Black Diamond Helio Carbon 102 Skis

The 2026 Helio Carbon 102 is the no-compromise big freeride ski that still remembers you had to skin up to earn every bit of powder. If you live for blower days, steep chutes, pillowed terrain, or mixed snow where you need both float and control, this ski is made to take you there and stomp the descent.

This version has been reworked inside and out:  updated poplar wood core that brings more snap and liveliness, paired with a pre-preg carbon fiber layup plus full-perimeter 5 mm beveled ABS sidewalls. Those sidewalls increase edge grip in crud or firm snow, and the beefier layup tames chatter without making the ski feel dead. Tip and tail rockered profile gives excellent float and turn initiation in soft snow, while early rise helps with playful arcs and surfy slashes. An ABS tail protector with integrated skin-clip notch gives durability and practicality when things get rough.

On snow, the Helio Carbon 102 feels like surf + power + stability. On powder days it floats high and turns wide with ease; on firm snow it digs in, holds an edge, and resists deflection or wash-out; in variable mixed snow it doesn’t surprise you with twitchiness. It’s heavier than narrower or lighter backcountry sticks, but the payoff is in control and downhill confidence—you sense the weight underfoot, but it feels earned, not dead.

This ski is for advanced to expert backcountry freeriders who want a “one ski for deep, steep, varied terrain” quiver-killer. If you spend most days in thigh-deep snow, need maximum float, or barely ever tour uphill, you might want something wider or more specialized. If your priority is ultralight uphill speed above all, this might feel like overkill. But if you want something that slays in powder, survives mixed conditions, and still lets you skin without feeling like you’re dragging anchors, the Helio Carbon 102 is your weapon of choice.