Ski touring skis · Test magazine 2025
Tech talk with Jacopo Michieli, BLIZZARD SKIS
Product Manager · Print page 73
Who is Jacopo Michieli? Product Manager at Blizzard Skis
Jacopo Michieli has been Product Manager at Blizzard Skis since March 2025. He started skiing at the age of three, has a racing background and is a qualified ski instructor. At 18, he stopped competitive racing to focus on studying Materials Engineering at the University of Padua. His background thus combines skiing experience, teaching practice and materials expertise.
In his interview for the BACKLINE 2025 test magazine, Michieli explains how touring ski development balances low weight on the ascent with strong downhill performance. For the redesigned Zero G 96 and 88, he highlights the Trueblend Tour Woodcore 2.0, combining paulownia, poplar and an ash insert in the binding area, alongside a five-radius sidecut. The interaction of core and geometry is intended to combine stability, control and easy turn initiation. Women-specific models from the Women2Women project feature an adapted, softer flex.
Michieli also identifies sustainability, durability and a more diverse user base as priorities. According to him, Blizzard is reducing carbon content and using recycled materials for bases, sidewalls and inlays, including components from the Recycle Your Boots programme. Feedback from skiers is intended to guide the touring ski range’s further development.
Blizzard has been active in the ski touring sector for years – what do you consider to be the most important developments in touring skis currently, and how are you responding to them?
Ski touring has evolved from a niche activity into one of the most dynamic segments. We observe three key trends: lighter equipment for more efficient ascents, increasing demands for downhill performance, and a more diverse target group—from alpinists to beginners. Furthermore, sustainability and durability are gaining importance. At Blizzard, we are responding with new material technologies, versatile constructions, and close collaboration with athletes. Our Zero G collection combines lightness, versatility, and sustainability—with a clear priority on downhill performance. New additions include women-specific models from the Women2Women project, featuring adapted flex and reduced stiffness for a harmonious ride. The construction is tailored to women's anatomy and is 9.7% softer than the unisex version, ensuring precise control and smoother turn initiation.
What technological innovations are currently being incorporated into your touring skis – and how do they influence the skiing experience during ascents and descents?
The new Zero G 96 and 88 are not only lighter but also completely re-engineered. In the Trueblend Tour Woodcore 2.0, we combine lightweight paulownia with stronger poplar wood, complemented by an ash wood insert in the binding area for torsional stiffness. This creates an optimal mix of weight reduction, control, and power transmission. A second core element is the 5-Radius Sidecut concept. This innovative design divides the ski into zones with different radii. This creates a unique balance and improves versatility: precise edge grip, more stability, and flow—benefits noticeable both on the ascent and descent.
How do you manage the balancing act between low weight for ascents and stability for descents – where does Blizzard focus its ski construction efforts?
The key lies in the harmonization of the wood core and geometry, and achieving the right balance. We achieve the equilibrium between low weight for ascents and stability for descents through construction and shape. The Trueblend Tour Woodcore ensures stability in the binding area, while softer zones at the tip and tail allow for easy turn initiation. This creates a ski that responds reliably without feeling excessively stiff or nervous. The geometry reinforces this effect: a straighter central radius provides security in steep, hard terrain, while gentle transitions to the tip and tail create playful versatility.
Sustainability is also a growing topic in ski manufacturing: What measures is Blizzard pursuing in the development of environmentally friendly touring skis?
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for us, and we are taking concrete measures in ski manufacturing to reduce our environmental impact. For example, we have significantly reduced the carbon content and are using the Trueblend Tour wood core with ash. Additionally, bases, sidewalls, and inlays are made from recycled materials, including components from our Recycle Your Boots (RYB) program. The goal is to combine top performance with responsible material choices.
In which direction will the Blizzard touring ski line develop in the future?
Our line will continue to combine downhill performance with low weight. The decisive criterion remains feedback from skiers, which directly influences product development. This way, we ensure that our touring skis continuously gain versatility, performance, and user-friendliness—for more joy on the mountain.
