Salomon Aero Ti 2008

As with all the Aero skis the ethos is that they are incredibly versatile and "Hybrid" skis that combine the latest construction and shape innovations to give you a ski that will help you perform at your best on piste conditions. The Aero Ti is built for the intermediate to advanced skier and as such ha a slightly softer flex tamer sidecut so the turn-in when you initiate the turn is less aggressive and they are going to be somewhat more forgiving when the going gets tough on the reds or black runs.
Lightweight, easy to use and with a sporty feel they are great for the eager intermediate but probably a little too tame for an aggressive advanced skier- they should head for the Aero GT + or really break the bank and plump for the excellent Aero X.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Aero Ti, 2008, Piste, High Performance, Advanced, skis:

Carving control on demand.
With the Aero Ti and you can switch from carving to sliding in an instant! With technological assistance fo the hybrid technology. You'll carve beyond your limits.

Atomic ST 12pb 2008

Beautiful skis. the St 12pb's are marketed as womens skis but they are also delightful as an easier alternative to the racy SL 12. Everyone on test loved this ski. They are just so grippy, so turny and so much fun. They are packed with energy, agility and are almost playful in the hands of an expert. Ideal for lighter men (in terms of kilos or lbs).
Superb slalom skis for the advanced to expert of either sex. highly recommended.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, ST 12pb, 2008:

`Highly versatile slalom racing ski. Also equipped with the latest Powerbridge technology, with a softer flex, but above all tuned to the racing needs of athletic racing skiers.

Atomic SL 10ib 2008

The SL 10's are great slalom style skis. the sidecut is very much that of a slalom ski but the flex is toned down and the tail is less whippy than with a thoroughbred.
Advanced skiers will find that they can arc all day long on the SL 10 without exhaustion and experts will enjoy a more laid back ride than with the full-on SL 12pb.
The thing is with slalom skis is that they get you carving and enjoying a feeling of control over what you are doing on-snow than the normal gliding in thin air feeling. that is why so many ski instructors and professional skiers like to use skis with lot so of shape like this- the ski does the work for you.
Whilst not in full race territory the SL 10 is quite nippy and will give you lots of smiles for your bucks- i think they are a great and exciting pair of skis and every advanced skier should have a pair of slalom skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, SL 10ib, 2008:

Maximum performance on even the hardesst slopes. The new slalom ski for lovers of short and medium radii. versatile and easy to turn, this ski features an integral bridge and dual torsion bar for a perfect transmission of power and excellent edge grip.

Atomic Super B 2008

Top o the line women's ski. Racy sidecut with a 68 mm will have you ripping up the pistes and hammering down any blacks. With a race derived construction this is a ski for those who want to be in control and power their way down the hill. The 16 m radius carve is good for faster medium radius arcs and the ski grips very well as one would expect from Atomic. If you've parked up your 911 and fancy something thrilling on-snow then give these a go.
The Super B is best in the hands of the experienced advanced ski or expert who likes to shred the piste.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Super B, 2008:

The perfect allround ski for the most exacting sporting demands. Fast and safe. really shows what it can do in medium-long radii. Delivers optimal edge grip and perfect ski control even at high speeds. For girls who like to set the sparks flying on the slopes.

Atomic Sweet Daddy 2008

Lighter and more approachable graphics should see the Sweet Daddy's gaining in popularity for 2008. The ski is a mid-sized, 80 mm underfoot allmountain Freeride ski. This is a great ski if youhave not skied much off piste before and want a ski that is going to help you find your feet and some feeling for un-groomed terrain. The 21m radius is quite long so don't expect a great carve out of them on the piste but you can rotate them and get them to skid easily off piste which is good for speed control on steeper descents.
An excellent allround freeride ski for the adveturous advanced skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Sweet Daddy, 2008:

Allmountain model for the perfect flotation in the powder,, fast carves and an accomplished performance over the moguls.

Atomic Sweet Mama 2008

Womens specific Freeride ski with all the attributes to get you off in the backcountry and have some powdery adventures. There are four lengths available in this model and you want to be heading for a ski to at least nose level- the Sweet Mama is designed to be skied in powder so you need a slightly longer length to gain the stability and float in the deep stuff.
The light construction and soft flex will make the skiing easy and the Sweet Mama's will make an ideal first pair of powder- backcountry skis for the advanced to expert skier.

