Tester: Juliette Willimann

I started my collaboration with Rossignol during the 2018/19 season, when Rossignol began development on its freeride range for 20/21. Because the project began with a long ski for my size (187cm), I wasn’t part of the early testing but I was able to ski with the team. I would sit in on the debriefing, which gave me insight into how to dissect a ski.

After the first round of validation for the large size, the test team asked me to join the development for the all new women’s models. It was important for the team to bring women into the process. This time they would be starting with the 178cm of what would become the women’s Rallybird Ti. I was extremely excited because this would be the ski I would use for the Freeride World Tour.

The first time I tried the prototype of the Blackops Rallybird Ti was in Chile in the summer of 2019. My first thoughts were, “Oh YEAH! This ski is just incredible. A perfect freeride ski!” After a few runs, I realized that the tail was a bit too stiff, it wouldn’t slide when I wanted it to and I need to always have a lot of energy to make the ski turn on harder snow or steep terrain. Although it made me nervous to say so, I explained during the debriefing what I was feeling. They agreed to make changes to the ski.

In October I skied again with the team on the new version of the Rallybird Ti. Half way through my first run, I stopped and said to the test boss, A.J., “BRAVO, J’adore ce ski!!” The balance, ease of turn initiation and release is amazing. I can drive the skis where I want, charge through the turn or slide. The ski is not pushed around by bumps and crud and it’s playful. The titanium makes the ski strong enough for all situations, but because it is not a full sheet, it does not overpower my turn. I can ski steeps, powder, crust, jumps and groomed pistes all with the same control.

I’m very proud to be part of the development of this ski. You’ll see me skiing on it every day!