pioneer 96.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Although the Pioneer 96 provides reliable edge hold, it doesn’t quite deliver the same level of power and rebound in carved turns as some skis that scored higher in this specific category. Skiers seeking ultimate carving performance might find other models more tailored to that demand.
Crud Performance
Crud, that challenging off-piste snow condition, proves to be the least favorable terrain for the soft and playful Pioneer 96. The ski tips are susceptible to chatter and deflection in crud, and vibrations are transmitted noticeably underfoot. When conditions deteriorate into heavy or choppy snow, skiers might consider opting for a different ski from their quiver better suited for demanding crud navigation.
Powder Handling
In powder snow, the Pioneer 96 performs precisely as expected for a soft and playful ski design. It offers ample surfy floatation, allowing for effortless slarving and slashing turns, thanks to its versatile twin tip profile. This design characteristic enhances its maneuverability in softer snow conditions.
a little bit of soft snow is found up top while scouting a…
Exploring soft snow while scouting a powder landing with the Icelantic Pioneer 96.
Credit: Scott Rokis
While it may not possess the unwavering float of significantly wider, dedicated powder skis, the Pioneer 96, at just under 100mm underfoot, impressively maintains its composure and stays on top of the snow during most powder days, offering surprising versatility for its width.
Playfulness and Freestyle
Playfulness is where the Pioneer 96 truly shines. It’s evident that Icelantic’s designers prioritized this characteristic when crafting this ski. It feels like a mountain playground under your feet.
lesia playing around on the icelantic pioneer 96.
Lesia showcasing the playful nature of the Icelantic Pioneer 96.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Despite its robust build, the Pioneer 96 feels remarkably light and agile in the air, making it easy to maneuver for tricks and jumps. Its forgiving soft flex ensures comfortable landings, even when conditions aren’t perfect. The camber underfoot provides excellent pop for launching off jumps and side-hits. Ski testers particularly enjoyed skiing switch on the Pioneer 96, highlighting its balanced freestyle capabilities.
The Pioneer 96 is ideally suited for skiers who actively seek out side-hits, natural features, and building small jumps across the mountain. If you enjoy buttering, are transitioning from snowboarding, see the entire mountain as your personal terrain park, or frequent the terrain park, these skis are definitely worth considering.
Bumps and Moguls
The Pioneer 96 isn’t specifically engineered for mogul skiing, but testers still found them enjoyable in bump runs. The tip and tail rocker contribute to a shorter effective length, making the Pioneer 96 feel nimble and highly maneuverable in tight mogul fields.
beginning to navigate a bump line on the icelantics.
Navigating a mogul run on the Icelantic Pioneer 96.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Their forgiving flex and overall forgiving nature make them fun for navigating through softer snow bumps with ease. However, when moguls become firm or icy, it’s advisable to reduce speed on the Pioneer 96 to maintain optimal control and edge grip in challenging, hard-packed bumps.
Value for Money
The Icelantic Pioneer 96 stands out as one of the most competitively priced skis within the men’s all-mountain ski category, especially considering its durable, US-made construction. It represents excellent value for skiers seeking quality and performance without breaking the bank. This combination of price and durability makes it an attractive option.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Ski the Pioneer 96?
The Pioneer 96 may sit slightly lower in our overall all-mountain ski rankings, but this shouldn’t overshadow its significant strengths. In reality, the Pioneer 96 is exceptionally fun and rewarding for skiers who prioritize airtime and playful skiing, but still require a forgiving ski for variable terrain. While it may not dominate in every single performance metric, the Pioneer 96 remains a compelling option to shortlist when searching for all-mountain skis that encourage you to explore jumps and playful skiing across the resort.
dropping! loving the icelantic pioneer 96.
Dropping in and loving the Icelantic Pioneer 96.
Credit: Scott Rokis
