Folsom Custom Skis - Denver, Colorado

Michiel Suter

First impression

I bought a Folsom Giver 184 in the shallower SRC and 1.85kg construction as my touring ski. Yesterday, it was the first day I took it out here in Switzerland. This is only a short initial review about my first impression. I will write another one later in the season when I spent more time on the ski.

According to my measurement, recommended mounting point is -9. This proved to be ideal on the way up, allowing for easy kick-turns. The skis felt generally very good on the way up.

Due to the little snow and bad weather I decided to ski down on the groomers (I hardly ever do that). It felt to me like I am taking the skis out of their natural habitat. To my surprise the Giver did really well on the groomers and it was easy to rail some big carves. I also ventured a little bit off-piste where I was sure it is meadows only. One thing I found striking during this first run and took me a little bit by surprise, positive surprise thought. These skis are unbelievable composed and damp for the weight. I had nearly zero visibility and simply charged through and over everything in my way. I can say, it clicked immediately and felt really good.

Thanks to Mike and his team for building awesome skis :-)! A more detailed review will follow later in the season…

Darren Tishler

Finally had a chance to take my new Folsom Completo 100 for a day of New England skiing after a year-long delay due to the pandemic. This ski is everything and more than I hoped it could be. As a 40+ year expert skier, this is hands down the best ski I have owned and rode. Handled packed powder and crud without chatter and was playful in some small powder stashes in the trees. I can best describe the feel of the ski as alive, playful, bright, crisp and very forgiving. Initiating turns is more of a thought than an effort. Acceleration was brisk. They felt light and as though the skis were just a part of me.

Joel Ives was extremely knowledgeable throughout the build process and very patient in his explaining each aspect of the design. In fact, the entire Folsom process was both educational and fun. I have a much better understanding of ski design and construction after working with him. Even though we have never met in person, I think he was able to create an accurate picture of my technique and why things broke down with previous skis. For those of you who want to know, my build was:

Shape: 174cm Completo 100
Dimensions: 128-100-118
Radius: 17m
Camber Profile: Everyday Rocker - tip rocker / camber underfoot / tail rocker
Core: Poplar, Maple & Bamboo
Flex Index: Standard
Composite: 90 / 10 Glass Carbon
Tail Shape: Round

Can't wait to get out West next year to see how they handle the steep and deep.

Grant Larson

My experience working with Mike and the crew at Folsom Skis was absolutely top notch! They were extremely thorough in finding and designing the ski that fits my skiing style best. This will definitely not be the last pair of Folsom Skis I own.

Michael McErlane

Started the design process with Max. He was great in listening to what and where I like to ski as well as where I want to advance. They also took time to understand my existing skis and what I do and don't like about them. Once design was done, skis were ready on time and I picked up at Denver location. Got a tour of the facility with Mike which was awesome! I got the Primary 95 skis and love them! Great in trees, moderate powder, groomers, etc. Exactly what I was looking for. They truly design a ski for YOU. Happy to support local small business. Hope you will give them a try as well!

Adam Collins

I got my first pair of Folsom Spar 88’s. I’ve only had one day on machine and skier packed powder, which is what I bought them for. These things rip! I’ve never ridden a more correct feeling and high performing ski. They don’t feel very stiff and they are fairly light, but when loaded correctly they have unlimited grip and don’t take a lot of skier input to get that to happen. I found them very stable at speed and well damped. They definitely feel like they were made for me and the build process was fun. I was honest about being an aging advanced skier and I’m no longer as excited about really demanding, burly skis, like Volkl. Compared to Nordica Enforcer 100’s, the Spar 88 is easier to get on edge, turn harder and transition quicker and with more control. That said, the difference between a clean carved turn and a forced skid is more dramatic than any other ski I’ve been on. Trying to smear my turns more on steeps and moguls was not that predictable, at least in Oregon snow. I think they would ride better in Colorado snow or with a little bit of loose stuff on top. I did a mid level build in terms of flex. I don’t think they would be great for someone who is more intermediate and more prone to skidding turns. That said, I’m average in terms of strength and found them easy to work and not very fatiguing to push high edge angles.

For sure though, in well packed powder, they carve like demons with the finesse of a Ferrari.

Grahame Webb (Gray)

Worked with Joel on the design and build out of my Spar 88s. Great comms from start to finish. Due to a house move, the guys kept hold of my skis until I'd moved and sized up my new boots before fitting the bindings and shipping. They look even better IRL and I can't wait to ski these puppies in the French Alps this winter. Great experience, well done!

david kutcipal

I have a couple pair of Folsom skis (Completo and Trophy). My Completos are 3+ yrs old and have 100+ days on them and still ski great. My Trophies are new and cant wait to use them. I really like working with Mike and Max and getting the right ski.

Tom Davis

I needed new skis and my friends raved about their Folsoms. I reached out to the team and Max was nice enough to answer all my questions, which I can only imagine felt like a police interrogation. I bought the Completos and my skiing improved way faster than I thought it would. I ended up buying a pair of the Trophy powder skis and woah buddy. They took my off piste skiing to another level entirely. Given the way my skiing progressed on the Completos, I opted to snag a pair of the Cash 106 as a one quiver, all mountain ski. They helped me put demo bindings on my Completos so whenever folks come to town they can ride Folsoms vs generic rentals from the hill. I'd give a 6th start if I could, but we'll have to wait until Google gives us that opportunity. Thanks again for the smiles and complements I get on the hill!