Model: Gonzo
Type: All-Mountain Ski
Tester: MrAdamX
“The Bishop Gonzo is a versatile ski that is designed for all-mountain enthusiasts who enjoy skiing in various snow conditions. With a waist width of 90mm, it strikes a balance between carving on groomers and tackling off-piste terrain while keeping in mind that skiing is supposed to be fun.”
Carving: The ski’s sidecut and poplar wood core construction contribute to a responsive and nimble feel on groomed slopes. The proprietary “Telem-arc” technology underfoot provides stability and precise turn initiation.
Off-Piste: The Gonzo truly shines when taken off-piste. Its camber profile allows skiers to explore varied terrain, from moguls to glades, with confidence and control. The Gonzo was extremely damp even at high speeds. The ski felt planted and always screamed for more.
Park/Pipe: With its progressive twin-tipped shape, the Gonzo feels as comfortable in the park as it does off-piste. Providing a snappy, yet forgiving platform underfoot for popping off lips or landing switch. (Note: I mounted these forward from recommended.)
This ski is built with traditional camber underfoot and features “Telem-arc” technology designed specifically for telemark bindings. The technology is a combination of geometry, flex, and construction that takes advantage of the unique forces created by the telemark turn. Unlike alpine skis, which require a long area of the ski (2-3 inches or 6-7 cm beyond the toe and heel of the boot) that essentially doesn’t flex due to the rigid length of the boot and binding, telemark bindings mount to a much smaller area of the ski, but transfer all the force to that area causing higher mechanical stress. To handle this, the Bishop Gonzo ski has extra reinforcement and construction in that area, which allows the rest of the ski to flex more naturally into an arc, or a “Telem-Arc,” resulting in a smoother and more continuous turn. When paired with their own Bishop BMF/3 binding, the Gonzo becomes an all-mountain ski that can tackle any terrain at any moment with zero limitations. It can make perfect turns, perform butter tricks in the park, slide around the mountain with ease, and dominate the off-piste terrain. Every time I took the Gonzo out, it reminded me of the essence of this sport. It’s a true gem that always leaves me wanting more.
The turn radius (R16 at 180cm) of the Gonzo is worth noting. It strikes a good balance between quick, short turns and longer, more sweeping turns, providing a ski for telemark skiers who want to rip all terrain.
The Bishop Gonzo ski is an excellent choice for telemark skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski. It can handle all conditions, including groomed slopes, terrain parks, and powder, making it an ideal choice for those who like to explore the entire mountain. What’s more, it is hand-made in Colorado for telemark skiers by telemark skiers and is backed by Bishop’s excellent lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for your next telemark ski, the Bishop Gonzo should be at the top of your list.
Score: 7/10
Note: Always consider your individual preferences, skiing style and skill level when choosing skis. Reviews are subjective, and personal testing is recommended whenever possible.
AdamX is a writer, podcast host, dedicated coffee- lover, and seasoned adventurer who has a passion for living life to the fullest. With a love of skiing and cycling, he has traveled across the globe to discover new adventures and soak up all the world has to offer. He shares his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Truly embracing the “Whatever, Whenever” mentality, guests range from Wrestlers to Skiers and everything in between. When not on an expedition into far-flung corners of the planet, AdamX works as a lifestyle and wedding photographer.
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