Empowering the Next Decade: How Blizzard’s Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition Is Redefining Women’s Skiing Through Community and Innovation
A Decade of Confidence, Connection, and Carving
Ten years ago, Blizzard launched a ski that quietly reshaped how women connect with the mountain. The Black Pearl 88 was born from the belief that women’s gear should be designed by women, for how they actually ski, not how someone assumes they should.
Now, for the 2025/26 season, Blizzard honors that legacy with the Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition women’s all-mountain ski that celebrates confidence, creativity, and community. It’s a tribute to the brand’s long-running Women2Women (W2W) initiative and to every skier who has found her edge or inspired a friend to take that next run.
“The Black Pearl has always been about more than performance; it’s about belonging and the joy that comes from trusting yourself and your gear,” says the Blizzard Women2Women team.
Built by Women, For Every Kind of Mountain Day
Blizzard’s Women2Women program started in 2015 with a simple idea: give women the tools, input, and data to shape their own gear. What began as a small series of testing camps in Europe has grown into a global collaboration between athletes, engineers, artists, and everyday skiers.
The Black Pearl 88 became its flagship, one of the best-selling women’s skis ever made. This 10th Anniversary Edition builds on that momentum with updated technology for stronger edge grip, more energy at speed, and an even smoother feel in variable snow.
The Tech That Empowers
1. Layered Titanal Matrix – Power With Precision
Under the topsheet, Blizzard introduced a new Layered Titanal Matrix, tuned specifically for women. Instead of a single heavy sheet of metal, this construction uses multiple, precisely shaped layers to balance stability and agility. The design adds a confident edge hold on firm snow and calm composure at speed, without feeling stiff or unapproachable.
The result is a ski that grips when you need power, flows when you want freedom, and stays smooth no matter how mixed the snow gets.
2. TrueBlend Flipcore – A Natural, Predictable Feel
At the heart of the Black Pearl 88 is Blizzard’s signature TrueBlend Flipcore, a blend of lightweight poplar and strong beech wood. The density of the wood changes along the ski’s length; it is firmer underfoot for stability and softer at the tip and tail for forgiveness and easy turn initiation.
This thoughtful balance gives the ski its well-known character: responsive without being punishing, stable without feeling stiff. Whether you are linking turns on morning corduroy or navigating afternoon chop, it stays intuitive and controlled, adapting to your energy rather than dictating it.
3. Malia Reeves Artwork – Strength in Motion
For the anniversary design, Blizzard partnered with Malia Reeves, a Taos-based ski patroller and artist whose work celebrates movement, strength, and belonging in the mountains. Her limited-edition topsheet blends warm sunrise hues with flowing geometric forms, a visual nod to the women shaping the future of skiing.
The structured matte finish is both striking and practical; it resists scuffs and glare to keep the ski looking its best all season.
“It’s about honoring the women who’ve made their mark on snow and inspiring the next ones to do the same,” Reeves says.
On-Snow Personality: Versatility With a Side of Grace
With an 88mm width underfoot, the Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary sits at the heart of the all-mountain category, agile on groomers, stable through crud, and light enough for quick transitions.
- Hardpack Days: The refined metal layout and full sidewall construction deliver strong edge hold and a smooth, confidence-boosting ride.
- Mixed Conditions: Mild rocker in the tip and tail helps the ski release easily and stay composed in choppy snow.
- Soft Snow or Bumps: A light swing weight and progressive flex keep things nimble and fun, even when the terrain gets unpredictable.
Early testers describe it as forgiving without being floppy, a ski that grows with your skills instead of outpacing them.
Supporting the Next Generation of Women in the Mountains
The 10th Anniversary Edition also arrives alongside another milestone for the Women2Women collective: the fifth year of the Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship.
Named after the late ski mountaineer and mother of two, the scholarship honors Hilaree’s commitment to mentorship, courage, and lifelong learning in the mountains. Each year, it provides education grants to women who want to advance their outdoor leadership skills, whether through avalanche training, mountain guiding courses, or snow safety education.
This season’s winners represent a range of ages and backgrounds, but share one purpose: to help others feel confident exploring the outdoors safely. It’s a living embodiment of the same spirit that drives the Black Pearl line — gear and opportunity created by women, for women, and for the love of the mountain.
About Blizzard Tecnica’s Women2Women Project
The Women2Women (W2W) initiative is Blizzard Tecnica’s commitment to supporting women on and off the mountain. Founded nearly two decades ago, the program connects female skiers, athletes, and product designers through four key pillars:
- Product Collaboration: Every women’s ski, including the Black Pearl, is developed with direct input from real female athletes and testers.
