salomon.com
If your old skis are considered “furniture grade” it’s time to get in on the fun with a game-changing upgrade. Testers termed the BBR “playful,” zippy,” and “fun.” The Salomon BBR 8.9 (aka The Bieb) is the brand’s latest innovation from A-list ski designer,Bertrand Krafft (father of the X Scream Series and Pocket Rocket). The ski has a patented V-shape with and over-sized tip, narrow waist, and “pin” tail. The turning radius is short (12.5 for the 176 cm version), so the ski is nimble on the groomers and holds carved turns well. Built-in rocker and the pontoon-shaped tip provide great float in powder and pop in the terrain park. Our testers loved the smooth ride and quick adaptation to terrain and snow conditions, from all-mountain steeps to the terrain park.
Comes in 166, 176, and 186 lengths. Sidecut is 147/88/110 for the 176 cm length.

surfaceskis.com, 7.8 pounds
A recent trip to the often snow-a-rific state of Utah was met with the stark realities of 2011-12’s lack-luster early season. Instead of fields of powder, the resorts offered snow-making and groomed runs. That didn’t stop us from optimistically trying out the Watch Life ski from SLC ski-makers Surface.  And while the snow did fall a bit (about eight inches at the most optimistic measurement), the Watch Life skis performed with thrilling all-mountain perfection in every condition (save for the improbable ice patches). Much of that is thanks to the ski’s traditional camber, which lets the skis hold an edge in variable conditions. A 100-centimeter width underfoot also lends the ski a groomer-friendly shape. The tip and base are wider (132 and 122 cms, respectively), which moves the contact point to the ends of the ski to create more float in the soft stuff. Inside, a poplar wood core offers the flex you need without sacrificing the responsiveness you desire, with 2.5-mm full-wrap steel edges for carving. And at only 7.8 pounds a set (at the 172-cm length), they’re one of the lighter skis on the market.
Comes in 172 and 182-cm lengths