The Best Big Mountain Playful Skis of 2027

Featured Image: Elise Sterck

These skis are the definition of “work hard, play hard.” Big Mountain Playful skis give skiers the stability to send it and the versatility to get creative. They can charge steep, technical faces when it’s time to get serious, but are just as ready to throw a 360 off a cliff or slash a wind lip when it’s time to have some fun. Here are FREESKIER’s picks for the 2027 Big Mountain Playful lineup. 

Blackcrow Atris

Lengths 172.1, 178.4, 184.3, 190.2

DIM 138-105-122 mm

Radius 20 m @ 184.3 cm

This ski has defined Blackcrows' lineup for years and remains one of the most popular big-mountain skis on the market. Defined by its directional-twin shape and approachable flex pattern, the Atris occupies a unique space in the category and has earned a devoted following. It's a fantastic daily driver that appeals to skiers who value maneuverability as much as a stable turn.

Nordica Unleashed 106 CA

Lengths 157, 164, 171, 178, 185, 190 cm

DIM 138.5-106-127.5 mm

Radius 17.7 m @ 178 cm

Brand new to the Nordica family, the Unleashed 106 and the carbon-only 106 CA replace the old 108, and carry the same shape and personality as its wider sibling, the 120, in a more approachable width. While the Unleashed 98 and 114 run closer to a true twin tip with longer effective edges, the 106 and 120 sport a more directional shape with significant taper in the tip and tails.

Salomon QST 106

Lengths 157, 165, 173, 181, 189 cm

DIM 139-106-126 mm @ 181 cm

Radius 19.5 m @ 181 cm

After a resoundingly successful redesign of the QST collection last fall, Salomon is cooking with the same recipe this year. What was once known as an enjoyable ski that struggled at high speeds has become a true freeride weapon, trusted by the likes of Josh Daiek.

Blizzard Canvas 108

Lengths 168, 174, 180, 186, 192 cm

DIM 139-108-127 mm @ 180 cm

Radius 18 m @ 180 cm

The new Canvas collection fills a void in Blizzard's predominantly directional lineup of skis. It's the same methodical craftsmanship you've come to love, applied to a design that wants to surf and stomp in the same run. A stable construction and a rockered shape—built the Blizzard way.

Dynastar M-Free 108

Lengths 162, 170, 178, 185, 192 cm

DIM 138-108-128 mm @ 185 cm

Radius 18 m @ 185 cm

Arguably the dampest ski in this category, Dynastar blends a vibration-absorbing core with a playful shape and profile to create a ski that loves to charge but retains a loose, almost surf-like turn style. Returning unchanged for 2027, except for the fresh paint job, the 108 remains one of the most popular freeride skis on the market.

Atomic Bent 110

Lengths 164, 172, 180, 188 cm

DIM 133-110-124 mm @ 180 cm

Radius 18 m @ 180 cm

The Atomic Bent 110 returns unchanged for the 2027 season, but of course got some fresh artwork from its namesake, Chris Benchetler. Sitting on the wider end of the wildly popular Bent collection, this ski is aimed at freestyle-minded skiers chasing soft snow and infinite features.

Rossignol Sender 110

Lengths 168, 176, 184, 191 cm

DIM 140-110-133 mm

Radius 20 m @ 184 cm

Finding the sweet spot between a ski that charges and one that feels approachable isn't easy, but the Sender 110 pulls it off. With the added girth underfoot, compared to the Sender 100, this ski clearly leans more toward pow days but it doesn't feel like a one-trick pony. Instead, it blends float, stability and a surprising amount of energy in a way that encourages you to ski fast while hunting for treasure along the way.

Ellis Meraki 112

Lengths 174, 180, 186 cm

DIM 138-112-128 mm

Radius 19.1 m @ 180 cm

The widest ski in Ellis' lineup, the Meraki is a freeride-oriented powder ski with long, low tip and tail rocker, and a surprising amount of camber for a 112-mm waisted ski. Further fueling its freeride appetite, this ski features a mid-stiff, wood and fiberglass core that's paired with a full-length sidewall. This combination brings a substantial feel without the overbearing properties of metal or the overly soft personality found in some powder-specific skis.