Question: 2009 Volkl AURORA

[matea98]

So I recently moved to Europe and had my first ski day on the Hintertux Glacier in the Austrian Alps. Without mentioning how amazing the conditions were (120cm fresh snow, 44km worth of pistes open, breathtaking scenery), my skiing experience was dramatically different from the good old East coast. Although it was all powder snow, being that high up (3200m, +9000ft), it just felt different. Now, I've been an avid fan of my 161cm Volkl Fuegos for a while as they served me quite well on the groomed pistes of Vermont and Quebec, but somehow they seemed inadequate for the powder of the Alps.

Anyways, i've been doing quite a bit of research on the new ski Volkl has come out with: The AURORA (not aura). They say it is their best ski to date catering more to the all-mountain, powder conditions. Plus, they are wider than my Fuegos. So my question to you guys is: has anyone demoed these skis yet? If so, in what conditions? More importantly, comparing them to the Fuegos (or similar), how do these rank??
HELP!! The reviews have been all positive, BUT considering it is a new ski, the price tag is quite large....sooo before i make an investment, I would love some input!

 

[ski diva]

I demoed these skis last February at a Demo Day, and thought they were terrific. The conditions were less than stellar -- thick, wet, soft gloopy snow -- but they plowed through it like it wasn't even there.

Here's what I said about them, in my review:

Aurora: Oh. My. God. This is a new ski for next season, and let me put it this way: I know what alllllllll the Divas are going to want! A fantastic ski. Features their new "Wide Ride System;" the internal Power Transmission (iPT) binding interface is built into the ski body and slides into position on the ski's inside rails. The rep says this gives it a rounder flex pattern. Whatever. 112-85-129, 14.7 m. I loved it. Great in the big turns, smooth, stable, and can really hold an edge.

 

[veggielasagna]

I also demoed them last season, March 22 at Gore Mountain..hard groomed stuff so I really cannot comment on off piste and/or powder. But, if I did not have my Public Enemy's I would have bought these skis that day, very impressive and fun. Interestingly, the 161 Fuego's were too stiff for me, but the 163 Aurora seemed to be right on...

From last year: I demoed the Volkl Aurora yesterday while waiting for the Fuegos to come back. Awesome ski. I believe it's supposed to be 50/50 on/off piste. It turns surprisingly quick for an 85 waist and I never felt like it wasn't quick enough on hardpack groomers. Damper than the Fuego, but not lifeless, it will give you some pop yet remain stable. At 5'5" and 130 lbs. I found the 163 length to be perfect. Its the counterpart to the unisex AC50 which looks to be a popular ski with the men. I will definitely be recommending this ski to anyone looking for a bit wider ski and smooth ride!

-veggielasagna

 

[LadyLes]

Another question

To Ski Diva, (or others who've demo'd both)

How do you think the Auroras compare to the Nordica Conquers? They seem to be in the same category, right? I've heard nothing but great things about the Aurora...
I demo'd the Conquers and loved them, and I'll try to demo both this year as I hope to buy new skis in the post-season sales this year!!

 

[ski diva]

You're right -- they are comparable. Sort of like the Volkl Fuego and the Nordica Firefox. Also very similar skis.

I demoed the Conquers in very different conditions than the Auroras. Anyone who skis in the east will know I mean when I say "death cookies." It was a tough, icy, day with lots of chunky ice. Yet the Conquers performed really well. Plowed through the stuff like it wasn't even there. I liked them, too.

I tracked down my review of the Conquers, and here's what I said about them:

This is one powerhouse. Even with an 84 mm waist, it handled the ice and death cookies like a, well, like a conqueror. Busted through everything, yet was able to get on edge like a champ. Grippy, smooth, and stable, better in longer and medium turns than short. A very fun ski. If you want a ski that can dominate the hill, this would be an excellent choice.

It'd be great to compare them side by side, or at least in similar conditions. To be honest, I don't think anyone would go wrong with either one. I enjoyed skiing both of them.

 

[LadyLes]

You're right -- they are comparable. Sort of like the Volkl Fuego and the Nordica Firefox. Also very similar skis.

I demoed the Conquers in very different conditions than the Auroras. Anyone who skis in the east will know I mean when I say "death cookies." It was a tough, icy, day with lots of chunky ice. Yet the Conquers performed really well. Plowed through the stuff like it wasn't even there. I liked them, too.

I tracked down my review of the Conquers, and here's what I said about them:



It'd be great to compare them side by side, or at least in similar conditions. To be honest, I don't think anyone would go wrong with either one. I enjoyed skiing both of them.

Thanks Ski Diva! Good to hear!
Looks like Loveland has a good demo program where hopefully I can try both back to back. Now I just have to be patient and wait for that snow to keep on comin' so I can have some fun demoing them!

 

[ski diva]

When you do, post back. I'd love to see a back-to-back comparison.

 

[LadyLes]

I will! Hopefully I'll get the chance next month.

 

[SkiGAP]

So I recently moved to Europe and had my first ski day on the Hintertux Glacier in the Austrian Alps.

Matea98 - Welcome to Europe! I've skiied Hintertux....maybe we can meet up sometime this season. PM me if you want. Uh...I bought new Auras but I don't know the Aurora.