If you’re shopping for skis and feeling overwhelmed by all the options, there’s one thing you should know right out of the gate: there are no bad skis. Trust us—along with our friends at , we test over 150 models each season and are always hard-pressed to come up with a short list of our favorites.

But there is such a thing as the wrong ski, especially if you’re an intermediate skier who’s still working on technique and building confidence on the slopes. If this is you, you shouldn’t necessarily be shopping for . Instead, you should be looking for a ski that’s accessible to those still learning how to bend and edge a ski.

Watch: What to Consider When Shopping for Skis

Generally speaking, that means a ski with a waist width of 80-90 millimeters and a little more shape to it than many of the wider and straighter all-mountain skis you see in the lift lines these days. These narrow all-mountain skis—also called —promote easier turn initiation and edge engagement, while still offering a solid platform in a variety of terrain (groomers, moguls, trees) and even in a few inches of fresh snow.

If you’re looking for a friendly but legit teaching tool that will take your skiing to the next level, we’ve got you covered. The experienced editors at SKI collect more tester feedback and data than anyone else in the biz, and they shared their intel with us to come up with this list of the best skis for folks looking to level up this season.

The following six skis were not only some of the , they were ranked by testers as the most user-friendly and confidence-inspiring frontside skis, making them ideal for those still working on their skills. They’re also great options for advanced and expert skiers who don’t want to have to work so hard for nice turns.

Read more:

At a Glance

• About SKI Test
• FAQ

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.ĚýLearn more.

Armada Declivity 82 Ti

Dimensions: 128-82-110 mm
Lengths: 166, 174, 182 cm
Turn Radius: 15.9 m (174 cm)
Gender: Unisex

Pros and Cons
⊕ Easy to turn
⊕ Forgiving of mistakes
⊕ Versatile
⊗ Not the most dependable in crud
⊗ Has a speed limit

The Declivity 82 Ti was the most forgiving and accessible frontside ski we tested last season. Thanks to a soft and wide tip, initiating a turn is intuitive and almost effortless; but a full sheet of metal adds stability to make this ski trustworthy on hard snow. “It’s very easy to get this ski on edge and it doesn’t force you into a turn, which lower abilities will love for working on their carving,” noted one tester.

With an 82-millimeter waist and a shorter turning radius, the Declivity 82 Ti is a versatile ski that prefers cruising groomers at moderate speeds and encourages intermediates to test their skills in moguls and trees. It’s not the most lively or energetic ski, and it won’t stand up to experts who want to push it in crud or at top speeds, but you’d be hard pressed to find a ski with better performance in a user-friendly package.

Salomon Stance 90

Dimensions: 126-90-108 mm
Lengths: 168, 176, 182, 188 cm
Turn Radius: 18 m (176 cm)
Gender: Unisex

Pros and Cons
⊕ Big sweet spot
⊕ Approachable
⊕ Performs on and off the groomers
⊗ Not very lively

In their feedback, testers called the Stance 90 an all-mountain ski for the masses with a huge sweet spot. Featuring a caruba and poplar wood core and two sheets of metal, the Stance 90 is light enough to make turn initiation easy, yet solid enough to be stable and predictable in variable conditions. A 90-millimeter waist makes it a versatile all-mountain tool—it holds its own on hard snow and won’t bat an eye at ducking into moguls, trees, or fresh snow.

Testers’ biggest beef with this ski is that it lacks some pop and pizazz. It might not be the most playful ski out there, but it’s an approachable all-mountain option that will make a wide variety of skiers happy. “This ski feels intuitive. Easy, fun, and predictable enough so you can go skiing and enjoy the view at the same time,” summed up one tester.

Elan Ripstick 88

Dimensions: 130-88-105 mm
Lengths: 148, 156, 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
Turn Radius: 15.4 m (172 cm)
Gender: Unisex

Pros and Cons
⊕ Easy to control
⊕ Great carver
⊕ Lots of length options
⊗ Lacks stability in ungroomed terrain
⊗ Easily overpowered

The Ripstick 88 is a ski instructor’s dream. It’s easy to turn, easy to control, and accommodating—it gives you nice, round turns without asking for much input. “This is a ski for those wanting easy-mode built into their ski,” reported one tester. “It’s comfortable in most conditions, maneuverable, and gives people access to good skiing for less work.”

Besides its approachability, the Ripstick 88’s standout characteristic is its carving chops. This ski wants to pull you into a turn and get on edge—all you have to do is think “carve” and you’re there. Testers reported this ski can get the job done off-piste as long as the snow is soft, but it shies away from crud and high speeds. Keep this one on mellower groomed runs to work on your arc and you won’t be disappointed.

Salomon Stance 88 W

Dimensions: 122-88-104 mm
Lengths: 154, 161, 168, 174 cm
Turn Radius: 18 m (168 cm)
Gender: °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stable
⊕ Versatile
⊕ Easy to control
⊗ Lacks energy
⊗ Easily overpowered by strong skiers

The Stance 88 W—the women’s version of the Stance 90 (listed above)—is slightly narrower and comes in shorter, women’s-appropriate lengths but shares a lot of the same performance characteristics with her brother. We tested the Stance 88 W in some extremely low-vis conditions at SKI’s gear test at Mt. Rose, Nevada, last season, and were pleasantly surprised with how reassuring these skis felt.

The Stance 88 W is a jack of all trades when it comes to terrain thanks to a balanced construction of wood and two sheets of metal and a middle-of-the-road waist width. While we appreciated it more on soft, groomed runs, it performed respectably in bumps and crud. Like the Stance 90, this ski didn’t wow us with its energy, but when conditions are tough, you want something smooth and predictable like the Stance 88 W underfoot.

“Totally forgiving but not a noodle, this ski has a wide range,” summarized one tester. “An expert will overpower it, but intermediate to advanced skiers will get a lot of confidence from the skis’ quietness.”

Nordica Santa Ana 87

Dimensions: 118-87-106 mm
Lengths: 150, 155, 161, 167, 173 cm
Turn Radius: 16.3 m (161 cm)
Gender: °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s

Pros and Cons
⊕ Very stable and dependable
⊕ Great edge performance
⊕ Responsive
⊗ Stiff and damp

The Santa Ana 87 is an all-mountain ski for everywoman, not just intermediates. Anyone can click into these sticks and enjoy a smooth, dependable ride. But intermediates especially will appreciate how confidence-inspiring the Santa Ana 87 is all over the mountain.

Those still working on their edging skills can trust this ski to hold on hard snow, and those ready to dip a toe off-piste will be encouraged by the Santa Ana 87’s mix of stability in variable conditions and agility in mixed terrain. “You can stretch your skiing out a little more thanks to this ski’s easy release and smooth engagement,” reported one tester.

True to the Nordica brand, the Santa Ana 87 is relatively stiff and damp, and testers noted it might overwhelm true novices. Yes, it’s a strong ski, but it has the power to make you a stronger skier.

Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Dimensions: 127.5-88-109.5 mm
Lengths: 146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176 cm
Turn Radius: 14 m (170 cm)

Pros and Cons
⊕ More manageable than previous Black Pearl 88
⊕ Great on hard snow
⊕ Lots of length options
⊗ Not the most agile

Like the Nordica Santa Ana 87, the Black Pearl 88 is not just a ski for intermediates. SKI’s expert testers loved this ski so much they named it the of a variety of ability levels.

A perennial favorite, the Black Pearl 88 was redesigned for this season and we loved how much friendlier this new version proved. “The updated model has easier turn initiation, smooth rebound, and a nice easy release in the tail,” commented one tester. “But it still has just as much stability and power [as the previous model] to hold fast on the groomers.”

Some testers noted that the ski wasn’t as agile as others in variable terrain, but that’s a small price to pay for how dependable it is on groomers and hard snow.

About SKI Test

• Number of skis tested: 14
• Number of testers: 27
• Testing location:
• Average age of tester: 37
• Average height of tester: 5’7”
• Average weight of tester: 144 lbs

Every season, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř and SKI host a week-long gear test and invite a group of seasoned industry professionals—ski instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and outdoor industry professionals—to put more than 150 pairs of skis through their paces.

We ask our crew of 27 testers to ski every ski, identify its primary strengths, its weaknesses, who it’s designed for, and what terrain and snow conditions it’s most adept at. When judging a frontside ski, testers primarily assess how well it performs on groomed terrain, since that’s what this type of ski is primarily designed for.

They gauge how well the ski handles on hard-snow, at speed, and how responsive it is from edge to edge. Immediately after each run, testers fill out digital scorecards with their quantitative and qualitative feedback on each ski. Then it’s up to us to crunch the numbers and distill their commentary to inform our reviews of the best skis on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Beginner and Intermediate Skis?

You won’t really see true beginner skis on ski shop walls because true novices usually rent skis instead of buying them. The skis marketed and sold to novices tend to be lower-priced models that forego high-end ski materials and manufacturing practices in the interest of keeping skis more affordable (typically under $700). We refer to these skis as “value” skis rather than “beginner” skis.

What’s the Difference Between Intermediate Skis and Skis For Advanced or Expert Skiers?

Skis designed for intermediate skiers tend to be more affordable and lighter than skis designed for experts because they use cheaper materials. This is not to say that these skis don’t ski well—they get the job done just fine for intermediates who ski at moderate speeds and who push or pivot their skis through a turn (as opposed to carve a turn).

Skis designed for advanced and expert skiers tend to contain heavier materials like metal and reinforced sidewalls for enhanced stability at speed, better energy transfer, and more precise edging performance.

What Ski Length Is Right for Me?

It all depends on your physical build, skill, and skiing aspirations. The best way to determine the right ski length for you is to visit your local (and reputable) ski shop and talk to the pros. If that’s not an option, then a very general rule of thumb is that intermediate skiers should consider skis that are between chin and nose height.

A shorter ski is easier to turn and control, but offers less stability at speed and in variable snow conditions. So if you’re an intermediate with big skiing aspirations, you might want to consider a slightly longer ski that you won’t outgrow in one season.

The post This Season’s Best Skis for Intermediates Ready to Level Up appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

We sought out warmer weather in Arizona, climbed freezing pitches in northern New Mexico, and ski-toured in Rocky Mountain National Park this January. Here’s the gear that helped us start the year out right.

