Eric Hjorleifson, known affectionately as 'Hoji,' has captured the attention of the backcountry skiing community with his inventive designs, and his latest creation, the 4FRNT Nevar backcountry touring skis, is taking the industry by storm. Featuring a unique cambered profile, this ski has surprised many of Hoji's dedicated fans, including myself and fellow POWDER writer Izzy Lidsky.
"The new Nevar ski has camber! The blasphemy!" said Lidsky, reflecting on the initial shock of the design change. Traditionally, Hoji had favored skis with substantial reverse camber that effortlessly carved through powder, providing exceptional float and agility. However, he recognized a critical issue: performance in firmer conditions. This understanding paved the way for the Nevar, with its cambered design focusing on enhanced edge hold.
The 4FRNT Nevar was put to the test, and it emerged as a welcomed addition to the backcountry ski category. Its specifications are impressive: weighing 1820g for the 184cm model, with a rocker-camber-rocker profile and a turn radius of 22 meters. The sidecut measures 130mm at the tip, 104mm underfoot, and 120mm at the tail, offering stability across varied terrains.
Hoji's vision is evident in the structure of the Nevar. "Not much else has changed in the ski compared to the rest of the line," noted a fellow ski tester. The 4-Lock climbing skin attachment system, carbon stringers, and a damp yet energetic aspen/maple core create a durable and responsive ski capable of handling diverse conditions.
The ski's flex characteristics provide a balanced ride; it features a firm underfoot section with softer tips and tails, ideal for navigating both challenging descents and playful turns. According to another tester, "Light enough to tour big days on, strong enough for confident downhills: the 4FRNT Nevar is the whole package."
An intriguing aspect of the Nevar is its recommended mounting point. While many testers, myself included, typically appreciate the factory settings, modifying it 1.5cm forward resulted in a noticeable improvement in performance. "I liked it bumped forward to get a bit more tail, a bit less tip, and a little bit looser and more slashy feel out of the ski," said one enthusiastic skier who adapted the setup.
For testing, I paired the 184cm 4FRNT Nevars with Marker Alpinist 12 bindings, which are well-regarded for their shock absorption and lightweight design. Throughout the trials, the skis maintained solid performance paired with the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro boot, enabling significant flex and control during both uphill ascents and downhill runs.
As we ventured into the slopes of Grand Teton National Park, it was evident that Hoji's Nevar successfully merges the need for precise edge control with playful powder performance. One tester remarked, "Turns out, the Nevar is a phenomenal and much-needed addition to the lineup," recognizing its capability to thrive in varied backcountry conditions.
In conclusion, 2026 marks a year of innovation for backcountry skiing with the introduction of the 4FRNT Nevar skis. The combination of traditional camber with performance-driven design challenges conventional norms, enticing both devoted followers and newcomers alike. Looking forward, the Nevar may well set a new standard for versatility in the backcountry ski category, making it a must-try for enthusiasts gearing up for their upcoming adventures in snowy terrains.