Where to Ski And Snowboard -

New gear for 2012 - the skis

22nd October 2011, by Dave Watts

Take your pick ... Scott Venture (top), K2 Aftershock (middle), K2 Superburnin (bottom)

Here we sum up the leading skis on- and off-piste, and what is happening in the women’s market.

LET’S ROCK

The versatility of wider skis is improved by the spread of ‘rocker technology’. Basically, this means that the tips (and often the tails) of the skis are lifted up from the snow, which improves flotation in powder and crud and makes turning easier (on- as well as off-piste) because less of the ski is in contact with the snow so pressure is concentrated in the centre section. Now lots of skis have ‘rocker’; K2, for example, has it on virtually its whole range.

ON THE PISTE

Of the piste skis aimed at decent skiers, the Atomic Vario D2 75, Völkl Code PSi, Fischer Progressor 800 and, especially, Nordica Fire Arrow EDT and Blizzard R Power Full Suspension (not surprising considering their £859 price) did well. First-time buyers should take a look at the Völkl Sensor 2, Salomon 24 GT Pro and Rossignol Zenith 72.

Snow+Rock is offering a special package aimed at first time buyers: Fischer Viron 2.2 skis plus bindings, poles, ski bag and a pair of Salomon Mission 4 or Divine 4 boots for just £320, an amazing bargain (it would cost £540 to buy them all separately and the skis and binding alone would normally sell for £340).

THE WHOLE HOG – ALL MOUNTAIN

All-mountain skis are designed to be skied off- as well as on-piste and for many readers of this book who like to do both, this is the type they should be looking for (it is certainly the type I look for). There is a huge choice of excellent skis available, including the K2 AMP Aftershock, Salomon Enduro XT, Rossignol Experience, Atomic Nomad Blackeye Ti, Völkl RTM, Völkl Grizzly and Scott Reverse. Intermediates looking for their fi rst all-mountain skis could look at the Salomon Enduro LX and Scott Aztec.

FREERIDE HEAVEN

With freeride skis (for people who want to spend most of their time off-piste but with some on-piste), top performers include the Fischer Watea 84, Rossignol S3, Scott Venture and Völkl Kendo.

In the big mountain category – for people who spend a lot of time in the mountains and want a great ski for powder days – the Atomic Bent Chetler, Völkl Gotama and Rossignol S7 did well at the test.

Kästle skis were not on the test. Snow+Rock has an exclusive deal to be the only Kästle stockist in the UK and I tried them at the Hemel Hempstead indoor snow centre and thought they were great and gave a really smooth ride.

GIRL POWER – SKIS ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN

Nearly every manufacturer now produces a range of skis designed specifically for women (from novice to expert), taking account of their different physical make-up to men. In general, women tend to be lighter and less powerful; so manufacturers give their women’s skis a different construction, flex and shape.

Favourite on-piste skis included: K2 Superburnin, Völkl Fuego, Dynastar Exclusive Active, Atomic Cloud, Rossignol Attraxion. All-mountain: Völkl Sol and Tierra, Scott Luna, K2 SuperStitious, Rossignol Temptation 78 and Salomon Intense Black. Freeride: Atomic Elysian, Rossignol S3 Women’s, Scott Rosa and Völkl Aura and Kenja.

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• skis
• equipment
• gear
• 2012

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