What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width

What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width

Author: BLISTER February 13, 2026 Duration: 1:30:18

When it comes to the question of ski width, there are some very strong opinions held by skiers, and lots of them aren’t true. Are lots of people on skis that are too wide? Will a skinnier ski always carve better than a wider ski? What’s the ideal width for mogul skiing? And is there any real difference in bottomless powder between a 120mm-wide and a 135mm-wide ski? Today, Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth walk through the entire range of skis from 65mm to 135mm wide, and hope to clear up a number of confusions and debunk some myths about ski width.

Note: We Want to Hear From You!

Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.

RELATED LINKS:

CARV

Palisades Tahoe

Enter Our Weekly Gear Giveaways

Our Blister Recommended Shops

Join Us! Blister Summit 2026

For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit Registration

Get Yourself Covered with BLISTER+

CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:

Blister Studios (our new channel)

Blister Review (our original channel)

CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:

Blister Studios (our new channel)

Blister Review (our original channel)

TOPICS & TIMES:

Test Our Opinions Yourself w/ Carv (1:80)

Blister to Palisades Tahoe (2:34)

This Week’s Gear Giveaway (3:12)

Blister Summit 2026 (3:45)

The Question of Ski Width (4:53)

Ski Width Ranges

65mm - 71mm (11:49)

72mm - 78mm (16:48)

79mm - 85mm (27:41)

86mm - 92mm (38:08)

Q: Width / Getting a Ski On Edge (39:48)

93mm - 99mm (45:06)

100mm - 106mm (53:19)

107mm - 113mm (53:34)

114mm - 120mm (57:21)

Coastal Snowpack (1:07:17)

Significant Width Breaks (1:14:14)

What's Optimal? (1:16:45)

Ideal Width for Skiing Moguls? (1:20:38)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Ski Wax & Waxing Skis: What You Need to Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:32
We talk with Graham Lonetto, the Alpine Director for the USA at Swix — the company that invented color-coded waxes, and one of the largest manufacturers of ski wax in the world — about different types of waxes and applic…
From Courmayeur to Chamonix: Testing new SCOTT Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
Sam Shaheen was recently in Courmayeur, Italy to test the new SCOTT Superguide Freetour in the spectacular mountains surrounding Mont Blanc. After several days of big lines and long tours, he came away thoroughly impress…
2020 Outdoor Retailer Highlights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:27
We sat down at the Outdoor Retailer / SIA show to discuss some of the most notable trends, interesting products, weirdest products, and the thing at the show that caused Jonathan to legally change his name.TOPICS & TIMES…
SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, on the new F1 LT & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:41
In part 2 of our conversation with SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Kim offers his predictions for the ski industry and how SCARPA is positioning itself for the future; discusses which materials they use in their boots and why; s…
The Future of Lange & the New XT3 Ski Boot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:10
We talk to Lange’s Global Brand Director, Thor Verdonk, about Lange’s use of 'dual core' technology; why “ski boots should be alive”; the brand-new, 3rd generation, Lange XT3; heat-moldable shells; 3d printed boots; the…
Ski Gear Predictions for the Next Decade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:16
Last week we talked about the best ski gear of the past decade, so now it’s time to make our predictions about what gear will look like 10 years from now? What product categories have the most room for improvement? What…
Best Ski Gear of the Past Decade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:27
Of the entire past decade, what was the most influential ski, ski boot, and ski binding? What was the best ski? What were the biggest trends? And what was our selection for the Best Product of the Decade? We cover all of…
New Skis, Ski Boots, & Bindings with Paul Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:02
Today we’re catching up with Blister reviewer, Paul Forward, about some of the skis, AT boots, and an AT binding that Paul has been spending time on in Girdwood, Alaska. Paul and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the Volkl Mant…