blackcrows Atris Birdie Review

Before testing the Atris Birdie, our testers had yet to find a blackcrows ski they particularly liked – but now this is the ski they're all fighting over. One tester stole the Atris Birdie for a reconnaissance heli-ski trip, another for a backcountry cat-skiing day, and it always seemed to be mysteriously missing if you weren't the first one out of the locker room.

Performance Comparison

Stability at Speed

All of our testers were surprised by the Atris Birdie's strength at high speeds, given its wide waist and well-pronounced rocker profile. Despite having the attributes of a powder-oriented ski, it grips hardpack like a champion. That said, the tips flap a bit at high speeds, especially on hardpack.

This ski feels tight underfoot, never overly stiff or exhausting to manage. It's confidence-inspiring at high speeds over firm snow, in soft snow, and, most importantly, in chopped-up crud, which is a true sign of a great all-mountain ski.

With its 105 millimeter waist and large rockered tips, the Atris Birdie is certainly not built for a race course. However, it holds an edge quite well despite its size, even on slippery backcountry windpack. Although the tips bounce around a little and occasionally kiss, it never affects the holding power of this ski.

Carving Ability

While no one would ever call a 105 mm ski a 'carving ski', the Atris Birdie can cut a clean arc with some of the best all-mountain skis on the hill. The surprisingly solid edge hold helps this ski feel locked in. With its edges firmly engaged with the snow, we felt confident enough to tip this ski over and really carve. It also feels far more nimble edge-to-edge than any of us expected of such a fat ski.

Despite the width, transitions remain quick. While we occasionally experienced tip-to-tip contact in tight turns, it was always minor and easily manageable. Overall, the Atris Birdie is impressively capable on hardpack. It strikes a balance between stability and agility in a way that makes it fun to carve.

Turn Radius

With an advertised radius of 19 meters, one might imagine the Atris Birdie could only make a larger turn, and that its burly shape would inhibit a tighter turn. Not so!

Thanks to a responsive flex pattern and energetic rebound, we could make turns in a much tighter radius than one would expect, without much effort. When we pushed it, our testers agreed that the Atris Birdie could comfortably make turns like a ski with something closer to a 16-meter radius.

Powder Performance

It's no surprise that one of the widest skis in our review lives for deep snow, but our testers have learned that width isn't everything when it comes to powder performance. Other skis of a similar width either don't float as reliably as the Atris Birdie, or they can only handle perfectly light, easy-to-ski powder.

The Atris Birdie truly comes alive when the snow stacks up. It floats effortlessly with a surfy, nimble feel that never feels unpredictable or unstable. In the trees, it's responsive and quick to pivot; in open bowls, it's just as comfortable arcing big, fast turns. Blending playfulness with precision, the flex pattern feels tuned for powder skiing. It's easy to control, whether you're slashing tight turns for a faceshot or opening it up across a big slope. On our best days, it was hard not to call the Atris Birdie a “hero ski.”

What makes it even more impressive is how well it handles variable fresh snow conditions. From storm-day blower to springtime mush, to wind-packed buff or dust on crust, the Atris Birdie is composed and predictable. This allows you to choose between slicing through or buttering the surface with a smooth, confidence-inspiring feel, proving that its versatility goes beyond just “hero snow.”

Waist Width

At 105 millimeters underfoot, the Atris Birdie sits at the top end of the all-mountain spectrum, but its standout powder performance isn't just about girth. Its ability to balance flotation, agility, and control makes it a rare ski that shines in deep powder but won't flinch when the snow turns mixed.

The generous waist certainly adds flotation, yet it's the combination of a progressive flex pattern and a well-balanced rocker profile that truly makes this ski come alive in softer snow. Together, those attributes allow the Atris Birdie to plane smoothly through powder while still feeling composed, lending it a surfy yet composed personality that goes far beyond its dimensions.

Crud Performance

Crud can be one of the most demanding conditions for a ski. Have no fear – the Atris Birdie handles chunky, off-piste snow with confident composure, slicing or buttering through uneven snow without ever knocking you off balance. Even in heavy, inconsistent conditions, this ski is smooth and predictable, maintaining control while still feeling lively underfoot. The balance of stability and playfulness makes it stand out in an area where many other skis we tested falter.

Part of that success comes from the construction and flex profile. With enough stiffness to blast through rough snow yet enough dampness to absorb chatter, the Atris Birdie strikes a rare balance that keeps it on course even when the surface gets messy.

Rather than feeling punishing, it flows through variable conditions with ease, inspiring confidence whether the snow is warm and soggy or set up into frozen chickenheads. Simply put, the Atris Birdie shines in crud, easily spinning the toughest snow conditions into a strength.

Terrain Playfulness

The Atris Birdie hits every one of our marks for a fun ski. The reliable flex pattern and energetic rebound make it responsive and lively, with enough pop to get airborne yet plenty of strength to stick landings with confidence. Quick turns and smooth transitions feel natural, and despite its size, the ski remains light on its feet.

Our testers each ski with a different style, at different speeds, and using different turn shapes, yet they all found this ski to be indomitably enjoyable. The Atris Birdie doesn't force you into a one-size-fits-all turn; it allows you to choose whether to charge hard and fast, or to feather a more nuanced turn. It's playful without ever feeling flimsy, offering the kind of agility that makes skiing feel creative and free.

What really sets it apart, though, is that playfulness doesn't come at the expense of control. From heli laps in deep snow to the wind crust we live with at Mammoth, the Atris Birdie doesn't just handle variability — it makes it enjoyable. Its consistent performance across the board instills trust, inspiring you to ski harder, bigger lines, all with a smile on your face.

Bumps

The Atris Birdie's composure in uneven terrain translates into an ability to absorb the impact of moguls gracefully. Its dampness and ability to maintain control in chunky snow mean it won't get thrown around easily, giving it the tools to handle moguls when they show mid-run.

That said, the ski's width does limit how well it will fit into tight bump lines. At 105 mm underfoot, it's simply more ski than most people want to thread consistently through moguls. While it can manage, bumps aren't where it shines. It's capable, but far from the most fun option in this regard.

Should You Buy the blackcrows Atris Birdie?

This ski is best suited for upper-intermediate to expert, Western skiers who want a playful yet confidence-inspiring quiver of one. Its nimble feel, great rebound, and stable ride will appeal to skiers who like to charge hard but still want something lively enough to slash, pivot, or even take to the air. This ski is designed for freeride-focused skiers who value versatility and fun, regardless of the snow conditions.

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