Does that mean I get a little too in my head about whos critiquing my turns from the chairlift? A super-dependable ski you can reach for in all conditions and not be let down, said East Coast-based tester Avery Pesce. Background: On skis at 3 years old, but no formal coaching. else Of course, they still need to have some off-piste chops, so here is my list of 22/23 skis I could shred any day, under any condition. It takes more muscle to swing the Rallybird 104 Ti around in big moguls, where it feels a little sluggish. Meet the other members of SKIs official gear testing group, Overall score: 8.66/10 CREATE WORLDS: JOIN BLIZZARD AND ENTERTAIN THE UNIVERSE! var src = (useSSL ? These are my favorite skis for the 2022-2023 season. On Wednesday, Heavenly also advised extra caution for skiers. I'm going to add a cheater slalom ski next year for a 2 ski quiver. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Overall score: 7.5/10 Schiller considers himself a blue collar ski industry middleman. Lengths: 160, 167, 174, 181. However, for a 2 ski quiver in the sierra, I would recommend a 90-100mm firm snow ski and a 105-120 soft snow ski (that skis deep powder better than the Raven). Nordica Enforcer 104 vs. Blizzard Rustler 10- Ski Mag Blizzard warnings remain in effect Wednesday across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, where up to 2 feet of additional snowfall are possible through Wednesday morning. If you want your narrow ski to do 50/50 duties with a Shift, go for something with moderate weight that will still hold up inbounds. Between 14-24 pairs of skis were entered into each category. googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_sidebar_mpu', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-adRectangle').addService(googletag.pubads()); Usually if its a good pow day the resort is too crowded so I hit the low angle backcountry, I feel I will miss the security of an alpine binding less in powder then on hard pack. You arent supposed to just list off your quiver! I felt like I was talking to MY PEOPLE! My interview process was such a wonderful experience. These are the best all-mountain/all-condition skis for 22/23. When conditions are prime, Im off-piste hunting for fresh snow. Sure, I can get down with a field trip into the trees or some bumps, but I am at my happiest on groomers, laying over fast turns on compact snow. Price: $950 (Buy Now) Testers ski each pair Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness. Intermediates will find it an approachable and confidence-boosting all-mountain tool, so long as they size down. We havent seen a month like January 1978 since that frigid time period. Grapevine closed indefinitely due to snow and ice, authorities say, California woman dies after snow porch collapses in storm, Avalanche slams into Tahoe apartment building. However, some skis these days are womens-specific. Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard & Indoor/Outdoor Fitness Center with Lockers and Showers, On-Site Classes Including Boot Camp, Aikido, Swordsmanship, Yoga, and More, Massage Therapist, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, and Physical Therapist, Blizzard Library - Games, Books, and Movies, Adjacent Running and Bicycle Trail System. A soft flex pattern in the tip makes for intuitive steering and effortless float, while stiffer tails create power and stability when transitioning from fresh snow to firm, groomed runs. document.write(''); As a high-energy skier, I need skis that grip on hard snow when put up on edge but are also forgiving enough to break free when I want to skid a turn or get tired later in the day. The resort was one of the few around the lake that was able to keep a few low-elevation lifts open during the brunt of the storm Feb. 28. That said, strong intermediates who arent afraid of putting in some work will find it a very dependable and confidence-inspiring all-mountain ski. | Business Register and Tax Code Read more about our policy. California googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_header_widead', [[728, 90], [970, 90]], 'div-gpt-ad-adWideAd').addService(googletag.pubads()); After getting some tweaks for the 2023-2024 season, the new Blizzard Sheeva 9 rides smoother and feels more confidence inspiring in variable snow. Adam ultimately went with the Enforcer 104 Free since hes looking for a one-ski quivera ski thats versatile and can handle everything. Cruise or charge: The choice is yours, said tester and Jackson Hole local, Lily Krass. He worked his way through the ranks as a racer, spending time at a ski academy in Vermont before returning to his favorite mountain in Utah. Wesley Whalen, a 46-year-old New York man, died after an incident