2006-07 Skis: What is the Best Ski for You?

The buzz word for a while has been the "One Ski Quiver" – the one ski for all conditions, a.k.a. the All Mountain Ski. I think this almost works. Almost, but not quite, because there has to be compromises across the broad spectrum of conditions from pure powder to boilerplate ice. However, that said the Atomic Metron series is still among the best through all levels of abilities. The Atomic Metron II B5 has shed some weight and opened up its turning radius this year. The Elan Magfire group also works well for all level of experience.

Powder Skis

Fat and either inny or outy waists is the 2007 trend in powder skis. Powder skis don’t have a lot of the differing flexing construction built into skis of graduating abilities for other conditions. The K2 Pontoon is built to float with reverse camber tapering to the tail. Try the Goode Scoop, also reverse camber, but available down to 173 cm, while all the others stay a lot longer. I would also demo a traditional camber Volkl Sumo, new for 07, and much chubbier than the Mantra.

Groomed Powder

Groomed powder is where every major ski manufacturer shines – and it is the major scope of their sales. Start with the Rossignol Bandit series for both men and women, and then try the Dynastar D Stinct. K2 still ranks with the women for The T-Nine series. A new look from the one of the majors comes from Elan with their WaveFlex ski construction which available for varying abilities. I had the opportunity to try this stub nosed, wavy top ski last spring and really liked it.

Packed Powder

In deference to the groomers who work while you sleep, or party, I will also call this corduroy - sometimes. This can be the easiest stuff to ski on, but, if is done too early at night and the temp drops after grooming you could call it frostbite. In this snow, you like to have sharp edges and a ski that won’t chatter away or run wide through the turns. Look to the traditionals with the GS and S models; the whole Head GS series is always big with the pros in the East. In the Fischer CTX series, along with Atomic SX, and SL you will be sure to find a flex for your size and ability. For women specific skis Rossignol, K2's, and the Elan Pearls rank high in these conditions.

(And remember...)

Demo, Demo, Demo

Remember the mantra – demo, demo, demo. Try before you buy. You can almost always have the cost of renting demo skis deducted from the price of the skis if you purchase them. In fact, I wouldn't demo from any shop that didn't offer a discount. If you research you can find some shops (usually at a resort) that let you demo 2 or even 3 skis a day for a decent price. Check websites and bulletin boards for free demo days at resorts near you. They are usually crowded but you typically get to talk to ski manufacturer's reps. It's definitely worth working hard to demo a skis - after all, skis are an investment, and you should spend your money on skis that are a pleasure to ski on.