- Education and Community: W2W hosts on-snow events, mentorship sessions, and mountain workshops focused on skill-building and connection.
- Advocacy and Representation: The program helps expand access and visibility for women in outdoor leadership, guiding, and education.
- Scholarship Support: Through initiatives like the Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship, W2W empowers more women to pursue their mountain goals safely and confidently.
The Collector’s Edge
This ski isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a moment. The Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition will be available in limited quantities nationwide, making it a collector’s item for loyal Black Pearl skiers and newcomers alike.
At Christy Sports and Sturtevant’s, it remains one of the most trusted women’s skis on the wall. We’ve seen it help thousands of skiers find their stride, from first blue runs in Steamboat to powder mornings in Big Sky. The 10th Anniversary Edition continues that story with new art, refined technology, and the same all-mountain versatility that made it a legend.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition
1. Is the 10th Anniversary Edition just a new graphic, or are there real upgrades?
Both. The ski features all of the tech of this year's updated Black Pearl 88, including the new Layered Titanal Matrix, a women-tuned multi-layer metal design that improves edge grip and smooths out high-speed chatter. It also debuts Malia Reeves’ limited-edition artwork, celebrating a decade of Blizzard’s Women2Women crew. The TrueBlend Flipcore and shape remain the same as the standard 2025/26 Black Pearl 88, so you get familiar versatility with an exclusive custom topsheet.
2. How limited is “limited”?
Very. Only about 3,000 pairs worldwide were produced. Once they’re gone from Christy Sports, Sturtevant’s and other authorized dealers, they won’t be restocked this season.
3. What lengths are available?
146, 152, 158, 164, and 170 cm — the same range as the standard Black Pearl 88.
Pro tip: Most intermediate skiers around 5′4″–5′8″ choose the 158 cm, while confident, faster skiers often step up to 164 cm for more stability.
4. Can I mount any binding, or is there a recommended setup?
This ski ships flat, so you can choose your binding. Blizzard recommends the Marker Squire 11 (90 mm brake) or Tyrolia Attack 11 GW, both of which match the ski’s flex and weight beautifully.
→ Check out the Best Ski Boots & Bindings for Winter 2025/26: What’s New + Top Picks
5. How does it compare to last year’s Black Pearl 88?
The 2024/25 model used a single Titanal layer. The new 2025/26 Black Pearl adds the Layered Titanal Matrix, giving it roughly 8% smoother performance in variable snow and 12% stronger edge hold on ice (per Blizzard’s internal testing). The dimensions, sidecut, and rocker profile are unchanged.
6. Is this ski still a good choice for newer or progressing skiers?
Yes. It’s designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, but it’s incredibly approachable. The forgiving tip and progressive flex help newer skiers feel confident on blues and greens, while the added metal layers give advanced riders the power to push harder on steeper terrain.
7. Will the matte topsheet scratch easily?
Not easily. The structured PBT matte finish is the same material used on Blizzard’s pro-level skis. It’s durable, glare-resistant, and holds up beautifully through spring and early-season conditions.
8. What’s the return policy at Christy Sports?
We get it. Sometimes the fit, feel, or timing just isn’t right. You can return unused items within 30 days of receipt for a refund or exchange. Items must be in new condition with all original packaging, parts, and accessories included.
Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail. If you ship your return, you’ll be responsible for the return shipping cost.
Refunds are issued to your original form of payment. If that’s not possible, we’ll issue a Christy Sports gift card so you can pick something else that gets you back outside where you belong.
Is the Black Pearl Your Next Move?
Explore the full women’s ski collection at your local Christy Sports store, or order online while supplies last.
→ Shop the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Ski.
A decade in, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 still does what few skis can — it brings women together through confidence, creativity, and a shared love of the mountain. The 10th Anniversary Edition isn’t just a milestone; it’s a reminder that innovation and community move skiing forward when women lead the way. Whether you’re discovering your edge or refining it, this ski is built to meet you there, with power, grace, and a story worth celebrating. Find yours at Christy Sports or Sturtevant’s, and see why after ten years, the legend only gets stronger.
Want to compare more top-rated skis and gear? Explore our Winter Gear Guide 2025/26: Skis, Boots, Snowboards & Apparel.
