Atris birdie review

byHeleen de Jong

OG Granolagirl

The women's model of the Black Crows Atris, the Atris Birdie, is promoted as 'a ski that excels in powder and is also impeccable in all other conditions'. And I agree with that!

Four years ago, I bought these skis as my first to do more freeriding. Initially, I thought I would only use these skis on powder days, but it turned out to be quite the opposite: they became my most used and for several seasons even my only skis because they met all my requirements.

In powder, these skis provide float, control, and most importantly, a lot of fun. They taught me how to freeride and enjoy it because they do what you ask of them: both in large fields and in runs through the trees. Indeed, they excel the most in powder, but are stiff enough to give you control in less than optimal off-piste conditions.

I also enjoy these skis on the piste: originally, I was afraid that the 108 mm waist would make it difficult to edge the ski. Of course, this is easier with a real piste ski, but the Atris Birdie can do it too! With a 19 m radius, the ski prefers to make long, delightful turns on the piste. However, if you want to put in more effort, you get a lot in return when you go for short turns.

I must honestly admit that the topsheet design of the Atris Birdie made me choose this ski over other available freeride skis – and I have not regretted that for a moment! It's a wonderful ski and the Birdie model makes it easier to ski than the standard Atris. If you're looking for a stiffer ski, the standard model might be better for you, but I find the Atris Birdie always provides me enough stability.

After four seasons, I expanded my set with a more piste-oriented ski (Black Crows Vertis) because skiing on a wide ski (108 mm) is not as good for your knees. This is also definitely a good purchase, but it's a shame I now have to choose between them.

The Atris Birdie is ideal as an easy freeride ski that also performs well on the piste.

PS. And it also looks beautiful.