If you're considering taking the plunge, you'll probably be looking for a pair of skis that can handle anything the mountain can throw at them – from icy pistes to the powder of untouched slopes.
The Salomon X Drive 8.0 FS is one such ski. It features a newly designed chassis for increased power; shock-absorbing elastomer pads for a smoother ride; and so-called Rocker Stabilisation – carbon fibre modifications in the tip and the tail – to tighten up your turns down the slopes. Which all goes to say it's a versatile ski, but one that doesn't skimp on the serious stuff.
£545 with bindings; ellisbrigham.com
