*All Photos Credit Renoun Skis
Do you remember that classic science experiment with the strange compound that stayed soft when you poked it slowly but instantly hardened when you hit it with force? If you don’t I would not blame you. I’m surprised I even did. However if you do, you already understand the magic behind the Renoun Skis.
That’s exactly what skiing on the the Renoun Citadel 107 feels like.
Their patented technology is built to adapt to differing snow conditions in real time (just like that strange compound), and after a full test over a few days in varying conditions, I can confidently say the Renoun Citadel 107 lives up to the promise.
First Impressions of the Renoun Citadel 107
Right out of the gate, the Citadel 107 strikes a nice balance between being assertive yet still playful. They look damn good too! Being a moderately wide 107mm underfoot, these skis clearly lean all-mountain/powder, but don’t mistake them for a one-trick pony.
What stood out immediately:
- Solid construction
- Confidence-inspiring platform
- Noticeably smooth damping
The real test, though, came on snow.
Testing at Crotched Mountain: Hardpack to Powder in One Day
My first day on the Citadels, I could not have asked for a better proving ground. While testing them at Crotched Mountain Mother Nature served up a full progression of conditions.
Morning: hard pack and icy groomers
Midday: increasingly softening surfaces
Afternoon: fresh powder from an all day storm
In other words…classic East Coast variability.
Performance on Hard Pack and Ice
Early in the day, the Citadel 107 felt impressively composed.
- The skis stiffened up noticeably on firm snow
- Edge hold was strong and reliable
- Stability at speed inspired confidence
For a 107-underfoot ski, the grip on hardpack was better than expected. The adaptive feel really showed itself here. The ski had backbone when I needed it most in those early morning conditions. However, if there was one drawback (at least for me), they are a bit light compared to the skis that I am used to skiing on. That said, they took some getting used to, moreso on the third day of testing in Whitefish, Montana which produced consistently harder pack, crusty conditions.
This, however, is a matter of preference rather than a knock on the ski, which performed really well throughout all four days of testing no matter what the surface.
How the Citadel 107 Handles Powder
As the storm rolled in at Crotched Mountain and a pow day emerged, the personality of the ski’s personality really showed up…in a good way.
The more powder we picked up, the more the Citadel 107 loosened up and became:
- More playful
- Easier to pivot
- More surfy in softer snow
That same adaptive tech that delivered stiffness on ice and hardpack seemed to allow the ski to relax in softer conditions. This was a unique paradox is hard to find in most skis on the market. However, the Citadels never felt overly stiff or demanding and as the conditions continued to improved so did they.
For skiers who chase storms but still have to survive the morning boilerplate, this is a big win.
The 107mm Waist: Wider but Surprisingly Versatile
I’ll admit, I was curious how the wider platform would behave across mixed conditions. A 107mm waist can sometimes feel like overkill on firmer days.
Not here.
What I liked:
- Plenty of float once the powder arrived
- Stable landing platform
- Surprisingly manageable edge-to-edge on groomers
The width gave me confidence when the snow stacked up, but were still surprisingly easy to gain an edge earlier in the day. This is the exact scenario you want when looking to fill that one ski all mountain quiver.
Who the Renoun Citadel 107 Is Best For
The Citadels make the most sense for:
- Advanced intermediate to expert skiers
- East Coast riders dealing with variable conditions
- Western skiers wanting a daily driver with storm chops
- Anyone who values stability and playfulness in one ski
If your typical day includes changing surfaces, and let’s be real…most do, the adaptive nature of the Citadel 107 really shines.
Final Verdict: A Smart Ski for Real-World Conditions
The Renoun Citadel 107 isn’t just marketing hype. It’s a genuinely versatile ski that adjusts impressively as conditions evolve.
What stood out most:
- Excellent edge hold on hard pack
- Noticeable increase in playfulness in powder
- Wide platform that works across conditions
- Smooth, confidence-building ride
For skiers who don’t have multiple pairs of skis lying around to use in different conditions, the Citadel 107 is a compelling one-ski solution.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres