Ski equipment: Best powder skis 2012

Nothing beats the feeling of floating through fresh powder on a pair of skis made for the job. So we’ve trawled through the latest ski equipment reviews to put together a list of the 10 best powder skis 2012.

Best powder skis 2012

With revolutionary new rocker technology built into this season’s planks, now’s the time to splash out on a new pair. Here’s a taste of what the top ski manufacturers have recently served up for.

Men’s best powder skis 2012

Atomic – Bent Chetler

Embracing their new Powder Rocker technology – aimed at maximising lift and float – Atomic launch their third generation Bent Chetler. Developed under the guidance of its namesake – Chris Benchetler – this ski benefits from quick response, superb shock absorption, excellent edge grip and outstanding float.

Atomic say: “The perfect freeski for accomplished backcountry skiers”.

Lengths: 183, 192

Salomon – Rocker 2

With its twin rocker shape and innovative honeycomb construction, Salomon’s newest powder ski is super-floaty and delivers a supreme surfing sensation when playing in deep powder. With its classic camber underfoot and short sidecut, the Rocker 2 even performs well in harder stuff.

Salomon say: “Our most playful and ‘surfy’ ski yet”.

Lengths: 170, 180, 184, 192

Line skis – Mr Pollard’s Opus Skis 2012

Breaking new boundaries, Line have re-engineered their powder ski technology to create a slimmer and stiffer ski that planes more easily in a fresh dump and has more grip for whole mountain skiing.

Line say: “The Line Opus ski is a breakthrough in versatility within the powder ski category”.

Lengths: 178, 185

Liberty – The Mutant

One word: huge! Built solely for the deepest powder days, these monster skis embrace Liberty’s Bomb Rocker construction and are particularly responsive for their size. Best suited to dedicated powder junkies and big mountain skiers.

Liberty say: “A huge powder speciality ski – if you need for your everyday ski, consider yourself lucky”.

Length: 192

Women’s best powder skis 2012

K2 – MissDirected

The super-wide platform on this powder ski makes it stable enough underfoot to shred big mountain lines, whilst the bamboo construction and Powder Rocker technology makes it light and lively at the tip and tail, keeping you afloat in the deep stuff.

K2 say: “With a lightweight and bombproof construction, the MissDirected will take your powder skiing in a whole new direction”.

Lengths: 159, 169

Kastle – BMX 118 Skis

This playful ski marries effortless powder riding with stability and superb responsiveness. The rockered tip and 118mm waist deliver maximum float in deep powder and this versatile ski performs well in all conditions. Testers agree that the BMX is best suited to accomplished powder hounds.

Kastle say: “Agile and effortless in powder”.

Lengths: 168

Atomic – The Century

The women’s answer to The Bent Chetler comes in the form of The Century. Its 100mm waist will guarantee big smiles on a powder day and the tip-to-tail wood core will help to soften hard landings. A pronounced camber around the binding delivers optimum edge grip and control on harder snow.

Atomic say: “Effortless and easy to manoeuvre”.

Lengths: 146,156,166,176

Liberty: Envy Powder

2012 sees the introduction of Liberty’s new ‘Stealth Rocker’ construction, adding extra float to their powder range. Built for aggressive skiers, the brand new Envy Powder ski embraces Liberty’s innovative technology to create a responsive, all-conditions ski that can handle crud and bumps as well as float through fresh powder.

Liberty say: “Fun, light and lively, the Envy Powder is bamboo at its best”.

Lengths: 156, 167

We hope you found our guide to the best Powder Skis 2012 useful. If you would like more information on ski equipment check out our skiing articles, be sure to look at our skiing discounts too as you could save a fortune.