Outdoor brands you might not know, but you should — Black Crows.

October 11, 2024 Michele Underwood

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Blog Series: 12/13 | Black Crows

I love quality, well-made products. Working in advertising as a creative, from the giant agencies to the boutiques, has given me a unique perspective. It's not always about the big names you know; sometimes, it's the ones you don't that capture your eye.

Now, stepping away from agency life with Overland Girl, I'm spotlighting the brands that ignite my passion and confidence. With my creative roots and a career that's crossed paths with both the well-known and the obscure, I'm excited to share the brands that stand out—not just for their products but for their stories, commitment, and undeniable spirit. This blog is part of a series where I highlight some of the most unique and inspiring outdoor brands. Let’s dive into the world of these hidden gems, exploring what makes them tick and, perhaps, finding the one that speaks to you. You might already know these brands; if so, that’s great: Mammut, Black Crows, Wild Rye, Stio, Snow Peak, Dragon Alliance, Big Agnes, Mountain Gazette, Wild Sam, HipCamp, Rovr Coolers, and Rumpl.

POV shot of crisscrossed Black Crows skis from the skier’s view at the base of a lift at Breckenridge Ski Resort, capturing the skis against the backdrop of the lift.

Today, I’m excited to spotlight Black Crows, a brand that redefines outdoor comfort and performance. Founded in 2006 by professional skiers Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagnet, Black Crows was born out of a passion for creating skis that merge beauty and efficiency. These aren’t just any skis—they’re the ones we trust on the mountain. With a perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality, Black Crows embodies the spirit of the mountains and the thrill of adventure. It’s the French-inspired brand that simply says, Je veux.

EVO at Campus Salt Lake featuring a store display of Black Crows skis. Various models are showcased, highlighting the brand’s distinct colors and bold designs.

Black Crows’ design philosophy: Clean, bold, and simple.

All-terrain Serpo skis in a striking navy and light blue colorway. Designed for versatility and control on mixed terrain.

Black Crows skis are instantly recognizable thanks to their clean lines and bright colors. But their design isn’t just about looks. As a designer, aesthetics matter to me, and Black Crows nails it. Their skis are bold without being over-the-top, making a statement while remaining functional.

Side profile of the Serpo ski with a message printed on the side in bright yellow. The ski’s bold navy and light blue colorway is complemented by the vibrant contrast of the text.

Every pair has a unique message on the side, adding a personal touch. Whether it’s a playful phrase or something inspiring, it’s these small details that make Black Crows different.

Side profile of the Captis Birdie ski featuring the phrase “Don’t look at me now” printed in bold text on the sidewall, highlighting the playful and unique style of the ski.

Side profile of the Corvus Freebird ski featuring the phrase “Do you have a charger” printed in bold text on the sidewall, highlighting the playful and unique style of the ski.

Side profile of the Camox Birdie ski featuring the phrase “I'm starving” printed in bold text on the sidewall, highlighting the playful and unique style of the ski.

Side profile of the Mentis Freebird ski featuring the phrase “Yesterday I ate a whole pizz” printed in bold text on the sidewall, highlighting the playful and unique style of the ski.

Black Crows Collections: Performance for every skier.

Each Black Crows collection is designed for a specific type of skier, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

1. Big Mountain Series: Stability and Power for Extreme Conditions

Studio shot of Big Mountain skis displayed at various angles, overlapping each other against a grey backdrop. The arrangement showcases the skis’ bold designs and geometric patterns.

The Big Mountain series is made for skiers who thrive on steep slopes, deep snow, and technical terrain. These skis are designed to handle high speeds and provide maximum stability in unpredictable conditions. What sets them apart visually is the full-logo design at the base, which is integrated into the ski’s color scheme. This distinct look makes Black Crows big mountain skis instantly recognizable on the slopes.

Men’s Big Mountain Skis:

Man performing a flip on Corvus Skis with skis facing the sky, captured tightly against a snowy backdrop. The shot focuses on the skier’s movement and the dynamic action in the air.

Corvus: A stiff, directional ski with a reverse camber profile. It’s ideal for advanced skiers who need a reliable, stable platform in rugged terrain and mixed snow conditions. Shop Corvus.

