Buying new skis was on the to-do list, which led to the D&Q ski shop and a review of what's new for women on the ski wall.
Ladies, looking for new skis? Confused about your choices? You’ve got a lot of company.
With more than a handful of ski manufacturers out there, and each one boasting (without shame) up to two dozen-plus models in their ski lines, there’s no shame in becoming confused.
These days, skiers must choose among all-mountain skis, freestyle skis, racing skis, twin-tip skis and fat skis.
That’s a lotta skis.
So, I stopped in at Danzeisen & Quigley in Cherry Hill, NJ—a SKI Magazine "Ski Shop of the Year" winner—to talk skis. Here’s what I learned.
- Most of this year’s skis year are wider underfoot, averaging about 72-cm at the waist.
- It’s getting hard, if not impossible, for advanced skiers to find "flat" skis any more. Almost all makers are manufacturing "integrated systems" in which the bindings come specifically designed for the skis. If you want flat skis, ask about last year’s models.
Women’s Skis
Volkl Attiva Line
- Volkl AC3: A still, expert ski for relatively aggressive skiers. Price: with integrated bindings, about $820.
- Volkl AC: a good entry level ski. Price: about $340 flat without bindings
- Attiva Motion: a nice ski for intermediates who like the groomers. Price: with integrated bindings, about $690.
Salomon
- Salomon Siam N8+Z10Ti: (where do they come up with these names?) an expert/advanced ski that’s wide underfoot wqith bindings mounts moved 8-mm forward to accommodate a woman’s center of gravity. It offers good all-mountain performance. The Z10Ti refers to the integrated binding, which employs titanium to keep things light weight. Price: with integrated bindings, about $650.
- The Siam N5 is less demanding but still gives good all-around performance.
Rossignol
- Rossignol B2: superb all-mountain expert ski that’s responsive and handles most snow conditions. Price: with integrated bindings, about $700
- Rossignmol Passion Classic 2 & 3: good performance skis for entry level up to advanced intermediate. Price: with integrated bindings, about $340-$600
- Roxy (brand by Rossignol): called "the little black dress of skis," this line come with artwork by Roxy; a fashion ski that’s relatively inexpensive, ranging from $400-$600.
K2
K2 probably has the best graphics on the women’s ski market, with skis that change color when seen from different angles.
- K2 Lotta Love: a top of the line all-mountain ski that’s very wide 78-cm) at the waist. Price: with integrated bindings, about $850.
- K2 Burnin’ Love: narrow-waisted and therefore quick-turning. Price: with integrated bindings, about $800.
