Black Diamond’s Zealot is a powder and backcountry specific ski with a lot of float in the off-piste conditions it is designed to handle, and a responsive edge-to-edge feel that inspires confidence when making wild snow turns in a variety of terrain.

Playfulness (i.e., versatility and pop) were the main drawbacks to making this ski a lift-served choice. It suffered, and felt planky, whenevever hardpack conditions were less than a few inches below the surface. Predictable and easy to ski whenever windblown and fresh snow conditions change with each arc, our testers feel this ski is best suited for skiers who skin, tram or traverse beyond the boundary ropes.