Published October 7, 2026 06:56 AM
In the annals of ski innovation, few models achieve the cult status and widespread adoration of Rossignol’s original Soul 7. Debuting over a decade ago, this groundbreaking ski quickly earned the affectionate moniker "the cheater ski" for its uncanny ability to democratize the entire mountain, offering an unprecedented blend of accessibility for intermediate skiers and exhilaration for experts. Its popularity was so profound that it consistently sold out year after year, often leading to an elevated rate of theft from resort racks – a testament to its desirability and perceived value. Now, Rossignol has captured the essence of that revolutionary spirit, launching the 2027 Soul 102 and the 2027 Soul 92, skis poised to redefine the all-mountain category once again.
The Soul 102 has been recognized by SKI Magazine’s rigorous testing as the Best Value All-Mountain Ski for 2027, while the Soul 92 has earned the distinction of Most Versatile Wide All-Mountain Ski. These accolades underscore Rossignol’s commitment to recapturing the magic that made the Soul 7 a legend.
A Legacy Reborn: The Vision Behind the New Soul Series
Jake Stevens, Rossignol’s North American Sales and Product Director, articulated the brand’s strategic intent behind the resurrection of the Soul line. "We wanted to get back to touching all skiers and ability levels," Stevens stated. "The first piece of that project was to build the 102 to be a powder ski that was accessible for all. The next phase was to redesign our 92 and elevate it to the intermediate and expert level." This dual approach addresses distinct market segments while maintaining a unified philosophy of broad appeal and exceptional performance.
The original Soul 7’s success wasn’t accidental. It was a product of meticulous design aimed at bridging the gap between different skill sets. It allowed less experienced skiers to feel confident and capable on varied terrain, while simultaneously providing seasoned veterans with a playful and responsive platform for advanced maneuvers. This inherent versatility made it a truly transformative ski, and the new Soul models aim to inherit and build upon this legacy.
Engineering for Universal Appeal: Design and Technological Innovations
At the heart of the new Soul collection lies a sophisticated engineering approach that balances forgiveness with power. This rare combination allows intermediate skiers to confidently explore off-piste terrain, pushing their boundaries, while expert skiers can still push the limits of speed and vertical descent.
Central to this achievement is Rossignol’s Vibration Absorption System (VAS). This innovative technology incorporates a specialized rubber damping pad strategically integrated into the ski’s construction. The VAS effectively neutralizes unwanted vibrations, ensuring a remarkably calm and stable ride across a wide spectrum of snow conditions, from hardpack to choppy spring snow.
Complementing the VAS is Rossignol’s signature Air Tip technology. This honeycomb-inspired design, crafted from lightweight composite materials, significantly reduces the ski’s swing weight. The result is an immediate and effortless turn initiation, making the skis feel nimble and responsive, regardless of the skier’s speed or the turn radius being executed. For the skier, this translates to less fatigue and more intuitive control.
Further enhancing stability and grip, both Soul models feature a layer of titanal metal positioned underfoot. This metal laminate serves multiple crucial functions: it further dampens vibrations, providing a smoother ride; it significantly enhances edge hold on firm snow, allowing for precise carving; and it contributes crucial stability and power when skiing at higher speeds or through challenging conditions.
The Progressive Sidecut: Unleashing Playful Versatility
Beyond the core construction, the Soul collection introduces a progressive sidecut, a departure from traditional, uniform radii. Instead of a single, continuous arc, the progressive sidecut artfully blends multiple radii along the ski’s edge. While the mathematical complexities are intricate, the practical outcome for the skier is a dramatic increase in creative and playful shredding potential.
This innovative sidecut allows skiers to seamlessly transition between different turn styles. They can effortlessly surf and smear their way through soft, forgiving snow, enjoying a fluid, almost liquid feel. Then, on the return trip to the lift, they can engage a more powerful carved turn on groomed terrain, demonstrating the ski’s adaptability. This dynamic responsiveness encourages experimentation and rewards skiers with a more engaging and enjoyable experience across the entire mountain.
The 2027 Rossignol Soul 92: Best Value All-Mountain Ski
The 2027 SKI Test’s selection of the Soul 92 as the Best Value All-Mountain Ski highlights its exceptional performance-to-price ratio and its broad appeal. With a waist width of 92 millimeters, this ski is meticulously engineered for the quintessential all-mountain skier. It excels on groomed runs, navigates the challenges of tree skiing with agility, handles zipper-line bumps with aplomb, and can even surf through those delightful pockets of boot-top powder.
