Nordica’s Hell & Back was a test favorite for its stability, versatility, easy turn initiation and edgehold. It handled on and off-piste equally well, preferring a mid-radius turn in all conditions. One tester proclaimed, “It slaughters groomers and is capable wherever you take it.”

The two areas where the ski lost points were in its overall forgiveness-it did not like getting pushed into short turns-and its lack of float when the snow got choppy or deep. It prefers to arc through mixed snow, rather than stay on top of it. Definitely a great ski for owning the lift-serve with a little tour now and then, and best for accomplished skiers who want to make a confident gs style turn no matter what the terrain.