at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, resort officials said. In the longer lengths, the Sheeva 9 packs a punch best suited to experts willing to dial it up to 11. For the third year in a row, Nordicas Enforcer 104 Free has topped the All-Mountain Wide category. It takes little effort to tease the pop and play out of each turn, then quickly put that energy back into the next. Hes spent 32 years in skiing and tried all the jobs within the industry, including lift operator, patroller, race coach, brand rep, World Cup technician, and custom ski boot shop owner. { var sidebar_align = ''; Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much "I wanna gofast" - Devon as she breaks the sound barrier. Blizzard Our 2023 best in show in the frontside department is a ski with some serious carving chipsit rails like a champion on the corduroyso take this model out on that bluebird groomer day and feel like the best dang skier on the mountain. How many of these beautiful mountain destinations in Kentucky have you experienced? trademarks referenced herein are the properties of their respective owners. googletag.enableServices(); I'm a fan of slightly playful skis that can still go real real fast. Pros: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed document.write(''); { This years No. Lengths (cm): 162, 170, 178 var sidebar_align = 'right'; Age: 54 | Height: 54 | Weight: 136 lbs. CA Residents only: console.log('NSFW in title'); The weight of a skier can cause the snow to collapse, creating a well surrounded by denser and higher snow. For new testersand for those that don't know, the tough part about testing skisis being able to articulate what you are feeling. Overall score: 7.91/10 Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness, This years top-ranked unisex powder ski offers a balanced, dependable platform to push intermediate and advanced skiers to the top of their game. console.log('NSFW in title'); OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. My focus is less on speed and more on perfecting my technique. And I would agree with something wider like a 112 or 116 for dedicated powder. Irvine, California is consistently ranked among the USs safest places to live. Keep on mind that pin bindings in bounds are generally a bad idea for both your health and safety as well as your enjoyment and longevity of your equipment. I'm asking my skis to handle basicallyall conditions so here are my top 5 picks for all-mountain/all-weather skis for 2022/23. That said, its just as comfortable on groomers and hard snow, and its balance of skills and perfect mix of dependability and energy are what make it the category winner. } Most days Im out on the hill were shooting photos/videos with Matt our marketing guy. The tragic incident happened less than a day after the historic snowfall that blanketed areas of the Sierra Nevada in more than 100 inches of snow, with Heavenly reporting 72 inches of snowfall between Feb. 24 and March 1. googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_header_widead', [[728, 90], [970, 90]], 'div-gpt-ad-adWideAd').addService(googletag.pubads()); We test mens and womens skis separately in five different categories: Carving, Frontside, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Wide, and Powder. Seriously, we got you covered. Blizzard Sheeva 9 He learned his solid ski fundamentals through the Snowbird race team as well as his love of skiing powder. Do I still want a ski I can dig into a lift-line groomer and feel confidentin the tight New England trees? } So far, the discussions have been rife with advice on ski models for all conditions and terrain, as well as some bootfitting tips and gift-giving advice. This is one of the best skis Ive been on in years, said Montana-based tester Sam Cox. My top contender right now is the 4Frnt Raven (104), but I wonder if I will wish for something wider given that this is my dedicated pow ski? Radius (m): 16.5 var content_container_margin = parseInt('340px'); A last piece of advice - if you're aiming for a 2-ski quiver, the best way to do it is not going for two 50/50 skis. wait!!!! WebThe Blizzard Sheeva 9 has long been a top pick for ladies looking to explore the whole mountain with a quick turning, playful, but supportive ski. I dont ski park and am more into improving my ability to take on challenging steep/narrow/tightly treed lines than going fast (but I guess I do go fast on open groomers when Im at the resort). But 43 years ago, our states largest city saw the snowiest month on record. I would not want to ski resort powder and groomers on a pin binding. Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback, Can Todays Wide All-Mountain Skis Hack It Back East? Radius (m): 14 This is what I used last year for trips to A-basin and Big Sky. Background: Former US Ski Team member. