Agree with Jilly on the conditions – the snow was just a dream for skiing!
One thing in the morning though, it was foggy on the top. I could barely see where to go. That has intimidated me in the beginning, as I am not very familiar with the resort.
No targets for this demo, so I just went with what was available.
I liked the Cloud 9 in 157cm, so not much to add about them from the past year. Comfortable skis for me. At the same time, I was a bit cautious with the Cloud 12 in 161. They felt a bit unusually long, especially after my daily drivers that are only 154 cm. I would like to have longer skis, and that’s why I try them in the first place, but still would need some training to get used to them. Nice skiing them on the corduroy.
Head Epic Joy 163 cm
I have read that they are not available in the US but in Europe and Canada. A single pair of Epic Joy was spotted by me in the middle of the Head tent. I immediately thought of the Divas who, to my memory, have expressed interest in them.
First, they are incredibly lightweight! I totally felt all the 161 cm length of the Atomics but not of these skis. They made me totally forget about their being whole 163 cm long! Smooth short turns and soft feel but still more or less secure may be due to their length. I did not do any steeper runs with them though. Overall, a very different and unique feel of skiing them. IMO they would be good as may be an extra pair of skis in a quiver, just for a variety, but certainly not as my only skis.
Rossignol Hero Elite Short Turn Ti 157 cm.
That is the skis I could use right now. Love the short turns and the length. Fun to drive.
Armada Victa 159 cm.
The Armada tent was not very busy, so I decided to give that colorful pair of skis a try. As long as the skiing day progressed further, the runs became covered with soft snow bumps just like if some giant moles have diligently worked on them
These skis were floating right on the snow clusters smoothly. Quite a right name for skis that feels like a big strong ship!
Salomon Aira 76 st 160 cm
I went to the Salomon tent, and grabbed them just out of curiosity. Personally I found them to be of no character at all. Rather ordinary and mellow skis. One good thing, they are very easy to initiate turns. Did not feel the 160 cm on them.
And to call it a day, Salomon SI Max W 155 cm.
Good skis overall, not a drastic difference from my daily drivers. I should not have taken them at the end of day while being tired though.