Blizzard Men's Cochise 106 Skis

Returning unchanged for the 2024 season, the Blizzard Cochise 106 remains one of the burliest and most stable skis on the market. Intended for advanced and expert skiers, the Cochise can tackle all terrains and snow conditions with speed, dictation, and confidence. Skiers who value stability above all else will certainly gravitate towards this beast. With its width providing endless float and its construction supplying unwavering stability, this ski is one that would be a great choice for the Freeride World Tour or for the skilled pilot trying to push the boundaries of their skiing. Although, the Cochise is not known for its maneuverability, it makes up for it in other areas like high-speed descents through variable snow, heavy impacts, and reliability. In a market where skis such as this are few and far between, the Cochise stands out with its burly construction paired with a freeride shape.

How does Blizzard accomplish such a burly ski? That comes down to their choice of materials, construction methods, and technology. Poplar and beech stringers make up the core of the ski with 2 sheets of Titanal to reinforce it. Carbon Flipcore technology assists with a natural flex pattern that puts optimal pressure distribution on the edges to maximize edge grip. Sandwich Compound Sidewall (Ti) fortifies the sidewall of the skis for added durability in rocky areas to keep you skiing no matter what is under the snow. The burly and stable construction does come at the cost of weight. Coming in at 4620 grams for the 185cm length, the Cochise 106 is quite heavy and not for skiers who are not physically up for the task of demanding it at all times. Therefore, this ski is not for everyone. But for the skiers that it is designed for, there are not many other skis like it on the market.

The 2024 Blizzard Cochise 106’s shape is certainly indicative of the way that it likes to be skied: Straight and fast with minimal vibrations. With a 24 meter turning radius generated by a sidecut of 137.5mm in the forebody, 106mm at the waist, and 124.5 mm in the tails, the Cochise has no lack of floatation and off-piste prowess. Generous tip rocker keeps the tips on top of the snow no matter the speed and allows for easy turn initiation in both soft and firm snow. Generous camber underfoot supplies energy to your turns as well as edge grip on firm snow so that you can continue charging all day, every day. There is slight tail rocker to the Cochise, but not significant. This is indicative of its directional preference but switch skiing capabilities. However, any switch skiing should be done on firm groomed snow because if done in soft snow, there is chance of the tails diving and catching.

The 2024 Blizzard Cochise 106 is certainly a beast of a ski that cannot be tamed by all. It is a ski that demands respect and only skilled, physically strong, pilots should seriously consider it. Those looking to charge through the powder and crud will love the Cochise’s ability to operate in the steepest, deepest, and most formidable conditions and terrains. This capability comes at the cost of its relatively high weight and relative low maneuverability. So, if you like to the point em’ and rip, with minimal surfiness and smear, the 2024 Blizzard Cochise 106 should certainly be one to consider.