MSRP $825 flat

Dimensions 137-106-122

Category ranking No. 1

Average score 3.82

Rocker. You’re tired of reading about it, but it is the movement in fat skis this year. Many companies experimented with rockering only the tip, but Völkl chose a long, gradual reverse bend from tip to tail instead. Judging from its hard-snow scores, it worked. But the Kiku was by far the easiest and most fun in soft snow—which is, of course, where you should take a ski this wide. Effortless to float and carve, it’s a steady ride everywhere. “Like coming home to comfort food,” said Stokes.

Best for Ease: Intermediates could heliski on it.

Not for Quick turns in tight trees