Blizzard Crush IQ Max (2011)

This versatile big-mountain ski is ideal for the West Coast expert who does it all. With its removable Slider binding interface, you can switch in minutes to other Slider-mounted bindings, be they AT, alpine, or telemark. (Each binding needs its own Slider; $75 a pair.) The subtle tail and tip rocker lets you float across powder with ease, and the wide platform underfoot is great for landing big air. Enough shape for tight turns through trees rounds out this ski’s all-mountain perfection. The Crush’s lack of forgiveness will force intermediate and advanced skiers to become experts.