[The test results for the Aura are from 2016; its only changes for 2017 are cosmetic.]

If you’re fortunate enough to catch first tracks, it almost doesn’t matter which All-Mountain West model you’re on. They all offer approximately the same flotation, and fresh snow is so consistent that skis sustain relatively little shock.

It’s on runs 2 through 20 that you’ll be particularly pleased you’re on an Aura. Cut-up snow is utter bliss if you ski it right and pure hell if you don’t. Whether you spend the day upright and smiling or upside down looking for your goggles depends a great deal on the tool you use.

The Aura recently went through a renovation that made it better adapted to crappy snow skiing than ever. Völkl tapered the tip, moving the forward contact point further back, and double rockered the baseline, virtually inverting the cambered arch underfoot. The baseline and shape of the New Age Aura is friendlier than ever to advanced skiers, but inside its wood and metal core beats the heart of a race ski.

It’s this inner strength the Aura summons when it’s plundering an already well-ravaged powder run. It imparts to its partner the confidence that comes with having everything under control, even in the midst of chaos.