Nowadays, there are hardly any bad skis left—just models suited to different uses and skill levels. So your choice should be based on how you ski and your style, rather than simply chasing performance. A very stiff ski designed for speed and power won’t suit everyone, while a more forgiving, accessible model will appeal to most skiers. Be sure to consider all the testing criteria—not just downhill performance! Before diving into the search for the perfect ski, take a moment to read the following lines, which outline the key criteria to consider, along with our take on the subject.
HOW DO WE TEST SKIS?
We put each pair through its paces over several days and in a variety of conditions, following a rigorous protocol—far beyond the one-off demos organized by brands. Our testing takes place over an extended period, because we believe a thorough evaluation must involve different terrains, multiple days of use, and feedback from several skiers.
Our process starts at the resort, where we compare ski performance on identical runs, in similar conditions, but with different models. This phase lasts over 15 days to fully cover our selection. We then continue testing the skis on touring outings throughout the season, allowing us to assess their behavior on various types of snow (powder, hardpack, crust, etc.). Our tests range from the Pyrenees to the Alps, and even abroad—in Norway and Turkey.
