Looking For Fat Skis

Question
Hi Ron,
I'm in the market for a pair of fat powder skis and bindings for a trip to Alaska next spring.  I'm a 5'11" 160 lb man.  I have a pair of Atomic R-11 170 cm skis (107-70-98 from tip to tail with a 17 M radius) that I enjoy for typical in bounds skiing.  This is my second pair of Atomic skis.  I'm an intermediate to expert skier, but I don't live near a resort anymore or ski enough times to be able to hit the ski demo days to try different equipment out.  I've skied on fat skis before in some big powder so I've experienced the benefit they bring in powder. Appreciate any recommendations you can give on skis and bindings.

Answer
Hi Neal,

Because of the potential for "spring" conditions, I'd consider something with a fat ski width, but the substance of a big mountain ski. The Nordica Hellcat, for instance, is not a perfect Powder ski, but it is awesome in the variable conditions you can expect as your exposure changes, and you go from powder to windslab to ice and slush.

A similar choice is the Blizzard Magnum, the Elan 888, or the Fischer Big Heat.

They are all "expert" rated skis, and may be a bit stiff, but I think they'll reward you in the long run.

Good luck, have a great trip.

Ron