Help me decide on a new pair of all mountain skis

[weaknings]

Hi all,

I'm currently searching for a new pair of all mountain skis in the 104-106 underfoot range. I'm 24 y/o, 5'6" and 145lbs. I like skiing steeps (Whistler Blackcomb/Lake Louise/Kicking Horse are my hills), and ski in a forward position/follow the fall line. I do enjoy cruising groomers, moguls, and trees when conditions call for it as well. I consider myself advanced/expert and used to ski on a freeride team (steeps + cliffs) but have really backed off in the last 2 years due to a meniscal injury.

I have been skiing on Salomon Rockettes (115 underfoot) for the last six years or so. I've been using that ski all over the mountain and have really gotten used to just using a powder ski as my every day ski (I've been in university and haven't had the funds to diversify my quiver) so I'm really excited to try something different out.

I'm considering the following skis:
- Faction Dancer 3X
- K2 Mindbender 106C W
- Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free
- Armada Reliance 102 Ti
- Rossignol Rallybird 102.

I'm looking for something that charges and can handle a variety of conditions while still not being too much ski. It's been hard to find these skis to demo right now due to rocky conditions in the Rockies right now - would love to hear your thoughts or advice.

Cheers!

 

[shadoj]

Hi! Don't have much advice on the skis (other ladies here will chime in) as that's out of my normal skiing type/conditions. Just wanted to say glad you came to join us, and welcome!

 

[weaknings]

Hi! Don't have much advice on the skis (other ladies here will chime in) as that's out of my normal skiing type/conditions. Just wanted to say glad you came to join us, and welcome!

Thank you so much! So awesome to find this online community of women skiers I feel at home already!

 

[bsskier]

Welcome. Be prepared to buy 2 sets of new skis. These women are enablers.

 

[Jilly]

@SnowHot - your take on the Rallybird??

 

[contesstant]

You might consider the Salomon Stella 106. The 2023 version has been updated and is playful yet smooth and can really go. They do have considerable tip and tail rocker, so if you want something more directional, they might not be what you are looking for. They are an absolute hoot in powder.

 

[Nedgirl]

Head Total Joy. Can handle any type of snow or conditions, even does well in moguls. Is a light ski but can hold its own carving.