Blizzard has been making fine Frontside skis for several years, but as they’ve changed either the construction or the name each of the last few seasons, American skiers may not associate models like the Power X8 with progenitors like the Magnum 8.0 Ti that shared the X8’s ability to take its on-trail skills off-road.

The X8 is called the Power X8 because, somewhat unnervingly, Austrians love to use the word “power” in the names of their skis and bindings.  It might have been more accurate, if less Austrian, to call them the Mellow X8.  It’s a strong ski, no doubt, but it’s neither overly damp nor so energetic it takes control of events.  Instead, it lets the pilot set the pace and the X8 adapts accordingly.

This willingness to take direction extends to the X8’s attitude towards terrain.  “It skied well in variable-to-hard off-piste chop,” wrote the bemused Matt from Footloose, one among several testers to express both surprise at the X8’s all-around competence and its comportment in crappy snow.

If a gander at the price tag causes your blood pressure to suddenly soar, it might restore equilibrium to know the cost includes a suitable binding.  One of the reasons the X8 is so solid yet so supple is the IQ binding system that is solid as cement side to side yet manages to move longitudinally in harmony with the ski’s flex.