What made our ski testers clamor for the Volkl Mantra? Why were they calling it, “flawless at speed; a great all-around ski; and certified hot!”? Well, start with a Sensorwood core, a vertically laminated poplar and beech wood that makes the ski unbelievably light, durable and energetic. Wrap that core in a torsion box with vertical sidewall construction, and the Mantra becomes stable and responsive. Add a touch of early rise in the tips, and it becomes nimble and efficient in any conditions. Altogether, the Mantra is the highest-rated men’s all-mountain ski in this year’s test.