Transitioning nearly at treeline, we paused in a sheltered spot. The sound of skins coming off skis and splitboards broke the howling wind. Snow swirled around us while we made our way to McNamara Hut and then up to Bald Peak for some powder turns before sunset.
My Romp Osos felt light and nimble on the hike. Now, it was time to put them to the test in backcountry powder, the ski’s favorite setting. This playful, poppy freestyle ski was perfect for the day.
I’ve skied Romp’s original Osos, having tested them for GearJunkie in 2022. I appreciated their ability to handle high speeds and steep terrain. However, their long turn radius (23m on the 185 length) made maneuvering tight spots challenging, and they weren’t the most playful model in Romp’s lineup.
During the 2022/23 ski season, the brand completely revamped the Oso and released the new version in December 2023. While aiming to maintain the hard-charging nature of the previous model, Romp claimed that the new Oso is now livelier and more playful than ever.
The 2024 Romp Oso 105s arrived in mid-December, and I paired them with Marker Cruise AT bindings. They accompanied me on various hut trips, backcountry day outings, and even a few days at the resort. Romp markets this ski as the “definitive leader for the challenging unknown.” I rigorously tested this claim over 2½ months of extensive use and fantastic skiing.
In summary: The 2024 Romp Oso 105 is more playful than its predecessors. Still, it confidently handles steep and rugged terrain. They excel on the uphill and provide enjoyment in most backcountry conditions. With enhanced tip rocker and tail taper, these skis are agile and easy to maneuver in tight situations. While they may chatter in choppy snow, for most backcountry and resort conditions, they offer capability and enjoyment.
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Lengths
172, 180, 188 cm -
Dimensions
138-105-128mm (at 180 cm) -
Sidecut
19 m (at 180 cm) -
Weight
1,991 g (at 180 cm) -
Core
Ash/aspen
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Lightweight uphill, low swing-weight during turns -
Playful rocker/camber profile -
Agile in tight terrain -
Ease of maneuvering on steep slopes
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Tendency to chatter at high speeds on choppy snow -
Less edge hold compared to previous model
Romp Oso 105 Skis Review
My first encounter with the new Osos was in March 2023, months before their release. While skiing at Crested Butte with members of Romp, the stunning wood topsheets, intricately detailed with a topographic map of the Crested Butte area, caught my attention immediately.
Watching Caleb Weinberg ski with agility and enthusiasm made me eager to try a pair. It was evident from his style that these were not the same Osos I was familiar with.
When I inquired, Purvis affirmed that despite the Oso 105s still seeking steep, technical terrain like the Butte’s Headwall or Teocali Bowl, the new Osos boast significant shape differences compared to the old Oso 106.
Romp enhanced the tail taper and tip rocker, resulting in a ski that is quicker and more agile in turns. The updated version now features a 19m turn radius, contrasting with the previous model’s 23m radius.
Purvis noted that Romp retained key elements of the old Osos and elevated their playfulness. Collaborating with Western State University’s Freeride Team, Romp fine-tuned the new Oso ski to reach new heights.
Romp Oso 106: Resort Experience
With several outings at the resort, there were moments I wished I had used downhill bindings on the Romp Oso 105s instead of the tech bindings. They are incredibly fun on-piste and could easily be recommended for a dedicated alpine setup despite being ideal for the backcountry.
Groomers and Hard Snow
The Osos proved themselves capable and dependable on hardpack and groomed runs, carving effectively due to the camber underfoot. They have the potential for even sharper turns with a more powerful downhill binding.
The 19m turn radius allows for tight, rounded turns compared to the long arcing turns of the previous Oso. They slarve effortlessly for casual runs and can engage in precise carving when required. While they may not excel in slalom races or ice carving, these skis offer good edge hold.
Bumps and Tree Skiing
After testing the skis on groomers, I ventured into moguls and trees to assess their performance. The light weight of 1,991g made maneuvering through these terrains effortless. The low swing weight ensured my knees weren’t fatigued after a full day on the snow with the Oso 105s.
Tree runs were particularly enjoyable on the Oso 105s. The camber, taper, and lightweight design made navigating through forests easy. These skis offer great control at speed, allowing for confident runs through glades and meadows, even on fast, compact snow.
Steep Terrain Performance
Steep chutes and cliffs at Beaver Creek were the perfect playground to test the Osos. The short turn radius enabled spirited descents on high-angle terrain. Whether carving sharp turns or hop-turning down the slope, the Osos delivered stability even at higher speeds.
The skis are designed for confident performance in steep terrain—a testament to their stability and maneuverability.
