The J Skis The Friend 2020, from master ski-shaper Jason Levinthal, is an amazingly versatile, functional work of art. It utilizes a gentle, extended rocker in the tip and tail for effortless deep snow skiing… you know, the kind of pivoting and plundering you see in the movies. Between the buns of this sandwich, Levinthal employs the same, high-quality ingredients that make all of his skis stand-outs: a maple wood core, full-height sidewalls and carbon fiber stringers, just to name a few. Where this ski surprised our testers most, however, was its hardpack abilities; despite its significant width underfoot, it performed notably well on-piste.

FREESKIER tester thoughts: “Would ski this ski every day!”

“Playful and strong. I had a lot of trust in landing airs and making springy, carved turns.”

Explore the 2020 FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide