All Mountain Wonders
As fresh powder is skied out, a mountain transforms into many varied arenas: groomers, bumps, chopped-up crud. All Mountain skis are skis that do well in all of these conditions, while still excelling in one or another. Most people find these versatile skis excellent “one ski quivers” for all but the deepest of days, although make no mistake, these skis also can conquer deep snow.
Greg has selected a few such models to showcase here, ones that the staff has picked as “go to” skis on any given day. Each can tackle similar terrain, yet each has an environment in which it excels. Wider models have an advantage in powder and narrower ones carve better on groomed runs, but every one of them can truly do it all.
Stöckli Stormrider 95
Built to standards and with the quality of materials formerly found only on the World Cup tour, Stöckli offers a ski unmatched in both quality and craftsmanship. The Stormrider 95 is built with the same construction and feel as a World Cup ski. For the solid intermediates, and above, who like to cruise fast with big sweeping turns, this ski can’t be beat. With its 95mm waist the Stormrider is also powerful in crud.
While this Stöckli may be a handful in moguls, for the discerning skier it is pure confidence underfoot while cruising “off piste” as well as ripping Tahoe groomers at warp speed. Some pros who test skis for a living have been heard to say that the Stormrider 95 may be the best ski they’ve ever skied!
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Elan Ripstick 96
Elan makes skis for every day skiers. The features built in to the Ripstick skis are designed to boost performance but also make skiing easier. The Ripstick 96 skis are super easy to ski. Light and predictable. With impeccable manners on groomed runs that use the Amphibio technology to help you hold your form effortlessly. Also they are surprisingly good in junky snow for their weight. In powder they are sublime. This is a ski you can tour on. A ski you still feel fresh on while riding the last chair at the resort. A ski that may help a plateaued learning curve of a solid intermediate.
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Volkl Mantra M6
A perennial favorite, the 6th generation of the Mantra is probably the best. It is certainly the most balanced Mantra yet. Not too stiff nor too soft. Not too much rocker but enough. The Mantra’s best trait is that it does everything pretty darn good. If you truly ski “all mountain in all conditions” these planks are the ones you will find to be equally adept at “all” things.