The Volkl Mantra is such a fun ski, with some of the absolute best all-mountain performance in the all-mountain test. Edgehold and stability are awesome, with an added bit of power that lets you blast through any mixed snow with the same great feeling of grip that you get on the hardpack. Versatility here also gets a big plus, as it also makes short and long turns with equal aplomb, and that’s in every kind of terain type.

The only place scores did dip here were for float (and that wasn’t by much). A true lift-served ski for every day you ski the lifts, the Mantra is a pleasure to ski with a responsiveness that only increases the more you push it, and that feels just about unstoppable for skiers with strong technique.