At Bridge Street Skihaus, Chris Cremer prefers the Dynastar speed zone 10 ($65/day) for groomers because “they’re unflappable, they hold a great edge at any speed.”
2For the guys: Dynastar Speed Zone 10
At Bridge Street Skihaus, Chris Cremer prefers the Dynastar speed zone 10 ($65/day) for groomers because “they’re unflappable, they hold a great edge at any speed.”
3For the guys: Nordica Patron
Double Diamond’s Matt Carroll describes the Nordica Patron ($65/day) as a versatile powder ski he’d use to cut through the crud days after the mountain’s been skied out.
4For the guys: Nordica Patron
Double Diamond’s Matt Carroll describes the Nordica Patron ($65/day) as a versatile powder ski he’d use to cut through the crud days after the mountain’s been skied out.
5For the guys: Rossignol Soul 7
Chris Howe of Ski Butlers loves the Rossignol Soul 7 ($71/day, includes delivery) for doing it all, from lapping front-side groomers to poaching powder stashes in the Back Bowls.
6For the guys: Rossignol Soul 7
Chris Howe of Ski Butlers loves the Rossignol Soul 7 ($71/day, includes delivery) for doing it all, from lapping front-side groomers to poaching powder stashes in the Back Bowls.
7For the guys: Lange Freetour 130
Surefoot’s Russ Shay covets the new Lange Freetour 130 ($949) for its light weight, and a walk mode that eases the stroll from the gondy to Vendetta’s.
8For the guys: Lange Freetour 130
Surefoot’s Russ Shay covets the new Lange Freetour 130 ($949) for its light weight, and a walk mode that eases the stroll from the gondy to Vendetta’s.
9For the ladies: K2 Luv Machine
Bridge Street Skihaus’ Chris Cremer says the K2 Luv Machine ($65/day) is the ideal demo for a girl like his daughter: an aggressive skier who rips every groomer on the mountain.
10For the ladies: K2 Luv Machine
Bridge Street Skihaus’ Chris Cremer says the K2 Luv Machine ($65/day) is the ideal demo for a girl like his daughter: an aggressive skier who rips every groomer on the mountain.
11For the ladies: K2 remedy 112
Double Diamond’s Matt Carroll calls the K2 remedy 112 ($65/day) “a fun ski to blast through deep snow.” So much fun, it’s the only lady’s powder ski in Double Diamond’s demo fleet.
12For the ladies: K2 remedy 112
Double Diamond’s Matt Carroll calls the K2 remedy 112 ($65/day) “a fun ski to blast through deep snow.” So much fun, it’s the only lady’s powder ski in Double Diamond’s demo fleet.
13For the ladies: Rossignol Sky 7 HD
Ski Butlers’ Chris Howe recommends the Rossignol Sky 7 HD ($71/day) as a bumps-to-Back Bowls ski as the perfect demo for a gal who knows no bounds.
14For the ladies: Rossignol Sky 7 HD
Ski Butlers’ Chris Howe recommends the Rossignol Sky 7 HD ($71/day) as a bumps-to-Back Bowls ski as the perfect demo for a gal who knows no bounds.
15For the ladies: Tecnica Cochise 105
Surefoot’s Russ Shay calls the Tecnica Cochise 105 ($720) the Cinderella’s slipper of ski boots: anatomically shaped to fit a woman’s foot.
16For the ladies: Tecnica Cochise 105
Surefoot’s Russ Shay calls the Tecnica Cochise 105 ($720) the Cinderella’s slipper of ski boots: anatomically shaped to fit a woman’s foot.
It’s been said that today, everyone is making great skis. But that doesn’t mean that all gear is created equal. Some skis are better than others, and there’s no doubt that if you only ski the Back Bowls that you’ll end up unhappy with a frontside slalom hardpack carver. There’s also the issue of boots. Well-fitting boots are the key to great days on the snow (which is why we argue that they’re the one piece of equipment that everyone should purchase, along with some custom insoles to keep your feet happy, warm and comfortable all day long).
To help you find the best gear for perfect days this winter, we asked buyers at a few of the valley’s top demo shops which new all-mountain, powder, and groomer skis they’ll be test-driving this season, along with one of Vail Village’s most-trusted fitters which new boots are the best for Vail skiers. Regardless of if you’re a visitor who is planning on demoing equipment during your holiday, or if you’re a local who plans on purchasing new gear for the season, here’s what they say you should be on this winter