Eastpak Transverz suitcase ($140)

I gifted this to my brother for Christmas, after traveling with him to Japan and feeling sorry to see him hoofing it around Osaka with a heavy duffel bag slung across his shoulder. I’ve had this same suitcase for longer than I can recall, and it remains my go-to for both weekend adventures and far-flung trips. Despite being thrown around by its share of bag handlers, it’s never been torn, lost a wheel, or been damaged in any noticeable way. But what’s remarkable is how much I’m able to cram into its two main compartments and still manage to zip the entire thing shut, something many a companion has marveled over. This is thanks in part to durable soft siding and compression straps that cinch shut and don’t budge. I’ll never buy another type of suitcase—and the way the Transverz is holding up, I may never have to. —Tasha Zemke, associate managing editor

Sealskinz Worstead Waterproof Cold Weather sock ($60)

As a triathlete, I am no stranger to neoprene booties—they’re . But when some friends of mine invited me on a hike in Arizona’s creek-tastic Aravapia Canyon, I knew my tri booties wouldn’t cut it. These waterproof socks were an impulse buy and they could have failed miserably. I’m happy to report they didn’t. In fact, I spent eight hours hiking in cold, knee-high waters and never once complained (and when I’m cold, I complain a lot). My hiking buddies were so impressed, that they all bought a pair as soon as we got back into cell reception. If you’re doing a hike in deep water (say, The Narrows in Zion), these are a must. —Susan Lacke, senior editor, Triathlete

Mountain Hardwear Subzero Down Jacket Reissue

I have been absolutely living in this jacket from Mountain Hardwear’s Reissue collection the past few months. The original Subzero Down Jacket came out in 1993, and in an effort to bring back an iconic design, the brand brought it back this past fall with more technical, modern features. The material is now made with a 100 percent recycled ulstralight Pertex Y Fuse ripstop shell fabric, and it has a non-fluorinated DWR finish, making it waterproof enough for the adventures I take it on. I wouldn’t reccommend wearing it when its pouring rain outside, but during a massive storm in Utah in early January, it didn’t soak through. With 650-fill RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) down, I’ve worn it in negative temperatures in both the Wasatch range and near the border of Idaho and Montana, and have stayed completely cozy and warm. I’ve received a ton of compliments on the style and love the way the size medium fits on the upper part of my thigh. I’m hard on my gear, but with dual-shell fabrics on the shoulders and sleeves that get the most exposure, I’m expecting this jacket to last me for many winters to come. —Kelly Klein, associate gear editor

Outdoor Vitals NovaPro jacket ($250)

I didn’t really know what to make of the NovaPro jacket when my sample came in last year. It’s a frankenstein of different winter systems, combining the 850-fill down of a belay jacket with the water- and wind-resistance of a hardshell and the armpit zips and thumb holes of a technical midlayer. At first, I was afraid I had one of those jack of all trades, master of none situations on my hands, but I was missing the point. I live in New Mexico, at 7,100 feet, where the desert’s cactus and wind overlap with the cold snows of the mountains, and a troubling percentage of my climbing days (and my winter dog walks) begin in the warm sun and end in 40 mph whiteouts. So I’ve learned to appreciate the NovaPro’s versatility. In the perfect world (or less frenetic climate) I’d go nowhere without a base layer, mid-layer, outer layer, and shell on my back or in my pack. But on low-commitment days, I now just wear the NovaPro. When it’s warm, I unzip the armpits and roll up the sleeves. When the wind picks up, I close the zippers, tuck my thumbs in the holes, pull on the hood, zip up the extra-high neck, and stick my hands into the insulated pockets. Added bonus: Outdoor Vitals’ ingenious Zero Stitch Fabric doesn’t just increase the wind-resistance, it also makes this jacket perhaps the most durable down jacket I’ve ever tested. One year in and it’s still duct-tape free. All in all: One of the best multi-purpose, all-arounder down coats I’ve had the pleasure of trying to ruin. —Steven Potter, Digital Editor, Climbing Magazine

Jungmaven Alaska Hemp Wool sweatpant ($158)

Thanks to some health issues and abysmal early-season snowfall, this winter most of my gear choices have been based on how well a garment transitions from watching TV on the couch to taking a nap on the couch. I’ve worn these sweats almost every day of my convalescence, and they’ve held up well to the use, without any stretching out at the knees or other signs of wear. Generally, I avoid synthetic fibers except for during exercise, and the merino-hemp blend fabric is dreamy—thinner and less bulky than your average cotton pants, but just as warm and even more breathable. The wide, elastic waist is very high, and stays comfortably in place at my natural waist. Recently, I’ve been wearing them to low-key yoga classes, and the cinched ankle and loose cut don’t restrict my movement at all. The price tag is steep for sweatpants, but the quality and design make them worth every penny. —Miyo McGinn, assistant editor

Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Half Zip hoody ($90)Ěý

There’s a lot of grid fleece options out there—all of them warm, breathable midlayers. Choosing just one mostly comes down to the little design details—cut, hoods, pockets—all of which Mountain Hardwear absolutely nailed with this half-zip version of their Summit grid fleece. The zipperless, longer-cut tunic style had been my go-to for a couple years, but the redesigned details in the half-zip add up to my personal Platonic ideal of a fleece top. The zipper adds extra venting to the already breathable grid fleece material, ideal for dumping heat on recent unseasonably warm dawn patrols. The bulky bunches of fabric around the waist that sometimes formed while wearing the longer tunic length were eliminated by the shorter cut (which also makes for a more flattering silhouette). The spacious, cinchable hood and cozy high neck, already perfect for windy outings, were unchanged. If I were really splitting hairs, two zippered pockets might be better than the current kangaroo pocket, but even with this small imperfection, no other fleece mid layer I know of comes close to rivaling this one. —MM

Sustainable Tomorrow Zen Bamboo Electric toothbrush ($99)

In my ongoing quest to purge single-use and unnecessary plastic from my life, I learned that about a billion plastic toothbrushes end up in the landfill each year. I’ve been buying manual bamboo toothbrushes for a while now, but recently started using an electric, rechargeable one from Sustainable Tomorrow. My mouth and I love it. It only needs to be recharged about once a month, has several different settings, and the automatic two-minute run time means I don’t short change my teeth with a too-quick brush. Also neat: every 30 seconds, the brush vibrates, signaling me to switch to a different quadrant of my mouth, so no teeth get ignored. Each brush comes with four replaceable heads–enough to last me more than a year. —Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and contributing editor

Iksplor Baby şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Zippy ($89)

My husband and I spend many weekend days ski touring in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, and in January we decided it was time to let our 8-month-old in on the fun. A lifetime of skiing has taught me how to dress and layer for winter adventures, but dressing and layering a baby for the cold comes with a steep learning curve. In the face of uncertainty, I’ve learned to go with what I know: a quality base layer paired with an insulating midlayer is the best line of defense against the cold. We put our son in the Iksplor Baby şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Zippy under a fleece onesie, then stuffed him into a down bunting. At the end of a 1-hour ski tour in 40-degree temperatures, his core, hands, and feet were warm. Ever since, the Iksplor onesie made of midweight Merino has become our go-to layer for our son on winter adventures. We love that the Merino is soft to the touch and doesn’t irritate his skin; the integrated hand mitts add an additional layer of warmth under his separate mitts; and the two-way zip for quick diaper changes on the go is a big bonus. Ten-ten would recommend this baby base layer for outdoorsy families. Sizing note: The şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Zippy runs large, so consider sizing down for your little one. —Jenny Wiegand, associate gear director

Rux 70L Essentials Set ($393)

For years I’ve been transporting all of my ski gear to and from resorts and backcountry locales in my trusty Dakine DLX 75L Boot Pack. Featuring a convenient backpack carry system, this pack can fit my ski boots, helmet, multiple pairs of goggles, multiple pairs of gloves, and my entire outerwear kit. While I love how organized this bag keeps my gear when I pack it, at the end of the ski day my gear rarely ever makes it back into the bag in an organized fashion. In the end, everything would land in the milk crate we keep in the back of our car for extra gear. So this season, I decided to free up space in the back of our car by replacing the boot bag and milk crate with the Rux 70L Essentials kit. This rugged, completely waterproof gear box fits as much as my Dakine boot bag, with the benefit of easier access to all my gear. The Rux system includes the collapsible 70L cube ($298), 25-liter waterproof tote bag ($80), and 3-liter pocket ($45) that attach to the cube via integrated utility rails in a customizable fashion. I’ve taken to storing our 8-month-old’s adventure essentials in the tote bag for easy access; it also doubles as an on-the-go diaper bag. While the whole system is arguably overbuilt for the average recreationalist, it’s amazingly utilitarian. It would be the perfect gear storage solution for adventurers with pickup trucks and no topper. The price tag is eye-watering when you consider that most of us have been making do with salvaged milk crates; but those milk crates don’t protect your gear the same way the weatherproof Rux system does. Plus this gear box comes with a lifetime warranty. Think of it as the Yeti cooler of gear boxes—it’s a splurge, but well worth it. —JW

Patagonia Men’s R3 Yulex Regulator Front-Zip wetsuit ($579)

Over the years I’ve surfed in a lot of wetsuits: O’neill, Hotline, Xcel, Rip Curl, Billabong, etc. That list includes a handful of the yulex wetsuits developed by Patagonia. The early iterations of those were…not great. Many were uncomfortable to surf in and so stiff that they sometimes required an extra set of hands to peel off. But Patagonia kept developing them and I kept trying them, mainly because I really wanted them to work. Most suits are made out of neoprene, a synthetic rubber derived from petroleum that does all kinds of bad things for the environment, but yulex is a natural rubber created from the hevea tree. Recently Patagonia launched the latest model of their yulex suit—which is made from 85 percent yulex rubber and 15 percent synthetic rubber—and I’ve been surfing in their R3 model (a 4.5mm/3.5mm) in Northern California for the past year, from spring upwelling through the El Niño winter. For one, the rubber feels better, both in your hands but also on your body. The thing is toasty, stretchy, and allows for ample freedom of movement. I’m not a tailor, but Patagonia’s designers credit that to new seam placement. After a year of rigorous use, the suit has also shown very little sign of wear and tear, despite my less than meticulous care of the product (ie: it sits in a wet and sandy ball in the back of my truck between sessions). Helpfully, if and when it does break down, Patagonia also has repair operation. It’s definitely the best Patagonia suit I’ve used so far. —Matt Skenazy, features editor

