And, back to the actual topic of the thread: Do you guys have preferences for the type of skis you like in Steeps?? I'm thinking, except in deep crud or powder, a narrower ski, medium flex with a softer tail (so I can feather and not augur in)--though, some say a stiffer, flat tail is better in true steeps...I admit, I don't really have enough experience to have a full-fledged opinion. On a non-podwer day what is the Ideal Jackson/ Snowbird/ Taod ski (insert other steep mountains of your choice here, but these are the three I've been to!)?
Liam, for me it's all about trust. I'm comfortable on a ski that will hold me and not let go, so I can relax and focus on technique. That means solid edge grip, so high torsional stiffness. Softer tip and tail are definite pluses, but overall I like a burly ski (I'm not a small guy, so that's a natural fit for me). I have no experience with rockered skis, so can't comment there, other than to say I have no trouble with a flat tail and I like the feeling of having solid support back there.
Edit: I should add that I like an even flexing ski, with no surprises. Particular skis that I own or have owned and like for steeps: Nordica Mach 3 and Fischer RC4 Progressor (the original one) for hard snow and ice; Dynastar Mythic Rider for soft snow and crud. I expect my new Sultan 94's to be good as well.
Turn radius is not a big deal for me, as a long radius ski with a softer tip can be easily brought around in a tight arc with a bit of mustard. As many of the steeps I get into have a lot of crud/broken snow, having a solid crud buster is also important -- a ski that is not easily deflected and bounced around.
Hope this helps...
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