Black Crows Skis Review: What to Know Before You Buy
I ski on Black Crows. Here’s why they work for me, and what to know if you're thinking of making the switch.
Words by Michele Underwood | Some photos courtesy of EVO
July 24, 2025Every product I review has been thoroughly tested—on the mountain, in various conditions, and across multiple seasons. Whether I’m skiing powder in Utah or navigating icy, hard-packed terrain in the Midwest, I only share gear that I use. I care about performance, durability, and how something’s built—not just hype or trends. I’m skiing on Black Crows because they work for me. That’s the only reason they’re in this review.
The Skis I Use: Black Crows Camox Birdie
I ski on the Camox Birdie, an all-mountain ski. My friend Kelly had a pair and swore by them, so after outgrowing my beginner skis, I decided to try them myself. They’ve been the perfect upgrade: stable, playful, and confidence-boosting in everything from powder to packed corduroy.
Skiing Beaver Creek on my Black Crows Camox Birdie setup
Buying Experience: Why I Trust EVO
I bought my Camox Birdies at EVO in Denver. I’ve also called their ski support team for advice—and they’ve been awesome. At one point, I was considering a second pair of Black Crows, and the rep on the phone straight-up told me it would be too much ski for me. He suggested I stick with what I had. I really appreciated that. No upsell, no pressure—just honest advice from someone who skis.
Close-up of colorful Black Crows skis on display at EVO Salt Lake City, showcasing the brand's bold design.
Performance on the Mountain
The Camox Birdies give me confidence. They hold an edge on icy days, float well in powder, and feel responsive without being twitchy. I’ve used them in everything—crusty early mornings, soft corduroy, and late-day ice patches—and they’ve held up great.
They initiate turns easily and feel stable underfoot. I’m never fighting them, but they’ve got enough backbone to lean into when I want to go faster or ski more aggressively.
Durability and Construction
These skis aren’t just pretty—though the Black Crows design language is a big reason I first noticed them. They’re well-constructed. After two seasons of use, mine still look good and ski just as well. The topsheets exhibit some wear (as expected), but no edge issues or base problems are observed.
I know some people think Black Crows is all about looks or design hype, but two professional skiers founded the brand. That says a lot. These skis are built to perform, not just to look good on the rack. Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagnet both came out of Chamonix and designed skis based on what they wanted to ski themselves—big mountain lines, technical descents, and real-world conditions. These guys just created a brand DNA that might be a little loud visually, but that doesn’t mean their product doesn’t perform. They just care about both. It says a lot and should be seen as a positive, not a negative. As they put it: “We create obsessively design-driven objects that are uncompromising in performance and identity for contemporary skiing.” That’s the whole point—Black Crows is built on performance, identity, and a love for the culture of skiing.
What to Know Before You Buy
Price: They’re premium skis, so the price reflects that.
Weight: Light enough for all-day use but not flimsy.
Stiffness: On the medium side—enough support without being punishing.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced skiers seeking an all-mountain option that can handle a variety of terrain.
Choosing a Length: Black Crows skis tend to have a playful, semi-twin tip shape, so they ski a little shorter than their measured length. If you're between sizes, many skiers recommend opting for a slightly longer length than you would with a traditional directional ski. I’m 5'5" and went with the 168 cm—plenty of control without feeling short.
Ski Poles I Use: STAN Poles
If you ski with poles like I do, I’ve been using the STAN poles and really like them. They’re lightweight, comfortable in hand, and durable through a full season of resort laps. I haven’t had any issues with grip or adjustment. If you're upgrading skis, it's worth thinking about your poles too.
Close-up of colorful Black Crows STAN ski poles hanging in a row at EVO Salt Lake City.
Final Take
I don’t switch skis often, and these are the first pair that have truly felt like mine. The Camox Birdie has been fun, stable, and just technical enough to grow with me as I keep improving.
Black Crows skis perform across conditions—but the design isn’t just for show. The performance is real, and that’s what keeps me on them season after season.
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Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.