Flint and Tinder Stretch Ripstop Waxed Field jacket ($198)

First developed nearly 200 years ago, waxed jackets are still around because they’re so damn functional. The wax makes them pretty much waterproof, the cotton canvas is tough as nails, and people love the patina the jackets develop with wear and abuse. Over the past five years there’s also been a strong resurgence. Designers have taken a new look at a very old material and figured out how to make it even better. Flint and Tinder recently launched their version by blending a small percentage of spandex with the cotton. While that doesn’t sound like a big change, it truly is. Just a little extra stretch makes the jacket significantly more comfy and gives it a much larger range of motion. White testing I’ve found this jacket easier to get on and off, easier to wear while driving or riding a bike, and easier to work in when doing chores. I used to reach for a fleece jacket instead of waxed canvas if I was going to move around a lot, but now my fleeces are gathering dust and this jacket is on my back almost any time I leave the house. —Jakob Schiller, contributor

Red Hat Factory Southlander Wool beanie ($102)

Paying over $100 for a beanie is crazy. But I was suckered into this hat by a very clever Instagram ad where the company said all its hats are hand-knit in Norway by a group of women who make them in their living rooms. When I reached out about testing, the owner said that the hat I wanted was out of stock but that he would have his mom knit me one and send it over. If that’s not incredible customer service, I don’t know what is. Made of 80 percent wool and 20 percent nylon, the beanie is thin but warm, easy to wear, and never stinks. To everyone else it looks like a nicely designed hat, but to me it’s even more special because I know I’m wearing a one-off piece that was made with care.—JS

Pressio Ecolite Run jacket ($180)

This winter I’ve taken this jacket on two week-long trips where the weather ranged wildly from fall to deep winter—and it proved an excellent choice on both. The water-resistant jacket blocked 30 mile-per-hour winds and the spray from breaking waves on Chicago’s lakeshore path. It shed thick, wet snow on an evening run around Central Park. And, back home on the high plains, fended off blowing sleet. It kept me warm and dry on runs down into single digit temps (with the right base layers), yet breathed well enough to not get clammy inside when temps rose into the low 40s. The thin, flexible, fabric is soft and quiet, and, while the jacket has a close-fitting, athletic tailoring, the four-way stretch (achieved without spandex) gave me a comfortable, full range of motion. Little details are frosting on the cake, like the gauntlet-like cuffs that extend over the back of the hand, the wind-blocking flap behind the top of the zipper, and the forehead panel that keeps the hood secure. Plus, it is made from 70 percent recycled polyester and 30 percent biodegradable polyester, and is PFC-free. —Jonathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

Fischer Ranger 102 ski ($850)

I never thought I’d cheat on my beloved Blizzard Sheeva 10s (Rustlers for those of you who ride men’s skis), but these Fischers stole my heart from the first turn. They’re damp and stable, even at high speeds on bulletproof snow. They’re stiffer and heavier than my daily drivers, qualities I shied away from after a knee injury a couple of years ago. Instead, I’ve prioritized playfulness and forgiving flex in my skis—the Sheevas ride the perfect line between hard-charging and playful. But getting on the Fischers felt like driving my mom’s BMW after tooling around in my 2002 Tacoma—low, heavy, stable, and secure. A stiffer, flatter tail helps me keep momentum and force all the way through the turn and makes the transition between turns effortless. I ski Taos, which often encourages people to shorten their ski length and favor responsive, agile skis that can make tight turns in techy, steep terrain. But it’s also a place where you want to hold an edge, whether that’s on 42-degree firm chalk or a sweeping groomer. For that kind of skiing, these sticks are right on the money. —Abigail Barronian, senior editor

Free People Movement Smiling Buti Ankle socks ($16)

I’m prone to blisters, especially when I wear socks without a Merino wool base, so I was pretty hesitant to wear the Free People ankle socks. However, this adorable pair blew me away with how comfortable my feet were. They’re the perfect height that pops out the top of my shoe and cover the base of a legging. During long and cold winters I am always looking for little pockets of joy, and as silly as it sounds, these socks make me smile every time I pull them on. They’re made from 80 percent cotton and come in six fun colors. —Jamie Aranoff, Digital Editor, SKI

Howl Campfires R4 ($1299)

I’ve been testing the Howl R4 recently, which is a highly anticipated propane campfire that promises to give off enough heat to actually keep the costumer warm, unlike most propane fire pits on the market. After using it on a hunting trip earlier this month where the nighttime temps dropped into the low teens, I’m a believer. Why bother with a propane fire? Well, a lot of reasons, but if you live or camp West of the Mississippi, chances are you’ve run into a burn ban in the last few years and had to forgo a campfire. The R4 is actually UL Certified and legal to use during stage I and II burn bans in 50 states, and, unlike a wood fire, doesn’t leave any trace of its existence. Despite the safety deployments, it still puts off a lot of heat—it gets up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to a technology called BarCoal, a radiant tube heater of sorts. That means you’re not left shivering around a wimpy flame like a lot of other propane fires. Another bonus: you still get all the benefits of a campfire without waking up smelling like one in the morning. —Bryan Rogala, contributing writer

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio ($110)

As both an outdoors person with a lot of hobbies and a professional videographer, I’ve used a lot of two-way radios over the years. Rocky Talkie sent me a set of their Mountain Radios to try out a few months back, and I can confidently say they’re the best piece of radio gear I’ve used. The small form factor, metal-reinforced backup leash, and included carabiner make them the perfect communication tool for adventuring—I can’t count the number of radios I’ve lost over the years when the clips have failed. Their range (rated at 1-5 miles in the mountains) thus far has seemed more consistent than other brands I’ve tested, but my favorite thing about the Mountain Radio is the battery life. On a recent elk hunting trip in frigid conditions, I left the radios powered on all night in the truck after having used them in the field all day. When I found them the next morning, they still had 80 percent battery left. I only had to charge them once on that five-day trip, which is a lot more than I can say for some of my hunting partners’ radios, which died on us in the field multiple times. Whether I’m hunting, backcountry skiing, or on a video shoot, the Rocky Talkies are my new go-to radios. I’m looking forward to testing out their soon. —BR

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved in January appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

There are skiers who while away the fall months watching ski movies and dreaming of their first powder day of the coming season; and then there are those who dust off the ski tuning bench in the garage, snap a rubber band around the brakes of their carving skis, and get busy sharpening edges and dreaming of the first carving turns of the season on crappy, mostly man-made snow.

To the skiers in that second group: We salute you. To those in the first camp: You’re missing out on one of skiing’s greatest joys. There’s nothing quite like skiing in late November and early December, when there’s just one lift open and you’re navigating a narrow white ribbon. There’s no distraction, no temptation lurking off-piste, nothing to do but to work on your turns. Over and over again.

But carving up groomers during the early-season is only fun if you have the right tool for the job. Those 95 millimeter-plus all-mountain planks you ski during the heart of the season aren’t going to convince you that lapping the same two runs is exciting (especially if your trusty all-mountain skis haven’t been tuned in a season or two). To understand the joys of early-season turns, you need something narrower underfoot—something designed to be tipped on edge and stick to hard snow like white on rice. Something like the skis listed below.

Also read:

These 10 skis are hot off the 2023-24 presses and SKI’s top choices for skiing early season snow conditions. With waist widths between 65-90mm, solid core constructions (usually with metal), and traditional camber underfoot with minimal rocker in the tips and tails, these skis earned major props from our gear testers for their rock-solid performance on hard snow.

If you’re an advanced skier in the market for a dedicated groomer ski, peruse the skis listed under the Carving section. If you’re still working on your carving chops, or just looking for a more versatile groomer ski, scroll down to the Frontside section. Wherever you land, you can’t go wrong with these 10 skis that are right at home on hard snow.

Carving Skis: Piste-Specific Skis That Excel on Hard Snow

Stöckli WRT Laser Pro ($1,449)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 9.6/10
Waist Width: 66 mm
Available Lengths: 162, 172, 180 cm
Level: Expert

Tester Feedback: “This ski is definitely for an expert skier that likes to ski hard snow and ice. It would be a great ski to rip GS turns down Main Street at Stowe, Vt. I would take this ski out first thing in the morning to find the wide open bomber trails and rip turns until my back can’t take it anymore. It’s not super playful, but it will force you to be a better skier.” —Ryan Collopy

Read the full review and see how this ski scored in all skill categories here.Ěý

Nordica Spitfire DC 74 Pro FDT ($999)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 9.25/10
Waist Width: 74
Available Lengths: 160, 165, 170, 175, 180 cm
Level: Intermediate to expert

Tester Feedback: “This is just a very good all-around frontside carving ski for the West or East Coast. It’s super fun on the hardpack and for mixing up turn shapes. Short turns long turns—it held and transitioned quickly and with energy out of the turn. Fairly dynamic and responsive with great edge hold. A ski that suits intermediates through experts.” —Krista Crabtree

K2 Disruption MTI ($1,050)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 9.2/10
Waist Width: 74 mm
Available Lengths: 165, 170, 175, 180 cm
Level: Advanced, expert

Tester Feedback: “With a 19.2-meter radius, this ski wants to go fast and holds up extremely well on hard snow conditions. But it’s not as versatile as other skis in the carving category. It does best on hard, steep slopes.” —Chris Bivona

Read the full review and see how this ski scored in all skill categories here.Ěý

Völkl Deacon 76 ($1,100)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 9/10
Waist Width: 76 mm
Available Lengths: 171, 176, 181 cm
Level: Intermediate to expert

Tester Feedback: “The Deacon 76 is a classic on-piste carving ski made for the skier who wants to work on their edge-to-edge transitions and improve their skills. It’s a great carving ski, but it lacks the energy to generate more speed turn to turn.” —Ryan Collopy

Blizzard Phoenix R14 Pro ($900)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 8.9/10
Waist Width: 70 mm
Available Lengths: 155, 160, 165, 170, 175 cm
Level: Advanced, expert

