Kirsys Campbell Transitioning on the Renoun Citadel 107 Skis | Photo Adam Meyer Mountain Weekly NewsOut of the box the Citadel 107 skis impressed me with their sleek and smooth design. The graphics are bright and pretty. And while I’m a sucker for cool design aesthetic, it was time to get the skis on some snow.
Renoun Citadel for Touring
I chose to turn these skis into a touring ski. I wanted to try out a touring ski that was wider and more stable on the downhills compared to my older and lighter set up with Atomic Backland 102s.
The Citadel 107’s are a lot wider than anything I had skied on before. This made them slightly heavier on the uphill, but the performance of the ski paid off when it was time to descend.
How’s This Ski in the Backcountry?
In variable backcountry conditions, the Citadel 107 performed exceptionally well. The “magic” of Renoun’s HDT (Hyper Damping Technology) became apparent in the varied terrain and snow conditions where I tested these skis. They handled everything from wind-blown crust to soft powder with surprising composure.
The ski’s flex is progressive and forgiving, allowing for easy turn-initiation and a playful feel. The skis were stable enough to handle higher speeds, yet nimble enough to navigate tight trees and tricky terrain. I was particularly impressed with how well they absorbed vibrations and chatter, leading to a smoother and less fatiguing ride, especially in challenging snow.
Renoun Ski Stability
The back of the ski is quite thick. Initially, this made putting skins on more difficult for me. They are also a heavier ski compared to my last set up, so traversing uphill was more challenging. However, one aspect I face in my skiing is feeling confident in variable terrain. It is easy to ski smooth powder, but I lose a lot of my confidence when the conditions are less consistent. On the Citadel 107’s I retained my confidence through bumps and different snow types. These skis felt much more stable and smooth than what I was used to. A friend who was skiing with me even commented that I was skiing more confidently.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Stability and Confidence in Variable Terrain: The skis maintain composure and inspire confidence through bumps and inconsistent snow conditions, providing a smooth and stable ride.
Versatile Downhill Performance: The skis offer a good balance between stability at higher speeds and nimbleness in tight terrain.
Cons:
Heavier for Uphill Touring: The wider width of the skis makes them heavier for uphill travel, which can be more challenging than lighter setups.
Skin Application Difficulty: The thick tail of the skis can make it more difficult to attach skins.
Overall Impression
While I am a decent skier, (editors note: she is a total ripper on snow and is being very humble…) I am always seeking to get better and this, for me, was a clear win. Overall, the Renoun Citadel 107 Skis ($999.99) strike a great balance between weight and downhill performance. They gave me much needed versatility in the backcountry so that I felt prepared to shred, no matter the conditions mother nature gives me on any given day.
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