Learn more: Blizzard Tecnica’s Women2Women Program
Last updated: November 6, 2025
Empowering the Next Decade: How Blizzard’s Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition Is Redefining Women’s Skiing Through Community and Innovation
A Decade of Confidence, Connection, and Carving
Ten years ago, Blizzard launched a ski that quietly reshaped how women connect with the mountain. The Black Pearl 88 was born from the belief that women’s gear should be designed by women, for how they actually ski, not how someone assumes they should.
Now, for the 2025/26 season, Blizzard honors that legacy with the Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition women’s all-mountain ski that celebrates confidence, creativity, and community. It’s a tribute to the brand’s long-running Women2Women (W2W) initiative and to every skier who has found her edge or inspired a friend to take that next run.
“The Black Pearl has always been about more than performance; it’s about belonging and the joy that comes from trusting yourself and your gear,” says the Blizzard Women2Women team.
Built by Women, For Every Kind of Mountain Day
Blizzard’s Women2Women program started in 2015 with a simple idea: give women the tools, input, and data to shape their own gear. What began as a small series of testing camps in Europe has grown into a global collaboration between athletes, engineers, artists, and everyday skiers.
The Black Pearl 88 became its flagship, one of the best-selling women’s skis ever made. This 10th Anniversary Edition builds on that momentum with updated technology for stronger edge grip, more energy at speed, and an even smoother feel in variable snow.
The Tech That Empowers
1. Layered Titanal Matrix – Power With Precision
Under the topsheet, Blizzard introduced a new Layered Titanal Matrix, tuned specifically for women. Instead of a single heavy sheet of metal, this construction uses multiple, precisely shaped layers to balance stability and agility. The design adds a confident edge hold on firm snow and calm composure at speed, without feeling stiff or unapproachable.
The result is a ski that grips when you need power, flows when you want freedom, and stays smooth no matter how mixed the snow gets.
2. TrueBlend Flipcore – A Natural, Predictable Feel
At the heart of the Black Pearl 88 is Blizzard’s signature TrueBlend Flipcore, a blend of lightweight poplar and strong beech wood. The density of the wood changes along the ski’s length; it is firmer underfoot for stability and softer at the tip and tail for forgiveness and easy turn initiation.
This thoughtful balance gives the ski its well-known character: responsive without being punishing, stable without feeling stiff. Whether you are linking turns on morning corduroy or navigating afternoon chop, it stays intuitive and controlled, adapting to your energy rather than dictating it.
3. Malia Reeves Artwork – Strength in Motion
For the anniversary design, Blizzard partnered with Malia Reeves, a Taos-based ski patroller and artist whose work celebrates movement, strength, and belonging in the mountains. Her limited-edition topsheet blends warm sunrise hues with flowing geometric forms, a visual nod to the women shaping the future of skiing.
The structured matte finish is both striking and practical; it resists scuffs and glare to keep the ski looking its best all season.
“It’s about honoring the women who’ve made their mark on snow and inspiring the next ones to do the same,” Reeves says.
On-Snow Personality: Versatility With a Side of Grace
With an 88mm width underfoot, the Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary sits at the heart of the all-mountain category, agile on groomers, stable through crud, and light enough for quick transitions.
- Hardpack Days: The refined metal layout and full sidewall construction deliver strong edge hold and a smooth, confidence-boosting ride.
- Mixed Conditions: Mild rocker in the tip and tail helps the ski release easily and stay composed in choppy snow.
- Soft Snow or Bumps: A light swing weight and progressive flex keep things nimble and fun, even when the terrain gets unpredictable.
Early testers describe it as forgiving without being floppy, a ski that grows with your skills instead of outpacing them.
Supporting the Next Generation of Women in the Mountains
The 10th Anniversary Edition also arrives alongside another milestone for the Women2Women collective: the fifth year of the Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship.
Named after the late ski mountaineer and mother of two, the scholarship honors Hilaree’s commitment to mentorship, courage, and lifelong learning in the mountains. Each year, it provides education grants to women who want to advance their outdoor leadership skills, whether through avalanche training, mountain guiding courses, or snow safety education.
This season’s winners represent a range of ages and backgrounds, but share one purpose: to help others feel confident exploring the outdoors safely. It’s a living embodiment of the same spirit that drives the Black Pearl line — gear and opportunity created by women, for women, and for the love of the mountain.
About Blizzard Tecnica’s Women2Women Project
The Women2Women (W2W) initiative is Blizzard Tecnica’s commitment to supporting women on and off the mountain. Founded nearly two decades ago, the program connects female skiers, athletes, and product designers through four key pillars:
- Product Collaboration: Every women’s ski, including the Black Pearl, is developed with direct input from real female athletes and testers.
