2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: April 27th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (4.5/5)
The 2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 has taken up the torch as the replacement to the long beloved Brahma. With big frontside shoes to fill, the new Anomaly Series is touted as a more approachable/user-friendly take on Blizzard's all-mountain collection — which previously consisted of the Bonafide, Brahma, & Cochise. One of our testers felt the Anomaly 88 didn't live up to its potential, describing it as less playful and somewhat lackluster, especially when compared to other Blizzard models. This tester found the Anomaly better suited for groomed runs rather than diverse terrain, despite its stability and speed capabilities.
Conversely, other testers celebrated the Anomaly 88's performance. They praised it for its robust construction and hard-charging capabilities on hard snow and it impressed with a feeling of width and ease despite its narrower design. The updated Fluxform metal layup enhanced turn initiation and provided consistent dampness from tip to tail, which our skiers appreciated. These features make the Anomaly 88 a delight for those looking to push their speed limits while maintaining control and stability.
Our hands-on experience suggests that while the Anomaly 88 might not be the most versatile for every skier, it excels in specific conditions and is particularly rewarding for those who enjoy a powerful, stable ski in solid conditions.
Technical Details
"You're no ordinary skier, and for you we've built no ordinary ski, designed to give you the confidence to find your own line, be your own person, and most importantly, chase the kind of gravity-defying, face-melting fun you can only find on a pair of skis. You don't need another 'all-mountain' ski — you need an Anomaly."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 164, 170, 176, 182, 188 |
| Sidecut (Tip-Waist-Tail, mm) | 124.5 - 84 - 107.5 (176cm) |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
| Radius (m) | 14, 15, 16, 17.5, 19 |
| Construction | Sandwich Fluxform, All-Mtn Ti, Full Sidewall + Trueblend All-Mtn Core |
| Weight | 2000g (176cm) |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Blizzard — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 Skis:
In assessing the 2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88, we enlisted four of our evo employees, bringing a mix of advanced skiing abilities and styles that include all-mountain, freeride, and groomers/carving. These evaluations unfolded at two mountains: Brighton, UT, and Loveland, CO, challenging the skis across a spectrum of conditions and terrains. Each tester, with heights ranging from 5'6" to 5'9" and varying weights, used skis sized at either 170 cm or 176 cm to best match their frames and skiing styles.
The diverse experiences of our testers ensure our review encapsulates a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, making it a reliable resource for those considering the Anomaly 88. Our methodology includes both quantitative assessments, such as the rating system, and qualitative feedback to capture the nuanced performance of the skis in different conditions. Read on for each tester's detailed perspective, providing insights into how the Anomaly 88 might suit your skiing style and preferences.
Matt Hupperts
Service, Rental and Demo Manager - Denver Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 176 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
This ski will only improve your day!
"You might have tried the Blizzard Bonafide in the past, this puts that ski to rest! Loved this new version. Usually, the term predictable might not be good, but in this case, I felt that I could push on this ski with no speed limit to hold me back. Then to pull this ski into off piste conditions and punch through some bumps I felt like I was not going back to change out for my next selection. Really enjoyed this ski and the confidence it provided. I would put someone on this ski that is looking to move up in their skill level of carving as well as experience more conditions on the mountain. Enjoy and have a fantastic day on this ski, you will have a smile plastered on your face all day!"
Sammi Bushman
Product Content Writer
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 170 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Fast Fun on Hard Snow
"The new Anomaly combines everything you love about Blizzard's specialty hard chargers and packs them into a cohesive lineup. I don't usually ski widths under 100, and the 88 felt much wider and easy to ride, while still giving that strong hardpack grip you want out of a narrower ski. At 170, they provided the perfect amount of power for my medium sized frame and weren't too difficult to drive, despite their incredibly heavy weight. I took these out on the way to lunch and was SWEATING by the time I reached the lodge. However once you click in to the bindings, you don't feel the weight in terms of effort. You feel it as stability, power, and edge to edge control. I was not sweating by the end of my runs on the Anomaly 88, but I was smiling from ear to ear. They're fast, a little freaky, and perfect for a hard charger who loves to rip."
Danielle Vilaplana
Product Content Writer
Tester Rating: 3-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 176 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
I am an anomaly
"Call me crazy but I just didn't find the Anomaly very unique or interesting. I generally prefer more playful skis, and I found the Anomaly to be a little dead. The Anomaly isn't marketed as a groomer ski but that's what it feels like with it's full metal layup. It's definitely stable and ready to go fast, but I think there are skis that can do that and be more fun off piste - the Blizzard Sheeva is a good example of this. A lot of skiers aren't going to ski the trees in crappy snow though, so this is likely a great a ski for the majority of people."
Cassidy Lavender
Product Content Writer
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 176 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
Speedy, incredibly stable, and as smooth as can be!
"I am an advanced, all-mountain, freeride skier. I'm 5'9 and love going anywhere and everywhere on the mountain, so I really like a ski that I can feel confident on no matter the conditions. I am keen on hitting high speeds on the groomers, but also spend my fair share of time seeking out all kinds of terrain so I need a mid-stiff ski that I can still play around on. I tested the Men's 176 length ski and it was perfect for me. The 88 is definitely more narrow than I would pick as my one ski quiver in Colorado and Utah, but for the old ski racer in me, this ski was perfection. It has plenty of give while maintaining fantastic power and stability while carving at speed. By incorporating the updated Fluxform metal layup, the turn initiation and dampness from tip to tail is chef's kiss."
Pros
Stability and Control: Testers appreciated the ski's exceptional stability and control, especially at high speeds on hardpack, thanks to the robust construction and new Fluxform metal layup.
Powerful Performance: Ideal for hard chargers, the Anomaly 88 delivers ample power without compromising on grip. Testers noted that despite its narrower waist, it feels wider underfoot, allowing for confident rides in various conditions.
High-Speed Suitability: Several reviews highlighted the ski's ability to perform well at high speeds without losing its composure.
Cons
Limited Versatility: One tester noted that the Anomaly 88 might not be the most versatile, particularly for those who prefer playful skis.
Perceived Heaviness: The ski's weight was noticeable, especially when carrying them to and from the slopes. However, once in motion, the weight contributes to the ski's overall stability.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 is best suited for advanced skiers who thrive on speed and stability, particularly on groomed and hardpack terrain. This ski is a powerhouse for those who appreciate a firm, controlled ride that can handle high speeds without flinching. Its construction favors those who enjoy the sensation of a wider ski underfoot but require the performance of a narrower waist for hard-charging downhill runs.
While the Anomaly 88 delivers exceptional performance in its niche, it may not be the ideal choice for skiers looking for a highly versatile, all-terrain ski. Its design and build cater more to those who have a background in racing or prefer a more structured, less playful skiing experience. Therefore, it might not be the best fit for casual recreational skiers or those who frequent a variety of off-piste conditions where agility and adaptability are key.
If you're a skier who loves to carve out fast, precise lines and relishes in the stability offered by a well-constructed ski, the Anomaly 88 could be your next great companion on the slopes. However, if your skiing style leans towards freestyle or you often find yourself exploring varied snow conditions and terrains, you might want to consider other options more aligned with those requirements.