The Best Snow Skis for Advanced & Intermediate Skiers

The Best Snow Skis for Advanced & Intermediate Skiers
The ski manufacturing industry creates new products each year. New models are developed, and older models, often despite their popularity, are discontinued. Some companies, however, have fortunately learned that messing with success is a bad idea. Certain intermediate and advanced ski models have a loyal following, and ski companies continue to sell them every season. There might be minor changes to the graphics, but the ski remains essentially the same. The following intermediate and advanced skis receive frequent accolades in ski magazines and on ski message forums.

K2 Burnin' Luv

When the K2 Burnin' Luvs hit the market in 2006, they were characterized by their bright yellow bases, which were adorned with a bright red floral pattern. Some women loved the elaborate, eye-catching graphics. Others found them offensive. Few were disappointed by the Burnin' Luv's on-slope performance. The skis now have unisex graphics, and there have been minor changes in its sidecut dimensions. The original Burnin' Luvs had a sidecut of 115-68-99, making it a superb carving ski, but not as efficient for powder, bumps and crud. The newer models have a sidecut of 117-70-101. Its slightly wider dimensions do not affect the ski's carving ability, but they do make it more versatile. Carving aside, these skis, which are part of K2's female specific T9 series, have earned the name "Burnin'." Simply put, the Burnin' Luvs are hot. Their "hotness" factor lies in their stability at high speeds, which is a result of their metal laminate construction and bioflex core. This ski is a major confidence booster, even for the most timid female skier.

K2 Burnin' Luvs
K2 Skis
4201 6th Ave. South
Seattle, WA 98108
( 877) 412-7467
k2skis.com/skis/tnine/burnin-luv

Dynastar Exclusive Legend

The Dynastar Exclusive Legend was designed for the female skier who wants an exclusive relationship with her skis. This ski performs well on hard pack, groomed and powder conditions. Its 114-75-102 dimensions enable efficient carving, but the wider waist allows a sufficient amount of float in powder conditions. If love really means never having to say you're sorry, the Exclusive Legend's forgiving nature might explain why women are enamored with them. The skis are a faithful partner for women who want to venture out into more challenging terrain.

Dynastar Exclusive Legends
Skis Dynastar Inc.
1441 Ute Blvd., Suite 200
Park City, UT 84098
(435) 252.3300
dynastar.com/#/products/da9kf06-exclusive-legend-

Volkl Gotama

Search any online ski message forum, and the word "Gotama" will appear. It often is accompanied by multiple exclamation points, as well as a creative assortment of superlatives. The ski, whose dimensions are 137-106-122, are ideal for powder and crud, but despite its wide waist, it also works well in groomed conditions. The 2010 version has a slightly raised top and tail, which makes it a useful ski for guys who want to show off their tricks in the terrain park.

Volkl Gotama
Marker Völkl USA Inc.
112 Etna Rd.
Lebanon, NH 03766
(603) 298-0314
voelkl.de/index.cfm/EN/98/492/109442

Blizzard Magnum 8.7 IQ Max

If you're still skidding your turns, "Ski Magazine" advises against the Blizzard Magnum 8.7 IQ Max. Skidding would be a waste of the ski's highly efficient edge bite, a feature that is greatly appreciated by East Coast hardpack skiers. Its 128-87-113 dimensions, however, make this midfat ski a versatile choice for anyone who occasionally ventures into powder conditions.

Blizzard Magnum
Blizzard Sports USA
19 Technology Drive
West Lebanon, NH 03784
(866) 909-9754

/blizzardsportusa.com/Products/AllMountain/Magnum87IQMax.html

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Write for Trails.com
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