2008/09 Skis - 08/09 Ski Guide

The ski manufacturers have unveiled hundreds - yes, hundreds - of new and improved skis for the 08/09 season. These 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.

Today's women's skis pack a powerful punch, and are built to let women tackle everything from groomers to moguls to off piste conditions. Guest Author Wendy Clinch reviews women's skis for the 08/09 season.