[The test results for the Cira represent several seasons of test scores, including 2017; its only changes for 2017 are cosmetic.]

If the Cira were a young heroine in a Disney movie, her tale would begin with an underprivileged youth. Judged by how she appeared on paper, with her simple components humbly assembled, Cira faces an uphill battle for acceptance. She’s told to do the jobs other skis won’t, like spend time carving out the inside of a slow-motion arc. People begin to notice that she’s a natural.

A skilled technician pulls Cira aside and offers to mentor her. While her gently rockered forebody made her hesitant at first, Cira quickly adapted to being tipped and pressured like a sophisticated carving ski with expensive appurtenances like Titanal and carbon fiber. The plucky Cira, undeterred by her presumed disadvantages, goes on to compete against the best women’s Frontside skis in the world and, while she doesn’t win, she proves to everyone what’s she made of: spunk, skill and a heart of gold. Curtain; roll credits. Oscar, please.

I won’t deconstruct the entire tale, flashing incisive wit with a hint of hauteur, but will get straight to the theme: the women’s Frontside genre is overstocked with soft-flexing skis made for the first-time ski buyer. Salomon’s simple but solid Cira has proven to be among the most economical options for entry-level to intermediate skiers. It’s also one of the best bargains on the market for any woman who’s happiest on the groom and just wants to make the whole operation easier.

For the way it coddles the cautions skier and continues to deliver outstanding value, we award the Cira a Silver Skier Selection.