Tester Feedback: “This is a high-performance carver for high-performance skiers—those who care about precision and exact energy transfer. Whether you’re making little slalom turns or big Super-G arcs, this ski was bread for charging early-season conditions.” —Jenny WiegandĚý

Frontside Skis: Narrow All-Mountain Skis with Carving Chops

Völkl Kendo 88 ($700)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 9.1/10
Waist Width: 88 mm
Available Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184 cm
Level: Advanced, expert

Tester Feedback: “The Kendo 88 rails turns on hardpack and is spectacularly smooth from edge to edge in medium to longer radius turns. It’s for the skier who wants to be able to carve turns anywhere on the hill and knows how to stand on a pair of skis. It doesn’t have as much pop and liveneliness to it as other skis in this category, so there’s a trade-off in terms of playfulness.” —Jon SexuaerĚý

Stöckli Montero AR ($1,349)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 8.75/10
Waist Width: 84mm
Available Lengths: 165, 170, 175, 180, 185
Level: Advanced, expert

Tester Feedback: “Smooth and supple are the words that come to mind here. From the moment I rolled into my first turn I knew these were going to be a fun ride. Quick adjustments on turn shape were effortless. My confidence boosted, I opened them up into some hard-charging GS turns and they held strong—literally glued to every ripple in the terrain and absorbing any imperfection for a smooth supple ride.” —Avery PesceĚý

Nordica Enforcer 88 ($700)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 8.1/10
Waist Width: 88 mm
Available Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186 cm
Level: Advanced, expert

Tester Feedback: “A ski that slices and dices no matter the terrain you are on. Keep an edge on this ski and it handles even the firmest conditions. Tackles any snow conditions besides the deepest of snow.” —Luke Larsen

Rossignol Experience 82 Ti ($999)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 8/10
Waist Width: 82 mm
Available Lengths: 151, 159, 167 cm
Level: Intermediate to expert

Tester Feedback: “Anyone can step into this ski and have a good time, as long as you’re keeping it on trail. I would not take it anywhere steep or cruddy. I was surprised at how user-friendly this ski is.” —Brady Newton

Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition ($1,100)

Hard-Snow Integrity Score: 9.2/10
Waist Width:Ěý86 mm
Available Lengths: 152, 158, 164, 170 cm
Level: Intermediate to expert

Tester Feedback: “This is an awesome ski for anyone who wants to get better at carving or keep progressing their skiing. It’s also just a fun ski to make groomers interesting again.” —Caitlin KellyĚý

Read the full review and see how this ski scored in all skill categories here.Ěý

More from the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

We Tested More Than 800 Winter Gear Items. These 20 Products Were Best in Test.
The Best All-Mountain Skis of the Year
The Best Alpine Ski Boots

The post The 10 Best Skis for Early-Season Turns on Hard Snow appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Some years, there just isn’t that much big, exciting news to report in the world of gear. This, however, is not one of those years.

From ski boots with the new BOA H+i1 lacing system to innovative avalanche safety tech to new skis touted by pros like Cody Townsend and , brands gave us a lot of exciting new gear to consider for our annual Winter Gear Guide. When all was said and done, we tested more than 800 products in 2023 to determine which ones were worth writing home about. Of those 800-plus products, 20 stood out during months of field testing to earn our prestigious Editor’s Choice award.

What merits an Editor’s Choice award? Performance, first and foremost. To receive this award, products have to demonstrate best-in-class performance over months of rigorous testing, besting the competition in their respective categories. Items that showcase innovative new technology or significant moves towards sustainability also get brownie points. But it’s not just the newest and shiniest toys that are considered for an Editor’s Choice award. Sometimes, products that have been around for a while continue to outperform in their field. Items like the Tracksmith Bislett pants and Salomon QST Blank get an Editor’s Choice nod because, after years of being on shelves, they’re still the best.

If top-of-the-line gear is what you’re after this season, then you’ve come to the right place.

The Best Winter Gear of 2024

DB/Safeback Snow Pro Vest 8L with Safeback SBX ($699)

While avalanche airbags aim to keep users on top of the snow, the Snow Pro Vest, developed with the Norwegian Armed Forces and School of Winter Warfare, is designed to keep athletes from asphyxiating when buried underneath the snow—the cause of 75 percent of avalanche deaths. After pulling a T-shaped handle, the Safeback SBX’s lithium battery-powered electric fan provides breathing assistance under the snow by pumping clean, oxygenated air through mesh tubes from the back of the vest to the air pocket around the victim’s face, all while pushing out exhaled carbon dioxide—no mouthpiece required. The brand alleges that this process extends the survival window from 15 minutes to up to 90 minutes in temperatures as cold as negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit. .

Salomon Brigade MIPS helmet ($200)

In an age when some products are overcomplicated and overdesigned, the Salomon Brigade MIPS helmet won over testers for its understated minimalism. Some helmets come with an attached plastic clip on the back to hold your goggles in place, but they tend to break or fall off. Salomon solved that problem with an integrated rubber strap that’s not going anywhere. The chin buckle is old-school but easy to use. The Brigade comes in a MIPS and non-MIPS version (which is $70 less). The MIPS one has an extra layer between the foam and the liner to help divert rotational impacts to the brain in case of a fall. .

Sweet Protection Connor Rig goggles ($220)

In order to increase the field of vision, goggles these days have gotten massively oversized. But the new Sweet Protection Connor Rig offers a large field of vision without dramatically increasing the span of the goggle. These sleek frameless goggles do that thanks to a toric sculpted lens that gives you an understated feel with ample side vision. .

Rab Conduit Crew base layer ($75)

In spite of the widely different range of tester expectations, sports, and geography—the Conduit was a unanimous tester favorite thanks to its extreme comfort and wide usable temperature range. Testers unanimously agreed that there must be some form of alchemy in the 92-percent recycled polyester eight-percent elastane weave that manifested in a lightly gridded fleece backer. It received top marks all along the temperature range—it was called “comfortable” by testers in temps around the tens in sideways snow in central Oregon under some layers all the way up to a 40-degree overcast long-run on its own in the Ashland, OR watershed. See how it stacks up against other base layers here.

Lib Tech Apex Golden Orca snowboard ($1,299)

This year’s crop of boards was arguably the best submitted in the history of our snowboard test, yet awarding our Editor’s Choice honors was easier than ever. Why? Well, the Gnarwinian evolution of Travis Rice’s ever-popular Orca series has surely peaked with the debut of this year’s supercharged Apex Golden Orca. Six of nine testers gave this futuristic directional deck perfect scores—nearly 15 percent of the perfect scores awarded at this year’s test. This telling data sums up an airtime-annihilating, confidence-inspiring ride that approaches terrain like a killer whale toying with a blubbery seal before making it a meal. Read more here.

Jones Stratos splitboard ($950)

Whether you’re buying your first split or upgrading your main squeeze, you’ll make the most of your days on the skintrack with a board that’s fun in dreamy conditions and capable in nightmarish ones. The Jones Stratos Splitboard, now available in both men’s and women’s sizes, hits that sweet spot. It’s a heavenly blend of trustworthiness, capability, and fun. From hut trips and glacial camping expeditions to sidecountry laps and dawn patrol powder days, the Stratos is ready for the task at hand. Read more here.

Rome Katana bindings ($400)

If you like to tweak your bindings as much as you tweak your grabs, peep the Rome Katana. This high-performance binding is ultra-adjustable thanks to Rome’s PivotMounts—modifiable ankle strap mounting hardware that enables riders to swap between eight ankle strap positions per side, yielding a total of 64 possible configurations. Raising the ankle strap provides more rapid-fire responsiveness, while lowering the strap position translates to increased range of motion and a surfier ride. Additional adjustability comes courtesy of composite highbacks that pivot and cant for a more ergonomic, fine-tuned fit. Read more here.

Stöckli Laser WRT Pro carving ski ($1,499)

If the Stöckli Laser WRT Pro were college bound, it’d be an Ivy League contender. This hard-charging model scored top marks in all testing categories, solidifying its spot as the No. 1 unisex carving ski in this year’s test, including near-perfect scores for stability at speed and hard-snow integrity. .

Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition frontside ski ($1,150 with bindings)

A frontside friend with benefits, the Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition earned the highest marks of all women’s frontside skis for nearly all traits, including near-perfect tens for carving and responsiveness. The Black Edition adds a higher level of performance to the Wildcat line (plus a layer of carbon), and testers appreciated the combination of characteristics that allows for aggressive skiing—without needing Mikaela Shiffrin’s thighs or precision. .

Blizzard Sheeva 9 all-mountain ski ($750)

Last year, the Blizzard Sheeva 9 won best in test. This year, it repeats the feat, but while boasting a complete redesign that hones its strengths and eliminates its weaknesses—“favorite ski of the day” was our testers’ refrain.

Nordica Enforcer 104 Free all-mountain wide ski ($850)

The Nordica Enforcer lineup is no stranger to the upper ranks of the SKI Test, and the Enforcer 104 Free carries on that tradition by claiming the top step on the unisex all-mountain wide podium for 2023-24. This model combines a wood core, carbon, and two sheets of metal sandwiched into Nordica’s Powder Rocker Profile to build a stout ski that earned top scores for stability at speed, flotation, and versatility. .

Salomon QST Blank powder ski ($800)

Except for new graphics, nothing has changed about the highly popular Salomon QST Blank for 2023-’24 season, and that includes how much skiers of all stripes love it. Proof: For the third year in a row, this unisex ski won the highest scores in the powder ski category from both male and female testers. What we loved most about this ski is how quick and playful it is. The QST Blank features a full poplar wood core and no metal, which keeps it feeling light underfoot (2,220 grams per ski) and makes it extraordinarily nimble..

Salomon QST Echo 106 backcountry ski ($800)

Known for their energy, playfulness, and solid feel in variable conditions, the QST skis have an uncanny ability to please pros like Cody Townsend as well as us mere mortals. The brand-new QST Echo 106 shares the shape and profile of the all-mountain QST 106, with a slimmed-down construction (the Echo shaves off 200 grams per ski) that’s spry on the skintrack while maintaining an impressively quiet feel through variable snow in the backcountry. .

