Good Ski for Intermediate Skier in the East?

[jeezberger]

I'm currently looking for a new ski, and I know everyone recommends demo-ing, but I live in NorthWestern PA and there are slim pickins for demos at the places I ski most often... so I thought you ladies might be able to help!!

I'd call myself an adventurous intermediate skier, 5'8", 125 lbs. Speed is not top on my list, but manueverability is key, especially when I follow my boyfriend into the trees and thru the moguls. I even like to try my hand at smaller jumps - usually not very successfully, still working on my landings . I mostly ski in on the icey/crunchy/chunky stuff being in the East, but we love taking trips out West as well, so I'm looking for something that can be pretty universal. Currently I'm skiing the Rossi Passion Classic (I had just gotten back into skiing after a long stint of not skiing... and these were what the person at the sports store recommended).

I've been looking online, and so far the Wave Spice has caught my eye, along with the One Luvs... also found a pair of the Salomon 1080 Mynx that I was considering. I'm not looking for a super expensive ski but I'm ready to move out of the cheap skis. Any help/comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[SnowHot]

I am terribly sorry I missed this thread.

There are a lot of great skis that you will benefit from that will be forgiving enough for an intermediate, and yet advanced enough to take you to the next level of skiing.
Before we get into skis.............Boots.
Get yourself a great fitting boot.

You mentioned the Wave Spice and the K2 One Luv, which are two completely different skis at two completely ends of the spectrum.

I believe the one luv will be okay for you at this point but won't likely advance with you. The Wave Spice is a phenomenal ski, and is my primary ski this year, but its a bit advanced and extremely burly. Its forgiving enough, but with an 80 waist, it requires a different technique to carve than something like the one luv or the true luv, or even the Burnin luv for that matter.

I'd recommend the
Elan Wave Magic (115/70/103)
Volkl AC2 (last year)* Lola and Lil both ski on this and get a lot out of it.
Volkl Tierra (118-76-104)
Nordica Olympia Speed (116/70/102)
Nordica Olympia Drive(119/74/104)
The olympia Drive and Volkl Tierra will give you a bit more of an all mountain feel and float in the powder, but the Weve Magic and Speed will give you the carving capabilities that will kick your on piste skiing u a notch!

 

[volklgirl]

Depending on where in NW PA you are, a drive of about 6-7 hours will get you to Harbor Springs, MI for a weekend of demoing.

The Nub's Nob Technology Center has an outstanding demo program that we make use of every year. Last year they had a huge selection of women's and intermediate skis in a variety of lengths. An all-day demo is $45 (I believe), for an unlimited number of skis. You can check out their inventory at https://www.nubsnob.com/demprogram.html - they should be updating to 07/08 in the next month or so.

Directly across the street is Boyne Highlands and Boyne Country Sports. They also usually have a great selection of demos. Their ski lines for this year are here:
https://www.boynecountrysports.com/shop/retail/getRetailProducts.do?displayCategory=3017

While you're there, stop by Bahnhof Sports and see Scott Purdy about getting boots. He's the fitter that all the racers in Northern MI go to. It's best to call ahead and make an appointment - it's totally worth it!!!!!

We'd even be happy to come up and ski with you!!