Drifter 102

The 2027 Extrem Drifter 102 is a lightweight free-touring ski for skiers who want a wide platform for powder and variable snow without carrying a heavy resort ski uphill. At 102 mm underfoot, it offers more flotation than the narrower Drifter 96, while the 167, 176 and 184 cm lengths scale from a more agile feel to a longer, steadier platform. Extrem recommends sizing near your height to retain the ski’s maneuverability and keep weight down.

A poplar and paulownia core is paired with carbon fiber, with rubber damping built into the construction. The light build helps on long climbs, while pronounced rocker at both ends and a tapered profile help the ski pivot and rise in soft snow. A race sintered base is intended for glide, and the tail protector includes a clip for climbing skins. The 102 mm width gives support in soft snow but asks more effort on long traverses and firm, steep sidehills than a narrower touring ski.

Choose the Drifter 102 if powder descents and changing backcountry snow matter as much as uphill efficiency. It is a useful one-ski touring option for skiers who accept a little more weight and width in exchange for a more supportive descent. The 167 cm is the most agile; the 184 cm provides the longest platform for taller or faster skiers. It is less suited to frequent hardpack resort laps or gram-counting tours, where a narrower or lighter model is easier to manage. Touring bindings are sold separately.