For those of a freeheel persuasion—these four skis were chosen by our testers as standouts in the telemark category.
VOILÉ X7
$695 – voile.com
SIZES: 170, 180, 190
DIMENSIONS: 131/105/121
WEIGHT: 7 lbs. 6 oz. (180)
“Voilé has a better winning streak than the ’70s-era UCLA basketball team! What can I say? Voilé does it again! Nimble and buoyant twin tip that should please all but the do-it-in-the-wool traditionalist. The right amount of tail rocker and underfoot camber is hard to pull off but so rewarding when it’s done right.”
—Shaggy Bailey | Steamboat Springs, Colo.
6 ft. | 170 lbs.
LIBERTY ENVY
$725 – libertyskis.com
SIZES: 156, 167
DIMENSIONS: 135/105/122
WEIGHT: 7 lbs. 6 oz. (167)
“Fun-O-Rama! These skis were effortless to turn…had more fun and pop than a party in a bouncy house.”
—Becca Friedlander | Big Sky, Mont.
5 ft. 4 in. | 125 lbs.
VÖLKL 100EIGHT
$825 – volkl.com
SIZES: 173, 181, 189
DIMENSIONS: 141/108/124
WEIGHT: 8 lbs. 11 oz. (181)
“These things rail. They devour anything in their path, despite the lighter-weight construction. On hardpack, they dig in and hold their edge, coming to life the faster they’re pushed. Best suited for aggressive skiers seeking a lighter-weight, all-around performer, demonstrating that ‘simple is better.’”
—Marla Bailey | Steamboat Springs, Colo.
5 ft. 8 in. | 118 lbs.
MOMENT UNDERWORLD
$749 – momentskis.com
SIZES: 161, 171, 181, 187
DIMENSIONS: 132/106/123
WEIGHT: 7 lbs. 12 oz. (181)
“This would make a great one-quiver for the East. There were ‘camber bubbles’ in front and behind the binding, which at first looked like a mistake, or maybe like they were broken. But the result was a far more damp and controlled performance than I expected. I might have to add these to my own collection.”
—Meg Schultz | Moretown, Vt.
5 ft. 9 in.
Get your 2016 Gear Guide here.
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