Fischer RC4 Pro alpine boot ($1,100)

So often in the hardgoods market, a brand will roll out a redesign that’s little more than a fresh decal. But with the RC4 Pro MV, Fischer tore up the foundation and started from scratch. This thing is a legitimate work of art, and it comes with a Sotheby’s-level price tag to prove it. Built to bring the brand’s heritage race last to the consumer market, the new RC4 Pro MV was developed from the ground up with a new mold to include the BOA H+i1 alpine lace system and a full ZipFit liner. .

Dynafit Tigard 130 hybrid boot ($899)

Dynafit’s Tigard 130 is the most impressive hybrid boot we’ve ever tried. In a category defined by compromise, this model seems to operate in a different plane of reality. The Tigard 130 is the hardest-skiing boot with a walk mode we’ve ever had the pleasure of stepping into. .

Mammut Haldigrat HS Hooded Jacket ($629)

With a freeride cut, light and durable Bluesign-certified recycled fabric, and tasteful color hits, testers couldn’t clock enough ski days in this jacket. It’s the perfect freeride jacket for anyone looking to do front, side, and backcountry. If you can’t make up your mind about what you want to do for the day, this is the jacket for you. .

Strafe Cham Jacket ($589)

With a name like the Cham Jacket, there’s no surprise that this shell was one of our favorites for long days in the high alpine. The three-layer design constructed with Schoeller Aerobrane fabric boasted a ton of air permeability and an impressively soft and supple handfeel, staying on during long climbs with the occasional deployment of pit zips. .

Stio Figment Bib ($479)

Usually, the first time wearing a bib pant involves a few stops to make adjustments. Not with the Figment. Adjusting the fit required just a quick tighten or release of the Velcro tabs on the suspenders and a pull on the waist belt. Done! Whether sitting, carving, or picking his way down the steeps off of Whistler’s Peak Chair, category manager Ryan Stuart didn’t notice the pants again. “They felt like a custom fit,” he said. .

Nike Ultrafly trail shoe ($250)

The Ultrafly borrows the successful energy-saving, speed-enhancing tech from Nike’s speedster Alphafly and Vaporfly road shoes, with some smart tweaks to make it excel on trails. A super-responsive midsole of Pebax ZoomX foam (the same foam found in Nike’s road supershoes) is encased in a textile wrap, which slightly limits its squishy tippiness and harnesses its energy, creating a controlled rebound effect. Read more here.

Tracksmith Bislett pants ($198)

Lead running apparel tester Scott Douglas bought the Bisletts when they first came out in 2014, and they’ve been his main winter running bottoms since. He’s tried dozens of other pants and tights since then, he says, but none are better. Read more here.

More from the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best Midlayers

The post We Tested More Than 800 Winter Gear Items. These 20 Products Were Best in Test. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Skiing isn’t just a pastime for you, it’s your way of life. When September turns to October, it’s time to bust out the and . You might not be racing anymore, but old habits die hard, and you’ll be damned if your carvers aren’t in race-ready shape on opening day. After all, nothing beats laying down clean railroad tracks on the ’roy. Let the yahoos cut up the snow off-piste—you stick to the groomers where conditions are ideal to master technique. Your mission in life: . With that in mind, you’re on the hunt for the latest equipment to help you maximize your skiing potential.

This list of this season’s best high-performance ski gear should get you started.

The Best Ski Gear for Carving Up Groomers

Stöckli WRT Laser Pro ($1,449)

A serious corduroy crusher like you needs a ski that knows no speed limit and rails on edge, no matter how bulletproof the conditions. The Stöckli WRT Laser Pro is the scalpel of skis, another example of Swiss precision. Hard snow, soft snow—this carving ski isn’t picky, it delivers no matter the conditions. All it demands is a skilled driver. If that’s you, read on.

Fischer RC4 Pro MV ($1,100)

You finally (and reluctantly) ditched your plug boots to let your poor, battered feet heal, but you’re not ready to give up on high-performance ski boots all together. You still want a stiff boot that will deliver the kind of energy transfer you’re accustomed to from your race boots. Enter the new Fischer RC4 Pro MV. Don’t be deterred by the BOA lacing system—your feet will thank you for it. As for performance: this boot is a real 140 flex and comes with a ZipFit liner. Need we say more?

Strafe Hayden Jacket ($519)

You hit the hill no matter the weather, so you need a jacket that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements on cold chair rides. Featuring a waterproof polyester outer shell and PrimaLoft Silver P.U.R.E. recycled insulation (60 grams in the sleeves and hood and 100 grams in the body), the Strafe Hayden is a great option for skiers like you who stay inbounds and might need a little extra insulation. Compare it with our other favorite jackets here.

Patagonia Storm Shift Pants ($400)

Long rides on wet chairlift seats are brutal when you’re wearing pants that aren’t actually waterproof—you learned that the hard way years ago. Now, you invest in a quality pair of ski pants that are weatherproof, durable, and fit right. The Storm Shift Pants are those pants. They’re waterproof, lined, and eco-friendly to boot. Check them out here.

Uvex Ultra MIPS ($225)

You don’t fall, but you know the slopes are crowded these days, and you’re not willing to take any chances. A helmet with top-of-the-line protection is an essential item on your kit list. But it should also be comfortable. Equipped with MIPS and ample padding for a secure and cozy fit, the Uvex Ultra MIPS is your best line of defense in a crash. Read more here.

Glade Adapt 2 ($149)

Good visibility is a must when you’re skiing on piste, where you can’t always rely on trees to help with definition. But you hate having to swap out goggle lenses on the go, no matter how seamless the lens-change system. In that case, the Glade Adapt 2, featuring an all-conditions, light-adapting lens, is the perfect choice for you. Check it out here.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2024
The Best Alpine Ski Boots of the Year
The Best Ski Gloves and Mittens

The post If You Live for Carving Up the ’Roy, This New Gear Was Made for You appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Known among your ski partners as “The Savvy Shopper,” you are a skilled skier with a knack for finding incredible ski gear and equipment deals. Your style seamlessly combines functionality and affordability. You’re the go-to source for budget-friendly gear, expertly navigating online forums, sales, and auction sites to ensure you never miss out on a great deal.

Your skiing ability is top-notch, conquering even the most challenging terrains with gear that proves quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Off the slopes, you generously share your money-saving expertise, helping fellow skiers make the most of their budgets. You’ve done your research, and you know the following items are good bang for your buck.

The Best Ski Gear for Budget Shoppers

Goodr Snow G Goggles ($75)

Goodr Snow G Goggles are the budget-savvy skier’s best friend. They offer affordable eye protection without sacrificing style or functionality, ensuring clear vision on the slopes without breaking the bank. Compare these against more expensive goggles here.Ěý

Salomon Stance 88 W ($650)

The Salomon Stance 88 W frontside skis are an excellent value for the budget-conscious skier. At a competitive price point, these skis provide reliable performance for those who want to carve the mountain without carving a hole in their wallet. Read the full review here.

Columbia Highland Summit Jacket ($200)

The Columbia Highland Summit Jacket is your go-to budget-friendly winter companion. Offering great warmth and weather resistance at an affordable price, it’s the perfect choice for skiers who want to stay cozy without overspending. See how it stacks up against pricier options.

Columbia Highland Bibs ($200)

If you’re going to spring for the jacket, might as well add the bibs to complete the kit. At this price, you can’t really afford not to. The Highland Bibs are a cost-effective solution for skiers who demand durability and protection. Compare it against other ski pants here.

Rab Conduit Crew Base Layer ($75)

The Rab Conduit Crew Base Layer is an affordable essential for the budget-conscious skier. It offers moisture-wicking comfort without the premium price tag, making it a smart choice for staying warm without breaking the bank. Read more about this Editor’s Choice favorite here.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best Ski Gloves and Mittens
The Best All-Mountain Skis
The Best Backcountry Ski Jackets

The post You Don’t Need to Pay Top Dollar for Top-Performing Ski Gear. Here’s Proof. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

This article was first published by .

Even among these top performers, a handful of skis stand out. Some are perennial favorites that, year after year, just keep blowing their competition out of the water (here’s looking at you, ). Some redesigned skis proved to be even better versions of their former selves (hello, ). And some not only won their respective categories, but snagged top scores in every skill department (kudos to the ). For all of these reasons, some skis receive an additional nod—our prestigious Editor’s Choice award—from the SKI and şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř gear editors.

With that being said, just because our SKI Test crew thought these were the best this year doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best skis for you. Dig below the surface and check out the detailed scores for each ski, the reviews and scores of other skis in each category, and remember the basics of how to buy skis in order to determine what pair is right for you this winter. And if it’s one of these beauties, well, hate to say we told you so…

How We Test

Consensus can be mericless. And when the results are in, we often have some tough phone calls to make. But for every brand that tanks in the test, there’s a brand that shines, and we want readers to know which factories are on their game. What we shouldn’t have to say is that objectivity rules our test, but we know what goes on at other tests. So we’ll say it: There’s no “pay-to-play” fee for entry. No medals are exchanged for ad dollars. No palms are greased. To make our list of the best skis of the year, a ski has to impress our crew of 24 testers.

Who are our testers? Sure, they all rip. But more important, the team includes some of the most experienced testers in the business, and that’s what counts—because testing 15 or 20 different skis in a day is a bewildering experience to anyone who lacks experience. The team includes a mix of natural gear evaluators: instructors, shop owners, former racers and freeride competitors, and industry product developers.

We educate our testers about leaving any preconceptions behind: about brands, about previous models, about construction of skis, etc. We set testers loose at our official SKI Test in , and at the Carving Test at , on the test skis (more than 150 models total) sorted by waist width and divided among the number of test days.

Testers ski each model and evaluate and articulate its character, strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use and user. They also rate each model numerically according to nine different performance criteria. We crunch their numbers, consider those along with tester votes and opinions gathered during daily end-of-day debriefing sessions, come up with the top skis, and review them here.

We even show you the data, controversy be damned, because it’s highly illuminating. We know testing is somewhat imperfect, and we know you know that, but we still think you want to see it. Use it wisely.

Meet the Testers

Kimberly Beekman

Age: 47 | Height: 5′4″ | Weight: 112 lbs

Kimberly Beekman has been testing skis and writing gear reviews for longer than she’d like to admit. She’s a former editor of SKI and freelance contributor to both SKI and şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř. She lives in Steamboat Springs with her wonderful daughter and terrible cat.

