Here’s a summary of our Women’s Big Mountain Skis for the 2013-14 season, conducted by Megan Michelson.
Nordica La Nina
An absolute favorite of female testers, the Nordica La Niña finally answers the demand for a proper women’s powder ski. At 113 millimeters underfoot and with a huge rockered tip, it’s truly designed for heli-skiing in Alaska or deep-day tram laps at Jackson Hole. A true powder skier’s tool, the La Niña excelled in variable and deep snow. It was responsive and precise in tight spots and handled high speeds with relative grace and ease. But it needs a strong skier. Intermediates will likely feel overwhelmed. Retail Price: $849. Gear Institute Rating: 82
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Big Mountain Ski Test.
Volkl Kiku
The fattest of Volkl’s women’s freeskiing line, the 107-millimeter-waisted Kiku has been a favorite of big-mountain female rippers since it first debuted on the market in 2009. It’s been much updated since—and now comes with a fully rockered design and no camber underfoot. A dependable choice for hard-chargers and girls who like to go fast, the Kiku is a good fit for East Coasters who want a powder ski or Jackson Hole and Utah locals looking for an everyday shredder. Retail Price: $825. Gear Institute Rating: 79
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Big Mountain Ski Test.
Rossignol Star 7
A brand new women’s powder ski from Rossignol, the 116-millimeter-underfoot Star 7 comes with a new honeycomb tip design called Air Tip, which lets air pass through the tip of the ski, allowing it to be lighter and more floatable in powder and quicker and easier to manipulate in tight spots. If you loved Rossignol’s original S7, you’ll be even more impressed by this updated version of it. Powder seekers, you’ve found your perfect vehicle. Retail Price: $850. Gear Institute Rating: 78
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Big Mountain Ski Test.
Fischer Koa 110
Fischer’s Koa 110 was made for slashing deep snow and crud on steep, varied terrain, but it’s not so fat that it can’t turn on a dime in the trees or on groomers. This ski was an instant favorite amongst hard-charging female testers for its versatility and durability. It was stiff, but not overbearing and its mid-fat width makes it a good option for advanced to expert skiers who don’t have the budget for two pairs of skis. In short, it’s a great option for women who explore the whole mountain but still want to be able to rip groomers down to the lodge. This is a 110-millimeter-underfoot women’s big-mountain ski, newly designed for fall 2013. It’s got rocker in the tip and tail for charging through powder and camber underfoot for rallying on groomers. It’s a true one-ski quiver for advanced to expert women skiers. Retail Price: $850. Gear Institute Rating: 75
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Big Mountain Ski Test.
Elan Bliss
The newly updated Elan Bliss—the women’s version of Elan’s Chainsaw—got a Trulite wood core this year, along with vertical sidewalls and a stiff piece of fiberglass. The result? A lightweight, big-mountain ski that has a lot of power given its featherweight feel. If you’re looking for a burly, high-speed racer, this probably isn’t your ski of choice. But if you’re looking for a friendly, do-everything ride that you can take you into the backcountry or anywhere in the resort—a ski that will make you feel like a better skier in deep snow and crud—then you’ve found it. Retail Price: $750. Gear Institute Rating: 74
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Big Mountain Ski Test.
Line Pandora
Line’s 110-millimeter-waisted Pandora got a full makeover this year, with a new lightweight construction for a more quick, playful, and nimble feel, and an early-rise tip for the deepest of powder days. Picture this ski like a surfboard for snow. If you’re a playful skier—someone who loves jibbing, jumping, and rocketing off natural and manmade features—and you’re looking for a powder ski, this lively and floatable ski would be a good choice for you. Retail Price: $650. Gear Institute Rating: 65
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Big Mountain Ski Test.