Anima: A playful powder ski with a double rocker. The Anima excels in deep snow, making it easy to pivot and turn while maintaining stability at higher speeds. Shop Anima.
Solis: A big mountain ski designed for steep couloirs and technical descents. Its unique camber profile provides precision and control in demanding terrain. Shop Solis.
Atris: A well-rounded big mountain ski with a balanced flex and rocker-camber-rocker profile. The Atris provides stability at speed and versatility in mixed snow conditions, making it a favorite for freeriders. Shop Atris.

Women’s Big Mountain Skis (Birdie Series):

Image of female skier in deep snow performing a jump between trees, riding on pink Anima Birdie big mountain skis. Image from black-crows.com

Atris Birdie: A versatile, playful ski for all-mountain use, tuned explicitly for female skiers. Its balanced flexibility and responsive nature make it great for various conditions. Shop Atris Birdie.
Anima Birdie: The female-specific version of the Anima offers the same performance characteristics but is adjusted for lighter skiers. Ideal for deep snow and quick maneuvering. Shop Anima Birdie.

2. All-Terrain Series: Versatility for Mixed Conditions

Image of five all-terrain skis standing upright in a studio with a grey backdrop. Each ski displays its unique design and color pattern, positioned side by side.

The All-Terrain series is built for skiers seeking a one-ski solution that performs across various snow conditions. It offers a balance of playfulness and power.

Men’s All-Terrain Skis:

Mirus Cor: A playful and responsive ski combining the traits of a carving ski and freestyle performance. Shop Mirus Cor.
Camox: Lightweight and agile, perfect for quick turns and a forgiving flex in mixed conditions. Shop Camox.
Serpo: A lively ski with a 93mm waist and metal reinforcement, ideal for carving on-piste and venturing off-piste. Shop Serpo.
Captis: A narrower, nimble ski designed for quick edge transitions and precision. Shop Captis. Shop Captis.
Octo: Designed for versatility, offering a balanced flex for carving and all-mountain exploration. Shop Octo.
Justis: Built for aggressive skiing with a 100mm waist and double titanal plate, providing power and stability. Shop Justis.

Women’s All-Terrain Skis (Birdie Series):

Female skier skiing downhill on a groomed trail with a mountain in the background. Motion blur effect highlights the speed and movement on the Captis Birdie skis.

Mirus Cor: A playful, carving-focused ski with added responsiveness and control, perfect for mixed conditions. Shop Mirus Cor.
Captis Birdie: A nimble ski for quick transitions and easy maneuverability, great for both groomed runs and off-piste. Shop Captis Birdie.
Camox Birdie: Designed with a softer flex for lighter skiers, providing versatility across various snow conditions. Shop Camox Birdie.
Octo Birdie: Offers stability and edge hold with a focus on responsiveness, making it a solid choice for intermediate to advanced skiers. Shop Octo Birdie.

3. Touring Series: Lightweight for Long Ascents

Studio shot of all Black Crows touring skis, overlapping each other to showcase the different colorways.

The Touring series is for those who prioritize uphill efficiency without compromising downhill performance. These skis are designed to be lightweight yet strong enough to handle tough descents.

Men’s & Women’s Touring Skis:

Man skiing downhill in deep powder snow on Corvus Freebird skis, carving through soft snow with precision.

Navis Freebird: A versatile touring ski combining lightweight construction with solid downhill performance. Its progressive sidecut and semi-cap construction provide excellent control on varying snow. Shop Navis Freebird.
Draco Freebird: A twin-tip ski for playful downhill performance and easy ascents. Perfect for backcountry skiers seeking both agility and stability. Shop Draco Freebird.
Camox Freebird: An agile touring option that’s easy to handle on the ascent and stable enough for quick turns on the descent. Great for multi-day touring trips. Shop Camox Freebird.
Orb Freebird: The lightest in the series, ideal for long touring days and technical descents. Its carbon reinforcement makes it both nimble and strong, perfect for tackling challenging lines. Shop Orb Freebird.
Ova Freebird: A lively and accessible ski for intermediate skiers who want an easy-to-handle touring ski. Its lightweight construction offers stability on varied terrain. Shop Ova Freebird.
Corvus Freebird: A powerhouse for experienced skiers who need strong performance on steep and technical terrain. Shop Corvus Freebird.
Mentis Freebird: An ultra-lightweight ski, perfect for uphill efficiency and long tours without compromising on stability for the way down. Shop Mentis Freebird.

