Skip to content

Cookies 🍪

This site uses cookies that need consent.

Learn more

Zur Powderguide-Startseite Zur Powderguide-Startseite

Language selection

Search PowderGuide

gear reviews

Gear Review | Scott Superguide Freetour

The holy grail of backcountry skiing

by Johannes Wolf 02/26/2021
Everything is different this season - especially if you don't currently have the pleasure of open cable cars due to where you live. In order to still be able to test equipment extensively, the motto this season really is: "Earn your turn". Luckily, Ullr took pity on us after the late start to winter and gifted us with heavy snowfall from the end of December. Perfect for testing the Scott Superguide Freetour, which Scott calls the "Holy Grail".

Testers and test conditions

As ski tests are always subjective, here are some details about me: I am about 178 cm tall and weigh about 70 kilograms. I also have between five and ten kilograms of equipment in my backpack. I tested the ski in a length of 185 cm and with an ATK Rent Me 12. I usually use downhill-orientated ski boots, this time a Dabello Lupo. I prefer to ski a little harder and like to step on the gas pedal. But for me, a good ski also has to be manoeuvrable so that I can ski in narrow terrain without any problems.

I was able to test the ski this season (2020/2021) on around 15 days, mainly in the Allgäu Alps. The Superguide Freetour was tested in powder and wet snow. Unfortunately, very tough conditions and rides on the piste had to be cancelled this year due to the cable car closures.

gear reviews
presented by

First impression

The design of the Scott Superguide Freetour is very appealing and reflects what Scott promises with this ski: power, speed and yet lightness. At first glance, the ski has pretty good dimensions for a freetourer. With a tip width of 136 mm and a centre width of 105 mm at a length of 185 cm, it should definitely float well in powder.

What is immediately noticeable when you hold the ski in your hand for the first time is its low weight. At just 1610 grams per ski, the Superguide is definitely light enough to go on longer tours without any problems. The ski has a Pro-Tip Rocker and consists of a paulownia/beech core and is therefore very light and yet very stable. In addition, carbon/aramid fibres have been used to give the ski even more rigidity.

Practical test

Where better to test a freetourer than on a ski tour in the backcountry? Compared to my previous skis in this width, the Superguide Freetour is very light and really fun to climb with. Despite its length and width, it is still very easy to edge and so the ascent even in tough conditions is no problem at all. I would also go on longer tours beyond 1000 metres in altitude with this ski without any problems, because my main focus is on the descent and that's where the ski really comes into its own. If you are looking for a ski that is fairly stable at speed, you usually have to accept a few more grams - but not with this ski!

The ski masters fast turns and high speeds without any problems, even in harder or heavier snow. It also floats well in powder and ensures that the skier gets a big grin. The ski is very easy to turn and is easy to manoeuvre despite its length. The radius is 24 metres with a length of 185 cm. This could be a little shorter for my taste, but this is mainly due to the terrain, which was only accessible to a limited extent this year. Open, wide slopes were rather rare this year. However, the ski can also be skied comfortably. In terms of durability, the ski has proven itself well so far. Despite the odd stone contact, it only has minor scratches in the base.

Conclusion

The Scott Superguide Freetour can definitely be described as the "Holy Grail" of freetouring. It manages the combination of stiffness, width and lightness and therefore fulfils all the points that are important for freetouring. For me, the ski definitely has the potential to become the freeride ski with touring capability in my ski collection. If you prefer slightly narrower skis, you can definitely take a look at the Superguide range from Scott. However, there could be a problem for taller people, as the ski is only available in two sizes. The longest version is only 185 cm long.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ stable at high speeds
+ low weight
+ easy to manoeuvre
+ good all-round ski

- longest version 185cm

details

RRP €649.95

Available lengths:
178cm, 185cm

Dimensions:

[178 cm] 134-104-122  - Weight: 1,580 grams per ski   Radius: 24m

[185 cm] 136-105-124  -  Weight: 1,610 grams per ski  Radius: 24m            ;

Here is the link to Scott's website with further information. 

This product was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer for testing. How we test it can be found in our test statement.

Photo gallery

This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

Show original (German)

Related articles

Comments

gear reviews
presented by