This Brand Just Dropped Not One, But TWO Fresh 106mm Freeride Skis

Powder aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Don’t let anyone tell you that freeride is dead. In fact, I’d say it’s heading straight into a new golden era. Never ones to sit back and relax, Nordica is doubling down on freeride skiing with the release of two new models today: the Unleashed 106 and Unleashed 106 CA. As a brand long known for its high-performance racing and on-piste skis and boots, it’s cool to see the attention paid to more fun shapes.

While at first glance, it might seem that Nordica is releasing a men’s and women’s construction of the same shape, they’re actually marketing them to a different tune. The Unleashed 106 comes in a longer size and has a stiffer metal construction, while the 106 CA replaces the metal with carbon to save weight and loosen up the ride–but they’re really being marketed as “hard-charging” and “playful” variants of the same shape. The new Unleashed 106 and Unleashed 106 CA replace the existing Unleashed 108.

Nordica Unleashed 106 Specs:

• Lengths available: 157cm, 164cm, 171cm, 178cm, 185cm, 190cm
• Sidecut: 138.5mm – 106mm – 127.5mm
• Radius: 18.7m (185cm)
• Profile: directional twin rocker
• Stated Weight: 1900g (185cm)

Nordica Unleashed 106 CA Specs:

• Lengths available: 152cm, 157cm, 164cm, 171cm, 178cm, 185cm
• Sidecut: 138.5mm – 106mm – 127.5mm
• Radius: 18.7m (185cm)
• Profile: directional twin rocker
• Stated Weight: 1860g (185cm)

With an identical shape and rocker profile, the main difference between the 106 and 106 CA lies in the core construction. The Unleashed 106 draws on Nordica’s racing roots to provide a ski with powerful hardpack performance and reliable edge hold, with a drifty and surfy feel for a more creative riding style. Inside, there’s a poplar wood core, reinforced with carbon stringers and what Nordica is calling Drift Lock Technology—a “single, waist-specific strip of metal adds targeted stability and control exactly where it’s needed.”

Inside the Unleashed 106 CA caters towards lighter riders and those seeking a more nimble and lively ski. We’re guessing it’s still going to rip hardpack, but won’t require nearly as much strength to fully take advantage of compared to the regular 106. There’s no metal inside, and a lighter wood core and carbon stringers keep the same pop and playfulness that we’ve come to love from all the Unleashed skis. We think this will make a great option to mount some light touring bindings on and use as a really fun all-around backcountry touring ski.