Rossignol Escaper 97 Nano — Review

Overview

The Rossignol Escaper 97 Nano is a featherweight freetour ski that strikes a rare balance: uphill speed with real downhill confidence. A paulownia core keeps mass low, while ultra-thin Nano Basalt and a Nano Titanal plate add welcome damping and edge support. Rossignol’s Free Rocker (tip/tail rocker with camber) delivers easy float and intuitive turn initiation without sacrificing bite on firm snow.

Pros and cons

• Exceptional uphill efficiency: low swing weight and fast on the skintrack.
• Versatile in soft and mixed snow: lively, predictable, and easy to pivot.
• Strong edge hold for its weight class thanks to full sidewalls and underfoot titanal.
• Limited top-end composure on refrozen, rutted hardpack; some chatter at high speed.
• Powerful or very heavy skiers may prefer a heavier, damper platform.

On-snow performance

• Uphill: At roughly 1175–1410 g per ski (161–185 cm), the Escaper 97 Nano feels quick and efficient. The reduced-mass tip and full sidewalls help with traction and precision on traverses.
• Powder & soft snow: The Free Rocker (≈25% tip, ≈15% tail) floats readily and makes the ski nimble and forgiving. The 97 mm waist stays buoyant without feeling cumbersome in trees and tighter terrain.
• Variable conditions: Nano Basalt smooths out chatter better than most sub-1400 g skis. The ride feels predictable rather than hooky when the snow is cut-up or wind-affected.
• Firm snow: Surprisingly competent for its weight; the camber and rectangular sidewalls engage well. It’s not a charger—expect some vibration on ice and at high speeds.
• Stability & speed limit: Comfortable at moderate to moderately high speeds. It will reach its limit sooner than heavier, metal-laminate freetour skis.

Construction and design

• Paulownia core: prioritizes uphill efficiency and a lively feel.
• Nano Basalt (0.3 mm) + Nano Titanal (0.4 mm underfoot): targeted damping, elasticity, and torsional support without bulk.
• Rectangular full sidewalls: improved edge hold, precision, and durability vs. cap constructions.
• Free Rocker: progressive tip/tail rocker with underfoot camber for float plus grip.
• V-Skin anchor + notched tail: quick, secure skin attachment.

Sizing and bindings

• Length: Choose around your body height for an all-round fit. Size down (≈5–8 cm) for tighter trees/steeps or lighter riders; size up for more stability and float.
• Bindings: Pairs nicely with lightweight tech bindings (ATK, Dynafit Superlite) for big vert, or midweight freetour options (Marker Alpinist, Salomon MTN) for added downhill composure.
• Skins: The dedicated tip anchor and tail notch speed transitions in cold, windy ridgelines.

Comparisons

• Blizzard Zero G 95: Lighter and more hard-snow oriented; can feel harsher and less forgiving in soft chop than the Escaper 97 Nano.
• Salomon MTN 96 Carbon: Slightly heavier with better damping and high-speed calm; feels a touch less playful in soft snow.
• Black Crows Camox Freebird (≈97 mm): Heavier and more planted—better for windbuff and groomer laps, but slower on the climb.
• Atomic Backland 100: Wider and surfier for deep days; trades some edge precision on firm snow.
• Dynafit Blacklight 95: Extremely light and precise on steep, firm lines; less all-round in soft and choppy conditions.

Who is it for?

• Backcountry skiers prioritizing low weight without giving up a fun, confidence-inspiring descent.
• Riders who want a playful, predictable ski for powder, glades, and mixed conditions.
• Not ideal if your primary goal is charging icy hardpack at speed—consider a heavier, damper ski.

Specs explained

• Rocker profile: Free Rocker (tip/tail rocker + camber). Rocker adds float and pivotability; camber supplies grip and rebound on firm snow.
• Dimensions: 126–97–116 mm. A versatile mid-fat waist for float; the slightly narrower tail keeps releases clean.
• Weight (per pair, stated): 161: 2350 g | 169: 2490 g | 177: 2650 g | 185: 2820 g. Lower weight speeds the climb; heavier skis often feel calmer when charging.
• Radius: 15 m (161) | 17 m (169) | 19 m (177) | 21 m (185). Balanced sidecut for short to medium radius turns.
• Available lengths: Men 161/169/177/185 cm; Women’s W 97 Nano 160/168/176 cm. Choose by terrain, weight, and preference.

Notable features

• Paulownia core, Nano Basalt & Nano Titanal, full sidewalls, Aero/reduced tips and tails, V-Skin anchor.

Key takeaways

• Ultralight without feeling nervous: impressive damping for the class.
• A true all-rounder for soft and mixed snow touring.
• Respectable grip, but not a hardpack charger at speed.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Rossignol Escaper 97 Nano handle hard snow?
A: Very well for its weight—camber and full sidewalls bite cleanly. On glare ice or at high speed you will feel some chatter; heavier skis remain calmer.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: Around your body height suits most. Size down for tight trees/steeps or lighter riders; size up for more stability and float on open faces.

Q: Is it good for powder?
A: Yes. The Free Rocker and 97 mm waist provide easy float and a loose, playful feel. For bottomless days, something 100–105 mm can be even easier.

Q: What bindings pair best?
A: Lightweight tech bindings maximize uphill efficiency; midweight freetour bindings add damping and confidence for bigger descents.