Brigid Mander 13y

Faction Royales ($759)

When fat skis first hit the market, you'd only see them on the hill on powder days. Now those same skis aren't even considered fat at all, and everyday skis have crept above 100 millimeters underfoot. But an everyday ski still needs to execute quick turns, handle a high speed exit, and hold its own inbounds at the resort. One of the best out there this season -- a ski that's made for powder but does it all -- is the Royale (122 millimeters underfoot), from Switzerland-based Faction Skis.

WHAT IT IS:

The Royale is one of the stiffest rockered skis currently on the market. Sandwich construction and a poplar wood core make it light and damp, and birch stringers give it strength. "We understand that a stiff rockered ski is much more versatile than a rockered ski with a soft flex," says Tony McWilliam, creative director and ski designer at Faction. "The Royale is aimed at skiers who want a ski to perform in all conditions." No camber underfoot makes it easier to swivel the ski in tight spaces and gives it better traction than full rocker on hardpack. This year, the ski is available in 175 and 183 centimeter lengths, but next year, in response to riders' requests, the Royale will also come in an even longer 190 centimeter.

WHY IT RULES:
The ski's construction makes it super playful, but the extra stiffness translates into solid dependability at high speeds whether you're in powder or crud. Faction team athlete Shane Carmichael, shredding around Blackcomb's variable conditions on his Royales, says, "If the snow is dust on crust, blower powder, or heavy slop, the Royale's surface area and perfectly engineered rocker is going to keep me floating all day long. I never doubt their stability or control because the traditional sidecut allows for great edge response."

WHERE TO FIND IT:
To find the Royale at a shop in the U.S., click here. Or to purchase it online, click here.

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