While skiing at Alta during the New Years weekend, I was surprised to see that Icelantic Skis had set up a demo tent at the Collins base. Always one to try new things, compounded by the fact that I’ve always been curious about the strange shape of Icelantic skis, I didn’t hesitate to trade in my K2 Apache Chiefs for a pair of Icelantic Shamans.
The first thing one notices when checking out these skis is the phantasmagoria of images on the top sheet. Designed by artist Travis Parr, the skis look unlike anything that has ever slid on snow before.
The second thing one notices, is the odd shape of the Shamans. Shaped powder skis is a good way to describe them. With a tip at 160mm wide to a waist at 110mm to a tail at 130mm, it’s a ski that can carve groomers despite the massive shovel on the front.
About that shovel. It’s a monster. Skiing through the choppy stuff with the Shamans was like running a tank over junk cars. No type of snow shot the skis off course. They held steady through every turn in any type of manky or powdery snow.
Moguls were the only obstacle the Shamans had a problem handling. I found them difficult to maneuver through the bumps, which was probably a combination of the aforementioned shovel of Gods from Valhalla, combined with the length of the skis. The Icelantic folks only had the Shamans in size 184, when 173’s would probably work better for my height and weight, and be easier to turn through the tight stuff.
Icelantic is a small ski company from Colorado, and every one of their skis is handmade. I was also impressed with the fact that their skis come with a 2 year warranty.
I have to say I thought skiing with the Icelantic Shamans was a lot of fun and I wish I could have skied them for more than a few runs. Next time I’m in the market for some new boards, I’ll definitely consider supporting a ski company like Icelantic. A company that makes quality skis right here in the Rocky Mountains.
For more information about Icelantic, visit their website at www.icelanticboards.com
You can also purchase Icelantic skis online at Backcountry.com
The Icelantic Shaman’s are very intriguing when looking at them. However Jared is right they do cut through snow like a hot knife through butter. The Shaman Nomad’s are pretty big also but the cut of the ski is more of a traditional twin tip. The tip of the Nomad is 140mm wide, 105mm at the waist and finish off at 130mm at the tail. The Nomad’s are worth taking a look at also.
You can view and buy Icelantic skis at http://www.myallmountainaccess.com
I have pair of the Shamans and Pilgrims. I had a pair of the Nomads. The Shamans are the greatest powder ski ever made. Spent four days at Powder Mountain this past Feb skiing nothing but off piste. We found powder two feet deep consistently. And there was absolutely no problem. Never fell once. Me – 52 yr old 185 lbs strong intermediate. The skis are so fat you couldn’t tip over on them if you wanted to. And they always stayed on top. I personally like them way better than the Nomads. I also keep a pair Pilgrims for the non powder days. The Pilgrims are a dream machine for turning. But my first love is tree skiing the deep stuff. If you never thought you’d be able to ski deep powder or trees, put on some Shamans and you will feel like a teenager, guaranteed.
My son lent me his Nomads last year and I never gave them back. I am 52, 175 lbs and an advanced skier. I no longer huck much of anything, but like tight trees and steep, deep stuff. These were a hoot. The quick turning ability was obvious in trees, but it was the ability to float through any snow condition that I loved. I like rocker skies (JJ, Hellbent, ARG) but these are a better one ski in the quiver solution for me.
Thanks for your great review.
I totally agree!
That’s why we support Icelantic Skis and sell them here in Munich/Germany:
http://www.blacksheepsports.de/Icelantic-Skis/
I hav ed ca pair of shaman l love them, not great in mogles. But then im not a mogle bunny stable at high speed, and float in powder, whats not to like.