Why we chose the Blizzard Zero G 85: Lightweight, forgiving, efficient

Lengths (cm): 157, 164, 171, 178 & 185
Sidecut (mm): 116 / 85 / 99.5 (171 cm)
Radius: 19m (171 cm)
Rocker Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Weight (per ski): 1,120g
Price: £550 / €550 / $700

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Ever since their release in 2015, the Zero G range from Blizzard has set the standard in ski touring skis that keep the weight to an impossibly low level, while not sacrificing too much in downhill performance. These, the Blizzard Zero G 85 offer a great balance of width and weight in a package that will remain comfortable in a variety of conditions, in the right pair of hands.

Blizzard Zero G 85 Build

Being a touring ski, the first thing we have to talk about is, of course, the carbon build of the Zero G 85s. It’s this carbon laminate that gives the skis their responsiveness and helps to keep the pounds off the scales. The carbon in question is what Blizzard calls Carbon Drive 2.0.

Carbon Drive 2.0 now features a contoured frame of carbon that doesn’t span the full width of the ski. It instead tapers towards the midsection, so you don’t have a full-width of carbon underfoot. This updated design is said to make the skis a little more manageable in hard snow thanks to the damper ride this technology brings to the table.

We can certainly agree with this method adopted by Blizzard. Carbon skis are great in the right conditions, but the combination of a lightweight build and responsive carbon laminate can create a ski deflection nightmare, so we’re glad to see Blizzard trimming it down where direct power can be achieved instead through the wood core.