The Black Crows Corvus Freebird comes in as a big mountain ready ski locked in for big turns on firmer snow. With 107mm underfoot, a straight tail, and modest tip rocker, the ski that is all pink feels more like an all-arounder than loose and free powder board.

Set your sites and the scales on a svelte number, 88mm and 1150g to be precise: The Dynastar Vertical 88 delivers a lightweight ski with notable dampness. IFMGA guide Rob Coppolillo reviews the Vertical 88 and helps us discern where and when it’s best suited.

The Black Crows Mentis Freebird in its 80mm underfoot glory skis like a champ and is easy on the ups. Here’s our review after a season of use.

Too long, too short, or just right. Aim for just right when it comes to length of your backcountry ski. For newcomers, here’s some basic adivce.

Atomic’s 22/23 Backland 107 arrives wide underfoot with a build and design to make this ski great in powder, but a whole lot more versatile too.

Be open to the possibilities and you might be surprised. That’s the case with the OGSO Schwarztor 100 SR UL: Behold the rocker, longer turn radius, and begin to smile as you take a walk on the wild side. (Thank you Lou Reed.)