7 Best Park Skis of 2024: Picks and Reviews

The best park skis of 2023-2024 are a blend of innovative design, performance, and style, catering to a diverse range of skiing enthusiasts. As park skiing continues to evolve, the skis that dominate this niche sport have also transformed, incorporating cutting-edge technology and adapting to the changing needs of skiers. We’ll explore various models that stand out in terms of performance, versatility, and value, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision for your next park adventure.

I’ve created a comparison table just below the top picks section, to provide a quick overview of the specifications and features of the top park skis. For a more comprehensive understanding and to assist with your selection, be sure to explore our detailed buyer’s guide that follows the selections.

---

---

Comparison Table

Ski Model	Best For	Level	Weight (g)	Price (as of writing)	Sizes Available (cm)	Sidecut (tip-waist-tail) mm	Turn Radius (m)	Rocker Type
Armada ARV 96	All Mountain, Park, Groomers	Beginner to Advanced	1650 (at 163cm)	$650	163, 170, 177, 184	123-96-115 to 126-96-118	17.5 to 20	AR Freestyle Rocker
Volkl Revolt 81 2024	All Mountain, Freestyle, Jumps/Pipe, Park	Beginner, Ambitious	1420 (at 148cm)	$349.99	148, 158, 168	111-81-104	13.9 to 18.9	Full Camber
Faction Studio 1 (2024)	Park, Pipe	Intermediate to Expert	1560 (at 171cm)	$699	171, 178, 183	120-90-120	17 to 20	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
2024 Head Oblivion 94	All Mountain, Powder, Park	Advanced	1873 (at 184cm)	$700	163, 170, 177, 184	125-92-116 to 128-94-118	17.6 to 22.8	PNP Rocker
K2 Fatty Skis 2024	Piste, Park and Rails, Freestyle, Freeride	Beginner to Expert	N/A	$299.95	88 (one size)	112-85-99	N/A	Full Camber
Elan Playmaker 101 Skis 2024	Park, All Mountain, Powder	Advanced to Expert	1760 (at 180cm)	$699.99	164, 172, 180, 188	132-101-122	16 to 19.5	Surf Rocker
Atomic Bent 90 Skis 2024	Park and Rails, All Mountain, Freestyle	Intermediate to Advanced	1550 (at 171cm)	$549.95	156, 161, 166, 171, 176, 181	117-88-110 to 121-88-115	14.5 to 17	AR Freestyle Rocker

Buyer’s Guide

What is Park Skiing?

Park skiing, also known as freestyle skiing, is a style of skiing that involves performing tricks, jumps, and other maneuvers in a snow park or terrain park. These parks are specially designed areas within a ski resort that include features like rails, jumps, boxes, and half-pipes. Skiers in these parks execute a variety of tricks such as spins, flips, grinds, and slides. It’s a creative and expressive form of skiing that emphasizes skill, style, and aerial maneuvers. Park skiing is popular among skiers who enjoy the challenge and excitement of executing technical tricks and jumps.

The Park skis are ideal for skiers who spend most of their time in terrain parks, but they can also be versatile enough for all-mountain skiing depending on their specific design and features. When choosing park skis, consider your skill level, preferred terrain, and the type of tricks you aim to perform.

How to choose the right Park Skis

When selecting a park ski, several key factors should be considered to ensure you get the most out of your skiing experience:

Skill Level

1. Beginners:
   • Characteristics: For those new to park skiing, skis should be forgiving and flexible. This means they should be easy to maneuver and not overly responsive to small movements, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
   • Benefits: Flexible skis absorb impacts better and can make learning tricks and landings less intimidating. They also generally offer a more comfortable and enjoyable experience as you’re developing your skills.
2. Intermediate/Advanced:
   • Characteristics: Intermediate and advanced park skiers should look for skis with a stiffer flex and enhanced stability. These skis respond better to aggressive skiing and are ideal for technical maneuvers.
   • Benefits: Stiffer skis provide more precision and power, important for executing complex tricks and maintaining control at higher speeds. They also offer better edge grip, which is crucial for carving and handling harder snow conditions efficiently.