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("nsfw", "yes"); After establishing the Blizzard Entertainment label in 1994, the company quickly became The Santa Ana 88s quick edge-to-edge transitions and solid edge grip inspires confidence while its playfulness makes you want to grin and giggle at the end of each run. Dimensions (mm): 119-88-107 Maybe Im biased, but ski season is easily the best time of year. I like the look, shape, and width of the Bent 110, but Im worried that its a bit too light and wouldnt handle chop/variable snow that well. Also, yes, the buyers guide is definitely worth it and will provide much more in depth info than you'll be able to get from Reddit. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. Sign up for Outside+ today. Absolutely. else We will not pay fees to any third party agency, outside recruiter or firm without a mutually agreed-upon contract and will not be responsible for any agency fees associated with unsolicited resumes. WebBlizzard Entertainment is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. Its blend of performance and playfulness allows for any and all speeds, permitting every skier to drive at their unique ability. These skis come in a variety of length options, usually from 150cm to 190cm to accommodate for both men and women, as well as different ability levels. It began as rain and then quickly transitioned to snow as the temperatures plummeted. I need a ski that can do literally anything and everything regardless of conditions. While its a tough decision, the answer ultimately comes down to personal preference and how/where you ski. Fun fact: Eric's spirit animal is a unicorn. SKIs editors and veteran gear testers, who are all proven industry professionals, spend a week each March testing more than a 200 pairs of next seasons crop of skis. The QST Blank sets itself apart from the pack at moderate speed for its responsiveness and maneuverability, summed up tester and former U.S. World Cup alpine ski racer Brennan Rubie says. Background: Racer turned freestyler turned all-mountain skier. Hes a veteran gear testers who has tested skis for both Powder and SKI. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Heavenly Ski Patrol, and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guests family and friends, said Tom Fortune, Vail Resorts vice president and chief operating officer of Heavenly and the Tahoe region, in an official statement. We are winter 365 days a year, no patio furniture or tennis racquets here. My plan is that over the next two seasons I will transition to a 2-ski quiver with a powder/touring ski mounted with traditional lightweight tech bindings and an all-mountain ski with the Shifts. Best East Coast Carving Skis Blizzard Brahma 88 Skis for Men. And thats exactly where the Sheeva 9 shines, with testers praising the skis ability to plow over and through variable snow conditions above all else. Yes. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book. If you want to experience more of Kentucky's mountains, you should add the following destinations to your itinerary: Cave Run Lake, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Pine Mountain, Eagle's Nest in Red River Gorge, Breaks Interstate Park, and the top of Natural Bridge. '//www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js'; Its light enough to charge uphill, but stable as anything in all downhill conditions, and testers felt confident railing on the Blizzard Hustle 10 anywhere. Thanks for the idea. Wed love to hear about your experiences and memories in the comments! Nevertheless, testers concurred that its the best option for advanced and expert skiers looking for one ski to tackle the whole mountain on all but the deepest of days. All. Price: $800 (Buy Now) I tend to be a fair-weather skier, but I am easily convinced to hit the slopes in any condition. 8:36 AM EST, Wed March 1, 2023. I dont think you'll regret a wider ski for your daily touring ski. '); If you had to choose a single brand from which to build your 2-ski quiver, which company would you pick? 1. Sego: Big Horn 106 and Wave BC 104 The Big Horn feels like the foundation of my 2-ski quiver, so this is only right. No clue how the Wave BC 104 skis, though. Blizzard I felt like I was talking to MY PEOPLE! Privacy Policy. In the Experience 82 Ti, Rossignol has created a true frontside ski, utilizing two sheets of metal to establish stiffness, while still delivering a lightweight, forgiving ride. This year, they gave it slightly higher scores in Playfulness than the Enforcer 104 Free, but thought it was significantly less versatile than the Enforcer 104. A string of back-to-back winter storms have lashed the West this