Head was the first major brand to jump on board the carving revolution, and it continues to invest a little more shape than the norm in every recreational ski it makes. The Super Joy is the top pure carver in Head’s Joy collection of women’s skis, with a tidy 12.5m sidecut radius that could make slalom turns in its sleep.

Unlike the top carvers in the men’s Frontside fold, the Super Joy is almost insanely light. It can weigh almost nothing and still earn better Power scores than most skis in the genre because of its unique carbon, Koroyd and Graphene composition, in particular the Graphene. Three hundred times stronger than steel for its weight, Graphene can be tactically deployed along the ski’s length to modify flex and rigidity, creating all the support lightweight skiers need.

It ultra-light design allows the Super Joy to move at light speed from edge to edge, making it feel even narrower than its little wasp waist already appears to be. Given its shape and construction, the Super Joy’s short-turn, slow-speed turning aptitude is to be expected. What takes some getting used to is how stable it is when trusted to run at a high edge angle. “Great ski,” says J.C. from The Sport Loft. “It was hard to adjust to such a light ski, but once I got the hang of it, this ski was a delight! Really FUN and responsive – easy and stable for fast, aggressive carving.”

J.C.’s co-worker Paula envisions the Super Joy as the less skilled skier’s best friend. “Would have loved these when I started skiing. Solid ski and one to grow with. Turns super easy!! Great Deer Valley ski, a groomer’s delight.” What an apt epithet for the Super Joy, a groomer’s delight, indeed.