We’ve been calling Solitude, Utah, home for the past three days, skiing lift open to lift close, testing out all of next year’s new skis.
After two weeks of heavy snowfall, the base here is the best it has been in years. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen any fresh, so most of the testing has been done by searching and destroying powder remains (which, luckily, there are many here, since powder takes weeks to get completely claimed) and by shredding down the hard pack on Summit chair.
Ski companies we’ve tested out so far:
Black Diamond
Icelantic
Moment
Faction
4FRNT
Line
Armada
K2
High Society
Amplid
Kastle
DPS
Elan
As we’ve pretty much said each year, this year’s crop of skis offer the most unique, distinct options for skiers looking for exactly what they want.
I asked one tester what he would give as a “stoke rating” on the crop as a whole, and he articulately stated: “Dude, so bleeping stoked.” Nice one.
We’ve got photos and videos of all the new gear that we’ll be posting periodically, so check back for the latest. In the meantime, here’s some of it.
Matt Sterbenz at the Ski Test day 2
New Line at Solitude: CJ Video Blog 3
