Blizzard Viva 8.1 IQ Max (2010)

This ski is spring-loaded and ready to rip—almost humming with potential energy. The 8.1, with the category’s highest score for rebound, is a zippy ride. With a full wood core and vertical sidewalls, this addition to Blizzard’s growing women’s line is anything but watered down. You can opt for Blizzard’s new Slider binding, too: same instant power transfer, but it quickly switches out for AT or tele bindings. Talk about a one-ski quiver. “Quick in the fall line; arcs short turns,” Forland said.