There are plenty of frontside skis I’d take into the backcountry because even if they’re a bit heavy on the climb, they’re worth it for the downhill. The reverse has never been true for me. I can’t think of any backcountry-specific skis that really hold up against inbounds-focused skis when it comes to lift-served terrain.
On most days when I move from sidecountry laps to resort runs, I swap skis before loading the lift to keep the full-throttle fun going. With Blizzard’s new Zero G 96, that swap might not be necessary.
This ski is light enough for long climbs but powerful, agile, and stable enough to rip groomers, trees, and wind-affected snow. In Vermont, on spring lift-served laps down Stowe’s Front Four, it held its own in everything from slick morning hardpack to soft afternoon slop. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was compromising by skiing a touring ski inbounds. I just felt like I was skiing.
In short: Blizzard’s Zero G has been in the line for years, always known for being light and fun off-piste but never a true all-conditions performer. Earlier versions were fine when things got rough, but they didn’t inspire confidence to push harder.
For winter 2025-26, Blizzard kept the name but rebuilt the ski from the inside out. The new Zero G 96 feels completely different on snow. It doesn’t chatter, it holds an edge, and it turns with real power and control. For backcountry skiers who still like to sneak in a few inbounds days, this could be the elusive one-ski quiver.
Compare with other backcountry skis we’ve tested in our buyer’s guide to the Best Backcountry Skis.
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Smooth and stable for its weight -
Reliable edge hold and damping -
Playful, balanced flex -
Women’s-specific version available
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Not the lightest touring ski -
Less composed on true boilerplate ice
Blizzard Zero G 96 Review
First Impressions
My first day on the Zero G 96 was pure Vermont chaos: early-morning ice, mid-morning corn, and soft bumps by noon. From the first turn on Nosedive, the ski felt quiet and composed. It bit into firm snow without chatter and stayed smooth through transitions.
By my next run, I was laughing my way through soft moguls and weaving into the woods. The ski carved clean arcs where the snow was smooth and pivoted easily where it wasn’t. It felt lively but never twitchy, balanced but never dull. In Vermont’s tight trees, that kind of predictability is priceless.
Uphill Performance / Weight
At about 1,300 g per ski, the Zero G 96 hits the sweet spot between uphill efficiency and downhill power. It’s light enough for big days and steady on steep traverses. The TrueBlend core adds a supportive, energetic feel that keeps skinning efficient and predictable.
There are lighter skis, but most of them get tossed around when descending. These skis carry just enough mass to stay planted without feeling heavy, which makes every climb worth the turns that follow.
Downhill Performance
This is where the ski shines. It carves with authority, grips through firm sections, and stays calm when skied hard. It feels more like a versatile alpine ski than a minimalist touring model.
You can drive it confidently from the shovels, and it won’t fold or deflect. On chopped or variable snow, it absorbs vibration and keeps a smooth, connected feel underfoot. It’s powerful and quick, which makes it a blast to ski all day.
Versatility
The Zero G 96 adapts easily to different terrain and snowpacks. It’s light enough for long missions, sturdy enough for inbounds laps, and playful when the snow softens. It handles corn, powder, and even firm resort runs with ease.
While it won’t replace a deep-day powder board or a full-metal carver, it’s one of the most adaptable skis Blizzard has built. It’s the pair you grab when you don’t know what the mountain will throw at you.
Stability at Speed
The TrueBlend core and ash plate give the ski a quiet, grounded personality. It tracks cleanly through chopped snow and stays composed when pointed straight. It’s not as damp as a heavy alpine ski, yet for its weight, it feels remarkably calm.
Even at higher speeds, it never gets skittish or flappy. The balance between stiffness and energy feels just right, which encourages confidence rather than caution.
Construction
The 2025-26 Zero G 96 is an entirely new build. At its heart is Blizzard’s TrueBlend Wood Core, a mosaic of poplar and beech micro-blocks arranged to fine-tune flex for each length. Minimal carbon stringers replace the old full-carbon layer, maintaining torsional strength while giving the ski a more natural, damp feel.
A milled ash plate underfoot boosts binding retention and adds rebound between turns. The variable sidecut, including a short zero-sidecut section underfoot, keeps the ski neutral in hop turns and steep couloirs while improving stability on open slopes.
The women’s version uses a softer core configuration with no carbon for a smoother, more balanced stance. Recycled ski-boot inserts in the tip and tail, water-based inks, and bio-based resin round out the thoughtful sustainability updates.
Room for Improvement
The extra stability adds a bit of weight compared to previous versions. It’s still light, but ultralight purists might look elsewhere. And while it grips well for its class, on true boilerplate or refrozen crud, it can get pushed around.
The wider Zero G 105 hasn’t yet received this new TrueBlend construction. That ski remains a strong choice for powder-focused tours, but it still carries the older, stiffer carbon-heavy build that feels less balanced than this updated 96. Here’s hoping Blizzard brings this redesign to the 105 soon.
Who Is It For? The Blizzard Zero G 96
The Zero G 96 is for backcountry skiers who want downhill confidence and for resort skiers who want a single setup that can climb efficiently. It’s ideal for anyone who splits time between skin tracks and chairlifts, looking for a ski that feels dependable everywhere. If you want one ski that can handle the climb, rip the descent, and thrive in all kinds of conditions, the Zero G 96 is it.
Final Take
The Blizzard Zero G 96 earns our Best Crossover award for its rare ability to do it all. It climbs efficiently, descends with power, and feels completely natural in both backcountry and resort settings. This ski proves that you no longer have to choose between uphill efficiency and downhill fun; it delivers both in one remarkably well-balanced package.
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