Blizzard

Power X8 Ski

A few years ago (OK, 20), Blizzard's Power X8 Ski would've been one of the fattest boards on the hill. It says a lot about changing ski design that this 81mm-waisted stick is now thought of as a carving-friendly all-mountain ski rather than a fatty, but that's progress for you, and frankly, we think it's better this way.

The X8 is actually the fattest ski in Blizzard's Power line and its width, along with a gently rockered tip and tail, mean it doesn't get overwhelmed when snow gets soft and choppy. It prefers to slice through deeper snow rather than float over it, with an aggressive titanium laminate and underfoot camber to keep it biting rather than surfing, but has a light and energetic wood core that keeps gives the ski a lively feel whether you're railing turns on the groomers or dicing up leftovers from yesterday's storm. Full sidewalls direct plenty of energy to the edges and resist the squirrely feel that can plague wimpier skis, but don't prevent the X8 from getting juuuust a little loose when you want it to.

Blizzard also endowed the X8 with its 3 Matrix technology, which aligns the flex, sidecut, and camber profiles in a complementary manner, so they're all working together to give you smooth edging, predictable handling, and a hook-free feel. The X8 also has integrated ABS rails that lets you slide your bindings directly into place with just a single screw, for increased energy transfer, efficiency, and a more natural flex pattern for a better feel. And, because accidents happen, Blizzard finished it off with the Dura-Tec durability package, which incorporates aluminum tip and tail protectors, thicker top sheets, and a beveled top edge that resists chipping and peeling, so your skis stay fresh and in one piece.