Rossignol Escaper 87 (Touring) — Review

The Rossignol Escaper 87 is a modern, lightweight touring ski designed to climb efficiently and descend with confidence. With an 87 mm waist, progressive tip/tail rocker and camber underfoot, it aims for day-in, day-out versatility: quick on the skintrack, solid on firm snow, and lively in spring or a few inches of fresh.

Who is it for?

Tourers seeking a light, balanced ski for long days, mixed snow, and the occasional groomer exit.
Skiers who value uphill efficiency and predictable handling more than brute-force damping.
Less ideal for very aggressive skiers or those who frequently ski deep powder or heavy chop.

Construction and specs (what they mean on snow)

Rocker profile: Free Rocker (tip ~25% / tail ~15%) + traditional camber. Easy turn initiation and better planing, with camber delivering grip and energy on firm snow.
Dimensions: 124-87-109 mm. Quick to roll on edge; enough surface for versatility without compromising touring efficiency.
Radius: 19 m at 175 cm (range 14–21 m by length). Prefers medium to longer arcs and feels calmer than short-radius skis.
Weight: ~1.4 kg per ski (175 cm). Efficient on the climb and nimble in kick turns; less inherent damping than heavier skis.
Paulownia core + localized carbon stringer: Low mass with targeted stiffness underfoot for edge hold.
Central Dualtec/sidewall underfoot: Better power transfer on hard snow; cap tips/tails trim swing weight.
Air Tip & Aero Profile: Reduced tip inertia; easier to pivot in tight terrain.
Sintered HD base: Fast and durable with regular waxing.
V‑Skin Anchor: Clean, secure skin attachment.

On-snow performance

Uphill: Efficient and confidence-inspiring. Low swing weight and a friendly balance make tight kick turns straightforward.
Firm/groomers: For its class, very respectable edge hold and predictability. Not as damp as heavier freeride-leaning tour skis; can feel lively on true ice.
Variable/crud: Lightweight means more deflection in choppy snow. Smooth inputs and line choice pay off.
Soft snow/spring: The 87 mm waist and long rocker make it nimble and surprisingly floaty in a few inches of powder and in corn. For deep or heavy snow, more width helps.

Length and mounting

Length: Go with your typical touring length. Size up if you’re heavier, charge hard, or prioritize the descent; size down for technical terrain and kick-turn-heavy tours.
Mount: The factory line offers the best balance of fore-aft support and edge grip in testing.
Bindings/boots: Pair with lightweight to midweight tech bindings (≈250–300 g) and 1.0–1.3 kg boots. Heavier setups add damping but blunt the ski’s agility.

Comparisons

Blizzard Zero G 85/95: ZG85 is lighter and more precise on hardpack but harsher; ZG95 is calmer in chop yet a bit heavier.
Atomic Backland 85/88: Softer tips and very forgiving at slow speeds; less edge hold at speed.
Dynafit Blacklight 88: Stiffer, more powerful on edge, less forgiving; similar weight.
Salomon MTN 86 Carbon: A touch heavier and damper in crud; not as quick in tight terrain.

Potential drawbacks

Limited damping in refrozen or heavy chop at higher speeds.
Narrow for consistently deep powder days.
Published weights vary by length/page; confirm the exact weight for your size.

Key takeaways

Light and efficient: easy climbing, quick kick turns.
Solid grip: sidewall + camber provide trustworthy edge hold.
Versatile but not a bulldozer: finesse helps in crud and on ice.
A dependable “daily driver” touring ski for mixed conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What size should I get?
A: Choose your usual touring length. Size up for more downhill stability or if you’re a strong skier; size down for technical ascents and tight terrain.

Q: Can I use heavier bindings/boots?
A: You can, but the Escaper 87 feels best with light-to-mid tech bindings and touring boots. Heavier gear adds damping but reduces the ski’s agility and touring appeal.

Q: Are skins easy to attach?
A: Yes. The V‑Skin Anchor is designed for Rossignol skins and works fine with most universal tail clips as long as you match the ski length.

Bottom line

The Rossignol Escaper 87 is a well-balanced, lightweight touring ski that climbs efficiently and descends predictably. If your priority is covering ground and skiing a bit of everything—from firm to spring snow—it’s an excellent, confidence-inspiring choice. For deep days or charging crud, consider something wider or heavier.