Atomic Cloud 12 (2018)

Bells and whistles? Hell yeah. Atomic’s all-new top-of-the-line carver incorporates Servotech, a carbon rod in the forebody that acts as a dampening agent, reducing vibration and therefore increasing edge-grip. It’s high-tech race stuff from a brand with deep podium heritage, and damn, does it work. This ski is stiff, eye-wateringly fast, and leaves deep trenches in its wake—best for the expert set. (Forgiveness? Not so much.) With a lightweight wood core, metal stabilizer, and full sidewalls, it initiates instantly and doesn’t let you out of the turn until it’s good and done. “Ninja warrior in a black backless ball gown,” Lovell said.

Strengths: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity