Help - Need to Upgrade my Skis!

[alyeskaluv]

I am an advanced skiier (can ski most anything, usually don't ski bumps though) in dire need of an upgrade to my gear! I'm about 5'7" and 145 lbs. Currently, I'm rocking old, narrow, straight Salomon Evolution 8s. I grew up skiing all the time, skiied far less in college, and barely ever had the time/money during grad school. Now I'm skiing frequently again and want to take advantage of all the fabulous advances that have been made in ski gear, particularly gear for women.

My old straight skis are fine for groomers, but they don't provide the performance I desire for powder days, crud, and some of the more adventurous terrain I'd like to explore! I live in interior Alaska and, while we occasionally get some good powder, most of my true powder skiing is done at Alyeska, in Girdwood - the North Face is calling my name, once I have the right gear!

I'm looking for recommendations for a good, all-mountain ski that can carve up a groomer, but also venture into the pow. Some of the skis I've been considering are the Volkl Aura, the Line Pandora (really want to know more about this one), and the K2 Burnin' Luv and One Luv.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Robyn]

You've given us most of the info we'll want to give you some ideas but can you give us height/weight as well?

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Jilly]

Welcome to our world. Your old Salomon are at least first generation shaped skis. I'm not up on the K2's or the Volkl's so I'm not much help. Also here in eastern Canada anything called powder is a rare thing. I'll let our western diva's help you. Just wanted to say HI!

 

[volklgirl]

Aura, Aura, Aura, and Aura (or maybe Kiku, if you see really deep stuff). They're the answer to ALL your questions. Just ask my hubby .

 

[alyeskaluv]

Thanks, Volklgirl!

After reading a lot of reviews, and scouring this site, it does sound like Auras would be at the top of my list. I look forward to joining the Aura lovefest Now the question is - what size of Auras? I tend to like longer skis, but my height/weight puts me right between the 163s or the 170s . . . will I notice much difference between the two?

Given my remote location, I have to go to the "big" city (Anchorage) to really look at gear, and (hopefully) demo some Volkls. Based on what I'm reading, I like the idea that the Aura is a fat ski with some pop to it. I demoed K2s in the past and can echo the sentiment that they "skied heavy" - that fits with a lot of the opinions I see here re: Volkl kiku/aura vs. K2 phat luv/burnin' luv.

Any recommendations on boots/bindings? I have Dalbellos and would probably get another pair - very comfortable and excellent control. I'm looking at Electra 8s, but would like to hear about some other options. I had a pair of Rossi boots when I was about 12 that I skiied into high school and they were the most comfortable thing I ever wore on the slopes - perfect fit and my feet never got cold. I haven't been able to replicate that level of comfort since, despite my best efforts!

My last pair of skis had Marker bindings and I hear those work well on the fatter skis - any particular Markers to recommend?

 

[AKSkimom]

Demo Auras

Hi Alyeskaskiluv,
I think that World Cup in Girdwood actually demos the Auras. They also sell them, so if you decide to buy they will take the price of the demo off of your purchase.

Also, this is a bit off topic but... Costco in Anchorage is selling 4 packs of ski passes and vouchers for the Hotel Alyeska at a great discount. If you are coming down from Fairbanks this might be worth checking out.

Have fun skiing! Early season has been AMAZING at Alyeska!
AKSkimom

 

[Swamp Dog]

I have Dalbellos and would probably get another pair - very comfortable and excellent control. I'm looking at Electra 8s, but would like to hear about some other options.

I'd like to hear if you have any luck with the Electra. I'm a Dalbello fan as well and was considering the 8 or maybe the 10.

Good luck with your hunt!