Sweet.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Sweet Mama, 2008:

The first special lady freeride ski. With its wider geometry the Sweet Mama promises an enormous lift in the powder. For greater safety and better Balanze for modern ambitious women.

Atomic SX 1 2008

A baby in the SX range. The 1 is the intro model and a tame, easy going beginner to intermediate carver that is available in only one length, 168 cm. The 1 is a ski that is great for learning on, pottering around on greens and blues and very easy to control.
Perhaps best hired as opposed to bought the 1 will see you gaining confidence in your first week of skiing but then you may wish to move on to something with a little more oomph (spunk for you American readers).

Atomic SX 1- an ideal beginners ski.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, SX 1, 2008:

Good natured, extremely light ski with a soft flex and Fibreframe-technology. Easy to control in turns, very forgiving and therefore ideal for beginners.

Atomic SX 10 B5c 2008

A new ski for this year with Atomic's smooth but heavy B5 technology. Again very grippy but you do get a slightly uneven flex from the B5 system that you can really feel at the front mounting point when being aggressive.
IIn fairness though the SX 10 is a strong performer for the advanced to expert skier. They are very sure footed, the sidecut is sporty and the 68mm underfoot means that youhave a rapid edge to edge feel that almost resembles a slalom or GS ski. I do like this ski but think of it is a soft sports coupe, kinda comfort version rather than RS or GT.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, SX 10, B5c, 2008:

A new product development that uniquely combines the advantages of a race carver with the properties of a supercross ski. Agile, excellent tracking ability and highly robust thanks to the new B5 connected technology.

Atomic SX 12 2008

Phew, these are rapid. A great race carver-skiercross ski. Still not sure about the graphics but this ski sure performs. Its it like being on a Supersport motorbike- agile, stable and with rapid acceleration and great grip. i loved skiing on these and they grip so well even on very hard packed snow- in fact Atomic do probably excel in making some of the grippiest and best performing skis on the hard stuff.
Pure carving for the advanced to expert skier, the SX 12 will let you chill and cruise a little but really they want to be driven hard and fast, begging for you to attack the fall line and tale a little more risk.
Excellent and everything a retail Skiercross ski should be- perfect for the advanced to expert who wants to spend their time ripping it up on the groomed stuff.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, SX 12, 2008:

New top model for highly athletic supercross fans. redesigned profile with innovative Powerbridge technology, imrpoved sidecut for even greater ski control and precise skiing even at high speeds.

Atomic SX 7 ppm 2008

The SX 7 has been revamped for 2008 with the PowerPuls system. A favourite with the sporty intermediate for many a year the SX 7 is once again a lively and exciting ski for its price point that is great fun and exhilirating for a ski of this level. Even expert skiers, although you will find it quite soft, are surprised by the agility, carve and poise of what is essentially an intermediate ski. If you are looking for your first pair of skis and want something with a little get up and go then the SX7's are fantastic.
Light, grippy, easy to use and a sporty intermediates dream ski.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, SX 7 ppm, 2008:

Excellent edge grip, extremely light and excellent precision. A new ski that will delight pleasure orientated carvers.

Atomic SX 9 ppl 2008

The Atomic SX9 is the sporty intermediate to advanced skiers reference ski. They are fun, very carvy and very sporty. Kinda like buying into an RS Ford or Mini Cooper S, they are nippy, quite fast and you can have some good sensations of speed and racing for not much buck.
I really love this ski and think it is a great all round package to get the majority of intermediate skiers carving, slicing down the reds, surging with speed and revelling in their new found confidence. A great package at a good price and not many will find the SX 9 a disappointment.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, SX 9 ppl, 2008:

The new red and blue high tec allrounder with power plus technology for athletic downhill enthusiasts who want to get ahead fast and expect the best performance characteristics from their ski at every aspect.

Atomic Thug 2008

Big, this ski is real big. Guess it is like a comparing the average to Pamela Anderson, you kinda get the feeling that you are going to have to commit a little more. The Thug's are 120mm at their narrowest point, fat enough for a weight watcher to faint, so they can handle the powder till it reaches over your head- they are supposedly great and well balanced for landing switch off the cliffs, but I'll leave that for others to explore. So the new graphic is a little toned down, its fine, nothing revolutionary but adequate for the market but the Thug really does need some taming.
The37m radius is huge and half way between a World Cup Super G and DH ski in terms of turn raidus, so either you need a lot of space to put in an arc, some soft snow or legs like an oak.
Pure powder performance for the dedicated backcountry Freestyler who has really got tired of and too cool to hang in Park anymore.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Thug, 2008:

The fat kid out of the Freeskiing family. With its 120mm waist width this sandwich babyy makes you float on the top of the fresh powder and gives you the chance to land your backcountry kicker tricks switch. Since last years graphic was over the top we had to give it another go for you.

