What ski should I buy? Yep, it’s probably the question we get asked more than any other… and rightly so! Having the perfect ski for the program and one that is right for you is important. We have an exclusive deal with Evo Sports & you can demo 3 days of different skis to find the right length, brand & model. The total cost of this demo program is taken off your ski purchase & you will also get the special YES Tours pricing on your skis & accessories.
People often choose skis like they choose a racehorse – by the colour! While this will always guarantee you have a cool-looking ski it doesn’t mean that the ski is the right tool for the job or for you. For example, a powder ski that is 130 underfoot with rocker won’t allow you to demonstrate the technical requirements for the CSIA Level 1 and 2 so this is not the ski to buy for the Instructor Program (however it might be a great option for a powder ski if you want to have second pair).
To determine the best ski for you we need to know your ability, aggressiveness, weight, and height. All skis have been designed to perform differently in various terrain. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Never fear! The team at YES is eager to help and we have selected the top skis for both men and women for this season. They are all in the all-mountain/freeride category and have a good size platform underfoot. They are the perfect happy medium in one ski! Great for the technical training and for those powder-free ski days.
At the end of the day, the best advice we can offer is to go demo a variety of skis, try different brands, different models, and different lengths within each model to find the one that works for you. When you find the right one, you’ll know! We recommend Evo Whistler Village Sports for all your ski and accessories needs, tell them you are with YES and they will hook you up with a great deal. Evo Whistler Village Sports also has a great demo program that you can try before you buy.
Without further ado… we present to you…
YES Pros’ ski picks!
LADIES
Rossignol Experience 82
Every turn. Any terrain. Across the resort. The women’s Experience 82 Ti ski responds with energy to every turn for a high-energy, all-resort feel. The flex is tuned for intermediate and advanced skiers who enjoy aggressive performance. Titanal layers, a wood core and an 82mm waist combine for the power to handle perfect morning groomers and skied up afternoon conditions. The confidence-boosting control of our Drive Tip design works with the sidecut and full sidewall construction for smooth turn initiation and a powerful edge through the entire turn.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Redesigned with input from our Women2Women program and Blizzard’s engineers, the Black Pearl 88 shines as bright as ever. The result is confidence and just plain fun whether skiing groomers, softer snow off-piste, bumps, trees and everything in between. We designed the Black Pearl 88 not just for the best days on the mountain, but for every day. A lightweight construction, smooth profile shape and camber underfoot make the Black Pearl 88 a go-to for today, tomorrow and the day after that, too.
Rossignol Black Ops Stargazer
Answer the call of fresh tracks on the women’s Blackops Stargazer. Lightweight agility and confident downhill performance come together to set you free to explore and ride inbounds and out. Vibration-dampening tech carries you through every carve, while a light swing weight keeps it playful. Skin track, boot pack, resort days, the possibilities are endless. Escape the piste and ride free.
Atomic Maven 86 C (also available the 93 C)
Developed, tested, and validated in North America, Maven is Atomic’s new all-mountain women’s ski designed for strong and playful skiing in any terrain and snow condition. Featuring construction technology used by the world’s top female racers and pro freeriders, Maven blends both ends of the tech spectrum to create a ski that rips groomers, floats in powder and effortlessly weaves through trees. This all-conditions versatility delivers an extra boost of confidence to explore beyond the usual!
GENTS
Rossignol Experience 86
All resort. All the time. The Experience 86 Basalt ski blends a lightweight build with a smooth ride for carving across the entire mountain. A paulownia wood core reduces overall weight, while basalt layers absorb vibration for a smooth, quiet feel. An 86mm waist adds versatility and stability across changing snow conditions. The confidence-boosting control of our Drive Tip design works with the sidecut and full sidewall construction for smooth turn initiation and a powerful edge through the entire turn.
Blizzard Brahma 88
We define all-mountain as a skier who doesn’t color in the lines. It’s more of a philosophy, a sense of freedom to ski whereever you want on the mountain. The Brahma 88 will give you the ability to seize the snowpack throughout the most frigid temperatures and firm conditions. The Brahma 88 utilizes its TrueBlend Woodcore, two sheets of metal and reduced rocker profile for a better grip on harder snow but is versatile enough for a variety of snow conditions. This ski will take the energy you give it and transfer that power into the snowpack, so you can rip down the mountain with confidence and ease. As the day’s smooth terrain gets eaten up by hungry skiers, the Brahma has the backbone to ski efficiently through chopped up crud, which means you’ll be skiing longer (and stronger) than everyone else. Enjoy the day – all day, ski the Brahma.
Rossignol Black Ops Escapers
Ride free. Fresh tracks to hardpack, the Black Ops Escapers is your ticket to ride the whole mountain. It brings an effortless, responsive feel to go anywhere the snow takes you, inbounds or out. The Rossignol Black Ops Escaper Skis are built with a Pauwlonia wood core complemented by Diago Fiber and Damp Tech laminates and offer the versatility to cruise or charge at will. Fly beyond the boundaries, roll through mixed conditions without hesitation and let your skiing soar in the bumps and trees with the Black Ops Escapers – your spirit will thank you.
Atomic Maverick 88Ti (also available the 95Ti)
Developed, tested, and validated in North America, where every mountain attracts a different type of skier and a style that requires unique characteristics in an all-terrain ski, Maverick is the ski that unites all mountains and skiers. Featuring construction technology used by the world’s top racers and professional freeride skiers, Maverick blends both ends of the spectrum to create a ski that is both pure groomer performance and playful in the powder. Groomers, steeps, trees, bumps, you name it – with the Maverick 88 TI the entire mountain becomes yours.
FOR EVERYONE
Rossignol Hero Elite Plus
Designed for passionate and versatile skiers, the HERO ELITE PLUS+ Ti is powerful, stable and perfectly balanced, blending race-level technology with enhanced on-trail comfort. The Line Control Technology (LCT) meets a wider 78mm waist width and wider sidecuts for optimized comfort, precision, balance. LCT eliminates counter-flexing for maximum stability and optimized trajectory through the turn for total control of your line.
Summary:
- Waist width: Look for a medium-width waist to balance between hard-snow grip and soft-snow float. It also depends on conditions; 80-95mm is optimal for all mountain, 95-105mm will be better for soft or variable conditions, however this may be too wide to effectively perform the technical skills you need to pass the CSIA certifications.
- Sidecut/Turn radius: Your options will generally have a medium radius sidecut that makes it easier to carve a variety of turn shapes.
- Profile: Most modern all-mountain skis feature traditional camber and some form of rocker (usually early-rise tip), which gives you easier handling and turn initiation in variable conditions.
Enjoy the turns!