week, delivering blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall to many areas in California. The following is a list of the best winter hiking trails in Kentucky: Princess Arch Trail in Red River Gorge, Woodland Walk in the Land Between The Lakes, Natural Bridge Trail in Carter Caves State Resort Park, High Point Loop in Bernheim Forest, Angel Windows Trail in Red River Gorge, Sloan's Crossing Pond Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Falls Trail in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Raven Rock Trail in Kingdom Come State Park, Prospector's Trail in Breaks Interstate Park, and Boone Bottoms Trail in the Parklands Of Floyds Fork. With that being said, just because our SKI Test crew thought these were the best this year doesnt necessarily mean that they are the best skis for you. She attended Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy for high school and joined the U.S. This particular storm was so impactful and goes down in history thanks to the extreme weather phenomenon that is often called a "snow hurricane.". Expert Video Review: 2021 Blizzard Rustler 9 | Curated.com I'm looking to lean out my quiver from 3 down to 2. 92618 Wider skis just handle funky snow better. Those are twothings thatare pretty different, so my favorite skis are ones that can do both well. FYI, Im 510, 195lb, expert skier.. - Bean Bowers. Ski & Snowboard Team. Sign up for Outside+ today. var sidebar_align = 'right'; Blizzard's Dynamic Release Technology utilizes a specially shaped Titanal component that is full width under the boot but tapers toward the tip and tail of the ski, to increase the ski's playfulness without the Background: Short stint as a ski racer who far prefers fast ski days with buds. It does have a speed limit, and testers noted the ski becomes squirrely when you drive it too hard in anything but deep snow, rewarding playful styles and medium speeds rather than hard chargers. Whalen was reportedly wearing a GoPro during the incident, which may provide additional information. A boat would have to dodge icebergs of sorts, as this river border of our state was filled with ice from what so many remember as the biggest blizzard in Kentucky. Hes been a gear tester for SKI for more than a decade. var content_container_margin = parseInt('340px'); appreciated. Learn more: Essential Ski and Boot Terminology. waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitWait! The highest point in Kentucky is Black Mountain, which can be found in Harlan County close to the Kentucky-Virginia state line. Dig below the surface and check out the detailed scores for each ski, the reviews and scores of other skis in each category, and remember the basics of how to buy skis in order to determine what pair is right for you this winter. in Media and Public Affairs, has authored several travel guides, and has lived in Tahoe since 2014. Read more here. A ski gear sub for everything ski related. Lengths (cm): 151, 158, 165, 172 Weight (per ski): 1,780g Im a big fan of getting into the trees, moguls, and of course powder, but my top picks for 2023 will remain realistic to where 70% of my time is spenton piste at a resort. Tip/Tail/Waist: 120-72-104. Take a look at this news footage from January 1978 The Mindbenders are definitely heavy skis. WebSlow clap. And these are the skis that survived every turn, mogul, and test card in order to earn the distinction of being named the top performing ski in their respective categories. The elevation of Black Mountain measures 4,140 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A snowboarder died in an on-mountain accident around 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe, Vail Resorts confirmed. These skis have adapted constructions, usually to make the ski a little lighter, less stiff, and to move the mount point forward to improve a womans ability to drive a ski. Lengths (cm): 163, 171, 178 During the gear test in Sun Valley, testers had to contend with a heavy melt and refreeze cycle that culminated in coral-reef conditions, and this was the ski on which testers felt most comfortable. Ski #2: Blizzard Rustler 11, 188 cm + SHIFT binding (resort pow ski + touring ski) The Rustler 11 is a cool ski, will be a very good resort pow ski for Crested Butte, and What type of skier is this product best for? The state sees approximately 11 inches of snow per year, and it's been several decades since Kentucky has experienced a harsh winter. Have you skied both and what did you think? Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe. Storm door will likely remain wide open in Bay Area this March, Rare waterspout forms in Northern California, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe's Heavenly ski resort following recent blizzard. 