Female skier using Mentis Freebird skis, traveling uphill on a mountain, focused on her ascent.

4. Resort Series: Precision and Control on Groomed Runs

The Resort series is built for skiers who enjoy carving on groomed slopes but still want flexibility for varied terrain.

Men’s Resort Skis:

Mirus Cor is a playful ski with a unique shape combining carving and freestyle elements, making it agile and responsive on groomed terrain. Shop Mirus Cor.
Octo: A versatile carving ski with a sporty flex and tight turn radius, ideal for skiers who enjoy dynamic, fast-paced runs on groomed slopes. Shop Octo.

Women’s Resort Skis (Birdie Series):

Mirus Cor: A playful all-terrain ski designed for agility and responsiveness on groomed slopes and varied terrain. Shop Mirus Cor.
Octo Birdie: A versatile all-terrain ski offering stability and edge hold, designed specifically for female skiers. Shop Octo Birdie.

Black Crows projects: Going beyond the product.

Black Crows isn’t just about making great skis—they’re committed to exploring the deeper connections between skiing, people, and the environment. Through various creative projects, they highlight the stories, places, and people that make up the world of skiing. Two standout initiatives that showcase this philosophy are the Black Doc Series and the Ghost Resorts Project.

Black Doc series image featuring a collage of faces, each representing different skiers and individuals from the Black Crows community. The collage highlights the diverse stories and personalities featured in the series.

Black Doc Series: A collection of short films highlighting the human side of skiing. Each episode captures skiers’ journeys and how the sport shapes their lives.

Cover of episode 17 in the Black Doc series featuring Michael “Bird” Shaffer. The image captures Shaffer against a mountainous backdrop, emphasizing his journey and passion for skiing.

Ghost Resorts: This project explores abandoned ski resorts, documenting the stories and history behind these forgotten places. It reminds us of skiing’s changing landscape and the importance of preserving it.

Black Crows apparel.

Black Crows’ clothing collection features a variety of performance-focused pieces that combine style and technical design. Here’s a quick look at some of their standout products:

Ora Micro Down Jacket: An ultra-light, insulated jacket for cold days on the mountain or as a casual layer. Packs down easily for portability. See Ora Micro Down Jacket.
Ventus Gore-Tex® Pro Jacket & Pants: Highly durable and waterproof, ideal for extreme weather. Built for serious mountain conditions.
Corpus Insulated Stretch Jacket & Bib: This jacket offers warmth, flexibility, and comfort for high-output activities, from skiing to après-ski.
Ferus Mechanical Jacket: A versatile jacket with a relaxed fit, made for freeride skiing with reinforced protection.

Each piece is crafted with durability and design, making them perfect for high-performance activities and casual wear. Check out the full collection to find the gear that fits your needs

Club de Ski Archive: Exclusive access to discounted gear.

If you sign up on Black Crows’ website, you get access to their Club de Ski Archive, where you can find discounted gear from previous seasons. It’s a great opportunity to grab high-quality skis and apparel at reduced prices!

Why I choose Black Crows.

My Black Crows skis leaning against a ski carrol at Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Colorado. A perfect snapshot of a day on the slopes.

Skiing with Black Crows is about more than just performance. It’s about how they feel underfoot—stable, responsive, and just fun. And as a designer, I can’t help but appreciate their aesthetic. The clean lines and vibrant colors speak to my creative side, making each run feel a little more personal. It’s the perfect blend of style and function that makes Black Crows a brand I genuinely connect with. I hope you find that same joy when you’re out on the mountain, too.

Kelly standing with her Black Crows big mountain skis and Black Crows ski poles, wearing Black Crows ski pants, in front of a sign at Park City’s Viking Yurt.