1. Völkl Tigershark
CARVING
With the Tigershark, the German manufacturer introduces "Power Switch technology," spring-loaded, carbon-fiber rods encased in the boards that supposedly stiffen the skis with the flick of a switch. We couldn't tell whether the switch was on or off, but testers still found these skis "easy to initiate and very responsive." Unquestionably built for groomers, the Tigershark is mounted with Marker Motion iPT bindings, which are integrated directly into the ski for excellent energy transfer and great feel. "These skis won't take you for a wild bull ride," said one tester, "but they're also not a wet noodle." $1,375 (with bindings); volkl.com

2. Salomon X-Wing Fury
ALL MOUNTAIN
A true do-everything ski, Salomon's newest addition to the X-Wing family floats in powder, holds well on ice, and is agile enough to dominate moguls. Credit the Fury's versatile dimensions (128/85/111) and its integrated Z12 Ti binding, which sits flatter on the ski, allowing this wood-core model to flex evenly and lending it a more balanced feel. "It's very maneuverable," said one tester, "and it loves to go fast!" In fact, the Fury performed better at speed, easily ripping off 30-mile-per-hour arcs on hard ice during an overcast day at Copper Mountain and pounding through soft bumps the next afternoon. $1,300 (with bindings); salomonski.com

3. Fischer RC4 Progressor
CARVING
Fischer continues to reinvent what it means to arc a clean turn. The Progressor is the newest addition to the Austrian company's RC4 line of carving skis. It's really two sidecuts in one: From the tip of the ski to the toe piece, it's cut along a 14-meter radius, and from there to the tail with a 17-meter radius. The idea is simple: The skis enter the turn with precision and, because of the slightly straighter tail, exit with ease. That, combined with the FlowFlex binding system—which allows the ski to bend independently of the bindings—makes for a ski that feels like a GS race board, only easier to turn. $1,250 (with bindings); fischerskis.com