At the heart of every ski

“I’m very picky and I find it hard to find ones I like, I think I’ve tried all the brands on the market.” A ski is much more than a piece of equipment made up of wood, laminate, resin and a cool graphic. It encapsulates our memories, our emotions, our fears. Every last scratch tells a story. You just need to look at it to be transported back in time. A ski is an instrument for getting to know places and people, for bringing home a little happiness. A ski is a life lived to the full out in the world. Behind the endless numbers, prototypes, and tests, there’s an army of skiers who into that bundle of hi-tech materials have poured their heart and soul, not to mention their skills and knowledge. Each layer of paulownia or poplar is alive, with its own unique character, refusing to conform to exacting modern standards. Likewise, every foot is different, on a never-ending quest for the right boot. This guide is full of stats, tests and trends, thoughts and discussions. But above all, it’s full of passion and feeling, just like skiing in its purest form. Remember that. Even when the snow isn’t up to Alaskan standards and the hot wind dusts Saharan sand over the Alps.