For skiers who reside in regions where deep powder is an occasional treat rather than a daily occurrence, the Soul 92 represents the ultimate one-ski quiver. It’s designed to accommodate skiers from the intermediate level upwards, providing a forgiving platform for skill development while offering the responsiveness and power demanded by more advanced skiers.
Jake Stevens elaborated on the design philosophy for this specific model: "We really wanted to create a carving ski with a wider platform and a freeride spirit," he explained. This dual focus means the Soul 92 is not just a competent all-mountain ski; it’s a ski that encourages skiers to embrace a more dynamic and spirited approach to their skiing, whether they are linking clean carved turns or venturing into softer snow.
The ski’s ability to perform across such a wide range of conditions and turn styles at its price point is a significant achievement. SKI Magazine’s review likely emphasized its surprising edge hold on hardpack, its smooth ride through chop, and its easy-to-initiate turns, all contributing to its status as a standout value proposition in the competitive all-mountain ski market.
The 2027 Rossignol Soul 102: Most Versatile Wide All-Mountain Ski
Claiming the title of Most Versatile Wide All-Mountain Ski, the 2027 Soul 102 broadens the performance envelope, catering particularly to skiers who prioritize soft snow performance without sacrificing all-around capability. Its more generous 102-millimeter waist width provides significant flotation in deeper snow conditions, allowing skiers to effortlessly glide over powder, powder, and more powder.
However, the Soul 102 is far from being a one-trick pony. Despite its wider profile, it maintains remarkable stability at speed, enabling skiers to charge down steep pitches or navigate variable snow with confidence. Its progressive sidecut and advanced construction allow it to pivot on a dime when necessary, making it surprisingly maneuverable in tight situations, such as navigating moguls or weaving through trees. Furthermore, it has the capability to carve remarkably well on groomed snow, a testament to the sophisticated engineering that balances its wider footprint with on-piste performance.
This ski is designed for the skier who dreams of charging through pillow lines and then effortlessly transitioning to a relaxed cruise down the groomers with family. The Soul 102’s "eager to please" attitude, as described by industry observers, suggests a ski that adapts to the skier’s intent, offering a playful and forgiving ride when desired, and a powerful, stable platform when pushed. Its versatility across such a broad spectrum of snow conditions and skiing styles is what sets it apart in the crowded wide all-mountain category.
A Commitment to Sustainability: Eco-Conscious Design
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Rossignol has demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainability, a principle that extends to the new Soul collection. Since 2020, the company has been actively pursuing initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint without compromising the performance integrity of its products.
The Soul series embodies this commitment through several key design choices. The poplar wood cores used in both the Soul 92 and Soul 102 are PEFC-certified. This certification guarantees that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests that prioritize biodiversity, ecological health, and sustainable harvesting practices.
Furthermore, the resin used to bond the various layers of the skis together is now bio-sourced. This innovative approach replaces traditional petroleum-based ingredients with renewable, plant-based materials. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to a lower overall environmental impact during the manufacturing process.
Rossignol also champions the inherent sustainability of well-built, durable products. The statement, "the longer your skis stay in use, the more sustainable they are," rings true for the Soul series. These skis are intentionally designed not just for current performance but also to progress with the skier. They possess a longevity that transcends temporary trends, offering a platform for skill development and expert-level skiing for years to come. This design philosophy aims to reduce the cycle of replacement, making them a more sustainable choice for consumers.
The Future of All-Mountain Skiing: A Timeless Appeal
The legacy of the original Soul 7 was built on its ability to make skiing more accessible and enjoyable for a vast range of skiers. The new Soul 102 and Soul 92 appear poised to carry that torch forward, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and a deep understanding of what skiers truly desire.
Will these new iterations achieve the same iconic status as their predecessor? Only time and the collective experience of skiers on the slopes will tell. However, the early acclaim and the meticulous engineering behind these models suggest a strong contender. The advice to "separate them on the rack, just in case" humorously echoes the original Soul 7’s tendency to vanish from ski racks, hinting at the high desirability that Rossignol has successfully rekindled.
The brand, with its roots deeply embedded in the French Alps since 1907, continues to innovate, drawing on over 115 years of technical expertise and competitive success. Rossignol’s comprehensive range of winter sports equipment, mountain bikes, apparel, and footwear underscores its commitment to providing year-round access to mountain lifestyles. The Soul collection stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, promising to bring joy and performance to skiers for seasons to come.
