Daily Drivers Of The Future | The Best "Do Everything" Skis Of 2018

Originally published: Unofficial Networks

Trying out Kastle's MX 88 in chalk conditions | Photo Credit (+Cover Photo): Unofficial Networks[/caption]

We took one for the team and spent two days at "work" testing the skis of the future at SIA's OnTheSnow Demo event at Copper Mountain last week to find the best daily drivers of 2018.

It’s hard to find a ski that truly does it all. But when you find the right ski, that perfect year-round mountain companion that stays true to you on hard pack and storm days alike, you hold it tight and never let it go. So with two days of non-step ski testing, we narrowed down our selection to make your life a little easier. Whether you’re skiing twelve inches of blower pow, shredding bumps or ripping corduroy, these skis won’t let you down.

Men's

Blizzard Bonafide - Unofficial Networks Editor's Pick

Made in Austria, the Blizzard Bonafide is the traditional skier's do-all, shred-everything ski. This year, Blizzard has decreased the amount of tip rocker, making the planks ski longer without losing their nimble nature. Overall, this was our favorite daily driver of SIA.

Lengths: 166, 173, 180, 188

Dimensions: 135-98-119

Rocker: Rocker-camber-rocker

Kastle BMX 105

This year, Kastle brings back its classic, BMX 105 and not much has changed. A couple of years back Kastle extended their air-core tips, making the setup a touch lighter without compromising the overall product that Kastle customers have come to expect.

Lengths: 173, 181, 189

Dimensions: 134, 105, 123

Rocker: Progressive rise rocker

Elan Ripstick 96

Elan continues to break onto the freeride scene with their previously praised Ripstick 106. This year, we had the pleasure of going smaller and trying out the narrower waisted, Ripstick 96 and we can say the brand name matches the product. The 96 is the most nimble ski on this list and feels at ease with medium to shorter radius turns. If hardpack/chalk/bootdeep pow is your mountain's modus operandi-- this ski is in an entire league of its own.

Lengths: 134, 96, 113

Dimensions: 174, 181, 188

Rocker: Amphibio Profile

Salomon QST 106

The 2018 QST is the exact same as this years and the lack of change is a testament to the ski's quality build and utilitarian shape. Salomon seems to have finally finished what started with its new QST offerings. Stiff yet nimble, playful yet demanding-- this ski is a force to be reckoned with.

Lengths: 167, 174, 181, 188

Dimensions:

Rocker: Tip and tail rocker

Head KORE 105

More powder than anything else, the new KORE series is a great daily driver for those who live in particularly snowy areas. Whether that's the PNW, Jackson, or Snowbird, this ski is lighter and more playful than HEAD's earlier big mountain offerings. That said, it still retains the burly HEAD backbone that loyalists know and love.

Lengths: 171, 180, 189

Dimensions: 135, 105, 125

Rocker: Allride rocker

Volkl Mantra

When Volkl changed the Mantra from a traditional build to reverse camber, many skiers held a skeptical outlook. This year, the German ski company seems to have perfected their goal of creating a reverse camber ski that rips hardpack and powder equally well and we couldn't be more stoked to have the Mantra back as one of the most reliable daily drivers on the market.

Lengths: 170, 177, 184, 191

Dimensions: 132, 100, 118

Rocker: Full rocker

Women's

Black Crows Atris Birdie - Unofficial Networks Editor's Pick

The Atris Birdie takes the cake this year for the most versatile women’s big mountain ski. Don’t let the wide waist width fool you, the Atris Birdie is a super versatile ski that performs well in all conditions. Slightly wider than a traditional all mountain ski, the Atris Birdie skis more like a 95 in hard pack but of course, floats like a feather on those ultra-deep days we dream about.

Lengths: 169.1, 178.3

Dimensions: 138, 108, 125

Rocker: Rocker-camber-rocker

Blizzard Sheeva 10

A fast and responsive ski, the Blizzard Sheeva 10 integrates carbon fiber in its core making it slightly lighter than its male counterpart, the Rustler 10. Whether you’re blasting through crud or sailing through powder, the Sheeva 10 maintains a perfect balance of edge grip and flotation.

Lengths: 156, 164, 172

Dimensions: 131.2, 102, 121.5

Rocker: Rocker-camber-rocker

Armada Trace 98

Get ready for a hell of a lot of fun on the hill with Armada's new Trace line. We recommend the Trace 98, which incorporate's Armada's new Xrystal Mesh technology. We know what you’re thinking and yes, it’s called Xrystal Mesh. Armada uses mesh in the core to dampen the contact area, creating stability and power without added weight.

Lengths: 156, 164, 172

Dimensions: 127, 98, 119

Rocker: EST All Mountain Rocker

Nordica Santa Ana 100

For a light, maneuverable ski, the Santa Ana will be your new best friend. A women’s specific design featuring a balsa core makes the ski nimble and powerful while reducing weight. Groomers, powder, crud, this ski handles all the above.

Lengths: 153, 161, 169, 177

Dimensions: 131, 100, 119

Rocker: All Mountain camRock

Top Gear Picks From the 2017 SIA Snow Show

Originally published: Elevation Outdoors Magazine

The Colorado Convention Center was bursting at the seams with winter stoke at the end of January, thanks to the return of the annual SIA Snow Show. No matter how old you are, wandering around the SIA floor will make any skier feel like a little kid in a candy shop. Each year, snow sports manufacturers flock to Denver to show off next year’s shiny new toys and give us a brief sneak peek into the future of winter sports. From innovative avalanche airbags, to sweet skis, check out these five pieces of gear that caught our eye at this year’s show.

Seirus Innovation Heat Touch Hellfire Glove

Say goodbye to frozen fingers. With just the touch of a button Seirus Innovation’s new Heat Touch Hellfire Gloves will keep your hands toasty on the most frigid days. The rechargeable lithium batteries keep your hands warm for up to 12 hours and are available in a glove or a mitten. 

ORTOVOX Ascent AVABAG

RTOVOX is changing the airbag game with their Ascent AVABAG. After a series of research, it became clear that lack of familiarity with deploying the airbag was a big problem among users. ORTOVOX’s AVABAG has a mechanical release as opposed to percussion and allows for unlimited training at home in the comfort of your living room. 

Bern Heist Helmet

The new Heist helmet combines Bern’s ZipMold+™ shell design and Sinkfit™ technology to create a light, compact helmet without sacrificing any protective features. Featuring Bern’s original brim-style helmet, the Heist is comfortable yet durable, maintaining a sleek, low profile look. 

ZEAL Portal//RLs

The Portal//RLs highlights Zeal’s new Rail Lock System making lens swapping easier than ever. The Portal//RLs also has a huge range of view with its rimless design, so you won’t miss any details on that perfect powder day. 

HEAD KORE Ski

The KORE 105 is the perfect balance of effortless flotation in deep powder combined with solid edge grip through variable snow. HEAD’s new KORE series focuses on shedding weight without compromising performance. The new topless design features a polyester fleece top layer instead of a traditional top sheet, and uses Koroyd in the construction to maintain control, allowing the ski to absorb more vibration and charge at high speeds.