Need help choosing a 'big mountain' ski

[jaki2379]

Hi Everyone!

I am excited that ski season is soon upon us and I am looking to get some help choosing a wide ski for powder that will also perform in other east coast conditions at times.

Right now I ski on Heads great thang from the 06/07 season and they have been a great all mountain ski for me. I am looking to purchase a pair of skis to use mainly when we get dumped on up north, but might also use at other times in the year as well (like spring when the slush comes out midday). My Heads did not did do all that well in some of the deep powder days at Okemo we had last year (hoping for more of those this year!!) or the spring slush.

I am an intermediate to expert skiier - comfortable on steeps, not so much on steeps with moguls but working on that. Last year I came a LONG way in my skiing ability. Have been doing the trees and some of the toughest trails at Okemo VT (outrage and double diamond) - not great on them but I can get down without TOO much trouble.

I am also a bigger chick - about 5'8 and around 155-160 lbs and very strong/powerful. I need something that will not feel too weak or "whimpy" when trying to push it - I like to be aggressive when I am comfortable on a run and sometimes beat my speed deamon husband down the hill when I am having a good day . I would also like something that not only skis on powder but that can handel the ice if I come across it (I ski New England and the conditions can range from powder to ice spots on a single run) and something I can take in the trees as well. I have also been thinking of back country skiing and would like a ski that I can take there as well.

I have been researching and think that both the Volkl Auro and the Head Sweet One would be good fits but hoped that someone might have some info to help my desicion.
Does anyone know anything about these two skiis that might help? Or if you have any other suggestions that would be great too.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Do a site search here for Volkl Aura, as there are quite a few posts about them, and many fans of same!

If you intend to primarily use in the east, all-mountain mid-fat would probably be the most versatile for the type of changing conditions that you (and I!) see.

For 90% of conditions I see here (Maine), the Dynastar Exclusive Legend, 75 underfoot, serves me well, though I switch to a SkiCross for the hardpack-to-ice stuff (71). I did, however, pick up some Exclusive Legend Powders (85) last June - obviously can't review or rate them...YET!

Online, ski net has access to all of Ski and Skiing magazines' latest reviews.

 

[ski now work later]

I bought a pair of Auras last winter and skied them at Okemo and had a blast. Hope to ski with you this season as Okemo is my mid-week home mountain!

 

[oragejuice]

Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura.

YES.

 

[skigrl27]

I'm exactly your size - also a "big chick." I ski the Volkl Mantras (men's Aura) and they are like skiing with 2 big army tanks on your feet. They're wide and float nicely in the POW - but I use them every day as well. I have no problem on the harder stuff and can manuver them quite easily in all terrains.

That being said - this is a burly ski and will kick your ass if you don't know how to ski them. I'm a little concerned about my new Auras that I ordered - because I really like the big stiff and heavy Mantras SO MUCH. But then again - a 20% lighter ski really sounds fun too...I'm hoping they're a bit more playful and snappy - as opposed to the hard charging, in your face, kick ass, outta my way Mantras. (Not like that's a bad thing)

Good luck - but I think you'll find everyone here will tell you to buy the Auras. And with that being said - last year's Aura and this year's are the same ski with different graphics.

 

[volklgirl]

Again -

Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura Aura
or Mantra.



Handles hard chargers and "bigger girls" with ease and grace.

 

[tradygirl]

What about Gotamas? They may be a little too soft though. Auras have my vote from what I've heard.

Sidebar commentary - If you're planning on getting into touring, get a dedicated set-up unrelated to the ski you're looking for here. Don't marginalize your in-bounds set-up with Freeride or Naxo bindings - you'll hate those things on a hard-charging resort day. Get the all-mountain ski that you really need for resorts with real alpine bindings, and find some used powder boards with legit touring bindings if you decide to take the BC plunge.

......Although in terms of limited sidecountry, you've got the option of a binding like the Marker Duke. I don't know jack about the Duke, other than it's HEEAAAVY.

 

[oragejuice]

Gotamas are going to be too soft for New England snow. They're great skis, yes, but if you want something that transitions well from powder-corduroy-ice, the Auras are it. I demoed them on a very strange day this last year at Meadows. Powder in the trees, and the groomers were a mix of groomed ice and foot deep powder drifts. They were amazing. They didn't feel skittish on the ice, which I thought they would. The Gotamas wouldn't be very friendly on that stuff. (PS. Volkl has two new women's fat skis this year, the Kiku and the Cosmo. Female versions of the Gotama and the Bridge. They are sweeeet! But I would still say Aura for the snow conditions. )

 

[jaki2379]

Thank you everyone for the replies. You gave me some great information. I am going with the Aura's!! Can't wait til I am able to buy them.. hopefully before the first snow fall

 

[Quiver Queen]

I'm happy with my Head Sweet Fat Thangs for the conditions you're talking about.

 

[SnowHot]

Sorry to chime in late, but with the description of you and your skiing, I'd go with Skigirls suggestion of Goats, or take a look at Bros, by pmgear.

Before you pull the trigger, take a look at the ski swap area for the Head Sweet Fat Thangs that Allison Gannett has for sale.
Awesome deal!

 

[oragejuice]

You know... I just want to buy those skis because she is selling them.

 

[SnowHot]

You know... I just want to buy those skis because she is selling them.

They are sweet skis for a sweet deal.
almost as highly revered as the Aura.

Heck, even I thought about them, and I have two fat skis.