The Experience 86 Basalt W from Rossignol is part of a petite minority of Women’s All-Mountain East models that headlines a mostly Frontside collection. Rossi has completely re-imagined its Experience series, long the mainstay of its core recreational models, to fit what it perceives as a new skier type, the “All-Resort” skier. Skiing is still an important part of the overall resort experience, but it’s not the whole ball of wax for this resort visitor.  While this person is an avid skier, she’s not going to go wandering out of bounds intentionally and whatever powder she essays will be on the side of the trail.  She’ll find something else to do when the weather is lousy, and she’s not going to push too hard on the performance envelope.

In commercial terms, the EXP 86 Basalt W is a “step-up” model, most likely a first-time purchase for a skier who has survived until now on rentals and second-hand fare. Its “all-trail sidecut” will engage at the top of the turn and hold firm through the finish, encouraging skills development without insisting on it. If the skier applies a little tip pressure, its supple forebody transfers energy with gentle insistence, coaching the skier up on an edge that feels confidence-building underfoot.

The true measure of a ski like the EXP 86 Basalt W isn’t simply how easy it makes the sport for the target skier; it’s how well it performs once she’s attained a higher level of proficiency.  The Experience 86 Basalt W is the proverbial gift that keeps on giving, able to raise its game as its pilot progresses.