TOP 10 SKIS FOR YOUR SKIING HOLIDAYS 2023

Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt

Kicking off our list is the highly versatile men’s intermediate all-mountain Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt – and wow, what a ski. When skiing on-piste it reacts like a narrow piste ski, zipping from turn to turn no matter what piste conditions or turn size and skis slope side powder like a freeride ski, smooth and effortless. This all-mountain ski really does exactly that. All resort. All the time. The Experience 86 Basalt ski blends a lightweight build with a smooth ride for carving across the entire mountain. A paulownia wood core reduces overall weight, while basalt layers absorb vibration for a smooth, quiet feel. An 86mm waist adds versatility and stability acrosschanging snow conditions. The confidence-boosting control of the Drive Tip design works with the sidecut and full sidewall construction for smooth turn initiation and a powerful edge through the entire turn.

The SPX 12 Konect GripWalk® binding included, is a high-performance integrated binding system for aggressive skiers. The combination of a Full Action toe piece and SPX heel deliver the longest elastic travel on the market for unmatched shock absorption. The result is instant power transmission and precise control with superior shock absorption to reduce unwanted pre-release. It's compatible with traditional Alpine (ISO 5355) and GripWalk® boot soles.

Völkl Kenja 88

For our women’s intermediate all-mountain ski, we have the Völkl Kenja 88. The freeride ski has been crafted for those that like (or need) to ski all day, carving on piste or laying down turns in the fresh stuff. Easily accessible performance for the intermediate (or advanced) skier that doesn’t want to be confined to certain types of terrain. Point it down and it will ski any line with you in perfect control. If you don’t want to choose between piste and powder, between moguls and groomed carving slopes, then the Kenja 88 with its revised geometry is the perfect partner for every occasion. This all-mountain free-rider with a state-of-the-art build is suitable for female skiers who value performance but don’t want to be confined to the piste or terrain. Its impressive carving performance is due to the three different radii in the 3D Radius Sidecut. Different parts of the ski are involved at different speeds and the edges are engaged and disengaged, helping it manage different turns, terrains and forces perfectly. The tip and tail rocker makes initiating turns smoother and forgives mistakes on slopes deep with powder or slush. The centre radius is shorter by a metre, allowing the ski to be steered with noticeably less effort. With the Kenja 88 beneath your feet, you can take on everything the mountains have to offer.

Carbon Tips and a Tailored Titanal Frame have been integrated into the Kenja 88 for this season. In this design, the width of the Titanal upper belt can be adapted to the length of the ski; the resulting torsional stiffness and the desired damping behaviour can be adapted to the skier. The Titanal content is reduced in shorter skis, which means shorter and lighter skiers can get the most out of their skis without excessive effort. The new tailored carbon tips make the Kenja 88 especially versatile. Carbon fibres applied by means of Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) allow influencing curve behaviour with great accuracy. The strength and alignment of the fibres define the force you need to apply and the energy that builds up where it’s needed. Agile shovel reaction is a feature of special note. This means that as soon as you initiate a turn, you can steer the ski in a measured, easy manner. In other words, simply think about changing direction – and it happens.

Head Shape e-V5

For the men who like skiing on managed ski runs, we present the Head Shape e-v5. A great piste ski for the intermediate to advanced skier. Easy to control, carve, and live with. The EMC helps to damper vibration keeping the ski’s edge cutting through even the hardest snow. Fun and playful, the Shape e.V5 is an easy-turning, frontside ski. The construction includes wood core composite with sidewalls, enhanced in the front with HEAD EMC (Energy Management Circuit) technology, which absorbs negative vibrations creating a smoother ride. Era 3.0 makes turn initiation a cinch thanks to the rocketed tip combined with full-edge contact for groomed snow performance. The agile 74-mm waist and LYT Tech materials result in less fatigue for a full day on the slopes.

The Protector PR 11 85 included is the perfect binding if you are looking for maximum safety. And thanks to the innovative Full Heel Release (FHR) technology, it can significantly reduce the risk of knee injuries.

Salomon S/Max N°10

Salomon's lightest ski, the S/Max N°10 has been engineered to provide women with all the performance they need on the slopes, without any unnecessary bulk. A sandwich construction with a full dual-core has allowed Salomon to build the lightest ski on the market, without making any concessions on its performance. The enhanced Edge Amplifier provides an even higher energy transmission to the edges, resulting in 30% more edge grip and an unmatched edge-grip experience. This makes it easier to flex the ski through the turn, so you can be more precise with less effort when skiing all day. With this ski, you can aim for excellence as you master every turn. Get ready to hit the piste.

Elan Ripstick 88

The men’s Elan Ripstick 88 is a really good one-ski quiver. This freeride ski is more than comfortable spending all week carving the corduroy, short turns, and long GS turns without a problem. The Amphibio profile (left & right ski) allows the ski to be snappy but ensures all power is transmitted to the edge to increase edge grip to the max. But add the hint of some powder and the ski comes alive, skiing effortlessly through the deep stuff. Can be mounted with any type of binding, alpine or touring. Ripstick 88 defines the all-mountain category and serves as the missing link between on and off-piste skis. Inheriting the tech pedigree from wider Ripsticks, it’s equally confident on groomers and off-piste, especially at the end of the day when it’s no longer fresh corduroy. Optimising the combo of Elan’s unique Amphibio profile this narrower Ripstick is agile, smooth and easy to ski.

