Blizzard Zero G 105 Ski
Ever since taking its rightful place as the head of the Blizzard touring ski stable, the Zero G 105 has made quite a splash, especially amongst aggressive skiers looking to venture to faraway places. Not being content with good, Blizzard has continued their journey towards great by tweaking the Carbon Drive laminate (now in its third iteration). As a result, Blizzard was able to make the ride a little more friendly without sacrificing the hard-charging performance people have come to love. In other words, the ski loses none of its soft snow pedigree but becomes friendlier when the snow is less friendly (or just downright awful). While the tip and tail rocker make the Zero G 105 a powder ripping fiend, the long sidecut combined with Carbon Drive 3.0 laminate ensures it’s no slouch on hard snow, either. Built to explore distant peaks and the powder-filled couloirs that reside on them, the Zero G 105 is a reliable soft snow-oriented partner that will calmly tackle any objective.
- Carbon Drive 3.0 is a carbon laminate that allows Blizzard to finetune ski characteristics.
- Rocker-camber-rocker profile helps the ski float and maneuver in deep snow.
- The long side cut helps provide a tenacious edge hold on steep terrain.
- Biggest powder-focused ski in the Blizzard touring lineup.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 164, 172, 180, 188 |
|
Weight |
1320g [164] 1400g [172] 1510g [180] 1630g [188] |
| Weight (pair) | 2640g [164] 2800g [172] 3020g [180] 3260g [188] |
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131-103-117 [164] 131-103-117 [172] 133-105-119 [180] 134-105-120 [188] |
|
Turn |
18m [164] 20m [172] 23m [180] 24m [188] |
|
Skin |
Tip recession, tail notch |
| Specs Verified | 172 & 188 only |
| Design | |
|
|
Rockered tip, camber underfoot, subtle tail rocker |
|
|
Rounded tip and tails with a long radius |
|
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Carbon Drive 3.0 |
|
|
Paulownia |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Powder touring |
| Notes | Carbon Drive 3.0 gets rid of the harshness but keeps the charge |
| Bottom Line | Competitive weight with exceptional performance |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
11/20/2024
I am just wondering if there is a big difference between the Carbon Drive 3.0 vs the Carbon Drive 2.0? I have the Zero G 105s - 172 length that only have the Carbon Drive 2.0 and am wondering if it is wondering if it is worth upgrading to the newer skis that have the Carbon Drive 3.0.
11/20/2024
Hi Dan,
The Carbon Drive 3.0 layup is more progressive and friendlier. Still a stiff, precise ski, but less chattery in bad snow and a bit more forgiving.
The Carbon Drive 3.0 layup is more progressive and friendlier. Still a stiff, precise ski, but less chattery in bad snow and a bit more forgiving.
11/20/2024
Thanks Emmett! It sounds like the 3.0 is a great improvement, but do you think it is a great enough improvement that I should upgrade from the 2.0 to the 3.0? I just got the skis that have the 2.0 btw, they are brand new.
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5/1/2024
Rob
(used product a few times)
I have not used them in deeper pow, but mostly variable firm, icy, crust, corn to 6” of pow. No matter the conditions they inspire great confidence. I was worried the 180 would feel small, but feels perfect. I’m 6’ 186lbs. They do require to be skied actively, pressuring the tips and staying forward, but that allows me to rip through pow, crust and firm snow you find later in the season without much adjusting. Great ski I wish I could have a heavier resort version.
Comment on this review:
1/1/2024
Are these skis too light to mount with hybrid bindings like the Marker Duke PT? I'm a heavier skier and spend on good deal of time in bounds but still like having the option to tour around my home in the mountains too. I understand the differences between hybrid bindings and pin (tech) bindings.
Would it be too much force on the ski to even bother to ski Zero G 105s hard in-bounds with hybrid bindings comfortably? Am I going to have to slow down so much with these light skis that I might as well just have tech bindings on them anyway?
Would it be too much force on the ski to even bother to ski Zero G 105s hard in-bounds with hybrid bindings comfortably? Am I going to have to slow down so much with these light skis that I might as well just have tech bindings on them anyway?
