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Jul 14, 2026
Liberty Skis: Why America's Favorite Skis Are Built Different
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Nicolas Martin
⛷️ Ski
I grew up in a small French town between the mountains and the ocean. Ski season in Colorado, surf trips in Central America, and multi-pitch climbing in the Alps, Enduro-DH: traveling to find new playgrounds is my passion. I recently bought a van to get the most out of the outdoors, even if all my gear doesn't fit in it. I haven't figured out what I like best yet, but I'm sure I can help you find the best choice for you.
If you've spent any time in the ski world over the last two decades, you've probably heard someone raving about their Liberty Skis. Maybe it was the person next to you on the chairlift, or the guide who shredded past you in the backcountry like it was nothing. There's a reason these skis keep coming up in conversation — and it's not just marketing. Liberty has built something real, something that resonates with skiers who actually care about what's underfoot.
I've skied a lot of different setups over the years — European brands, big American names, boutique builders — and what keeps pulling me back to Liberty is the combination of genuine mountain DNA and a commitment to doing things right. Let me break down why these skis deserve a spot in your quiver, and which models from the 2026 lineup should be on your radar. You'll soon see why Liberty Skis have been frequently called, "America's Favorite Skis."
A Brand Born in the Rockies
Liberty Skis was founded in 2003 by James Satloff and Dan Chalfant, and has since grown into one of the largest independent ski manufacturers in the world, with distribution reaching the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. That's no small feat for an independent brand operating out of Avon, Colorado — a town that sits squarely in the heart of some of the best skiing on the planet.
For over 20 years, Liberty has been crafting high-performance skis from their headquarters in the Colorado Rockies, with a philosophy rooted in quality, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the mountains they call home. That's not just a tagline. When a brand designs and tests its skis in the same terrain where those skis will actually be ridden, the result is something you can feel the moment you drop into a steep line.
Liberty Skis isn't trying to be everything to everyone. They're a brand that knows its roots — big mountains, deep snow, and the kind of riding that makes you forget about everything else.
Colorado Design, European Craftsmanship
Here's where things get interesting. Liberty's headquarters in Avon, Colorado serves as both the design lab and testing ground, where each ski is inspired by the mountain home of the brand. But the actual production is handled by skilled European-based manufacturing partners, ensuring unmatched quality, finish, and performance.
In recent years, Liberty made a significant shift — moving almost 100% of their manufacturing from Asia to Europe and European-managed factories, a transition that involved learning entirely new factory processes, techniques, technologies, and materials. That's a bold move, and it paid off. The 2026 lineup reflects that investment in a way you can see and feel.
As part of their sustainability commitment, Liberty has switched the majority of their lines to FSC-certified wood cores, adopted epoxy systems with at least 30% bio-based materials, and continued their industry-leading three-year warranty — a direct reflection of their confidence in production quality. In an era where a lot of brands talk about sustainability without backing it up, Liberty is actually doing the work.
Why Buy Liberty Right Now?
New tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have sent shockwaves through the ski industry, driving up the cost of imported gear and disrupting long-established supply chains. As European and Asian-made skis become more expensive, buying from American ski companies is no longer just about patriotism — it's a smart response to a shifting trade landscape. Liberty Skis has never added in extra charges or import duties to its pricing.
Liberty is recognized for its unique character as an independent brand, particularly in the freeride, all-mountain, and freestyle categories. Choosing Liberty means supporting a small business with genuine mountain roots. And with their European production now fully ramped up, you're getting world-class build quality without the inflated import costs hitting other brands right now.
The 2026 Liberty Lineup: Five Skis Worth Knowing
The 2026 collection covers a serious range — from nimble all-mountain chargers to full-send powder sleds. Here's a closer look at the five models that stand out.
Scope 104 — The Technical Freeride All-Rounder
Liberty Skis Scope 104 - 2026
GOOD FOR
Technical big-mountain terrain
High-speed stability
Variable snow conditions
AVOID FOR
Groomed resort cruising
Beginners or intermediates
Tight, slow terrain
The Scope 104 is the ski I'd reach for when the mountain gets serious. At 104mm underfoot, it sits in that sweet spot between precision and float — wide enough to handle variable snow and soft conditions, but not so wide that it loses its edge when things get firm or technical. This is a ski built for skiers who want to go fast and go big without sacrificing control.
What makes the Scope 104 stand out is the Recoil Core Carbon construction. Carbon fiber in a ski core isn't just a marketing buzzword — it translates directly into a livelier, more responsive feel underfoot, especially at speed. When you're threading through a rocky couloir or charging a steep open face, that responsiveness is the difference between a ski that works with you and one that fights you.
The shape is nimble without being twitchy. Liberty has dialed in a profile that navigates technical terrain with confidence, making it equally at home on a steep, narrow line as it is on a wide-open powder field. Lightweight and powerful — that's the Scope 104 in two words. If you're looking for a ski that can handle anything the mountain throws at it, this is a serious contender.
Radian 106 — The One-Ski Quiver for Big Mountains
Liberty Skis Radian 106 - 2026
GOOD FOR
Deep snow and powder days
Varied terrain and conditions
Aggressive all-mountain riding
AVOID FOR
Dedicated groomer skiing
Skiers wanting a narrower, precise carver
Low-snow or icy resorts
New for 2026, the Radian 106 is Liberty's answer to the eternal question: "What if I could only have one ski?" At 106mm underfoot, it's the wider, more powerful sibling of the Radian 100, and it's built for skiers who ski bigger mountains with more snow — think Colorado's deep days, the Cascades, or anywhere the snowpack is generous and the terrain is demanding.