Chad Jacob

Age: 41 | Height: 5′10″ | Weight: 195 lbs

Jacob is a ski race coach from the East Coast and skis like one. At his home hill of Bristol Mountain, N.Y., you’ll likely find him carving up icy groomers on a set of skinny skis. Jacob is a veteran gear tester who has tested skis for both şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř and SKI.

Avery Pesce

Age: 40 | Height: 5′6″ | Weight: 138 lbs

Pesce lives in Whitman, Mass., and calls the ski areas of Vermont and New Hampshire home. She’s an expert skier with an aggressive style that she applies to any and all type of terrain and snow conditions. Safe to say that as the head ski buyer for Boston Ski & Tennis in Newton, Mass., she knows a thing or two about skis—how they’re built, and how they perform.

Tommy Flitton

Age: 30 | Height: 5’10” | Weight: 185

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Flitton joined the Snowbird ski team as a young racer at the age of 7. He worked his way through the ranks as a racer, spending time at a ski academy in Vermont before returning to his favorite mountain in Utah. Now he spends his time coaching young freeriders how to send it big at Snowbird. He’s a veteran gear testers who has tested skis for both Powder and SKI.

The Reviews: The Best Skis of 2024

Editor’s Choice: Stöckli Laser WRT Pro ($1,449)

Category: Carving
Lengths (cm): 167, 172, 180
Dimensions (mm): 118-66-100
Radius (m): 14.8 (172)
Pros: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness

If the Stöckli Laser WRT Pro were college bound, it’d be an Ivy League contender. This hard-charging model scored top marks in all testing categories, solidifying its spot as the No. 1 Unisex Carving ski in this year’s test, including near-perfect scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. “The responsiveness was next-level,” said tester Geof Ochs, director of marketing for Sync Performance in Vail, Colorado. “This is an energetic, dependable, stiff ski with lots of pop. It will hold onto groomers, ice, or crud—no matter how hard you push it.” The Laser WRT Pro’s construction comes directly from race skis, featuring wide metal edges and stiff racing sidewalls with full edge contact for direct power transfer. The metal-and-carbon sandwich sidewall layup elicited adjectives like “burly” and “bomber”; however, testers were surprised by the variety of turn shapes this ski could offer, as well as what Chris Bivona, owner of Ski Town All-Stars in Vail, Colorado, called its “heat-seeking missile energy” out of each turn.

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the unisex carving category.

Category: °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Carving
Lengths (cm): 155, 160, 165, 170, 175
Dimensions (mm): 121-70-102
Radius (m): 14 (165)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,740 (165)
Pros: Carving, Hard-Snow Integrity
Cons: Forgiveness, Playfulness

The Blizzard Phoenix R14 Pro rose through the ranks to achieve No. 1 status for best-performing 2023-24 °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Carving ski. As one of the narrower options in this category at 70 millimeters underfoot, it scored high marks for Carving and Hard-Snow Integrity. “It likes fast and firm,” claimed Colorado skier Jordan Berde. “Steep groomers will allow you to get the most out of this ski. It also handled some chopped-up soft snow like a champ.” The Phoenix R14 Pro favors medium- to long-radius turns, with short arcs requiring more work, said testers. Construction includes a double layer of Titanal, a dampening carbon plate underfoot, and a core made from a blend of two different types of wood that create three varying areas of densities: stiffer flex in the center, medium flex around the binding, and softer flex in the tip and tail. According to SKI test director Jenny Wiegand, “It’s a serious carver for serious skiers, bred for charging in early season conditions.”

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the women’s carving category.

Category: Frontside
Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
Dimensions (mm): 129-88-113
Radius (m): 16 (177)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,898 (177)
Pros: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
Cons: Forgiveness, Playfulness

The Völkl Kendo, like the traditional Japanese martial art it’s named for, has been around for a while. But, according to our test team, the Kendo 88 keeps getting better. “It’s insanely fun and responsive,” said ski coach and Snowbird, Utah, local Tommy Flitton. This ski received the highest scores for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed among the entire array of Frontside skis—both Unisex and °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s—as well as nabbed the No. 1 spot for the unisex group. Choose your length mindfully: the Tailored Titanal Frame adjusts for height and skier ability with a flex that’s stiffer in longer lengths and less so in the shorter ones. If you’re willing to put the effort into it, testers claimed, the ski will return in kind. “As long as you do not need flotation, this ski has no limits,” reported Michael Rogan, ski instructor and PSIA National Demo Team alpine coach. “It’s not for the faint of heart, but you can ski everything from hard snow in a NASTAR course to bumps down a long run.”

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the frontside category.

Editor’s Choice: Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition ($1,150)

Category: °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Frontside
Lengths (cm): 152, 158, 164, 170
Dimensions (mm): 127-86-113
Radius (m): 14.7 (164)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,955 (164)
Pros: Carving, Responsiveness
Cons: Crud Performance, Forgiveness

A frontside friend with benefits, the Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition earned the highest marks of all °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Frontside skis for nearly all traits, including near-perfect tens for Carving and Responsiveness. This model features the brand’s asymmetrical Amphibio Truline W technology, creating a right and left ski—one of the elements that allows it to roll on edge quickly. The Black Edition adds a higher level of performance to the Wildcat line (plus a layer of carbon), and testers appreciated the combination of characteristics that allows for aggressive skiing—without needing Mikaela Shiffrin’s thighs or precision. “I was blown away by this ski’s versatility for different abilities as well as the stability on hardpack and ice,” said Vermont skier Avery Pesce. “Wait, there’s more: It swings effortlessly in short turns with zero resistance, holds solid in GS turns with no tail skid, and has just the right amount of rebound in the bumps.”

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the women’s frontside category.

Category: All-Mountain
Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
Dimensions (mm): 132.5-100-120.5
Radius (m): 17.3 (179)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,175 (179)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness

The Enforcer 100, the ski that has defined this category since its inception, swept away its competition yet again with an all-new layup. Advanced skiers and ex-racers alike will swoon the moment they put their foot on the gas, while intermediates and beginners may want to look for a more forgiving ride. Nordica’s redesigned charger treated our testers with a rock-solid platform, burning sidewall for thousands of feet from the top of Sun Valley, Idaho’s Challenger chair. The brand may have put its beast on a diet, but the Enforcer 100 hasn’t lost any of its teeth. And while the tech talk intimates that this ski was cooked up in the bowels of the race department, it is most at home carving off-piste chalk and snaking at the margins of groomed runs. Put simply by tester Luke Larsen, who owns a ski shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, “If you love to ski, you will love this ski.”

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the all-mountain category.

Editor’s Choice: Blizzard Sheeva 9 ($750)

Category: °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Frontside
Lengths (cm): 150, 156, 162, 168, 174
Dimensions (mm): 129-96-118.5
Radius (m): 14 (162)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,765 (162)
Pros: Versatility, Quickness
Cons: Flotation, Stability at Speed

Last year, the Blizzard Sheeva 9 won best in test. This year, it repeats the feat, but while boasting a complete redesign that hones its strengths and eliminates its weaknesses—“favorite ski of the day” was our testers’ refrain. The new iteration is 4 millimeters wider underfoot and has a longer effective edge to both float in powder and carve on groomers. It also boasts Blizzard’s Freeride TrueBlend Woodcore, which consists of denser wood where a stiffer flex is desirable, and softer wood in the tips and tails lends forgiveness and ease of turn initiation. A new fiberglass plate underfoot replaces the metal one, allowing the ski to go from tight slalom corkscrews to long, fast downhill turns just by thinking about it. The Sheeva 9 is quick and playful, and testers agreed that it’s the most versatile within the °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s All-Mountain category in terms of both ability levels and terrain. “Amazing all over the mountain,” said Avery Pesce, a Sugarbush and Jay Peak, Vermont, skier.

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the women’s all-mountain category.

Editor’s Choice: Nordica Enforcer 104 Free ($850)

Category: All-Mountain Wide
Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
Dimensions (mm): 134.5-104-123.5
Radius (m): 17.5 (179)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,105 (179)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Flotation
Cons: Forgiveness, Quickness

The Nordica Enforcer lineup is no stranger to the upper ranks of the SKI Test, and the Enforcer 104 Free carries on that tradition by claiming the top step on the Unisex All-Mountain Wide podium for 2023-24. This model combines a wood core, carbon, and two sheets of metal sandwiched into Nordica’s Powder Rocker Profile to build a stout ski that earned top scores for Stability at Speed, Flotation, and Versatility. Testers agreed that the Enforcer 104 Free was best suited for strong, aggressive, and expert skiers who are looking for an option that’s competent in the soft stuff but can still hold an edge on firm snow. Some skiers found it to feel most comfortable in wide-open spaces and when skied assertively, which explains the low scores for Quickness and Forgiveness. Tester Luke Larsen, who calls Snowbird, Utah, his home hill, summed this ski up well: “It will Enforce your will on pow days.”

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the all-mountain wide category.

Category: °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s All-Mountain Wide
Lengths (cm): 158, 165, 172, 179
Dimensions (mm): 133-104-122
Radius (m): 16 (165)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,745 (165)
Pros: Versatility, Responsiveness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Playfulness

The Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free appeals to skiers of many abilities, from intermediates through ex-racers, with testers noting that it will meet you where you are and eagerly take you anywhere you want to go. Its comfort in all conditions earned this ski the highest score for Versatility in the °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s All-Mountain Wide category while also guaranteeing it took home impressive marks for Crud Performance and Flotation. Testers reported that, wide appeal notwithstanding, advanced and expert skiers will be best able to maximize the Santa Ana 104 Free’s performance. Some in our crew were concerned that this ski could feel dull and lack energy, which saw it ranked low in the Playfulness category. Despite those reservations, however, Avery Pesce, a Boston, Massachusetts-based tester, described the Nordica as the “ultimate all-mountain ski, to be taken anywhere regardless of the conditions or terrain.”

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the women’s all-mountain wide category.

