SKIS - ALL-MOUNTAIN
Explo 96


Size Guide
Choose a length between your chin and the top of your head. If in doubt, go one size up for more stability, or one size down for more maneuverability.
| Ski Size | Skier Size |
|---|---|
| 156 cm | 150–160 cm |
| 162 cm | 160–167 cm |
| 172 cm | 167–177 cm |
| 182 cm | 177-190 cm |
Indicative values. Weight, style and terrain influence the choice—if necessary, launch the Ski Finder.

The Explo 96 in detail
With its poppy, agile nature the Explo 96 is a standout choice for backcountry enthusiasts. This versatile ski excels in a variety of terrains, from packed snow to powder, delivering optimal grip and stability.
The Explo 96 incorporates "3P camber," featuring additional camber sections both in front of and behind the binding area. This design results in a significantly robust edge grip on hard-packed snow. The ski's tip and tail rocker, along with a mount point that isn't excessively rearward and a dynamic flex pattern, collectively contribute to making this ski playful and maneuverable when skiing off-piste.
Its moderately light construction is a practical choice for those who prioritize a lighter setup while ascending slopes. This ski maintains stability and power, ensuring a confident and controlled descent.
For whom
The right skis for the right terrain
The Explo 96 lives on the border between on-piste and off-piste. Here's where it excels and who it's for.
Range
Where is Explo 96 located
Three widths, three personalities. The Explo 96 is the balancing point of Ferreol's all-mountain range.
| Model | Ski waist width | Terrain | Radius | Weight | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explo 86 - 168 cm | 86 mm | 70% packed powder / 30% powder | 14 m | 1410 g | Firm snow |
| Explo 96 - 172 cm You are here | 96 mm | 50% firm snow / 50% powder | 15 m | 1590 g | All-terrain |
| Pionnier 104 2.0 - 180 cm | 104 mm | 20% packed powder / 80% powder | 16 m | 1821 g | Off-piste |
| Model | Explo 86 - 168 cm | Explo 96 - 172 cm You are here | Pionnier 104 2.0 - 180 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski waist width | 86 mm | 96 mm | 104 mm |
| Terrain | 70% packed powder / 30% powder | 50% firm snow / 50% powder | 20% packed powder / 80% powder |
| Radius | 14 m | 15 m | 16 m |
| Weight | 1410 g | 1590 g | 1821 g |
| Profile | Firm snow | All-terrain | Off-piste |
Are you hesitating between two widths? Launch Ski Finder →
Specifications
Technical specifications
The Explo 96 is an all-terrain freeride ski designed in Beaupré and made in Canada. In 172 cm: 1590 g per ski, 15 m radius, dimensions 129-96-119 mm. Bas-Saint-Laurent poplar wood core, Scalium® plate, two carbon layers, bio-based epoxy, and 50% bio-based topsheet. 3P camber with front and rear rocker.
| Ski size | 156 | 162 | 172 | 182 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tip width (mm) | 129 | 129 | 129 | 130 | |
| Waist width (mm) | 96 | 96 | 96 | 97 | |
| Tail width (mm) | 118 | 119 | 119 | 120 | |
| Department | 13.5 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
| Weight per ski (g) | 1470 | 1510 | 1590 | 1710 |
Stiffness profiles
At Ferreol, every ski is measured, not just described. We publish the actual flex and torsion curves of the Explo 96, in Nm², because they tell you exactly how the ski behaves underfoot, at the tip and at the tail. Where most brands stop at "stiff" or "soft," we provide the complete data. This is our engineering, laid bare.
Geometry
Durable and waterproof surface, 50% bio-based. Protects the structure and carries the ski graphic.
Fibers aligned along the ski's axis for maximum rebound and responsiveness, without adding weight.
45° diagonal fibres that reinforce torsional stiffness: the edge remains precise in turns.
Three fibre orientations for consistent strength and a forgiving ride.
Aluminium alloy mounting plate, integrated under the binding area. It ensures strong screw retention and direct power transmission to the edge.
Poplar core harvested less than 100 km from the factory. Light, lively, and resistant — the soul of the ski.
Three fiber orientations for consistent strength and forgiving behavior.
Strap that binds the edges to the rest of the structure and improves the durability of the junction.
Hardened steel for a clean bite and prolonged edge retention on hard snow and ice.
High-density polyethylene base: fast glide, good wax absorption, and abrasion resistant.
Carbon footprint
Life cycle analysis
We measure the complete carbon footprint of each ski — from raw material to factory gate. Transparency is part of the engineering.
Total carbon footprint
Material footprint
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Explo 86 and the Explo 96?
Both skis share the same all-mountain DNA. In both cases, these skis offer quick edge-to-edge transitions and good grip on hard or icy snow. The Explo 86 (86 mm) is better suited for firm snow and groomed trails, while the Explo 96 (96 mm) offers better float in deep snow.
- The Explo 86 is designed for 70% groomed trails and 30% off-piste use. Its preferred terrain is firm snow and light powder. Perfect for going everywhere on the mountain. This ski is geared towards groomed trails/firm snow.
- The Explo 96 is designed for 50% groomed trails and 50% off-piste use. Its preferred terrain is firm snow and powder. Perfect for going everywhere on the mountain and designed as the perfect do-it-all ski.
- These 2 Explo models are designed for high performance everywhere on the mountain. They are also perfect for alpine touring thanks to their lightness and versatility. Choose the 86 for more on-piste use and the 96 for more float in powder.
What is the difference between the Explo 96 and the Pionnier 104 2.0?
The Explo 96 is the ultimate all-mountain ski. It performs equally well on-piste and off-piste and is suitable for all skill levels. The Pionnier 104 2.0 is a ski with freeride DNA: wider, designed for demanding terrain, powder, and steep slopes.
If you ski as often at resorts as you do off-piste, choose the Explo 96 for its versatility across the entire mountain and for all skill levels.
If you venture off the beaten path most of the time and are looking for float and performance in powder, the Pionnier 104 2.0 is the right ski.
The Explo 96 is easier to ski and is more suitable for on-piste use (50% on-piste and 50% off-piste). It is designed to go everywhere on the mountain and is the perfect do-it-all ski.
- The Pionnier 104 2.0 offers more float and maneuverability in tight terrain for 30% on-piste and 70% off-piste use. On hard snow, it is better suited for advanced to expert skiers due to its stiffer construction.
- These 2 models are designed for high performance anywhere on the mountain. They are also perfect for alpine touring thanks to their lightness and versatility.
Is the Explo 96 wide enough for deep powder?
The Explo 96 floats sufficiently and remains very pleasant for most powder days. For deep, persistent powder, the Pionnier 104 2.0 or Surfeur 112 will be more suitable, but the Explo 96 is an excellent "resort powder" ski. It's the one you grab when it's snowed 10-25 cm and you're skiing as much on-piste as off-piste.
Can I use the Explo 96 for alpine touring or telemarking?
Absolutely!
Its lightweight construction (poplar core, optimized weight-to-stiffness ratio) makes it pleasant on the way up and high-performing on the way down. Independent testers describe it as "an unbeatable companion for the resort and the backcountry." If you tour both in-resort and off-piste, this is the most versatile ski in the range.
It is also used for telemark skiing thanks to its short radius, stability, and predictable behavior on firm snow.
Is the Explo 96 suitable for a large or heavy skier?
A heavier or expert skier will benefit from a slightly longer ski for more stability. Use our Ski Finder for a personalized recommendation. If you are unsure, our experts will guide you to the right ski and size.

