At this rate we’ll see a 100mm Ultimate ski by 2017. After proving their ultralight carbon platform could handle the steeps with a 78mm waist, Atomic is now expanding its waistline to the sweet spot for daily touring (if you poll Europeans). With carbon stringers that you can see through the partially-transparent top-sheet, the 85mm Ultimate is exactly what you’d expect in a scaled-up version: an excellent combo of stiffness, float, and weight. We think it’s best not to wait for the 100mm version.

• Step Down sidewall adds dampness and edge protection underfoot before tapering out.
• Poplar + Karuba wood core is a good mix of strength, rebound, and weight.
• Intricate use of carbon inserts makes possible intricate (and fast) turns.
• Race-style notch in the tip accepts newly-widened Ultimate race skins.