Men's Skis

The Rocker ski technology is growing every stronger and is now evident in every manufacturers line-up of skis for the 2011-12 season. Here's what's new in men's skis for 2011-2012.

Atomic Skis have remained a staple on the world cup for years. And that racing heritage and technology continues to impact ski development for skiers at all levels. Here are the top 2010-2011 men's Atomic skis.

K2 has always been about innovation. Years ago, a then unknown - and still brash - Bode Miller took a pair of intermediate K2 shaped skis and rocketed into the spotlight. His win in a junior national race first highlighted the possibility of radically shaped skis. Since then K2 has continued to build and produce amazing popular skis.

As the largest ski manufacturer in the world Rossignol Skis are legendary and the company has boasted a number of skis, over the years, which have been trend setting. So, what can you expect this year?

Last season Blizzard took the business by, well, storm. This past season their skis simply outperformed most of the competition. In fact, I was so dazzled at testing last year that I decided to ski on a pair of Supersonics for my personal fun. Fortunately, with more than 30 models this line is as deep as a great snowstorm. Here are a sampling of top picks.

Racer? You have heard of Dynastar! After all, this is the company linked with Lange Ski Boots and Look Bindings. The skis are powerful. Fun. And great looking. It's also tough reputation to maintain. Hand crafted in Chamonix, the skis are consistently on the feet of many of the fastest skiers in the world. Here are some standouts.

This year the ski manufacturers have unveiled hundreds of new and improved skis designed to make your grin so wide you might laugh with joy. The menu ranges from ultra wide powder skis to all-mountain cruisers.

This category should appeal to experts who spend the majority of time on front side, steep, cruising, terrain, with occasional off-piste adventures.

All mountain performance skis are the most versatile category of skis, appealing to rising intermediates and weekend experts seeking a versatile ski for mixed, changing, conditions.

Whether a weekend warrior spending days off searching for powder in Northern New England or an off-piste fiend looking for versatility, freeride skis balance characteristics of powder skis designed to float through fresh snow with greater versatility for on-mountain forays.

These powder skis are made to get the most enjoyment out of all those many western powder days that El Nino is bringing this year. I'm not forgetting the early risers east of the Mississippi that can call in sick and catch those knee deep Nor'easter dumps.

Good skis can make you smile. Great skis can make you, well, giddy. Like skiing fresh powder, the right ski can transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. This year the ski manufacturers have unveiled hundreds - yes, hundreds - of new and improved skis designed to make your grin so wide you might just laugh with delight.

Whether a Western ski bum or a weekend warrior spending weekends searching for powder in Vermont powder skis are largely wide (i.e. fat) skis designed to float through fresh snow. Today’s powder skis typically come flat with maximum binding choices

This category comes with integrated bindings. That’s not a problem though. Just as a specific car comes with a stock engine, so these planks are matched to maximize performance with specific bindings. In general, this category appeals to experts who spend the majority of time on front side, steep, cruising, terrain, with occasional back country or off-piste adventures

This category is the most versatile, appealing to rising intermediates, experts, and weekend pros seeking a versatile and powerful ski for mixed, changing, conditions. Waists vary with wider waists appealing more to those who favor softer snow and narrower waists for Eastern warriors.

These unisex beginner skis can be for both men and women, yet most women choose to ski on skis designed especially for women. These skis are great skis for men - skis that will introduce a new skier to the mountain or let a novice skier enjoy new terrain.

You'll find that a good intermediate ski will provide confidence-inspiring security that allows you to take it up a notch, if you choose. A quality intermediate ski can enable you to truly improve, so that the difference between "novice" and "intermediate" is especially distinct.

Advanced skis need to have superior power, speed, and precision, because on such difficult terrain, there's little room for error. Here is a selection of men's advanced skis.

Whether you're a novice skier who enjoys gentle terrain, or an expert who likes to cruise moguls and steeps, these ski manufacturers have a ski for you. These brands have proven themselves as excellent skis. Here are the top five ski manufacturers.