Want to buy new skis

Question
QUESTION: I'm a 21 year old advanced skier looking to buy a new pair of skis. I抦 in college but ski 4-5 days a week and can handle nearly any trail on the mountain. I primarily ski in New England and want a good pair of performance skis that will be versatile in all New England抯 crazy weather. I抳e spent the past two summers skiing Whistler in Vancouver British Columbia and decided that my old skis are no longer adequate. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for a good all mountain ski that would turn well on New England抯 icy slopes. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Sarah


ANSWER: Hi Sarah,

If you are looking for a ski that will be purely eastern, I'd start with the Dynastar Contact 10, or the women's Exclusive Carve. You want a ski with a narrow waist, and somewhere in the 13 meter turn range.

You might want to look at a race-bred ski for grip, but one that is backed off for bump performace. Try the Blizzard SLR.

Another great pick is the Fischer Progressor.

Finally, I'd consider the VOlkl Attiva Fuego.

ALl of these share a race background, with a touch of tuning to make them friendlier.

Hope that helps- email again if you want to provide more info (ht/wt) trail conditions, etc.

Thanks,

Ron

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That will be very helpful! I'm 5'10" about 155lbs and ski just about all trail conditions which seem to be more ice than snow lately. (although it has been snowing all day today and has accumulated over a foot which I'm very excited about!) Any other advice you can give me would be great... Thanks

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Sorry for the delay in responding. I am pretty confident about the selections I made so far. Given your height, I'd really recommend the Fischer Progressor. It skis a 14 meter arc at the tip, and something in the range of 17 at the tail (at least in the length I skied), and you can really feel and use the difference.

I have been skiing the Nordica Speed Machine Mach 3 the past few days- it has many of the same characteristics of my favorite ski, the Hot Rod Modified- but it is slightly stiffer, slightly less damp. The Mach 2 may be more suitable for your weight, as well as a touch more versatile.

Of course, you can also consider the womens versions of these skis, but I think that your description of your own skiing indicates a race bred ski. I think I'd stay in the 165 range for your height.

Enjoy!

Ron