Our Top Piste Skis

• Radius: 13.4m (157)
• Waist: 73mm (157)
• Rocker: Tip

Tester’s comment

Stevie (Castleford) "It's so easy to turn and super forgiving. Great edge hold and stability. For a piste ski, I was surprised how well it coped just off to the side too."

Suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Cloud 9 combines a Densolite foam core with a Titanium stabiliser (running the length of the ski) for a lightweight yet stable feel. Along the outer of the ski is a traditional full-length sidewall delivering excellent grip and the camber underfoot increases the edge hold.

At the tip of the ski, you’ll find a hint of rocker for easy turn initiation and the low weight helps you quickly transfer from edge-to-edge.

• Radius: 16.5m (173)
• Waist: 74mm (173)
• Rocker: Tip/Tail

Tester’s comment

Dani (Aviemore) "Precise handling, energetic rebound, snappy edge-to-edge with easy turn initiation. A safe choice for anyone looking for a high-end performance piste ski."

The Volkl Code S features a slight rocker at the tip and tail for performance across less than perfect conditions and fluid turn initiation at low speeds. This high-performance continues at greater speeds. A UVO (Ultimate Vibration Object) absorbs unwanted vibrations for a smooth, easy-to-hold edge on longer turns. These confidence-inducing aspects are complemented by a titanium topsheet and an ultra-high molecular sintered base for outright speed and a powerful exit from turns.

Another clever use of tech and design is the multi-layer sandwich woodcore. It uses dense wood on the edge of the core for better power transmission while the use of softer wood in the middle saves on weight.

• Radius: 15.3m (161cm)
• Waist: 70mm (161cm)
• Rocker: Full Camber

Tester’s comment

Andi (Bristol) "Very solid underfoot, powered through even when conditions weren't great. Amazing grip on icy terrain. Perfect for advanced skiers who like speed and short, snappy turns."

Aimed at advanced women skiers, the Cloud 12 is a full camber ski that borrows technology straight from Atomic’s racing range. Their Servotec structure increases stability at high speeds yet improves agility during turns.

A powerful X 12 TL binding supplies excellent power transfer and control to the skier letting them drive the ski through turns. Adding further speed capability to the mix is a World Cup base finish, while the classy styling tops off what is an excellent ski.

• Radius: 13.1m (170))
• Waist: 72mm(170)
• Rocker: Tip

Tester’s comment

Ryan (Cambridge) "Very agile but easy to turn for a high-end ski. Get it on groomed slopes and pick up speed to make it shine. KERS gives a kick out of the turn for added fun."

The Supershape i.Magnum from Head is the ideal ski for those who like to go (really) fast on the piste. A narrow waist (72mm) and 90% camber create a nimble and stable ski that works well at high speeds but thanks to the 10% rocker, it is still fun at a more leisurely pace.

In the back portion of the ski, you will find Head’s K.E.R.S (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology. This clever little chip stores energy as the ski flexes (in the middle a turn) and releases it during the exit, stiffening the back portion of the ski and accelerating you out of the turn. Add in featherweight Graphene for further strength and a hybrid sidewall cap construction and you get a high-performance ski that will satisfy any advanced to expert skier.