Hey Ron,
Owning Spatula is a bit like owning a convertible in Alaska, not for everyday. However, owners that I have spoken with explain than only a thin-soft layer on the surface is required for use. The sliding ski will build a wedge of snow underneath the ski and the skier will surf on this wedge. I'm actually hoping for a warm November day in Wisconsin so I can learn to balance on this thing before arriving in BC. I'll look a little out-of-place at the bunny hill.
I also plan to use the skis above 7000 feet where thaw-freeze cycles are rare. Early morning ice on hardpack will be impossible, Ill have to use something else or walk. Skiing hardpack in transit to deep snow will be a challenge in general. In Utah & Colorado groomed slopes are often soft enough for this thin-soft layer to exist. The ski does not require bottomless powder to operate, a thin-soft layer will do it.
Keep in mind that I own seven usable adult male skis, five of these are listed below as father & son. So the the Spatula will only see duty within 48 hours of a serious dump. The Intuitive 74 will be my boot-top deep snow ski. The RX8 will probably also travel with me to BC if the snow is very hard, for example. Yes, I'll be lugging 3 ski to Colorado, a little ridicules, I know.
Two years ago when I joined Realskiers you all were a little surprised that I owned a quiver and that I liked Fischer skis, neither of those preferences seem strange anymore. I do think that 190 Lbs plus people need a 95mm or wider ski for deep snow.
A super wide ski and an all-mountain ski is about as different as a boat is from a car. A car needs a hard surface to operate and a boat needs a liquid surface to float in. My Fischer WC RC is my "Porsche Turbo", The Spatula is my "Cigarette" and by Intuitive 74 is my basic SUV. All new with bindings for less than $1000 total.
Cheers
Michael
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