Fischer doesn’t differentiate its Ranger series of off-trail skis according to gender, but according to attitude. Those Rangers with Ti in their name and Titanal laminates in their guts are all business, while the FR fold are all fun and games.  No feature says, “let’s party!” as loud as twintip construction, and no other Big Mountain ski comes dressed to rock the joint like the shocking pink Ranger 102 FR WS.

Whether one prefers the more accurate carving of the Ranger Ti models or the looser steering of the FR camp isn’t about ability as much as it is flavor.  There’s more than one way to attack a crud field, and the extra smear of the Ranger 102 FR just adds to the fun. It also makes for a more forgiving ride for those still getting the hang of skiing chopped-up snow.  Note the depth of the size run: the woman who’s ready to wrangle a 191cm across the fall line certainly isn’t playing the same game as a relative neophyte timidly swiveling a 156cm.

As noted elsewhere in these pages, the only good reason for a woman to own a Big Mountain ski is for powder, a medium for which the Ranger 102 FR WS is well adapted.  Its relatively shallow sidecut rides evenly through tracked-up freshies, its carbon nose lowers swingweight and its Aeroshape chassis slips smoothly sideways whether drifting or foot-steering. Ladies, if you’re prepared to party in powder, the most eye-popping ski on the mountain is ready when you are.