In ascent, the ski’s weight is still a key factor. Even top athletes are prepared to sacrifice a little comfort to shave off a few grams, and at this point all the brands are able to meet the limits imposed by the regulations. In descent, however, it’s a different story. A little extra weight makes the ski more stable and manageable. But in the world of racing it’s all about performance, so even many amateurs, in order to achieve a higher VAM (Velocità Ascensionale Media, or Average Ascent Speed) end up adapting their downhill technique to suit light skis. Which isn’t always advisable. In any case, at this level, performance counts more than the pure pleasure of skiing. So don’t be surprised if a ski that’s easier to handle, but slightly heavier, ends up at a lower price point. There are models out there that are a crossover between Race and Light models, ideal for training and fast & light outings, like the Augment Race Tour, which we tried for the first time for this issue.
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Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
