2027 Salomon Depart .02 Skis Review

Reviewer: Tom Beamish, Retail & Rental Supervisor, evo Village Sports
Location: Sun Peaks, BC
Conditions: Cold & Chalky, Bluebird Groomers

"It's definitely not like any other ski on the market. It's very flexible tip and tail, super playful. It just wants to butter and have fun."

The Salomon Depart .02 is the second ski from the Depart Crew's freestyle collection, and it swaps the Depart .01's side-hit-hunting all-mountain focus for a narrower, park-first shape that runs 98 to 101mm underfoot across four lengths. A Karuba / Poplar Full Woodcore, a freestyle rocker profile, and a slightly pointed tip that nods to the original 1080 add up to a soft, super flexible ski that lives for butters and presses. It isn't trying to charge, and that's exactly the point.

Shop Salomon Depart .02 Skis
Salomon Depart .02 Skis 2027
Salomon Depart .02 Skis 2027
Salomon Depart .02 Skis 2027
Salomon Depart .02 Skis 2027

Pros

  • Soft, flexible tip and tail make butters and presses feel effortless
  • Narrower 98-101mm waist and 13-16m radius keep it quick and nimble
  • Four lengths from 164 to 188cm, up from the Depart .01's two length offerings
  • Recycled base and a clean, jersey-inspired graphic with a little glitter for flare
  • Throwback (Salomon 1080-inspired) pointed tip brings real old-school freestyle personality

Cons

  • Soft flex gives up stability at speed and in rough snow
  • Not a one-ski quiver; it shines as an addition for jibbing/park days

Product Details

Rocker Type: Rocker / Camber / Rocker

Shape: FS Park Profile (Full Twin Tip)

Construction: Karuba / Poplar Full Woodcore w/ Ti Binding Reinforcement

Ability Level: Advanced-Expert

Sidewalls: Full Sandwich Sidewalls

Turning Radius: Short (13-16 m depending on length)

Terrain / Riding Style: Park & Pipe, All-Mountain

Sizes: 164, 172, 180, 188 cm

Who Is It For?

The Salomon Depart .02 is built for young, freestyle-minded skiers who want a soft, playful ski for butters, presses, and messing around the park. It's not a serious charging ski, and it's best thought of as an addition to your quiver rather than a do-everything ski. If you want one pair to hold an edge at speed and bust through chop, look elsewhere.

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Specs

Size Tip Width (mm) Waist Width (mm) Tail Width (mm) Turning Radius (m)
164 cm 132 98 120 13
172 cm 133 99 121 14
180 cm 134 100 122 15
188 cm 135 101 123 16

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About the Reviewer

Name: Tom Beamish
Position: Retail & Rental Supervisor, evo Village Sports
Home Mountain: Whistler Blackcomb, BC

Originally hailing from Peterborough, Ontario, I moved to Whistler in 2020 to follow my dreams of skiing every single day. I spend the majority of my winters lapping Whistler Blackcomb, chasing pow and exploring everything this incredible mountain has to offer.

I've been working at evo ever since my move to Whistler, and am currently the retail and rental supervisor at evo Village Sports.