Top 10 Powder Skis

At the end of last season, I picked up a pair of Marker Griffon bindings with 120-mm brakes, figuring they’d motivate me to invest in a pair of fatties this year. Not that I need a lot of motivation to go skiing at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Like most skiers, I drool over early season buyer’s guides and fantasize about how to expand my quiver. I don’t have any easy answers yet. But here are the 10 skis I’m determined to try (soon). My new bindings want a buddy.

1. Armada JJ 2.0
Sizes: 165, 175, 185, 195 cm; 131-138-117-134-127 mm
This iconic powder ski features Armada’s signature five-point sidecut, and an updated gradual taper that testers say make it more predictable. The rocker-camber-rocker profile make this ski work well on everything—from crust to corduroy to bring-your-snorkel dumps.

2. Rossignol Super 7
Sizes: 164, 172, 180, 188 cm; 140-116-130 mm
This lightweight, versatile ski has garnered cult status among devotees. It’s hella tough, thanks to Rossignol’s proprietary technology, and combines rockered tips and tail with a bit of camber to make for a playful and controllable ski.

3. K2 Shreditor 102
Sizes: 170, 177, 184, 191 cm; 131-102-125 mm
Call me vain, but this ski’s top sheet is what grabbed me first. It’s awesomely vintage and sure to be a conversation starter. But once it’s on the snow, there won’t be time to chat. This playful ski easily maneuvers through the trees and other tight spots, but has the shovel and tail to float through the deep.

4. Head Collective 105
Sizes: 171, 181, 191 cm; 146-105-128 mm
Last winter I chased a ripping PR rep on this ski (last year’s version), and, after a few runs begged her to give me a turn. She nearly had to pry them off my feet. This ski is supremely stable. It’s dual rocker profile makes for a playful ride, and it is fast.

5. Völkl 100Eight
Sizes: 157, 165, 173 cm; 141-108-124 mm
This woman-specific ski takes hard charging to a new level. And that’s saying something for Völkl, known for making skis that stand up to all conditions. The ski’s full rocker plus its taper make for open fast turns, and its wide shovel give awesome float in the tip.

6. Kästle BMX115
Sizes: 177, 185, 193 cm; 141-115-130 mm
Representing the pinnacle in Austrian ski technology, this fattie from Kästle features no metal, just wood, which testers say provides a plush feel in the powder. It also makes for a very adaptable ski that rocks in a variety of terrain.

7. Salomon Rocker2 122
Sizes: 172, 180, 184, 192 cm; 144-122-132 mm
Made for the deep with a full wood core, this twin rocker floats through powder and smears through the turns.

8. Stöckli Stormrider 107
Sizes: 174, 183, 192 cm; 135-107-127 mm
Stöckli’s Stormrider is described as “smooth and damp,” a responsive all-mountain wonder that boasts an even flex, soft tip, and large sweet spot. It’s a forgiving ski with the brand’s trademark World Cup quality construction, lightweight and ready for anything.

9. Voilé V8
Sizes: 165, 176, 186, 193 cm; 146-115-126 mm
This is a big fat ski with a reputation for doing it all. Featuring tip and tail rocker paired with minimal camber, the V8 is a classic powder ski. Yet it’s got enough rigidity that it holds an edge and can handle the hard pack.

10. Blizzard Bodacious
Sizes: 177, 185, 193 cm; 138-118-127 mm
An award-winning, high tech powder ski, the Bodacious impressed testers with its stability and float. Nimble and energetic, the ski is quick and fun.

If you want to learn how to fully enjoy the deep powder, choose from our wide variety of ski and snowboard programs. Whether your new to Breck or want to explore new terrain, we have a pro to help get you to the next level. After getting a new pair of skis, we always recommend taking a lesson to make sure you know how to use your new gear, it is set-up correctly, and to get any tips and tricks to trying out a pair of skis with new technology.

For the best selection and prices (or to rent skis prior to purchasing) make sure to check out Breck Sports, with 7 convenient locations in town and on the mountain.

—Rachel Walker