If there’s one thing the ski industry has never lacked, its options. What better excuse to browse through the best skis and boards on the market right now than the start of the 2018 Aussie season. You know you don’t need them, but you sure as hell want them.
All-Mountain
Skis – Faction CT 2.0
Pro model of superhuman king Candide Thovex and the top-ranked all-mountain setup for 2018 according to Freeskier. In their own words, this ski is for those “who delight over opportunities to pop, press, smear, butter and carve up a storm across ski slopes of all shapes and sizes.” The symmetrical side-cut is the feature of note here, allowing for identical dynamics when riding switch.
Board – DC Space Echo
For the rider who wants to charge all over the mountain with aggression, but also bang out some serious pop in the park. This capable all-rounder gets the job done across the whole resort and does it with excellence.
Freeride
Skis – Black Crows Atris 108
Europe’s best are now available in Australia. Yep, freeride hounds can rejoice knowing Black Crows can be purchased through Skiers Junction on home soil. These 108’s are wide enough to handle the deepest of powder but aren’t too fat that you’re trying to carve surf board-width skis down Aussie pistes. Playful but stable at speed.
Board – Lobster Floater
A much less gnarly freestyle board, meaning it’ll perfectly suit Australian terrain while leaving you plenty of room for airtime. Triple Base Tech and some extra width make it sublimely floaty for such a short board and tree skiing a delight.
Park
Skis – K2 Sight
A very reliable, well-constructed ski. The aspen wood core balances weight and spring near perfectly, while the cap construction means it’ll withstand all the rough and tumble you’ll be putting them through in the park and beyond.
Board – Bataleon Boss
As premium as park boards get, the Boss is the most technically advanced plank you can buy. Whether you’re cutting hot laps through the park, hitting street rails or sending it over XL booters, this one has it covered.
Touring
Skis – Atomic Bent Chetler 100’s
All-new signature sticks from the titular pro-skier, these narrower and lighter skis compared to their wider well-known big brother might just be one half of the ultimate touring setup. The other half? A compromise-free touring binding. Sound like I’m talking smack? Wait till you see Salomon’s brand new ‘shift bindings’ boasting the touring efficiency of a pin (low-tech) binding, with the performance of an alpine freeride binding. Thank us later.
Board – Salomon SickStick
Not only one of the best powder/backcountry boards on the market but also one of the best looking. This classic weapon from back in the day has been refined with modern tech for one incredibly appealing and responsive piece of super lightweight wood.
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