On January 16, 17, and 18, the 10th edition of the pro ski/snow test took place in Peyragudes. Our two mountain enthusiasts, Justine and Jérôme, had the privilege of participating in this exciting event as testers, exploring the snowy slopes of Peyragudes while evaluating a wide range of skis, from versatile models to high-performance skis. In this article, they share their impressions of the different equipment tested, as well as their experiences on the snowy slopes of this iconic resort!
Some key figures:
Organized in a picturesque setting and supervised by industry professionals, this event offered skiers the opportunity to discover and test the latest innovations in ski equipment.
Ski/Snow Test Pro Pyrenees 10th edition, it's:
- 37 national and international brands from the world of winter sliding sports.
- 150 stores distributing winter sports articles from the far Southwest (from Brittany to Perpignan), as well as Andorran and Spanish stores.
- More than 2000 hardware tests conducted in 3 days despite difficult weather conditions.
The favorites of our 2 Riders
SKI SIDE
OCTO – BLACK CROWS (love at first sight)Black Crows presents the Octo and the Octo Birdie: a fusion between freestyle and slalom!
Black Crows, an iconic brand from Chamonix, strikes again with the launch of the Octo and the Octo Birdie (the women's version) for the 2024/2025 season. Inspired by the success of the famous Mirus Core four years ago, tested and more than approved thanks to its ultimate, precise, and playful sliding sensations, these new skis retain the slim waist of the Mirus with 84 mm underfoot and a 14-meter radius. However, the brand has redesigned the binding placement, moving them noticeably back for more aggressiveness on the slopes. Additionally, the flat tail gives these skis an alpine look, adding an extra dimension to their performance. Available respectively in 155, 161, 167, and 173 cm for women, and in 167, 173, 179, and 185 cm for men, these new models promise a sliding experience as dynamic as it is precise!
The big news at Faction this year is the consolidated Studio series. Faction's narrow, park-specific skis have always been called Studio skis. But this year, the ski formerly known as Mana (or Candide, it's the same ski) is now also included under this name. Honestly, we love this change. The Studios now encompass all "freestyle" skis, with a wide range of waist widths to choose from. The ski construction hasn't changed, so if you liked an old Studio or Mana/Candide, you'll love the Studio. Just a name and amazing graphic change.
Apart from the La Machine series, which is entirely unisex, almost all Faction skis are available in men's and women's versions. While the women's 'X' skis are available in shorter lengths for smaller skiers, the construction is exactly the same as the non-'X' versions. Choose the right length and go for it!
The Prodigy series is their best-selling series for a simple reason: the skis are just plain fun! The 24/25 Prodigy series features nostalgic graphics on the topsheet, celebrating electronics of the past, and there is a brand new "Capsule" Prodigy series to complement it. These skis feature graphics by artist and designer Elsa Grace, honoring three iconic regions of the United States: the American East Coast, the Southwest desert, and the iconic forests of the Rockies.
SNOWBOARD SIDE
UNITED SHAPES – HORIZONThe team also tested snowboards with the United Shape brand and the Horizon board! The entry point for freestylers ready to flirt with freeriding! The freestyle DNA of the Horizon is carved into a directional twin shape that enjoys both exploring the mountain and linking tricks in the park. Built with a playful personality and ready to transform any bump, sidehit, rail, transition, or freshly groomed run into a session - the Horizon is one of the most versatile boards on the mountain. With offset Deep Days inserts, the Horizon offers extra floatation on those extremely deep powder days, ensuring you don't miss out on nature's champagne!
