The brainchild ski series of Candide Thovex (who many consider the G.O.A.T) takes the next step in its evolution with the Faction CT 5.0, meant to shine on the deepest of powder days as evidenced by its 122-mm waist width. “Super fun, quick-turning ski. Awesome for poppin’ off catwalks into the pow,” said Alex Golden. “Super stable, yet could still turn easily for such a fat ski,” added Bridget Boyle. Faction achieves this balance by combining a balsa, flax and poplar wood core for a lightweight yet responsive and stable ride. The CT 5.0 also uses what the brand calls a directional twin tip shape—camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail with a little less pronouncement in the tail to increase dependability at high speed on variable snow. It’s a hard charger that loves to play.