wernerslab
Angel Diva
So, I have been on the journey this winter of getting new boots(with a fitter) and working on ski demos to decide what I might like to buy. My 'home' hill is Blue Mountain in PA Poconos with mostly man made snow. I get to VT 2-3 times a winter for long weekends and we go out west one week over my son's spring break. I had 21 days on snow this year(an improvement from last year) and I have been taking group and private lessons over the last 3 years when the resort and timing is right.
So, I have great boots now and trying to decide skis. When I demo'd here in PA, conditions were really soft snow and mashed potato bc we had an unusually warm February day. When in CO, I had a day or two of packed snow runs but also got 3 days of fresh snow of at least 4-in or more deep. I demo'd in VT as well in fresh snow(9") one day and wind scoured the next day(Sugarbush). I ski on piste, blue/black both groomed and ungroomed although I still approach blacks with some trepidation, no trees but I do try bumps if they aren't looking too icy or too big. I am working on improving my bump skiing. Not interested in the trees. I am 5'8ish and 160-170 lb. I am thinking I want to have 2 skis eventually for my typical condition days(mostly solid/firm snow and probably a little icy) and eventually a bit wider ski for deeper snow days. I have a 13yo so limited to school breaks and weekends mostly. Might do a women's ski camp next year though(DH who is a non-skier supports my goals!)
My likely top picks for daily driver (all tried same day in same conditions, same run)
Volkl mantra 84 163 (liked best)
nordica santa ana 87 161
black pearl 84 164
My favs and potential for skiing when fresh snow falls:
rossignol rallybird soul 92 166
nordica santa ana 92 161
black pearl 88 164
When I feel more advanced instead of advancing intermediate:
stockli nela 88 160
(I really liked these but sometimes they took me for a ride rather than the other way)
These were okay but I liked others better
atomic. maven 88. 159
volkl blaze 86 166
parlor sugarbush >=92 164ish ( maybe wider)
elan ripstick 88 160
elan wildcat ti 88 160
stockli laser mx 71 158
These atomics were very chattery at speed (I hate that) and did not manage snow 'piles' well and the stockli just felt squirrely to me (but maybe it was a little short?)
Atomic vantage 75 161 (season renta)
Atomic redster(?) 75 160(season rental)
Stockli montero aw 80 158
I have been looking local and online for the Mantra 84 but they seem difficult to find (and no real deals). They are 2026 so perhaps it isn't the right time? I am a little worried that I tried them in soft spring like conditions and when I get back on firm snow next season, they will feel totally different. The reviews (from ski divas here and commenters on ski talk) seem to match my thoughts on them from the demo but second guessing myself now. Can I trust my assessment from soft snow will be similar to when I am back on firm/hard snow and ice? I am not sure how easy it will be early in season to demo again and I don't want to do any more season rentals either.
Thanks for reading this long winded post and for any advice/thoughts you have!!
So, I have great boots now and trying to decide skis. When I demo'd here in PA, conditions were really soft snow and mashed potato bc we had an unusually warm February day. When in CO, I had a day or two of packed snow runs but also got 3 days of fresh snow of at least 4-in or more deep. I demo'd in VT as well in fresh snow(9") one day and wind scoured the next day(Sugarbush). I ski on piste, blue/black both groomed and ungroomed although I still approach blacks with some trepidation, no trees but I do try bumps if they aren't looking too icy or too big. I am working on improving my bump skiing. Not interested in the trees. I am 5'8ish and 160-170 lb. I am thinking I want to have 2 skis eventually for my typical condition days(mostly solid/firm snow and probably a little icy) and eventually a bit wider ski for deeper snow days. I have a 13yo so limited to school breaks and weekends mostly. Might do a women's ski camp next year though(DH who is a non-skier supports my goals!)
My likely top picks for daily driver (all tried same day in same conditions, same run)
Volkl mantra 84 163 (liked best)
nordica santa ana 87 161
black pearl 84 164
My favs and potential for skiing when fresh snow falls:
rossignol rallybird soul 92 166
nordica santa ana 92 161
black pearl 88 164
When I feel more advanced instead of advancing intermediate:
stockli nela 88 160
(I really liked these but sometimes they took me for a ride rather than the other way)
These were okay but I liked others better
atomic. maven 88. 159
volkl blaze 86 166
parlor sugarbush >=92 164ish ( maybe wider)
elan ripstick 88 160
elan wildcat ti 88 160
stockli laser mx 71 158
These atomics were very chattery at speed (I hate that) and did not manage snow 'piles' well and the stockli just felt squirrely to me (but maybe it was a little short?)
Atomic vantage 75 161 (season renta)
Atomic redster(?) 75 160(season rental)
Stockli montero aw 80 158
I have been looking local and online for the Mantra 84 but they seem difficult to find (and no real deals). They are 2026 so perhaps it isn't the right time? I am a little worried that I tried them in soft spring like conditions and when I get back on firm snow next season, they will feel totally different. The reviews (from ski divas here and commenters on ski talk) seem to match my thoughts on them from the demo but second guessing myself now. Can I trust my assessment from soft snow will be similar to when I am back on firm/hard snow and ice? I am not sure how easy it will be early in season to demo again and I don't want to do any more season rentals either.
Thanks for reading this long winded post and for any advice/thoughts you have!!