Gear Review
Icelantic Skis has unveiled a major redesign of its flagship Nomad and Maiden Freeride collections for the 2024-25 season, marking the most extensive update to these popular lines in eight years. I had the privilege to test out the revamped Nomad collection last season, which now features four new models: the Nomad 94, 100, 106, and 112. The redesign focused on creating more lively, poppy, and playful skis while maintaining their signature blend of versatility and energy.
The Nomad 112, 106, and 100
Last season, I had the opportunity to put the Icelantic Nomad 112, 106, and 100 through some serious testing during what turned out to be another recording-breaking winter for Utah. With over 600 inches of snowfall and 150 days spent on the slopes around Salt Lake City, I had the perfect conditions to explore everything these skis could handle, from deep powder to varied terrain. Whether it was knee-deep powder days at Solitude or navigating tight tree lines and steep chutes at Snowbird, or deep, sleeper pow days at Powder Mountain, each ski in the Nomad lineup offered something unique. I got to experience it all. The 112 floated effortlessly on the deepest days, the 106 balanced power and playfulness in all-mountain conditions, and the 100 felt light and snappy, perfect for quick, dynamic turns. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better setup last season—I had so much fun and learned just how capable these skis are. By the end, I realized I wouldn’t want to ride anything else. The Nomad series isn’t just about performance; it’s about embracing the pure joy of skiing, no matter the conditions.
Nomad 112: The Powder Specialist
The Nomad 112 remains the powder expert in the lineup, thriving in deep snow conditions over 10 inches. With a big turn radius and excellent float, it’s built for those epic powder days. On one mega-deep day at Solitude in mid-March where it snowed over two feet in 24 hours, the 112s stood out in particular and handled the conditions effortlessly, staying on top of the snow and making every turn feel smooth. The 112s are perfect for skiers who live for those big snow days.
Nomad 106: The Versatile Charger
The Nomad 106 strikes a great balance between float and versatility, offering the feel of a wider ski in powder but maintaining the playfulness and ease of turning you need in varied terrain. Since it snowed so frequently in Utah last season, the 106s were my daily driver. If I didn’t know what ski to take I just took these and had a great time no matter what. They performed excellently in the soft, skied-out leftovers from a powder day. Capable of handling up to 20 inches of powder but still holding an excellent edge on icy snow, the 106 is nimble and responsive, making it an excellent choice for skiers looking for a one-ski quiver that can handle mixed conditions with confidence.
Nomad 100: The Playful Slasher
Despite its narrower waist, the Nomad 100 skis like a wider model, offering impressive float similar to a 105mm ski. It’s versatile, easy to turn, and loaded with pop, making it ideal for up to 15 inches of light, dry, Utah powder. The reduced swing weight is noticeable, enhancing its maneuverability in tight spaces and making it a blast to ski in trees or on technical terrain. This ski was perfect in the spring when I was hanging out at Mammoth Mountain in California; the snow would be firm in the morning, corn around brunch time, and slushy in the afternoon. The skis handled all those conditions perfectly, making it my go-to spring ski. They are also super poppy and playful, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun hitting cliffs, sending jumps, and even throwing tricks in the park. The 100s are a very well-rounded ski that floats well in boot-deep powder and crushes all around the mountain, regardless of the conditions.
Construction and Design Enhancements
All models in the updated Nomad series benefit from increased camber and carbon stringers, enhancing the skis’ energy and responsiveness. The new FLY-cap construction reduces swing weight, making the skis feel lighter and more maneuverable without compromising stability. This thoughtful redesign ensures that the Nomad skis remain lively and dynamic on the slopes. Key enhancements include:
- Four vertical carbon strips above and below the core for increased energy and responsiveness.
- Doubled camber underfoot to 4mm for enhanced pop and rebound.
- New FLY-cap construction in the tips and tails, reducing swing weight and improving flex consistency.
- Modernized shape with more symmetrical tips and tails for better freeride performance.
- A more progressive mount point for improved predictability and freeride capabilities.
Visually, the Nomad and Maiden collections feature stunning artwork by Icelantic co-founder and artist Travis Parr. The “Into The West” theme captures the adventurous spirit of the American West, with designs inspired by the landscapes and characters that define the region.
Icelantic Founder Ben Anderson expressed confidence that these changes would appeal to both loyal fans and new customers, staying true to the brand’s roots while offering enhanced performance. The new Nomad and Maiden skis will be available online at www.icelanticskis.com starting August 1, 2024, and at select retailers in Fall ’24.
With a perfect blend of performance, style, and playfulness, the 2024 Nomad series continues to deliver what skiers have come to expect from Icelantic—fun, versatility, and the freedom to charge the mountain your way.