Editor’s Choice: Salomon QST Blank ($800)

Category: Unisex and °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Powder
Dimensions (mm): 138-112-127
Available lengths (cm): 178, 186, 194
Radius (m): 17 (186)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,220 (186)
Pros: Flotation, Quickness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Forgiveness

Except for new graphics, nothing has changed about the highly popular Salomon QST Blank for 2023-’24 season, and that includes how much skiers of all stripes love it. Proof: For the third year in a row, this unisex ski won the highest scores in the powder ski category from both male and female testers. What we loved most about this ski is how quick and playful it is. The QST Blank features a full poplar wood core and no metal, which keeps it feeling light underfoot (2,220 grams per ski) and makes it extraordinarily nimble. For a pow ski, it also has a more moderate waist width at 112 millimeters, a healthy amount of traditional camber underfoot, and relatively short turning radius (17 meters in the 186-centimeter length), which translate to enhanced responsiveness and quicker edge-to-edge transitions. We also appreciated how approachable the QST Blank is, with testers calling it a great powder option for intermediates to experts.Ěý “It’s very easy to figure out. Skiers of lower ability could handle it, but it still charges for the higher-ability skier,” commented Aspen-based ski shop technician John Jensen. One small critique: It’s not the most dependable at speed. A few testers noted a slight lack of stability when trying to plough through crud at mach speeds or opening it up when the terrain allowed. “It’s not a ski to go 100 miles-per-hour on,” noted race coach Chad Jacob, “but is that what we really want in this category?” For most skiers, the answer is no—no it’s not. What we want in a powder ski is flotation and fun, pop and pizazz, and the QST Blank delivers on those fronts in spades.

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the powder category.

Editor’s Choice: Salomon QST Echo 106 ($800)

Category: Backcountry
Lengths (cm): 157, 165, 173, 181, 189
Dimensions (mm): 139-106-126
Radius (m): 19 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,760 (181)
Pros: Playfulness, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Flotation

Known for their energy, playfulness, and solid feel in variable conditions, the QST skis have an uncanny ability to please pros like Cody Townsend as well as us mere mortals. The brand-new QST Echo 106 shares the shape and profile of the all-mountain QST 106, with a slimmed-down construction (the Echo shaves off 200 grams per ski) that’s spry on the skintrack while maintaining an impressively quiet feel through variable snow in the backcountry. Salomon ditched the Titanal in this model, opting for a lightweight and responsive caruba-and-poplar core, with basalt fibers that bump up the stiffness. “This is your daily driver,” said Jackson, Wyoming-based tester Max Ritter. “Floats in pow, nimble in tight trees and couloirs, but reliable and solid when it comes time to open up the throttle and ski fast through chunky snow.” Testers agreed that the lightened-up construction made the QST Echo 106 feel more energetic than the QST 106, touting the benefits of the lower swing weight for confined couloirs where you need to get your skis around quickly.

See how this ski stacks up against the rest in the backcountry category.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SKI test and rank skis?

SKI’s and şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’s editors and veteran gear testers, who are all proven industry professionals, spend a week each March testing more than a 100 pairs of the upcoming season’s most exciting skis. We test men’s and women’s skis separately in six different categories: Carving, Frontside, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Wide, Powder, and Backcountry. Testers ski each pair of skis for one or two runs, making sure to take the skis into different kinds of terrain and conditions. They then immediately fill out a ski test score card, rating each ski in eight to ten different criteria, including Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity, Playfulness, etc. SKI’s editors then crunch the numbers to see which skis come out on top of each category and to determine each ski’s strengths and weaknesses.

How do I choose a pair of skis?

Do your research. Start by asking yourself what type of skis you are looking for, and being honest about your current ability level and goals for the season. Check out our “” article to get started. Then, use SKI’s Gear Guide and extended ski reviews to get an idea of different options in different categories.

Just remember: ski testing is not an exact science. While we rely heavily on the feedback and opinions of our veteran gear testers to rank and review each season’s skis, at the end of the day ski testing is subjective. That mean’s our top-ranking ski in one category might be a great ski, but it may not be the best choice for you if it’s above or below your ability level, or if it’s too wide or too narrow for the type of skiing you typically do. So do your research.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s skis?

Most skis are technically unisex skis—they are not specifically designed for men or for women. These skis come in a variety of length options, usually from 150cm to 190cm to accommodate for both men and women, as well as different ability levels. However, some skis these days are women’s-specific. These skis have adapted constructions, usually to make the ski a little lighter, less stiff, and to move the mount point forward to improve a woman’s ability to drive a ski. That said, many advanced and expert women, especially if they’re aggressive skiers, still prefer to ski a unisex ski. .

The post The Top Performing Skis of 2024 appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

This post first appeared on .

Back in the late ’90s when I was a high schooler and the snow was lousy at my local resort I used to pull out a pair of 210 centimeter Tua skis (maybe 75 millimeter underfoot?) mounted with flimsy Voile telemark bindings and then strap on a pair of thrift shop leather telemark boots. As you might imagine, getting down the hill with this setup was quite a challenge and made the shitty snow way more fun.

On a college trip around Europe, I was in Italy and came across a pair of plastic Asolo telemark boots in an army surplus store and thought I’d hit the jackpot. They weighed a ton and only barely came above my ankle, but they were plastic and afforded me that much more control. I carried those boots across Europe that summer and then used them through college with slightly fatter skis mounted to slightly more robust Voile bindings. I was always the last person down the hill in my ski posse but I enjoyed every single turn.

Fast forward to adulthood and I eventually left my telemark setup behind. By my mid-30s I’d wiggled my way into testing skis for publications like şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř and Powder and no one cared about telemarking. I spent ten years on the best downhill setups (and best AT setups in the backcountry) and my telemark gear gathered dust in the garage.

Then I had kids. As any of you who have kids know, teaching them to ski can be a slow process. Even if I would get 30 days of skiing each season, my total vert was probably less than a person who spent two days skiing a place like Taos or Jackson Hole. I was skiing, but I was skiing on Bambi all day long. To freshen things up, I decided to get back on teles.

Today, my telemark setup is still in use. My kids are all skiing blues and an occasional black, and as they learn to navigate steeper terrain I get to work on my telemark technique. They’ve been graduating from a snowplow to parallel skiing and I’ve been thinking about how much I should drop my knee. They’ve been learning to pole plant and I’m trying to get the back of my uphill skis to come around the turn without bouncing around too much.

I’m by no means an expert telemark skier. Those of you who are might even laugh at what I’m working on. But damn if I haven’t loved the past few years in large part because I’m on a telemark setup that’s challenged me, literally brought me closer to the snow, and helped me build semi-respectable quads. Telemarking has been an old frontier for me to re-explore and it’s helped me have the patience I needed to raise my crew of young skiers.

And while I hate proselytizing, here I am on the pulpit of telemarking saying that you, too, should give it a try. Even for those of you who don’t have kids, I promise that a day here and there of telemarking, be it in the spring after you’ve had your fill of powder days, or even on closing day in your ’80s outfit, will be a lot of fun. You’ll have a new challenge and telemarking will give you a new way to see your local hill. Your quads will ache and you’ll want to scream halfway down the hill, but the apres beer will taste that much better.

To get a telemark setup dialed for this season, there are a couple of options. Like any kind of skiing, you can go used which will save you lots of money but probably cause you some extra grief. Or you can go new because some companies are still making telemark gear and some of the technology has come a long way. I’ve detailed both approaches below.

Used Telemark Gear

I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and we’re lucky to have a place called Regear. It’s a warehouse-sized used gear shop that’s stuffed to the gills with every piece of used gear you can think of. It’s so stuffed, in fact, that there’s an entire eight-by-eight-foot shelf stuffed with used telemark boots and several bins stuffed with old telemark skis and bindings.

Most of the boots on the shelf are beaten up. We all know that telemark skiers loved to be seen as dirtbags, so when they were done with their boots they had some miles. You’ll find an occasional pair of Black Diamond or Crispi boots, but the vast majority are old Scarpa T2s. You’ve no doubt seen these boots around, and they were obviously the most popular and best-selling model whenever Scarpa launched them.

In the ski bin, there are a lot of old K2s that are not quite as long as my Tuas, and not quite as thin, but still have that much more pronounced hourglass shape that was popular 25 years ago. The bindings are almost exclusively from Voile.

At Regear, or wherever you shop for used gear, a whole setup might cost you $150-$200 and if you’re just gonna dip your toe in telemarking, it’s the way to go. You’ll look totally out of place on the ski hill, and making turns down the hill with this gear will be a challenge, but I guarantee it will also be plenty of fun. Those of you who can master a graceful turn on a setup like this will automatically be placed in a special category of skier.

New Telemark Gear

There’s no such thing as telemark skis anymore. You just have to figure out what kind of skis you want to make telemark turns on. As a gear reviewer, I have my choice of demos and for a new setup, I just asked to test two different pairs. First, I went for the Völkl Mantra 102. This ski is a fan favorite amongst hard-charging skiers because it’s so solid and reliable underfoot. It likes to be skied fast and favors big arching turns. The 102 will definitely be my choice for hardpack days when I’m trying to keep up with groms who are getting increasingly speedy and it’s gonna force me to keep working on my telemark technique.

I also asked to demo a pair of DPS Pagoda 100 RPs. These skis are known for being more playful and easier to pivot and slide and will work when I’m trying to make quicker and poppier turns. The Pagoda will be just fine on hardpack but will be extra fun in the bumps and in softer snow. Even though I thought I should go shorter on a telemark setup (not sure why I thought that), my contact at DPS advised me to ski mostly the same length I would for a downhill ski so I’ll be on 184s (and 177s for the Mantras).

Both skis will eventually be mated with NTN telemark bindings, which do away with the heel strap and instead use an under-boot connection point that creates a more robust setup and adds more tension to your boot when your knee is bent. One pair of skis will get NTN Freedom bindings from Scarpa (or Rottefella, which Scarpa owns) and the other will get Outlaw X bindings from 22 Designs. I’m particularly excited to test the Outlaw X bindings because people I’ve talked to say they have a really nice flex and add a noticeable amount of control. I also dig that they’re built in the U.S. by a small company. Both bindings have a touring mode, but for now, I’ll be using them exclusively inbounds.

Finally, I’ll be skiing with a pair of Scarpa TX Pro NTN boots, which can still be bought brand new in full-size runs if you know where to look. These boots have not changed in a long time (years!) because Scarpa put its energy into the AT market. They’re significantly heavier than a pair of Scarpa AT boots, but I’ve had the chance to ski them previously and loved that they were super stiff and super comfortable. Mated with a pair of NTN bindings, the Scarpas are the most advanced boots “still” on the market.

