Rossignol Escaper 97 Nano Review

The Escaper 97 Nano is already a bargain, but Rossignol adds some key features to sweeten the deal. A titanal mounting plate reinforces the binding area for increased durability and security. It's rare to see a tip notch, but this is a nice addition because it gives you more options for climbing skins.

Performance Comparison

Weight

We tested the Escaper 97 Nano at 177 cm, which, on our calibrated scale, weighed 1415 grams per ski. (That's 2829 grams, or 6.2 pounds for the pair.) Weighing one ski, in grams, is the most common way to report weight these days. And 1400 grams per ski is respectable, especially at a budget price point.

To correct for testing skis of different sizes, we also calculate a 'weight-per surface-area' index. Comparing it to the other skis in our lineup, the Escaper 97 Nano is squarely average. There are certainly lighter skis, but most of those ski worse than this one, and all are much, much more expensive.

The weight of the Escaper 97 Nano is such that, even on the longest days, you can maintain a relatively high-tempo cadence. We can't overstate the positive benefits a lighter weight setup will have on your energy levels. Compared to the heavier skis we tested, our legs were noticeably less fatigued both uphill and downhill on the Escaper 97 Nano – use these skis to reap the benefits of more time out ski touring.

Firm Snow

Some skis have a smooth edge grip – the Escaper 97 Nano holds strong to its edges, but we can't call that grip “smooth”. While its edge grip is centered and confidence-inspiring on firm snow, this ski chatters a bit. That chatter, of course, is exaggerated with sloppy technique and rougher snow surfaces.

Compared to similar options we tested, the Escaper 97 Nano certainly preferred slower speeds when conditions were firm. At higher speeds, some of our testers described this ski as “a little jarring” or even “feeling loud.” Yes, a feeling described in audible volume. The description isn't perfect and perhaps a bit synesthetic, but it's the best way to convey the energy associated with chatter on firm snow.

Powder

Our team agrees that the relatively narrow Escaper 97 Nano “pushes through” powder more than it floats on top of it. With appropriate technique and a slight balance adjustment, it was still enjoyable on all but the deepest days.

The plowing nature of the Escaper 97 Nano rewards slightly higher speeds – you need to ski powder with some confidence and aggression. Even as we worked with this ski to push through soft, light snow, the balance point was always dead center.

Crud and Poor Snow

We admit that we went into testing this ski with some prejudices: heavier, wider, and more expensive skis generally perform better in crud. That said, we were pleasantly surprised by the Escaper 97 Nano. With some basic adjustments to technique and pace, this ski survived every type of snow we encountered. Heavier, wider, and more expensive skis perform much better, but we're giving the Escaper 97 Nano some latitude, given its low cost and low weight.

Skiing breakable crust is a part of any full ski season in the backcountry. We needed to be patient and balanced, and to do a little more steering and stemming to help this ski rise to the surface. Another way to put it is that we needed to employ survival-skiing techniques on the Escaper 97 Nano whenever the going got tough.

Stability at Speed

We all aim to be responsible and safe in the backcountry, but we also want to have fun, and skiing at higher speeds is more fun. We were able to ski as fast as is responsible on the Escaper 97 Nano, but “responsible” skiing is pretty slow. When your equipment supports it, you can go fast, but don't pick the Escaper 97 Nano for confident, high-speed skiing.

In steep terrain, we found stability in balanced jump-turns and liked that the tip and tail grab was centered. But when we tried to carry any momentum through turns, “chattery” was a word that more than one tester used to describe this ski at speed.

Should You Buy the Rossignol Escaper 97 Nano?

We see two types of skiers who should consider buying this ski. First is the budget-minded skier looking to try out backcountry skiing. Pairing the Escaper 97 Nano with reasonably lightweight touring boots and bindings, and you'll have a lightweight, durable, and reasonably affordable setup that should serve you well for quite some time. The other type is the dedicated skier, who likely lives in a destination known for ample soft snow. This skier already owns a wider touring ski specifically for powder skiing and is now looking to add a second, low-cost quiver ski for springtime and high-and-wild ski mountaineering.

What Other Backcountry Skis Should You Consider?