2026 Atomic Maverick 96 CTI Skis Review

The Lowdown

The 2026 Atomic Maverick 96 CTI represents a more freeride-oriented evolution in Atomic's quest for the perfect all-mountain sweet spot, following in the footsteps of its wider 105 CTI and 115 CTI siblings. Gone are the days of the metal-heavy 95 TI that carved like a dream but could feel a bit bossy in softer conditions – this new 96 CTI plays nicer with all terrain types while still maintaining that signature Maverick energy. Arguably Atomic's most well-rounded offering, the Maverick 96 CTI is a ski that's equally happy ripping groomers, navigating choppy conditions, or floating through softer snow without making you feel like you're wrestling a titanium plank down the mountain.

Ride Impressions

Initial Impressions
For the last 4 years, the Maverick Series has represented lightweight, powerful performance for modern freeride skiers. While they've always been directional skis, the Maverick DNA has always blurred the lines between hard-charging performance and playfulness. With the new, less stiff CTI construction updates, increased tip taper, and shortened effective edge length, there's no doubt that these skis still tow the line of their predecessors, but there's no denying that these are a move toward better accessibility and enhanced soft snow performance.

Groomers
To me, the increased maneuverability, shortened turn radius, and overall more playful feel of the Maverick 96 CTI make them incredibly fun on groomers. Compared to the previous Maverick 95 TI, the new 96 CTI feels a bit less "locked in" when carving down groomers, but this new platform opens up a whole new array of turn shapes and livliness that made them incredibly fun. If I wanted to make big sweeping GS-style turns at high speeds, these could. If I wanted to bounce quickly from edge-to-edge for more slalom-style turns, these could. If I wanted to carve switch and throw these around off natural rollers or knuckles, these could. Whereas skis of the past typically had a highly preferred turn radius, the modern Maverick 96 CTI proved capable of doing whatever I wanted 'em to.

Are they as stiff and trench-laying as their predecessor? No, but there was never a time where I felt like I needed "more ski" to feel confident at speed. These hold an edge through a huge variety of turn shapes and to me, that's a lot more fun and it also makes these a lot more approachable to intermediate skiers as well.

Powder
Over the course of the season, I got these out for a handful of 4" - 6" powder days. Overall, they did extremely well for a relatively narrow 96mm waisted ski and I'd largely attribute that to the wide, increased taper tip shovels. Similar to their performance on groomers, the intutive feel and easy turn initiation characteristics also translated to soft snow conditions. Again, for a 96mm waisted ski, they float extremely well and the shortened turn radius made them super fun through tighter trees. Now does the new HRZN 3D tech in the tips actually do anything? Tough to say, but they certainly don't hurt and if nothing else, they look cool.

Chop
As a freeride skier who skis primarily in the PNW (i.e. Washington and Idaho), "chop" conditions account for the bulk of my days on snow. Being a relatively light, thin profiled ski, these actually surprised me in how well they performed in chunky, tracked out conditions. The skis tracked well without getting "pinged" around and the dampness derived from the inclusion of ash and titanal underfoot kept vibrations under wraps. Whereas some skis have a tendency to feel "hooky" in heavy, rutted out conditions, the rocker profile and tip shapes allowed the Maverick 96 CTI to remain on top of the snow rather than through/under it, and nimble enough to react on a dime when needed. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Who Are They For?

The all-new Atomic Maverick 96 CTI is for both intermediate and advanced skiers who want all-mountain, all-condition versatility and high-speed, titanal-infused stability. While titanal skis in years past may have felt overly heavy or stiff and plank-like to enjoy skiing on, the lightened CTI layup, revised tip taper, and slightly elongated tail rocker of the new 2026 Maverick 96 CTI makes for a super fun, super approachable ski that still delivers in spades at high speeds, charging around the entirety of the resort. Masochistic skiers who derive pleasure from hard-to-turn skis will not be fans of this ski...