What I love about the Radian concept is that it doesn't try to be a powder ski pretending to be an all-mountain ski, or vice versa. It's genuinely versatile — the kind of ski that performs across varied terrain without making you feel like you're compromising. The European craftsmanship and attention to detail that Liberty has invested in their new production partners really shows in the Radian line. The finish is clean, the construction is tight, and the ski has a quality feel from tip to tail.
If you're the type of skier who wants to leave the house in the morning without knowing exactly what the day will bring — groomers, trees, a stash of untracked, maybe some crud — the Radian 106 is the ski that says yes to all of it. It's a confident, capable machine that rewards aggressive skiing while remaining accessible enough to enjoy on a casual powder lap.
Horizon 92 — The Everyday Charger
Liberty Skis Horizon 92 - 2026
GOOD FOR
Groomed runs and mixed conditions
Skiers upgrading from older gear
Edge hold on firm snow
AVOID FOR
Deep powder days
Skiers wanting maximum float
Extreme big-mountain terrain
Not every ski day is a powder day. Sometimes the mountain is groomed, the snow is firm, and what you need is a ski that carves cleanly and responds quickly. That's exactly where the Horizon 92 lives. At 92mm underfoot, it's the narrowest ski in this lineup, and it's built for skiers who want quickness, precision, and confidence on a wide range of conditions.
The Variable Metal Technology underfoot is the key ingredient here. Metal in a ski construction adds dampening and edge hold — two things that matter enormously when you're skiing on firmer snow or transitioning between conditions. The Horizon 92 pairs that stability with compliant tips and tails, which means the ski absorbs chatter and rough patches without transmitting them up through your legs. The result is a smooth, planted ride that inspires confidence.
This is also the ski Liberty is pointing at skiers who are ready to upgrade from older gear. If you've been riding the same setup for five or six years and wondering why skiing feels harder than it used to, the Horizon 92 might be the answer. European-made, thoughtfully designed, and built to inspire — it's the kind of ski that reminds you why you fell in love with this sport in the first place.
Scope 118 — Back to Freeride Roots
Liberty Skis Scope 118 - 2026
GOOD FOR
Deep powder and soft snow
Playful freeride laps
Skiers who live for powder days
AVOID FOR
Groomed or hard-packed runs
Technical, precise carving
Skiers new to wide skis
If the Scope 104 is the technical freeride ski, the Scope 118 is the one you pull out when the forecast says two feet overnight and you don't care about anything except floating. At 118mm underfoot, this is Liberty's widest ski in the lineup, and it's built with a single purpose: to be as fun as possible in deep snow.
The construction tells the story. A poplar core keeps things lively and light, while the phenolic plate adds a layer of stiffness and snap that makes the ski feel energetic rather than sluggish. Rockered tips and tails mean the ski floats effortlessly in powder and releases easily from turn to turn — no wrestling required. And the high-carbon bases? Fast. Really fast. The kind of fast that makes you grin every time you point it downhill.
Liberty describes the Scope 118 as a return to the brand's freeride roots, and you can feel that intention in every aspect of the design. This isn't a ski that's trying to do everything — it's a ski that's trying to do one thing perfectly. If you live somewhere with real snowfall, or you're planning a trip to a resort known for its powder, the Scope 118 deserves a serious look. It's pure, unapologetic fun.
Radian 92 — Where European Quality Meets Colorado Soul
Liberty Skis Radian 92 - 2026
GOOD FOR
Groomed runs and resort skiing
Skiers seeking an approachable all-mountain ski
Easy, confidence-inspiring turns
AVOID FOR
Powder-focused riding
Expert skiers seeking maximum challenge
Off-piste and backcountry terrain
The Radian 92 is the ski that makes Liberty's philosophy most accessible. It's not the widest, not the most aggressive, not the most specialized — but it might be the most enjoyable ski in the lineup for a broad range of skiers. At 92mm underfoot, it's built for the kind of skiing most of us actually do most of the time: resort runs, mixed conditions, the occasional powder stash, and a lot of smiling.
Easy turn initiation is the headline feature here. The Radian 92 is designed to make skiing feel effortless, which sounds simple but is actually quite difficult to engineer well. Liberty has paired that accessibility with Variable Metal Technology underfoot, which provides the stability and edge hold that keeps the ski feeling planted and controlled even when conditions get challenging. It's a combination that works — playful when you want it, stable when you need it.
The European craftsmanship that Liberty has invested in for their 2026 lineup is on full display in the Radian 92. The finish, the construction quality, the attention to detail — it's all there. This is a ski that punches above its price point, and Liberty knows it. Their pitch is simple: try it for a day, and you'll be smiling from first chair to après. Having skied a lot of skis in this category, I believe them.
The Bottom Line
Liberty Skis has spent over two decades earning their reputation, and the 2026 lineup is the clearest expression yet of what this brand is about. From their Colorado headquarters where every design is tested and refined, to their European production partners who bring those designs to life with world-class craftsmanship, Liberty has built a system that produces genuinely exceptional skis.
Whether you're a powder hound who needs the Scope 118, an all-mountain skier eyeing the Radian 106, or someone ready to upgrade their everyday setup with the Horizon 92 or Radian 92, there's a Liberty ski in this lineup that was built for you. And if you're the kind of skier who wants a technical freeride weapon that can handle anything — the Scope 104 is waiting.
With their industry-leading three-year warranty, sustainable production practices, and FSC-certified wood cores, Liberty is also a brand you can feel good about supporting. In a market full of options, that combination of performance, quality, and integrity is what makes Liberty America's favorite skis. Get on a pair — you'll understand immediately.