2009 / 2010 Skis

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.

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. Waists vary with wider waists appealing more to those who favor softer snow and narrower waists for Eastern warriors.

This category should appeal to experts who spend the majority of time on front side, steep, cruising terrain, with occasional off-piste adventures. The skis are somewhat narrower than our freeride selections and typically boast superior edge grip, often coming close to the high speed characteristics and edge hold of racing skis. These are ideal for Eastern skiers who favor fast, hard-charging, front-side adventures.

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.

The word for 2009 / 2010 women's skis is refinement. Rather than introducing a lot of new skis, ski manufacturers have been hard at work revising their existing models. Graphics are moving away from the flowery, stereo-typically feminine to more sophisticated, bolder designs. Guest Author Wendy Clinch reviews women's skis for the 09/10 season.