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WO M EN’ S F R EETO U R SKIS
E A I B
Touring skins are evolving fast. Most still stick to the base of skis using adhesive, but the new, glueless breed are worth considering. You needn't worry about them sticking together in your pack or regluing them. They have a rubber base that works much like those toys that stick to a wall when you throw them against it. Some skins are made for certain skis, or they can be trimmed to fit in a shop. Regular poles are fine if you put a powder basket on. Collapsible ones allow you adjust the length for the climb, and can be stowed in a backpack.
BUILD
Cap & sidewall combo/carbon & lightweight wood core/tip & tail rocker SIDECUT (mm) 119-84-108 RADIUS 18m (169cm) LENGTHS (cm) 153,161,169 WEIGHT (per ski) 1,250g for 169cm
BUILD
THEY SAY Based on a new shape it opens a door to the backcountry, but is capable when returning to groomed pistes. WE SAY Like other Movement freetour skis the Vista is superlight and would be great for tourers who love a light rig. That is matched to a rockered profile that makes it feel at home in deeper, off-piste snow. On harder, skiedout snowpack the Vista felt less confident, with a lack of edge grip and less stability. But for ease of use in the backcountry going up and down it works well.
THEY SAY This all-condition ski is light enough for long slogs up and confident enough to paint the white canvas back down. WE SAY This ski was a hit with the test team. It was comfortable making smooth, round arcs, and felt well balanced on edge, with a sidecut that steers a nice curve. Off-piste it was effortless to move from turn to turn, while offering plenty of float and a smooth ride. On piste it skied well for a ski in this category, but didn’t feel rock solid when going for high speeds on hard snow.
Cap & sidewall combo/carbon & lightweight wood core/tip & tail rocker SIDECUT (mm) 128-96-118 RADIUS 17m (163cm) LENGTHS (cm) 163, 170 WEIGHT (per ski) 1,350g for 163cm
The choice for women is exploding this year. These four skis are a small selection of those we could test. Overall, widths have increased as new technologies have cut weights without affecting performance. We will be back testing skis in March, when, as ever, the Ski Club’s testers go to Kühtai, Austria, to try the best of more than 800 of next season’s models. If you want tips on testing skis for yourself, watch the Ski Club’s short instructional video on bit.ly/howtotestskis
How to pick the right skins and poles
K2 Talkback 96 £350 without bindings
The Movement Vista is light and grippy in most off-piste conditions. However it feels unstable and lacks edge grip at speed on piste (Bella Seel) Rocker profile works well in deep snow Lacks grip on harder snow
Sponsors With thanks to Scott, Eider, Planks and Salomon, which provided clothes. Scott also supplied goggles and poles.
E A I B
Great value for money and my favourite in this category (Bella Seel) Affordable, easy ski. Very light, which makes it manoeuvrable (Steph Ede) Smooth, predictable, fun, easy off-piste Feels less stable at speed on hardpack
Photos: Ross Woodhall
What's new in women’s freetour skis?
Movement Vista W £429 without bindings