1/1/2024
Hi Richmond,
The Zero G 105 is a pretty powerful ski. Of all the touring skis to take in bounds from time to time, this would be a good one. There will be no issue skiing it hard with hybrid bindings. Of course, it will not be as damp as a heavier resort ski, but it sounds like you also want something with a more tourable weight. I think it would be a good match! Tech bindings will go uphill better of course, but for lots of resort time, hybrid bindings have their place and will improve the power transfer and give you a more resort-binding feel.
The Zero G 105 is a pretty powerful ski. Of all the touring skis to take in bounds from time to time, this would be a good one. There will be no issue skiing it hard with hybrid bindings. Of course, it will not be as damp as a heavier resort ski, but it sounds like you also want something with a more tourable weight. I think it would be a good match! Tech bindings will go uphill better of course, but for lots of resort time, hybrid bindings have their place and will improve the power transfer and give you a more resort-binding feel.
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12/16/2023
I just bought the zero g 105 in a 188cm. I also bought the ATK freeraider evo 15 binding in size 108mm but it does not seem to fit over the waist. Any ideas? Do you have different brake sizes in stock for that binding?
12/16/2023
Hi Ross,
Not sure what's going on there! A 108mm ATK brake should easily fit over a 105mm ski. They usually fit even a slightly wider ski than the stated width would indicate. We do have replacement brakes, but would like to figure out what's going on here first. If you send some pictures of what you're seeing to help@skimo.co, we can take a look!
Not sure what's going on there! A 108mm ATK brake should easily fit over a 105mm ski. They usually fit even a slightly wider ski than the stated width would indicate. We do have replacement brakes, but would like to figure out what's going on here first. If you send some pictures of what you're seeing to help@skimo.co, we can take a look!
1/4/2024
Hi - I was considering this ski/binding setup. Did this issue ever get resolved. Would you need a break wider than the 108?
Thanks,
Jamey
Thanks,
Jamey
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4/13/2023
Hey Y'all,
I'm curious about your opinion on the two mounting points on the Zero G 105. I bought the ski for mountaineering objectives. I ski a lot in the San Juans and wanted something that's light enough to swing in tight spots but also has some float for the runout. I skied mantras on the resort for years but lately have gravitated toward reverse camber skis because I like how easy they are to manage in technical terrain, and I have kind of wanted something that skis slightly similarly (more upright, less forward pressure) in the backcountry. Obviously didn't fully go that route, but I have been thinking that mounting the Zero G's at the forward line would make the ski a little more balanced and manageable in steep, tight terrain. Do you think the +1.5cm (I think) will make much of a difference or compromise the ski's float in deep snow?
Thanks for your help.
I'm curious about your opinion on the two mounting points on the Zero G 105. I bought the ski for mountaineering objectives. I ski a lot in the San Juans and wanted something that's light enough to swing in tight spots but also has some float for the runout. I skied mantras on the resort for years but lately have gravitated toward reverse camber skis because I like how easy they are to manage in technical terrain, and I have kind of wanted something that skis slightly similarly (more upright, less forward pressure) in the backcountry. Obviously didn't fully go that route, but I have been thinking that mounting the Zero G's at the forward line would make the ski a little more balanced and manageable in steep, tight terrain. Do you think the +1.5cm (I think) will make much of a difference or compromise the ski's float in deep snow?
Thanks for your help.
4/13/2023
Hank,
I'd say the balance you gain in steeps would be much outweighed by the loss of float in other terrain. The new Zero G has less stiff tails than the older models, but they're still pretty stiff. You might find the ski would run away easily if you mount them further forward. You could also go forward just a hair, like 0.75 or 1 cm.
I'd say the balance you gain in steeps would be much outweighed by the loss of float in other terrain. The new Zero G has less stiff tails than the older models, but they're still pretty stiff. You might find the ski would run away easily if you mount them further forward. You could also go forward just a hair, like 0.75 or 1 cm.
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4/6/2023
Hi, wondering if you might comment on the zero G 105 V the QST Echo, i'm wondering how they might compare. The QST is slightly heavier, (damper?) the rockers are comparable, and both have similar radius and are billed as playful. So do they have a similar feel, or is one more..... (?) than the other? I'm guessing the Zero G 105 is a tad more directional and the Echo more slarvy(!) but would love to hear any comments as there are not many Echo comments out there as its new. Many thanks.
