The singular trait of the Blizzard RC Ti that sets it apart from other Non-FIS SL skis is the light caress it applies to a short turn. Most powerful carving skis earn their bona fides by being burly trench diggers, ripping up the corduroy carpet with the subtlety of a Sherman tank. Relatively speaking, the RC Ti is a waterbug, creasing the snow surface but not disfiguring it, zipping back and forth with the accuracy of a Chopin étude.

Because it’s not overladen with dampening agents, the RC Ti is noticeably peppier off the edge, with enough rebound energy to lift off the snow and into the next turn in one motion. Its lighter weight chassis doesn’t filter out all the sensations underfoot, allowing for much better snow feel than the best of this genre usually deliver.

Last season I delivered this same report on the RC Ti in the Technical category, where it could easily have remained, but it’s really a cut above that genre. It belongs in a category that doesn’t exist anymore, Soft Slalom. Even among Non-FIS Race skis, its combination of short-turn facility and off-the-snow turn finish is as rare as spotting snow leopard in Texas.

It’s also unique in its willingness to perform at a high level at a low speed. Slower turns are usually performed at lower edge angles, and the RC Ti doesn’t mind downshifting to suit this skiing style. For its willingness to share its extraordinary talents with ordinary skiers, we again award the RC Ti a Silver Skier Selection.