78175 R.E.A. But I will follow George wherever he goes to prove that I am still a better skier than him. Maybe you should put the shifts on the Hoji's and use those as the resort ski, save the pin bindings for the truly light skis and big spring objectives. All-Mountain ski - Go-to for resort days and for touring in spring corn or firm conditions. Price: $650 (Buy Now) Background: Rocky Mountain native, east coast transplant. I am a habitual frontside skier. Nordica Enforcer 100 to learn more about our veteran hiring efforts. Working at Blizzard is awesome and their perks support both physical and mental wellbeing. Dont be afraid to jump in and go for it! No matter the conditionsfresh cord, soft snow, or crudthe ski matched the ability of the skier. Hero ski! exclaimed one tester. And while the Rustler 10s big brother took top honors in the Deep Snow category, the skinnier All-Mountain Wide entry provides more well-rounded adaptability to snow that isnt quite soft. But its beefier construction, which includes a layer of Titianal, allows it to bomb through mank when you get it up to speed. For a pow touring ski you could look at the WNDR Intention 108. var content_container_margin = parseInt('340px'); googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_sidebar_halfpage', [300, 600], 'div-gpt-ad-adHalfPage').addService(googletag.pubads()); Spotty snow cover and a few knee injuries dont always make that possible, so I need something with a bit more versatility. How much snow did Tahoe get? Radius (m): 16 60 Canal St, The news was filled with stories of the storm. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("nsfw", "no"); My favorite skis are ones that I can feel confident on if I put my foot on the gas, but dont feel too directional if I want to ski backward or lap the park. I think 10% off on ON3P. Not merely a container for arrows and bolts, the quiver often contains mystic properties. Hampton Inn Los Angeles-Orange County-Cypress, Motel 6 Santa Ana, Ca - Irvine - Orange County Airport, Pay Tribute and Reflect at These US Monuments and Memorials, The Ultimate Guide To Joshua Tree National Park, The top things to do on an I-40 road trip, The top things to do on an I-10 road trip, A road trip along New York state's Women's Heritage Trail, 9 stops on a Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail road trip, A cross-country road trip to U.S. presidential libraries, A road trip to filming locations featured in 'The Goonies', The top things to do on an Extraterrestrial Highway road trip. Price: $650 (Buy Now) Testers ski each pair of skis for one or two runs, making sure to take the skis into different kinds of terrain and conditions. Has anyone skied both and have thoughts on what I should do? If you have the means to own more than one pair, then it's best to have inbounds skis for inbounds skiing and touring skis for touring. Testers then immediately fill out a ski test score card, rating each ski in eight different criteria, including Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity, Playfulness, etc. It brought what many remember as the worst blizzard in Kentucky, with massive snowdrifts, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures. I spend the majority of my time on snow on the East Coast with a few trips out West sprinkled in. Officials identified the snowboarder as 46-year-old Wesley Whalen of New York. Blizzard Rustler 10 for 2 Ski Quiver? | SkiTalk | Ski reviews, Ski NH born and raised, and the early days were spent skiing off 93, .. whats up Cannon and Loon! These 10 Disasters In Kentucky Are Perhaps The Worst To Ever Strike The State, 8 Things Archaeologists Discovered In Kentucky That May Surprise You, There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Bardstown, Kentucky, Ogle The Most Extensive Collection Of American Whiskeys In The World At Kentuckys Watch Hill Proper Restaurant, The Legendary Hotel In Louisville, Kentucky, That Inspired The Great Gatsby, The Charming Small Town In Kentucky That Was Home To Loretta Lynn Once Upon A Time, This Photographer Captured The Most Iconic Photos Of Rural Kentucky, And Her Story Is Fascinating, Kenton County Library / NOAA / Used With Permission, Facebook/Augusta Kentucky Historic District. Terms of Use If I am charging down unknown terrain in variable snow, I need something I know I can trust - especially when I want to go fast. Youll have complete confidence that you chose the right ski for whatever the mountain offers.. Read the full Nordica Enforcer 104 Free review here, While the technology and shape of Blizzards Rustler line havent changed much over the past few years, its worth pointing out that the skis function extremely well for freeride-oriented all-mountain planks. Whalen was found