The secret lies within the Amphibio Carbon Line Technology for a snappy and lively feel while the SST sidewalls complement the Tubelite wood core for direct transmission of power edge to edge. Simply stated, the Ripstick 88 is the perfect marriage of front-side and freeride performance for skiers looking for a smooth, forgiving ride. The Ripstick 88 is the perfect combination of versatility, agility, and performance for every condition the mountain can dish out. The Elan Ripstick 88 will leave you wanting more – with a big smile on your face.

Head Absolut Joy

Head’s Absolut Joy lives up to its name in spades. This women’s all-mountain ski is designed to get intermediate and advanced skiers racking up the km. With its early tip rocker helping to initiate the turn, narrow waist making turning quicker and easier, and lightweight core allowing you to ski all day without those burning thighs. A real dream ski to own. With Absolut Joy, you can carve up the corduroy and make railroad tracks in the snow. Designed for the front side, the Absolut Joy has a wood core and lightweight construction with materials prized for their high strength-to-weight ratio. Tip rocker and a slender waist make turn initiation a breeze on the groomers.

The JOY 9GW SLR brake 95 binding included is light as a feather. Thanks to a lightweight heel unit, the JOY 9 GW SLR binding allows women and young skiers to ski nearly effortlessly.

Head Shape e-V10

Carving into expert territory, the men’s Head Shape e-v10 is for advanced skiers who love life on the piste. The generously shaped piste ski will have you skiing the groomed terrain, regardless of snow conditions, from the first lifts to the last. Really quick into the turn, extra width underfoot aids stability and as much power in the tail as you want. The Shape e-V10 features innovative technology and a user-friendly geometry that suits all-mountain skiers. A wide tip and tail, an 85-mm waist and HEAD's rocker-enhancing Era 3.0 support quick turn initiation, reliable edge hold and soft snow performance. EMC reduces vibrations, while a Tech Backbone in the wood core reduces unnecessary weight and increases hard snow performance. The Protector PR 11 90 included is the perfect binding if you are looking for maximum safety. Thanks to the innovative Full Heel Release (FHR) technology, it can significantly reduce the risk of knee injuries.

Völkl Flair 79

A piste ski that believes it’s all mountain. The women’s Völkl Flair 79 comprises a wood core that gives an amazing edge grip at all speeds. It has a wider waist for on-piste stability which doubles up giving more surface area and thus more floatation when skiing frontside powder. This ski will really lay down turns all over the mountain. If you’ve recently discovered the unrivalled exhilaration of skiing, then the Flair 79 may be your ticket to freedom. The construction is a combination of ease and stability. The 3D. Ridge technology and Centre Sidewall significantly reduce weight across the length of the ski, while keeping the power underfoot, where a thin layer of steel adds strength. Each turn is easily initiated, without sacrificing grip, thanks to the extended tip and tail rocker.

Power transfer is prioritized by the iPT Wideride binding system; plus the GripWalk® compatibility brings a new level of ski boot comfort. With all the thoughts put into it and a slightly wider waist, the Flair 79 opens up more terrain, in more conditions, than any other ski in the Flair line-up. Skis for the fun-lovers who are looking for a sporty, playful, fatigue-free day exploring the entire mountain, whatever the conditions.

Faction Dancer 2

The perfect freeride weapon to discover the whole mountain. The advanced men’s Faction Dancer 2 is quick and sure-footed through the turns on-piste, but it’s when you go searching those powder lines that it will excel. Nimble, floaty, and endless fun, you will be skiing fresh lines with the biggest smile, all day long. The Dancer 2 is your go-to for pure all-mountain freeride bliss. Two razor-thin sheets of metal complement the wood core for the ideal blend of up-tempo energy and lightweight stability, no-chatter, and full-confidence handling. Its 96 mm waist is versatile to handle all conditions and all-terrain. You'll even float and dance above the choppy stuff thanks to the perfect touch of rocker. Backed by the finest, most durable Austrian construction, and powered 100% by renewable energy.

Völkl Yumi 80

Skiing is about one thing above all else: fun. And the women’s all-mountain Völkl Yumi 80 is a fantastic option for anybody looking for a ski which makes it easy to initiate turns and provides effortless power transfer. Its multi-layer wood core and full sidewall give it its performance, while its 3D. glass construction and 3D radius sidecut make this ski surprisingly adept and forgiving at different kinds of curves. It’s agile on tight corners and remains composed and stable on big, wide turns. The Yumi 80 is all about fun and performance, on the piste and off it – the latter especially if the snow is soft and irresistible. Straightforward freeriding joy, whatever day you go out on.