2014 Volkl One Review - Playful Powder Ski

As we've spent some time on next year's skis, we have - believe it or not - been able to get a handful of powder days in, and one of our favorite powder skis for 2014 is the Volkl One.

That is, it's been one of Jared's favorite powder skis for 2014 for a while, and once we pried them away from him, the rest of us agreed. In a 12-inch storm, Jared quickly grabbed a pair of 186 cm Volkl One's and headed into the backcountry outside of Sugar Bowl, foregoing his touring skis and skins, booting lap after lap.

The fully-rockered profile that Volkl has been implementing to various degrees throughout their line really shines in this ski, surfing, pivoting and smearing turns through soft snow. What Volkl hasn't done before the One is add a moderate amount of taper to the tip and tail, eliminating any hooky tendencies in the snow, making it slice catch-free through powder, chop and crud.

It isn't the fattest of the fat at 116 mm underfoot, but our testers didn't miss the extra girth in the powder thanks to its profile.

In one word, this ski is playful. It twists through trees easily from a neutral stance, pivoting and popping quickly. Despite its quick character and fully rockered profile, it didn't feel particularly squarely, however, even straight-lining through heavier chopped up powder.

Naturally, this isn't the best ski on firm snow/groomers, but that's to be expected, and as long as you respect a certain speed limit, you can happily ski back down the lift to get back to your powder stash.

Volkl One Specs:
Dimensions: 138-116-130
Lengths: 156, 166, 176, 186 cm
Turning radius: 16.3-27.51 m

Strengths: Super playful modern powder shape that's guaranteed to leave a grin on your face in soft snow.

Weaknesses: Obviously not for firm snow conditions, not the top pick for straight line, fall-line chargers (though it's not bad here)

Who it's for: Anyone looking for an incredibly fun powder ski to add to a growing ski quiver.