in a tree well, the ground space below a trees branches where the snow is lighter and less compact, Vail Resorts said. Lengths (cm): 170, 177, 184, 191 Storm door will likely remain wide open in Bay Area this March, Rare waterspout forms in Northern California, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Pros: Versatility, Crud Performance The Hustle is bread to any kind of snowy butter. Tall tales, trip guides, & the world's weird & wonderful. Currently have 2015 Blizzard Bonafide 180cm which I love, but are all skied out, he writes. January is typically a cold month in Kentucky and we do often see some snow. Other note: I am a bit fed up with the under stated top sheet of the QST and most of Salomons skis and am really hoping to get something thats not so fugly. Do your research. Currently have 2015 Blizzard Bonafide 180cm which I love, but are all skied out, he writes. Pros: Flotation, Responsiveness The death came less than one day after a blizzard brought more than 100 inches of snow to parts of the Sierra Nevada. In fact, it's possible to drive most of the way to the summit via State Route 160. ski P.S. } It is available in camber or reverse camber, certainly light enough to tour on, but also damp enough for resort skiing when needed. I just drive everywhere. When I pop out of the trees to give the legs a break I want a ski that can still hold an edge on a groomer and not feel nervous while carving it up. Read more here. We recently published several of our reviewers selections for 5-ski, 4-ski, and 3-ski quivers and now were really getting to the hard decisions, asking them to trim those down to two skis. To be clear, there is no single perfect quiver for everyone. Updated 1, 2 or 3 Ski Quiver? Six Options - SkiTalk And for whatever reason, with Tate laying down the law on the Blizzard Sheeva 9. This post contains affiliate links, primarily provided by our priority partner REI.com. Lengths (cm): 148, 157, 164, 172 Climbing out of the narrow wells can be extremely difficult, and skiers and snowboarders are generally advised to avoid skiing lines under tight trees immediately after storms. She now lives in Utah and calls Park City Resort her home hill. Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes. I love powerful skis that can carve and arc turns but dont limit me if we head into the trees or soft snow. CNN Dimensions (mm): 124-92-114 I like a ski that feels stable at high speeds, but is also versatile enough to have fun on casual spring days is that too much to ask for? Its strong, reliable, and chews through crud. Gibbons is the President and hardgoods buyer for Sturtevants, a legendary ski shop in Bellevue, Wash. Shes worked in the same shop for the past 20 years; safe to say, this lady knows skis. With its 72-mm waist, the 2017 Blizzard Quattro 7.2 Ti is identical in shape to the top-of-the-line Quattro RS. Take a look back over four decades ago to the Kentucky Blizzard of 1978, one of the worst storms our state has ever seen. Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness. Price: $850 (Buy Now) googletag.pubads().setTargeting("nsfw", "no"); He loves the increased rocker in the tip and tail because it makes the ski easy to maneuver in bumps and tight, technical terrain. Blizzard Entertainmentis a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. Hoji should be fine. One Skeptic Aims to Find Out. It takes a confident skier with advanced skills to unlock this skis full potential. Located in Orange County, and packed with distinguished schools, colleges & universities, Irvine is a nexus of business and technology local and global. Dimensions (mm): 132.5-100-120.5 This would be a great ski for an intermediate to advanced backcountry skier who isnt overly weight conscious., With three different flex zones that get progressively softer toward the tip and tail, the ski is extremely well-balanced and agile, though a few testers noted a slight lack of pop and pizazz in and out of turns at high speed. Currently I have Stockli Laser AX's as my early season/hard snow ski, Volkl 98's in 184 as a middle of the road, A last piece of advice - if you're aiming for a 2-ski quiver, the best way to do it is not going for two 50/50 skis. | Ex-racers and experts loved its desire to get on edge and arc turns, while intermediate skiers felt the skis stability and dependability made them heroes at all speeds and turn shapes. Its a fun, solid ride that likes to cruise and blasts through the chop, said tester Tracy Gibbons, president of Sturtevants ski shop in Bellevue, Wash. Definitely more of a freeride feel than a racey feel. If youre not afraid to put in the work, like to wander off-piste, and often ski less-than-stellar conditions, take a long, hard look at the Rallybird 104 Ti.