4/6/2023
Hi Clum, all of those descriptors are pretty spot on. If you are looking for the more playful, damp, and slarvy ski, it is the Echo. If you want something stiffer, lighter, and like opening up turns, it would be the Zero G 105. The Blizzards have a slightly different shape, with less tail rocker and a stiffer tail.
12/7/2023
Which skis is closest to the Echo shape but in a lighter package? My Echo 106 weighs 1860 and 1877g/ski, bought yesterday so can't say much of the skiing.
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3/28/2023
I am planning to upgrade my bc skis next year and do you know if this ski will be available in the 180 length? I understand they are made in Ukraine--
3/28/2023
Hi Carl! The Zero G of next year will go unchanged and remain available in a 180cm length. Most of the Blizzard skis including the Zero Gs are made in Austria. Thanks!
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3/18/2023
I've skied a pair of Volkl V-werks Katana 177 for the past 8 years with Marker F-12 bindings. These are the perfect skis for me in terms of downhill on piste performance. I can't imagine a better ski. I'm looking for an alpine touring ski that can replica (as much as possible) the downhill performance of the V-werks Katana with a much lighter weight for touring.
I recently rented/tried tour skiing on a pair of Black Diamond Navis. They were great uphill but very underwhelming on the descent. They felt chattery and flimsy with a week edge. I assume the weight savings can contribute to the flimsy effect of a touring ski. This was my first time skinning up a mountain and we descended on piste which is obviously a certain type of skiing.
I like to ski fast and am looking for a stiff ski that will hold an edge and charge on fast turns/general descent on piste, but are much lighter and can handle the variable conditions of touring off piste as well as powder.
Basically, if there's a much lighter V-werks Katana, I'm all in.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Daniel
I recently rented/tried tour skiing on a pair of Black Diamond Navis. They were great uphill but very underwhelming on the descent. They felt chattery and flimsy with a week edge. I assume the weight savings can contribute to the flimsy effect of a touring ski. This was my first time skinning up a mountain and we descended on piste which is obviously a certain type of skiing.
I like to ski fast and am looking for a stiff ski that will hold an edge and charge on fast turns/general descent on piste, but are much lighter and can handle the variable conditions of touring off piste as well as powder.
Basically, if there's a much lighter V-werks Katana, I'm all in.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Daniel
3/18/2023
Hi Daniel, lighter touring skis are going to feel less damp than burlier resort skis. There's simply just not as much stuff under your feet! But, some of them are certainly stiffer and damper than others. The Blizzard Zero G 105 here is a good such option. Elan's Ripstick Tour 104 is another, and it packs a carving punch. The DPS Pagoda Tour series is known for its dampness as well. Please feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co and we'd be happy to get into the details!
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2/16/2023
Question from
Christian 
How is zero g 105 compared to voile hyper charger ?
Except from weight difference ?
Except from weight difference ?
2/16/2023
Hi Christian, the Voile Hyper Charger is going to be more soft snow oriented and playful, due to its more rockered tips and tails. The Zero G 105 has plenty of width to float, but geared more towards variable snow and harder pack with plenty of camber underfoot.
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2/7/2023
Hi there: how would you compare the Zero G 105 to the Armada Locator 104? On paper they seem quite similar/a worthy competitor and with the Locator being even lighter than the Zero G I'm super curious on where/how they differ performance-wise. Thanks
2/7/2023
Seth,
The Locators are very energetic and playful. Easy to break out of turns and easy to get back into them. At high speed in chop they keep gaining energy long after other skis become unstable. The Zero Gs are more of a traditional ski, not to say they're outdated of course. A bit stiffer and more locked in, and probably more stable in steeps.
The Locators are very energetic and playful. Easy to break out of turns and easy to get back into them. At high speed in chop they keep gaining energy long after other skis become unstable. The Zero Gs are more of a traditional ski, not to say they're outdated of course. A bit stiffer and more locked in, and probably more stable in steeps.
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2/6/2023
I've been wanting to buy my first pair of touring skis. I've read 100 different reviews on lots of skis, but I think I'm basically down to the Blizzard Zero G 105 or the K2 Dispatch 101. I'm a novice ski tourer, but have grown up inbounds skiing. My resort ski is a Nordica Enforcer 100 that I love. I ski hard, I'm willing to ski pretty much any terrain. I'm 6'4" 215.