Mark My Words: Telemark is Coming Back

I want to end this article with a prediction: in five year’s you’re going to see a lot more telemark skiers at your local ski hill.

Here’s why: Over the past ten years, we’ve seen a lot of advancements in downhill and AT gear. You can barely go wrong with a pair of skis, boots, or bindings these days. As a result of this gear plateau we now sort of find ourselves on, telemark gear is going to get a refresh sometime soon. People like me who want a new challenge, or people who used to tele and miss those days, or people who just think dropping a knee looks cool, are a small but wide open market, and gear companies are going to exploit that market (in a good way).

In fact, I recently heard that a major boot company has plans to release a new telemark boot sometime in the coming years. One major step forward like that could spur the entire industry. I imagine this new boot will draw from AT technology and be lighter, stiffer, and come with an incredible walk mode. That will in turn inspire companies like 22 Designs to find new ways to harness that boot design, spurring their technology on as well. Ski companies, if they really wanted to, could use the ski constructions people currently love to build a ski that’s designed specifically for the telemark turn.

I’m not putting any money on this prediction just yet, but I hope that in five years I look back and I’m totally right. If I’m not, oh well. I’ll still be telemarking.

The post Everyone Should Own a Telemark Ski Setup appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Buying used skis, poles, and boots is risky business. Not only does it take a lot of knowledge to actually know what you’re looking for, but the signs of wear and tear can also be hard to spot. So I called a professional.

Katie Marvasti is the service shop manager atĚý, in Bend, Oregon, one of the largest outdoor gear consignment shops on the west coast. She really knows used skis. She spends countless hours each season helping customers get the right kits, and she personally oversaw the repair and subsequent sale of 588 pairs of used skis last year alone. The following are her tips to buy skis, bindings, boots, and poles secondhand.

Skis

Use an Age Limit

Marvasti implements a general ten-year limit on the skis and boots the shop accepts. “Once you get past ten years, that’s when things are more liable to fall apart and the plastic is more likely to degrade,” she says. “You can still find a lot of great stuff within that window and not break the bank doing it.”

Use Google Images

While it might be easy to find a brand and model of ski by looking at the top sheet, determining the year it was made can be tricky since some brands make the same model for five or more years at a time and only change the top sheet. “If you Google Image search a ski you can find the year the ski was made” by looking at the year the top sheet graphic was released, Marvasti says. If you can’t find it is likely too old anyway.”

Inspect Bindings Closely

“Bindings are the most important thing for your safety,” Marvasti says. “When you’re looking at bindings if you see any discoloration or cracks in it—red flag. You don’t want to risk your knees on that.” It’s also incredibly important that bindings reflect your proper DIN, or release, setting because the calibration can be off and you can’t tell if that’s the case without the use of specialized equipment.“When it comes to the DIN settings, there are little springs in there that make the skis release when you fall and you want it to let go at the appropriate time,” she says. “You don’t want your skis coming off mid turn but if you take a tumble and your skis don’t come off, there is a serious chance you could get injured.ĚýThat’s why we always suggest bringing them to a professional to be set up.” A reputable ski shop will not only get you lined up with the correct DIN setting based on your height, weight, and ability, but will also test your bindings with a calibration machine that will make sure the bindings are performing correctly.

Get to Know Your Local Ski Shop

Most ski shops won’t work on bindings older than five or six years due to restricting insurance policies, according to Marvasti. But you might get lucky: “If you’re looking at bindings older than that, you may want to see if you have a ski shop in town that is able to work on it,” she says. (The Gear Fix pays higher insurance to work on older bindings than most ski shops.) Your best bet is to call your closest ski shop to see if they work with the bindings you are considering purchasing. “If you buy bindingsĚýthat you think are great, but can’t take them anywhere to get tested or adjusted, that puts you in a precarious position,” Marvasti says.

Bottoms over Tops

Top sheet damage is usually superficial and doesn’t affect the performance of the ski. Marvasti recommends fixing ones that bother you with a little bit of epoxy at home. “The bases you want to inspect more closely,” Marvasti says. “Shallow scrapes are totally normal, but a deep one—a core shot where you can see the material underneath—that raises some red flags.” While core shots are repairable, they’re often pricey to perform and often don’t hold for more than a season or two, especially if they are near an edge.

Check the Edges

Your edges are critical for turning, and if one of them is blown out, the likelihood ofĚýyour ski performing well is low, Marvasti says.“Run your finger all the way around and make sure the edges aren’t popping out anywhere,” she says. “Edge damage is another one that is very difficult to fix, and even when they do fix it, it’s never going to be as good.”

Boots

Look into the Soles

The number one thing you should check is the soles of boots, Marvasti says. How worn are the heels and toes? If they’re worn smooth and even just a few millimeters thinner than they once were, they may no longer be compatible with bindings, which can be extremely dangerous because it could affect the binding’s ability to hold or release when it needs to. Boots worn to the point of having no texture are a no-no. Some pairs have replaceable soles, which are a good fix for worn down bottoms. But if the screws keeping those soles on the boots are worn down that is a good indicator that they are pretty worked over.

Broken Buckles Aren’t Deal Breakers

“If a buckle busts on a ski boot, that doesn’t necessarily mean the end of its life,” Marvasti says. “I keep a big bin of old buckles here at the shop to try and fix buckles that do bust.”

Don’t Forget the Liners

Marvasti suggests getting your hands inside a pair of used boots you are considering buying and feeling the back of the liner above the heel. This is the area most likely to experience wear and tear. It’s its worn through, skip it. If the liner is solid, see if you can find out how many times it has been heat molded. Most liners can handle two to three moldings in a lifetime, so if it was only heat molded once, you can get them molded to your feet at a ski shop.

Poles

Don’t Overthink Them

“If it doesn’t have a big kink in it and it has baskets, go for it,” Marvasti says. “You want it to be the right length. Flip it upside down, grab it under the basket,” and put the top of the grip on the ground. If your arm makes a 90-degree angle, you’re good to go. If you’re looking for used poles to use in the backcountry, consider factors likeĚý carbon (lighter, but more fragile) versus aluminum (heavier, but sturdier).

The post What to Know When Shopping for Used Ski Gear appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

There’s no beating around the bush: the snow out East is hard. Not for nothing do we know it as the “Ice Coast,” and locals will confirm that bulletproof literally means ice so firm a bullet would ricochet off of it.

The East sees microclimates, lake-effect snowstorms, and Nor’easters that produce copious amounts of snow. But compared to the Rockies, the ski resorts out East get snow with high moisture due to high humidity levels and lower base and summit elevations. Combine that with regular freeze/thaw cycles and dreaded winter rain storms, and you get a firm surface.

“Because we’re so close to the ocean, the water molecule in the snow is a little larger,” explains Frank MacConnel, owner of Bob Skinner’s Ski & Sport in Newbury, N.H. “Also, the water is soft, not hard. These things make a huge difference with the density of the snow.”

Picking a ski that will help you tackle those snow conditions with confidence, says MacConnel, means choosing a ski that can carve.

Related: Read our review of the 2023 Rossignol Experience 82 Ti

Best Skis for Hard Snow

Pick a narrow ski with metal and a carving sidecut

“We look for the performance of a race ski as the basis of how we buy our retail products on the East Coast,” says MacConnell. “That person [who buys that kind of ski] may have once raced, but they’re mostly into recreational skiing now and still want performance they can rely on.”

Race heritage skis feature solid wood laminate products with some form of metal in the core—whether it’s two sheets (one above the base material and one below the topsheet), one layer, or an extremely thin layer. Whatever the amount, MacConnell believes that metal in a ski makes a big difference for hard-snow performance.

Skis that work best for this region, according to MacConnell (himself a former ski racer), have waist widths between between 75-85mm, without dramatic tail rocker, but with a little rocker in the tip to help initiate the turn. Skis with waists below 82mm have more contact with the snow and hook up quickly for what MacConnell calls “instant gratification at the top of the turn”—like what you find with a race ski.

Related:ĚýCheck Out the Best Unisex Frontside Skis of 2023

Save your knees with a shorter ski

In the southeastern part of the U.S., along with lower elevation and warmer temps, resorts can have thin coverage along with hard-snow conditions. “With the short slopes and boilerplate, we think about your knees,” says Greg Klein, hardgoods buyer for Willi’s Ski Shop in Pittsburg, PA. “If you’re skiing on a fat ski on injected hills, you’re going to be sliding. We go shorter and narrower to reduce the torque on the knees.”

Klein says that when looking for the correct length, ski tips measured to the forehead can make the ski feel quick and responsive like a slalom ski. The advanced carver should look for skis that crest the top of their head for more stability.

Select a tighter turning radius for more agility

Industry pros agree that a ski with a tight turn radius benefits most Eastern skiers. MacConnell recommends skis with a turn radius between 14-18m for one main reason: skiers are sharing the trails with many other people, particularly on weekends. According to data from SIA and NPD Season in Review, the Northeast has seen season-over-season increases in skier visits.

“East Coast resorts do not have the acreage and expanse that West Coast areas have, so there are more people on any given slope,” says MacConnell. “To have a quality day, it’s fun to be on a shorter-radius ski so that you don’t have to be ripping so fast to make the ski turn.”

Related:Ěý

Consider your edge tune

MacConnell offers Eastern skiers a pro tip centered around tuning, which can have a profound effect on ski performance. Most ski shops have precise tuning machines, and a little knowledge can lead to a helpful dialogue with a local shop tech.

“When getting skis tuned, an enthusiastic intermediate could ask for a 1-degree base edge bevel and 2-degree side edge bevel so the ski will hook up with a slight delay,” says MacConnell. “The performance skier might prefer a 1-degree base edge bevel and 3-degree side edge bevel to take advantage of the precision from the ski, plus it stays sharper longer and rolls up on edge quicker.”

And for those high-performance skiers out there who get real techy about their base tune: “An open structure stone ground pattern coordinates with the larger water molecule found on the East Coast,” advises MacConnell.

In the end there’s no such thing as bad snow (even out east)—just the wrong skis and the wrong tune.

The post If You Ski the East, This Is the Type of Ski You Need Underfoot appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.