Michael, you should try some Nordica's as well. They are fantastic skis. Lots of pop and energy. I have found the snow in the Vail area is perfect for cruising, especially on those 4-6" of fresh powder days. True hero snow. It's soft enough that it won't hold up a narrower ski but not too light to prevent good edge-hold. Once it gets skied and broken up a bit, its still soft enough that even a ski like the 8 or the SS will plow right through it. I skied the Nordica Hot Rod, Modified, 119-74-104 in several days of fresh powder ranging from 2" to 10" and had no issues at all. A friend was skiing Atomic GS 11's and skied it with equal ease. ?I still contend that a wider tip and tail has more effect on float than simply looking at the waist. Length will aslo effect the float. But I digress, One western ski for multipurpose use? Hmm, I would have to go with the head 82 or the Nordica Hot Rod Nitrous
http://www.nordica.com/ski/scheda.php?s=3&target=448I am still bringing out my Supershapes!