Best of 2025 Archives

The SCOTT Explorair 95 is a touring ski for skiers who want to go light without giving up that “proper ski” feel on the way down. Sitting at 95mm underfoot with a modern, tapered shape and Touring Tip & Tail Rocker, it’s built to smooth out tricky snow, grip on hardpack, and stay playful enough for mixed days in the high mountains. RRP: £555Category: Touring / Free-touringWaist width: 95 mmLengths: 163, 170, 177, 184 cm Buy now from SCOTT Sports What is the SCOTT Explorair 95? The Explorair 95 is the next evolution of SCOTT’s much-loved Superguide family. It keeps that proven dual wood core (paulownia/poplar), carbon stringers, full-length sidewall and Titanal reinforcement, but trims the weight thanks to updated factory Prepreg manufacturing. The result is a modern touring ski that feels lighter on the skin track yet more confidence-inspiring when conditions get rough. With a 95mm waist and a directional shape, it’s pitched squarely at ski tourers who want one ski to do a bit of everything: long ascents, variable snow, some steeps, and the odd piste or resort-accessed day. On-snow performance Difficult snow is where it earns its keepSCOTT are very clear about what this ski is built for: difficult snow. The combination of classic camber underfoot and rocker at tip and tail helps the Explorair 95 stay predictable when the surface is wind-affected, crusty or chopped. The tip rocker helps the ski plane and pivot in softer snow and crud. The cambered mid-section keeps edge hold and precision on firmer or icy sections. The slightly raised tail keeps releases gentle without feeling overly “loose” when you need security on steeps. It’s not a pure featherweight, race-derived ski – and that’s the point. There’s enough mass and torsional rigidity to feel stable when you open it up, rather than chattery. Edge grip & stabilityThe sandwich construction, fiberglass and Titanal reinforcement give the Explorair 95 impressive torsional rigidity for its weight. That translates into reliable bite on firm traverses and hardpack, and decent stability at speed for the category. Turn shapeWith radii of 17–20 m depending on length, it naturally wants medium to longer turns, but the tapered tip and rocker mean it will happily smear, pivot and shut down speed when needed. Uphill efficiency For big days and multi-hour climbs, weight matters. Depending on length, the Explorair 95 comes in at around 1310–1460 g per ski, which is very respectable for a 95 mm free-touring platform. Light dual wood core (paulownia/poplar) Carbon stringers to keep the ski lively without piling on grams Touring Tip & Tail Rocker that helps with kick turns and tight switchbacks SCOTT also integrates their Skin Fixation System, so compatible skins hook on quickly and securely - a nice touch if you’re frequently transitioning in cold, windy conditions. Build & technology Key construction features: Dual Wood Core (Paulownia/Poplar) - light yet strong, with poplar adding some punch to the ride. Carbon stringers & fiberglass - boost torsional stiffness and energy without sacrificing weight. Full length sidewall - better edge grip and durability in the middle of the ski where you need it most. Titanal reinforcement underfoot - improves damping and binding retention, especially useful if you’re driving it hard or using a burlier binding. Touring Tip & Tail Rocker - easier turn initiation, improved float, and smoother handling in mixed snow. Prepreg layup - SCOTT’s process helps reduce weight variation from ski to ski and keeps the overall construction lighter. Sizing & set-up Available lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184 cm with the following stated specs: 163 cm – 127-95-112 mm, 17 m radius, ~1310 g 170 cm – 127-95-112 mm, 18 m radius, ~1360 g 177 cm – 128-95-113 mm, 19 m radius, ~1410 g 184 cm – 129-96-114 mm, 20 m radius, ~1460 g Given the light-but-not-ultralight construction, it pairs well with mid-weight touring bindings: think classic pin bindings with some elasticity or a hybrid binding if you plan to ski it hard on the descent. Who is the SCOTT Explorair 95 for? Best for: Intermediate to expert tourers who want one ski for long days and mixed conditions. Skiers who value confidence in variable snow as much as powder performance. Those who want a lighter touring set-up but don’t want to step down to a nervous, super-skinny ski. Less ideal for: Pure powder hunters who want something 105 mm+ underfoot. Weight-obsessed ski-mountaineers who prioritise grams over downhill feel. Pros & (minor) cons Pros Excellent balance of weight and downhill performance Very composed in difficult, variable snow Strong edge hold thanks to full sidewall and Titanal reinforcement Versatile 95 mm waist for most touring conditions Integrated skin fixation system for slick transitions Consider if… You want a super-light, race-inspired ski - this is more “real ski that tours well” than minimalist tool You’re mainly riding lift-served freeride terrain - you might prefer a wider, heavier platform The bottom line The SCOTT Explorair 95 is a modern free-touring ski that leans into real-world conditions: wind-pressed slopes, chopped powder, firm exits and long days where you still want a confident, fun descent. If you liked the idea of the Superguide line but wanted something a touch lighter and more up-to-date in shape, this is exactly that evolution. Buy now from SCOTT Sports The Best Piste Skis for 2025/26 Video Review

Skis - Best of 2025

SCOTT Explorair 95 Ski Review

K2 Blur XT Skis

blackcrows New Graphics and Skis for 2024-25

Get exclusive updates and offers!