I have struggled to find ideal skis for piles of spring crud. I used a pair of 5-6 year old Rossignol Viper which has now worn out. The new versions of this ski seem firmer and less suitable. On hard snow I do fine on Völkl Superspeed or Rossignol 9X. Skiing on glaciers you would really need two pairs. A hard pair on the ice in the morning and a 6-10cm longer and softer ski in the afternoon.

I was happy on Dynstar Legend 8000s in early April, on ice in the mornings and slush in the afternoons. But I don’t claim to be a ski connoisseur.

I go glacier skiing every summer and bought a pair of Elan Magfire 12’s after they got a very good review in a magazine, with a recommendation from Martin Bell. Technically, they are Freeride expert skis, but are excellent all-rounders. I have tried quite a few other skis since, but am always happy to come back to the Elans.