- Education and Community: W2W hosts on-snow events, mentorship sessions, and mountain workshops focused on skill-building and connection.
- Advocacy and Representation: The program helps expand access and visibility for women in outdoor leadership, guiding, and education.
- Scholarship Support: Through initiatives like the Hilaree Nelson Education Scholarship, W2W empowers more women to pursue their mountain goals safely and confidently.
The Collector’s Edge
This ski isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a moment. The Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition will be available in limited quantities nationwide, making it a collector’s item for loyal Black Pearl skiers and newcomers alike.
At Christy Sports and Sturtevant’s, it remains one of the most trusted women’s skis on the wall. We’ve seen it help thousands of skiers find their stride, from first blue runs in Steamboat to powder mornings in Big Sky. The 10th Anniversary Edition continues that story with new art, refined technology, and the same all-mountain versatility that made it a legend.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Edition
1. Is the 10th Anniversary Edition just a new graphic, or are there real upgrades?
Both. The ski features all of the tech of this year's updated Black Pearl 88, including the new Layered Titanal Matrix, a women-tuned multi-layer metal design that improves edge grip and smooths out high-speed chatter. It also debuts Malia Reeves’ limited-edition artwork, celebrating a decade of Blizzard’s Women2Women crew. The TrueBlend Flipcore and shape remain the same as the standard 2025/26 Black Pearl 88, so you get familiar versatility with an exclusive custom topsheet.
2. How limited is “limited”?
Very. Only about 3,000 pairs worldwide were produced. Once they’re gone from Christy Sports, Sturtevant’s and other authorized dealers, they won’t be restocked this season.
3. What lengths are available?
146, 152, 158, 164, and 170 cm — the same range as the standard Black Pearl 88.
Pro tip: Most intermediate skiers around 5′4″–5′8″ choose the 158 cm, while confident, faster skiers often step up to 164 cm for more stability.
4. Can I mount any binding, or is there a recommended setup?
This ski ships flat, so you can choose your binding. Blizzard recommends the Marker Squire 11 (90 mm brake) or Tyrolia Attack 11 GW, both of which match the ski’s flex and weight beautifully.
→ Check out the Best Ski Boots & Bindings for Winter 2025/26: What’s New + Top Picks
5. How does it compare to last year’s Black Pearl 88?
The 2024/25 model used a single Titanal layer. The new 2025/26 Black Pearl adds the Layered Titanal Matrix, giving it roughly 8% smoother performance in variable snow and 12% stronger edge hold on ice (per Blizzard’s internal testing). The dimensions, sidecut, and rocker profile are unchanged.
6. Is this ski still a good choice for newer or progressing skiers?
Yes. It’s designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, but it’s incredibly approachable. The forgiving tip and progressive flex help newer skiers feel confident on blues and greens, while the added metal layers give advanced riders the power to push harder on steeper terrain.
7. Will the matte topsheet scratch easily?
Not easily. The structured PBT matte finish is the same material used on Blizzard’s pro-level skis. It’s durable, glare-resistant, and holds up beautifully through spring and early-season conditions.
8. What’s the return policy at Christy Sports?
We get it. Sometimes the fit, feel, or timing just isn’t right. You can return unused items within 30 days of receipt for a refund or exchange. Items must be in new condition with all original packaging, parts, and accessories included.
Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail. If you ship your return, you’ll be responsible for the return shipping cost.
Refunds are issued to your original form of payment. If that’s not possible, we’ll issue a Christy Sports gift card so you can pick something else that gets you back outside where you belong.
Is the Black Pearl Your Next Move?
Explore the full women’s ski collection at your local Christy Sports store, or order online while supplies last.
→ Shop the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 10th Anniversary Ski.
A decade in, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 still does what few skis can — it brings women together through confidence, creativity, and a shared love of the mountain. The 10th Anniversary Edition isn’t just a milestone; it’s a reminder that innovation and community move skiing forward when women lead the way. Whether you’re discovering your edge or refining it, this ski is built to meet you there, with power, grace, and a story worth celebrating. Find yours at Christy Sports or Sturtevant’s, and see why after ten years, the legend only gets stronger.
Want to compare more top-rated skis and gear? Explore our Winter Gear Guide 2025/26: Skis, Boots, Snowboards & Apparel.
Learn more: Blizzard Tecnica’s Women2Women Program
Last updated: November 6, 2025
