Picking new skis-want to quit renting

[trvlnut]

Hi all:
I used to live in Sandy, Utah and used to ski the Cottonwood mountains. I moved to Phoenix about 10 years ago and started a family. I didn't see the need to buy since we weren't skiing much. I just rented. However, I have found myself renting demos and it's so expensive. I could easily buy new skis for what I am paying in rental charges. $50/rental. Anyway, I am ready to buy. BTW, I bought new boots at Snowbird last year from the bootfitter there so I don't need new boots.

Skill: High intermediate. Ski mostly groomed blacks and groomed and non-groomed blues. I am starting to ski more off trail.

Ski hill: Snowbird and some Alta.

Height: 5'2" 105 lbs.

Thinking I need at least 80 underfoot that will work well on groomed runs as well as powder. I was also thinking a 156 length.

What length and ski do you all recommend?

Thanks all....

 

[Little Lightning]

What skis have you been renting? I'm the same height and weight you are and I love the K2 Lotta Luv in a 154 length. I've found them to be incredibly versatile, great for light powder, crud but also good on hard pack. I used them exclusively for spring conditions, corduroy in the morning, soft snow, chop, etc.

I particularly like them in bumps and trees and off piste but had just as much fun with them on groomed runs.

I also have an early version of the Volkl Attiva 5 and the K2 Phat Luv. I use the Volkl on hardpack days in Jan, Feb when I ski groomed and I use the Phat Luv for deep powder days. Both of these skis are in the 154 length.

I once tried skis in 148 cm and was not very happy with them.

I find that the Lotta Luvs like good technique but are still pretty forgiving.

I also considered the Attiva S3 but decided that the Lotta Luv was rated better by the ski magazines for off piste.

BTW, my mogul skiing really took off after I got the Lotta Luvs.

Kathi

 

[trvlnut]

I have demoed just about everything, but the more I demo the more confused I become. The one ski I really liked was the X-Wing Fury in a 156 length. It seemed to handle the powder fairly well while carving well. Tried the Lotta Luv but didn't luv it....wait for it. haha. Seemed to blow out in my turns. Demoed AC2 and AC3 and both were fine. Didn't ski pow in these.

Thinking about the Queen Attivas. Not sure if this would be a good fit.

I wouldn't mind going smaller, but I'm pretty leary of the ski getting squirelly on flat ice while going fast. The cat tracks at Snowbird can get pretty icey fast. I remember skiing on the K2s that are right below the Burnin' Luvs and the tips would chatter like mad on the ice. It really scared me. I thought I was going down hard.

ETA: I guess I should add that we have started skiing more now that the kids are older. I skied about 10 times last year. Will probably ski about the same this year.

 

[ski now work later]

Volkl Attiva AC3s will hold the edge very well on the ice and groomed/hardpack conditions, but are stiff in softer snow. Some of the women on this site love the Dynastar line and their women's powder ski got great reviews.

 

[Jilly]

If you liked the Fury, you might want to try the Origin. Origin is the ladies Salomon high end all mountain. The Fury is a unisex all mountian. The only thing I found about the Salomon was it didn't like ice. And I'm talking Eastern hardpack stuff. You should be OK at Snowbird as you get snow!! As for length I tried both a 154 and 160. I'm taller and heavier than you so I didn't like the 154, but it should be good for you. I'm sure that the SkiDiva will review the Queen's for you.