Black Diamond

Helio 76 Ski - 2020

As the lightest, narrowest ski in Black Diamond's ski mountaineering-oriented lineup, the Helio 76 Ski is designed for fitness laps, long slogs, skimo races, or any mission where you need to move quickly and efficiently. The 76-millimeter waist cuts out those extra ounces you'll find from a wider ski, resulting in a nimble ride on the descents without holding you back when you're crushing the ascents. An early rise tip and tail make the Helio 76 able to handle some softer snow should you find any, but its svelte profile leans more towards firm conditions.

At the heart of the Helio is an ultralight engineered balsa flax wood core, which is responsible for the ski's impressively low weight and gives it a fun, responsive personality. Pair this with the carbon fiber layup and ABS sidewalls for improved torsional stiffness, dampness, and a better edge hold, and you have a smooth, precise ride all the way down. Black Diamond equipped the ski with integrated skin clip tabs, too, to keep your skins securely in place and prevent unnecessary wear from skin clips.