The morning’s report indicated 11 inches had fallen overnight. Upon unloading the Silver Queen gondola on the Ajax summit, though, it was clear the totals were in the 20-something range. These conditions were straight out of a summer daydream. We hastily snatched the skis labeled “115 plus” and launched an all-out attack. Our testers choked (really, they did) on chest deep stashes in the steep aspen groves of the Dumps; deflowered virgin snow on the wide open, sparkling landscape on the Face of Bell; enjoyed face shots through the leg-burning trees in the Bingo Glades; and tricked off the famed wind lip on Walsh’s. Conditions were, for lack of a better word, perfect. Every fat ski was put to the test in the environment for which it was built.

“I just want to give everyone a hug. There’s nowhere else on Earth I’d rather be.” Apparently, that stream of consciousness escaped my lips after a particularly juicy run down the Dumps. Luckily, our own Henrik Lampert made note and continued to jot comments throughout the morning.

Photographer Matt Power described the conditions as, “magical. Crystals in the air. Overhead every turn.”

Michael Olenick, an Aspen native and former pro skier went so far as to say, “That was the best day I’ve ever had on Ajax in my life.”

Bluebird Skies Pop In The Elks

Following what many of our team regard as their deepest day of the season, temperatures rose and the sun emerged in full force. It was time for the 90- to 99-mm waisted skis—tuned to a T and ready for a ski test trial by fire—to make their debut. And don’t go knocking these skis for their slender waist sizes; their performance was anything but petite.

Again, without wasting time, testers began streaming down Ajax well before the (minimal) crowds appeared. And the groomers were delectable, especially in the famed Copper Bowl.

“That was the best day I’ve ever had on Ajax in my life.”

It’s a special feeling, experiencing the rush of a light breeze during the early morning hour with barely a soul, other than your testing companions, on the mountain. The sky is the deepest shade of blue and not a single cloud is present. The light of the rising sun filters through floating ice particles in the air and you’re suddenly immersed in winter’s magical aura. You click into a brand spankin’ new pair of sticks and in front of you lies 3,267 vertical feet of pristine, untouched, meticulously sculpted corduroy. Only three things circle your thoughts before blasting off: speed, speed and more speed.

Our testers relived this feeling on multiple days before the test drew to a close. The vast array of 90- to 99-mm offerings had some of our testers reminiscing about their old racing days.

The 101 Best Skis Of 2016

Dive in, friends, and gander at the 101 best skis of 2016. Of the 314 skis hammered upon in Aspen, less than a third were bestowed with the distinction of Editors’ Pick. These are the best skis of the year—no questions asked. Whether you’re a frontside charger, off-piste aficionado or big trickin’ son of a gun, trust us, in the following pages, there’s a ski for you. Heck, maybe there are three skis for you. Read our Gearwise page outlining what you need to know about ski construction. Soak up our reviews, and don’t be afraid to contact us via Twitter for guidance. These skis will make your great days greater. Happy hunting.

Related: Primo Picks for Park and Pipe: FREESKIER’S park-specific ski test is unrivaled in its scope

Pages: 1 2