If I had to sum up this ski season, it would be “plowing through challenging conditions.” From heavy snow to canceled trips, my first season in the PNW has been filled with tough challenges. Thankfully, my new best friend, La Nieve, has kept my stoke levels high.
I was initially hesitant to embrace the La Nieve. As a seasoned in-bounds skier and intermediate backcountry tourer, I’m always on the lookout for a ski that can truly do it all. In reality, most skis can’t.
In summary: The Nieve can thrive in the resort and break new trails, carve on groomed slopes when avalanche risk is high, and keep up with lightweight ski mountaineer friends. Finding a true quiver killer may seem like a fairytale, but the La Nieve comes close.
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Length
168 cm (available in 157, 162, 168, 173, 180 cm) -
Waist width
113 mm (109 or 113mm depending on length) -
Weight
1,843 g per ski -
Turning radius
16 mm - Tip and tail rocker
- Birch hybrid wood core
- ABS sidewalls
- IS 7500 sintered bases
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Affordable: Coalition snow offers new skis, or “Second Tracks,” a section for factory-second gear with cosmetic issues. -
Women-owned, small brand -
Hybrid core and fiberglass build is stiff enough to stay stable, but flexible enough for some fun. -
Gender-inclusive sizing principles
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Thick and wide — great for most conditions, but not hardpack -
100+ waist width not the best for beginners
Coalition Snow La Nieve Ski Review
My Setup
I chose the 168-length ski with a pair of Marker Duke PT bindings to create a ski suitable for both resort and backcountry travel. Though not a lightweight option at around 2.6 pounds per ski, the bindings provided stability for downhill skiing on the La Nieve.
While I wasn’t the fastest on the uphill, the ski itself felt nimble and quick with my choice of bindings and fairly standard Black Diamond Ascension Skins.
Testing the La Nieve Backcountry Skis