Atomic Twins 2008

The entry model to the Aotmic freestyle range. The graphics are cool, the price is low-ish and the ski cruises well and can be used as a softer more versatile allrounder. The wood core gives you stability and and good pop when trying to huck the jumps and the Twins have a good image is which is half (at least) of what this sort of skiing is about.
Cool looking freeskis that will let you ski most places with ease.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Twins, 2008:

With its improved technology and slanted sidewall construction the Twin gives you twin tip fun at a low price- which will leave you enough money in your pocket to buy yourselves skills. By any means this ski can go anywhere from floating over pillows, spinning throught the Park to........

Atomic Urban Punx 2008

Urban Punx are one of the most focused Pipe'n Grind skis aroundalbeit with a view to hitting some of these kickers in the backcountry. A very specialised ski that you can ski pretty much everywhere but they are designed to excel in the Pipe with their genuine twin tip construction and Atomic's dual edge "Dura EdgeSidewall Reinforcement". They U-Punx are super strong on the edge and sidewall to give you the confidence to huck jumps & hammer them on the rails. A focused package for the dedicated freestyler.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Urban Punx, 2008:

Believe it or not but the Punx and Urban Punx are the only pure twin-tip skis on the market and seeing guys like Jossi Wells, Travis Redd and Charly Ager on it proves its shred potential. This kinetic core sandwich ski with its double edge annihilated any rail in its path and comes out unscathed

Atomic Nomad Whiteout 2008

The Nomad Whiteout is mid-range in the all-new Nomad range. The performance for the price of these skis is fantasic and they are very good allterrain skis for the intermediate to advanced holiday skier. The main difference between the Blackeye model above and the Whiteout is the softer flex with a different use of top sheet material. The Whiteouts are great workhorses in the traditional allmmountain category and will give you an adventurous spirit if you are tired of staying to just the blues and reds.
On the downside the feel and quality of the Nomad Whiteout, especially in terms of the binding, isn't overt. They are well made and will no doubt last the duration but there is a level finish that you don't get at these prices that you would expect to see with some of Atomics more prestigious models.
All in all an excellent ski for the adventurous intermediate.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, Whiteout, 2008:

Nomad: A member of people or tribe that has no permanent abode but moves from place to place. Thats exactly what these skis are designed to do. With features such as a fatter mid-section for easy carving through deep powder and vibration annihilating panels for rough terrain these are the only skis that make you feel truly at home wherever you may be.
Thanks to the innovative TFC technology very little energy is required to ride this light, high-quality all-mountain ski effectively in all terrain. With four TFC sectors in the tip and four in the tail of the ski.

Movement Yaka 2008

The Yaka is new for 2008 and is an interesting proposition for newcomers to Movement. As they have previously only manufactured high end and specialist products the Yaka is a much more versatile ski that will open new horizons to advanced skiers. A lot happier on piste and carving around the hill in the way that most holiday skiers spend their time the Yaka will let you explore the entire mountain whether the snow is deep and soft or firm and unforgiving. The new shorter radius also helps less experienced skiers to feel a carve and how to use the ski to arc a turn rather than making the skier make all the effort. A good choice for the adveturous advanced two week+ a year skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement, Yaka, 2008:

A dream ski was missing in our programme, enter the Yaka. This play-ski is versatile, holds a mean edge and is very lively. Its playground is 70% on piste and 30% off. It has a large range of use from very hard packed snow to some nice rides in powder and crud. A shorter radius design which eases the initiation and release of the turn at lower speeds but its wider ski-tip offers astonishing smoothness and dampening at higher speeds. The Yaka is a perfect compromise that will satisfy a wide range of skiers in a wide range of conditions.

