The 2025 Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB (Wide Body) is a high-performance frontside ski built for skiers who want carving precision with a bit more real-world versatility. It blends race-inspired DNA with a slightly wider platform—making it perfect for advanced to expert skiers who love laying trenches on groomers but also want a ski that doesn’t panic when the snow gets chopped or slushy.

At 76mm underfoot, the R15 WB sits on the wider end of the frontside spectrum, offering more stability and comfort than a pure carving ski without sacrificing edge hold. It features a full wood core reinforced with a dual Titanal layer, delivering serious power and dampness underfoot. The real standout here is Blizzard’s Active Carbon Armor—a carbon plate that sits atop the ski and acts like a suspension system, absorbing vibration while maintaining edge control and snap.

On snow, the Thunderbird R15 WB absolutely rails. As the name suggests, it’s built around a 15-meter sidecut radius, which is ideal for medium-radius carves—snappy, but not twitchy. The ski feels planted at speed, transitions edge-to-edge with confidence, and rewards strong technique with powerful rebound. It’s happiest when driven aggressively but doesn’t feel overly punishing if you back off a little. The wider waist gives it more platform than a traditional carver, which is especially helpful on afternoon groomers or firmer western resort snow.

Compared to the narrower R13 or standard R15, the WB offers a more forgiving and versatile ride without giving up too much in terms of carving performance. It’s more stable and smoother through inconsistent snow than something like the Head Supershape e-Speed or Atomic Redster Q9.2, and more approachable than a pure race ski like the Volkl Racetiger GS.

The 2025 version doesn’t stray far from the formula—it brings updated graphics and fine-tuned layup tweaks, but the core philosophy remains intact: make a ski that carves like a beast but doesn’t demand race-level commitment 100% of the time.

If your ideal ski day includes high-speed groomer arcs, edge-locked turns, and the occasional foray into chopped snow or off-piste detours, the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB is a frontside powerhouse that brings the thunder without frying your legs. Think precision, power, and just enough forgiveness to make it your daily resort driver.