![]() In each review, we list the ski’s overall score, a product of how eight female testers scored the ski across eight different skills categories: Flotation Crud Performance Versatility Playfulness Responsiveness Quickness Stability at Speed and Forgiveness. The following skis appear in ranked order, with the ski that tested best at the SKI/Outside 2024 gear test in Sun Valley listed at the top. Section divider How to Use These Reviews (Photo: Ray J. ![]() By the end of one epic day, we had enough hard data on the 19 pairs of skis tested to make your head spin, and we used it all to bring you these reviews of the best powder skis of the year. We asked them to identify each ski’s primary strengths, its weaknesses, who it’s designed for, and what terrain and snow conditions it’s most adept at. At the end of each lap (or four), testers filled out digital scorecards with comments and impressions of how each pair of planks performed across various skill categories-from flotation and crud performance to stability at speed and responsiveness. ![]() Our crew of 24 testers didn’t need much motivation to jump on the 19 powder planks entered into the test and let ‘em rip. Suffice to say, we had ideal powder ski testing conditions. Some performed better than others in the bottomless pow we scored in Sun Valley’s Burn zone. We woke up to more than 14 inches of fresh on the morning of our powder ski test day, so testers had ample opportunity to judge how well each pair of test skis floated in powder. One morning during the test week we woke up to more than 14 inches of fresh blanketing the base of the resort in some of the bowls on the backside of the mountain, testers swore they were surfing through 20-plus inches thanks to wind effect. This year, our prayers to Ullr were answered. It’s well known that Sun Valley can sometimes get skunked when big storms dump on surrounding mountain ranges, so when it comes to testing powder skis at our annual gear test at the end of February, we always just hold our breath and hope for the best. Like every year, we invited a crew of seasoned industry professionals-ski instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and former World Cup racers-to join us for a week-long gear test in Sun Valley, Idaho, a resort known for its steep and manicured groomers, legendary bump runs, perfectly gladed tree runs, and of course, “the Burn,” sidecountry terrain that powder dreams are made of. Looking for the best women’s powder skis of 2024? You’ll find those here. Not every skier needs a fat powder ski in their quiver, but if you’re lucky enough to frequent resorts that measure snowfall in feet rather than inches, dive into this list of 2024’s best powder skis to find the right tool to maximize any powder day. To encourage float and easy steering, powder skis feature wide waists (around 110 millimeters-plus), more tip and tail rocker than you’ll find in all-mountain skis, and lightweight materials to help them stay above the fray. Powder skis are fat skis designed to lift you up so you can get through deep snow-like really deep, best-day-ever snow. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
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