Who it's for: Two kinds of skiers end up on the ARV 116 JJ UL. The first is the experienced tourer who wants a light, playful powder ski for Rogers Pass — 116mm underfoot with a Caruba ultralight core so the ascent doesn't wreck the descent. The second is the skier who doesn't get out in deep snow often enough to feel fully confident in it — the wide waist, surfy AR Freestyle Rocker, and Smear Tech tip and tail make this one of the most forgiving powder skis we carry. It's been a staple on our backcountry wall since it launched because it works for both.

The JJ UL is the ultralight version of Armada's legendary JJ — built for skiers who want the float and surf of a 116mm powder ski without the weight penalty that makes a long skin feel like a slog. The Caruba wood core is Armada's lightest, trimming 25% off the original JJ's weight while keeping the lively, responsive feel that made the JJ a classic. At 1550g for the 165cm, this is a genuinely light touring ski that still skis like a powder ski, not like a race ski that happens to be wide.

The 2027 version carries the same proven construction as last year with an updated graphic. AR Freestyle Rocker with camber underfoot delivers reliable edge hold on firm skin tracks and effortless float in the deep stuff. Smear Tech 3D bevelling at the tip and tail adds butterability and a catch-free feel in tight trees, while Laminate Matrix directed fibreglass and AR75 sidewalls keep the ski responsive and torsionally rigid where it counts.

In stock and ready to mount at Attridge Ski & Board in Vernon — a backcountry wall staple for skiers heading into Revelstoke's sidecountry, the Gorge, and Rogers Pass.