Size and Length

1. Shorter Skis:
   • Advantages: Shorter skis are generally easier to maneuver, making them a great choice for park skiing where quick turns and agility are important. They’re also preferable for performing tricks and jumps as they’re easier to spin and handle in the air.
   • Considerations: While they offer better control, shorter skis might not provide as much stability at higher speeds or in variable snow conditions.
2. Longer Skis:
   • Advantages: Longer skis offer greater stability, which can be beneficial for skiers who like to ski at higher speeds or need more ski surfaces for landing jumps.
   • Considerations: However, they can be more challenging to control, especially for beginners, making tricks and jumps more difficult.

Width

The width of park skis is a critical aspect that falls between the narrower design of racing skis and the wider build of powder skis. A moderate width in park skis strikes a balance, offering sufficient support for landings and stability while maintaining agility for tricks and jumps. This width range allows for better maneuverability in the park, making it easier to navigate features like rails and boxes, while still providing decent performance in varied snow conditions. The ideal width enhances the overall versatility of the skis, making them suitable for both park-focused skiing and occasional all-mountain use.

Flexibility

When selecting park skis, the flexibility of the skis is a crucial factor to consider, as it significantly affects performance and comfort. Softer flex skis are particularly suitable for playful, trick-oriented skiing. They are more forgiving, which makes them an excellent choice for skiers who focus on freestyle maneuvers or are still developing their skills. These skis help in absorbing impacts and provide softer landings, crucial when attempting new tricks.

On the other hand, stiffer flex skis cater to aggressive, high-speed skiing. Preferred by advanced skiers, stiffer skis offer enhanced stability at higher speeds and enable sharper, more responsive turns. However, they can be less forgiving during landings compared to their softer counterparts. Therefore, the choice of ski flexibility should align with the skier’s style and skill level to ensure the best skiing experience.

Twin Tip Design

The twin-tip design is a fundamental feature for park skis, as it greatly enhances their versatility and functionality in terrain parks. This design, where both the front and back of the skis are curved upwards, is essential for performing a wide range of tricks and maneuvers that are characteristic of park skiing. It allows skiers to land jumps backward (also known as skiing in switch) and to take off in reverse, providing a significant advantage in freestyle skiing. The twin-tip design not only expands the range of possible tricks but also contributes to the playful and agile nature of the skis, making them a favorite among park enthusiasts.

Camber and Rocker

Camber Underfoot: This refers to the slight upward curve in the middle of the ski. Camber provides excellent edge hold, crucial for carving turns and maintaining control, especially on harder snow. It also offers stability, making the ski more responsive and energetic, which is beneficial for performing jumps and maintaining speed.

Rocker at Tips and Tails: Also known as ‘early rise’, rocker involves the tips and tails of the skis being curved upwards. This design enhances the ski’s ability to perform tricks like buttering and makes switch riding (skiing backward) easier. Rocker also improves ski performance in softer snow by providing better flotation.

Trends in Park Skis

The 2023-2024 season in park skiing is marked by significant innovations and trends that are shaping the preferences of skiers. A prominent trend noted across the manufacturers is the shift towards wider, all-mountain park skis. This evolution moves away from traditional narrow designs, catering to skiers who seek versatility in their equipment. These wider skis offer enhanced stability and adaptability, allowing skiers to transition smoothly between park and all-mountain skiing.

Another notable trend is the focus on lightweight, yet durable construction. Skis are now being designed with advanced materials that reduce weight without compromising on strength. This is crucial for park skiing, where agility and the ability to perform tricks are essential. The integration of technologies like carbon weaves and robust core materials is common, providing a balance between playful maneuverability and the resilience needed for hard landings and rail slides.

The trend of incorporating playful and artistic designs into ski graphics continues, reflecting the creative spirit of park skiing. Manufacturers are collaborating with artists to create skis that are not just functional but also visually appealing and unique.

Finally, there is a growing emphasis on skis that cater to a broad range of skill levels, from beginners to experts. This inclusivity in design allows more skiers to enjoy park skiing, whether they are just starting or looking to push the boundaries of the sport.

Conclusion

In summary, selecting the right park skis is a crucial decision that can significantly enhance your experience in terrain parks. By carefully considering factors like skill level, size and length, width, flexibility, twin tip design, camber and rocker profile, durability, and personal preferences, you can find a pair of skis that not only suit your style but also support your development as a skier. Remember, the ideal park skis should offer a balance between maneuverability for tricks and stability for landings, while also being durable enough to withstand the rigorous demands of park skiing. With the right skis, you can fully enjoy the creativity and excitement that park skiing has to offer.