Every year ski companies adjust, tweak their current fleet and update and innovate new technology for what’s next. They try to out-do and one-up each other; all the while the skier reaps the benefits of industry competition, skiing on lighter, faster, better equipment, as well as enjoying performance-enhanced clothing made for both men and women. Today’s skier craves a skiing experience with a wider range. The all-mountain desire has been greatly addressed by the ski industry over the last few years and is seeing those creative efforts with an explosion of new gear and refined classics. Finding that 1 set of skis that can handle the park, one day of carving up groomers, one day of tree exploration, and the omnipresent and never-ending search for the soul-enriching untracked powder line. Here is a list (in no particular order) from our experts at The House of some of their favorite ski companies to date.
K2
K2 continues to be at the forefront of design and technology, focusing on the all-mountain experience. Their lineage of innovation started with the introduction of fiberglass technology in the 60s and moves forward today with skis that can rage from park to pow. In addition to their stellar and technology leading all mountain skis, they a have the full range of park and big mountain style skis as well. They have also created ski boots that help to reduce dead space and jittery rides, with innovative technology engineered to make your ride more energetic and efficient no matter where you find yourself on the mountain.
Rossignol
This more than 100-year-old French ski company might be leading the pack as far as innovation. Every year they constantly outdo them selves with newer tech making skis lighter, rider friendly and reducing ski weight without sacrificing strength. When you have been in the game as long a Rossi its hard to compare everything they have done for skiing for over a century. Pick your poison and start ripping! And as if downhill wasn’t enough, they’ve got one of the most extensive lines of boots and cross country gear as well
Line
Line began as a park only ski company but has expanded into the freeride big mountain area. They continue to grow with some of the lightest, most poppy, and very stable powder skis as well. Always at the forefront of freestyle skiing and its progression outside of the park into the back country. If freestyle is on your mind no matter where you are on the mountain then grab some Lines and get your slopestyle on.
Fischer
Traditionally a race oriented company, over the years Fischer has reached from the race gates further into the mountain. The downhill speed and GS turns can still be had by such Fischer classics, but on days when the Nastar course is covered with 8-12 inches of fresh Fisher has you covered with skis that love the deep stuff. From big mountain twin tips to more of an all-terrain ski experience. Fischer really has everything to keep the stoke high without staring down a course of gates. Fischer skis and boots are known for their lightweight, lively feel and this year is no different.
Volkl
Volkl has been pushing the ski industry since the dawn of the sport. Their skis are engineered with German precision and they can boast being the only company in the country still developing and manufacturing skis. The skier gets the benefit of this lineage with Volkl’s fusion of performance and fun. Start the day with some of the ultimate park destroyers that have great pop a incredible agility for all-mountain carving and end the day with some fast highspeed runs. Volkls multi-layer wood core, carbon stringer, and light construction deliver solid edge grip and loads of stability, no matter how firm the snow gets.
Salomon
The French Alps gave rise to Salomon in 1947 and is considered by many to be the epicenter of the mountain experience. Salomon has many branches in mountain sports but the ski department is the heart of this industry leader. Salomon has impressed many with some of the most reliable skis to date. Starting with their cores and adding wood, flax, carbon sandwich and many other additives to make your head spin. You know that not matter where you are skiing, and what ever style you have a pair of Salomon’s under your feet will help you get the job done. And don’t forget to check out their extensive line of boots, bindings, poles, and every accessory you need for a fun day on the mountain.
Armada
This skier-owned and operated company, founded in part by Tanner Hall and JP Auclair, works closely with world renowned skiers to change the perception of skiing as an upper class bourgeois old man sport to a rootsy, gritty form of self-expression within a natural medium. They push the limits of the sport with creativity and progressive riding techniques which are integrated into their inventive ski design. Building out what originally started as one impressive ski the Armada line has grown by leaps and bound into one of the top brands. Its lightweight fleet wood core, combined with a stiffer species in a horizontal laminate, makes them perfect for presses and jibs in the park or to give a tame run a little flavor. Armada will get you in touch with your inner skiing soul.
Nordica
While Nordica got its start in 1939 in foot wear and perfecting the modern ski boot over the years to come they quickly grew into one of the most recognized names in skiing. From beginners to advanced skiers, everyone can find a shape that works for them and their specific riding style. With a full run of skis, bags and of course ground breaking boots it’s hard to contest their over 80 years of ripping down the slopes.
Atomic
An Austrian ski company that knows what they’re doing. Atomic strives to “make every skier a better skier.” With 50 plus years of experience making high-quality skis, there’s no denying this pioneer in the industry. These Olympic quality skis are made to impress with the extremely popular line up. The offering from Atomic has some of the most stable skis under foot to maximum float in deep snow conditions that are sure to give the rider the days on the mountain that won’t soon be forgotten. With skis, ski packages, boots, poles, bags, helmets and more to choose from, you can rep Atomic on just about all your gear!
Liberty
Since 2003, Liberty has been dedicated to the skiers who live and breathe skiing and spending all day on the mountain. Their signature bamboo skis have evolved over 20 years to give top notch performance and are trusted by skiers in the deepest areas of the backcountry to the park to even world cup podiums. Located in the heart of it, their skis are tested in the Colorado Rockies daily, fine tuning every aspect of what goes into every ski in their line.
Updating your quiver or picking your first pair of skis is a highly personal endeavor. Plunge into the expanse of your riding spirit to determine your goals and expectations for the 2019 season. Think hard on where you are going to ski, when you are going to ski, and why you are going to ski. Whether you are a backcountry bro or betty, a saggy pants butter loving park rat, a groomer killer, a sidecountry soldier, or a big mountain freestyle freerider; we at The House wish you a most triumphant and most excellent season. Ski hard and rip mountain crumbling slashes. In Ullr we trust.
For a complete lineup of skis, ski gear, ski bindings, ski boots, and clothing, visit our men’s and women’s online ski shop. Also, don’t forget to complete your setup with a helmet, goggles, poles, mitts or gloves, and ski socks!
Can’t get enough about skiing? Check out the ABC’s of skiing here.
[…] materials design and construction processes are closely guarded industrial secrets, specific to individual ski companies. But I and other materials experts know that the essential components and methods are very similar: […]
[…] materials design and construction processes are closely guarded industrial secrets, specific to individual ski companies. But I and other materials experts know that the essential components and methods are very similar: […]
I’m not sure how you left Atomic off this list. The ski used by both Marcel Hirscher and Mikaela Shiffron the men’s and women’s overall World Cup ski champions as well as countless Olympic medal winners.
Perhaps we’ll have to make an edit!
Well that’s funny because they are on there. #9 to be exact.
Let’s mention the fact that Salomon was the first real TWIN TIP ski. when every other company laughed the idea off.
[…] of goggles can be daunting. With technology constantly changing there are many different styles and brands to choose from. Now, most goggles don’t have the power to make you look like a movie star. They […]