I'd love any input or thoughts on those two skis. Also, if you think there's a better ski for me/my skiing please feel free to share!
I'd love any input or thoughts on those two skis. Also, if you think there's a better ski for me/my skiing please feel free to share!
2/6/2023
Bryan,
This would be a great ski! Stiff like the enforcer, but keep in mind that this ski doesn't have the weight to soak up crud like the enforcer. You might want to also check out the Dynastar M-Tour 99. In my experience, it skis very much like an alpine ski and is much more stable than the weight would imply. I don't have any experience with the K2 ski, but in my mind, it's heavier than what I would want to use as a dedicated touring setup.
This would be a great ski! Stiff like the enforcer, but keep in mind that this ski doesn't have the weight to soak up crud like the enforcer. You might want to also check out the Dynastar M-Tour 99. In my experience, it skis very much like an alpine ski and is much more stable than the weight would imply. I don't have any experience with the K2 ski, but in my mind, it's heavier than what I would want to use as a dedicated touring setup.
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1/17/2023
Question from
Ian
Any thoughts here between the Blizzard Zero G 105 and Black Diamond Helio 104. I'm looking into my first proper/light weight-ish touring setup for the Eastern Sierra. I'm 6'2" 190 lbs. In the Helio 104 I am looking at their longest ski at 184 cm. The Zero G, I would opt for the 188, fearing the 180 would be too small, I haven't skied on any skis 180cm or less since I was probably 13.
1/18/2023
Ian,
The Helios are very damp - think "wet noodle". Not necessarily a bad thing, but the ski will carry very little energy from turn to turn.
The Zero G is more energetic and easier to ski, probably more fun for most people to ski.
As always, it's personal preference!
The Helios are very damp - think "wet noodle". Not necessarily a bad thing, but the ski will carry very little energy from turn to turn.
The Zero G is more energetic and easier to ski, probably more fun for most people to ski.
As always, it's personal preference!
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1/4/2023
Chooch
(used product regularly)
Fantastic all-round backcountry ski: lightweight, durable and handles variable snow extremely well. Low-key graphics a perfect contrast to most skis in this era of attention-seeking hype, however, topsheets do collect a bit more snow than other glossier skis on occasion. Currently using them with TLT low tech race binding and enjoying the lightweight performance.
Comment on this review:
11/23/2022
Hi there, I can't decide between the 180cm or the 188cm Zero G 105?
I am 6'1" 175ibs.
In bounds I ski a Rustler 11 188 and a Atris 184 but for touring I have used a 180cm Rossi Soul 7, which felt nice going up but feels to short on the way down for how I ski.
I am worried the a 188 would be harder for kickturns and tight trees.
But I also want to make sure I have a ski that can charge down hill and feel comfortable on.
What do you recommend? 180 or 188 in the Zero G 105?
I am 6'1" 175ibs.
In bounds I ski a Rustler 11 188 and a Atris 184 but for touring I have used a 180cm Rossi Soul 7, which felt nice going up but feels to short on the way down for how I ski.
I am worried the a 188 would be harder for kickturns and tight trees.
But I also want to make sure I have a ski that can charge down hill and feel comfortable on.
What do you recommend? 180 or 188 in the Zero G 105?
11/23/2022
Hi Matthew, you have analyzed the differences quite thoroughly. A lot of us round down for touring practicality, but yes, on those dream runs we may have enjoyed rounding up. But we always had a dream run nonetheless! You could also look at splitting the difference in another model of course.
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10/10/2022
I have my choices narrowed down to this Blizzard Zero G 105 or the DPS Pagoda tour 106 C2. Can you comment on how they would differ from each other.
10/10/2022
Hi Gary,
Great question! The Blizzard Zero G will be stiffer ski compared to the DPS, and because the Blizzard has a long turning radius, it will be better at charging in comparison. The Blizzard Zero G caters more towards a mountaineering powder ski.
The DPS is a damper ski; it will want to make shorter turns and will be more versatile as it will ski better be a variety of conditions.
Great question! The Blizzard Zero G will be stiffer ski compared to the DPS, and because the Blizzard has a long turning radius, it will be better at charging in comparison. The Blizzard Zero G caters more towards a mountaineering powder ski.
The DPS is a damper ski; it will want to make shorter turns and will be more versatile as it will ski better be a variety of conditions.
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