[The test results for the Luv Machine 74Ti are from 2016; the ski’s only changes for 2017 are cosmetic.]

It’s interesting to see a K2 on a short list of Recommended Technical skis, as the brand devotes most of its energy to off-trail, freeride models. But the Luv Machine is the real deal, a carving utensil with a deep commitment to laying down ruts in groomage. It all starts in the shovel, which in contrast to the usual rockered and tapered K2 tip, connects quickly to the snow. The deep (12.5m @ 160cm) sidecut runs past the forward contact point, so if you’re tipping, you’re carving.

K2 learned from past mistakes not to overload a women’s ski with metal, but a single dose of Titanal gives any ski more bite on hardpack and superior serenity at speed. The Luv Machine has a Titanal laminate to reinforce its Channel Light Core, made from fir, bamboo and Paulownia with milled out sections to further trim away ounces. A fully cambered baseline gives the Luv Machine extra zing, carrying the skier effortlessly through the turn transition. Light as cotton candy with the gripping power of caramel, the Luv Machine 74Ti is one sweet ride.