Movement Thunder 2008

Fantastic. The Thunder is perhaps the hardest core of Movement's range. They are a stunning, demanding and focused bit of kit. Perhaps more tolerant than the originals, the 2007 model I tried seemed to share a slightly softer tip- similar to the Goliath- that helps initiate the turn but the Thunders narrower shape helps them to be more direct and gives the skier a more precise carve through the crud and chopped icy conditions. As with most of Movements skis this is one for the experts, they are about as tolerant as a Ferrari in the wet- sadly I can only dream of the formers intolerance whereas I have felt the intolerance of the latter! Highly recommended if you'd like to up your ante.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement, Thunder, 2008:

The Thunder is the leader of our mixed use, with Freeride orientaed DNA. Its proprietory construction and design has created a remarkable ski. It is a true experts toool and has dimensions for the whole mountain. Steep couloirs, crud, powder, high speed cruising, tight trees. It is one of our flagship designs. It is a big mountain ski since it will eat up vertical as fast as you can feed it. It is happiest when pushed....pushed hard and fast. One of the remarkable skis that gives back more and more the harder you push it.

Movement Flame 2008

The Flame has proven a popular weapon in the expert skiers arsenal over the last few seasons. Several friends who used to ski on slalom skis for an allmountain expert ski have switched to the Flame as they hold a carve, are good in the bumps and are pretty stable at speed. Even though they are lightly twin tipped they are strong on the edge and can grip on all but the firmest piste and can carve all but the shortest slalom turn- so they are fantastically versatile but then they can feel a little "tinny"- a touch hollow, lacking smoothness when compared to some of the more specialist models- but then you wouldn't have the advatage of its broad scope of versatility. If you are a good advanced ski or expert and would like a one ski does it all solution then the Flame would be a great reference point.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement, Flame, 2008:

We wanted to create a super versatile , offering all the characteristics of a Freeride ski with a slightly more committed eye to the piste. Our Flame is exceptionally fluid with lots of energy return. On groomed it is stable and precise even at speed. In deep snow its soft tip floats easily and keeps you on top. It has enough power to cruise through crud and other mixed snow but it requires little effort to do so. This ski is intended for advanced skiers who want a versatile ski regardless of snow conditions and terrain.

Movement Goliath 2008

As you clip in to these behemoths there is a sense of awe, foreboding and that you're about to undertake something rather serious. The Goliaths aren't skis for the uninitiated- more for when you've hammered down every run in resort, off piste or on, and there seems to be no challenges left to grapple so you think in a primordial way- hey, I'll strap a pair of these on and see if I can survive the ride.
And the ride is fantastic, in any snow, over any chopped up porridge, hard pack or crusty frozen horredness these things just fly over, through and strip away the imperfections letting you wield your way wherever you desire. I skied both the 184 and 191 length and was very happy on both but perhaps had more confidence to attack the hill with the longer length. Either way they ski with amazing fluidity and dampening- the blend of woods in the core can be felt in the flex pattern. There is definite rigidity underfoot for stability and a noticeable softness in comparison at the tip and tail that allows a ski of such huge dimensions to be tolerable and useable- this is a marked improvement over many of the old school skis from three or four years ago that had all the dimensions but non of the sophistication of a ski like the Goliath.
An excellent package then for excellent, seasoned skiers who spend enough time in the mountains to have the legs, the snow and the time to take advantage of such pure Freeride skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement, Goliath, 2008:

Evariste Berney's skis. A ski meant for powder and open terrain where an expert can really open it up. The ski has won numerous awards and has attracted the attention of some of the World's top Freeriders. One of its celebrated qualities is that it skis much easier and shorter than the dimensions would suggest. This is due to the core materials. Light but superbly balanced with fantastic dampening qualities. To our already famous 191 we added a new Goliath with a width of 99mm at the tip and radius of 23 m. This new freeride ski addition is equipped with the same tip profile and dimensions as the size 191. A rounded tail has been chosen for the 184 model vs. the straight cut tail on the 191, facilitating an easier release in tighter turns. The shorter radius of the 184 gives more versatility in the ride and is easier to control in tighter or slower terrain. Both of the Goliath's represent the state of the art in powder skis.

Rossignol Scratch Steeze 2008

Manufacturers review- testing 123

The manufacturer says this about the Rossignol, Scratch, Steeze, 2008, Big Mountain, Freeride, Backcountry, Expert, Pro, Skis

Stunning in every sense. I first caught a glimpse of these on the Grand Motte glacier in Tignes in Autumn '06 and couldn't believe my eyes- the graphics are really out there and fun, kinda where skiing should be. Every component is there for an awe inspiring pair of backcountry Freestyle skis and with Rossignols heritage with the Scratch and Bandit range of skis I am sure that they will ride well- Thovex's choice for the those big powder hucks.