The one traditional ski trait that is still largely absent from today’s ski market in general and the Big Mountain category in particular is rebound. Before rockered baselines became standard equipment on any ski meant for powder, the end-to-end camber line of an all-glass ski created a giant spring. In the down-up-down weighting rhythm then in vogue, the skier de-cambered the arch of the ski at the apex of the turn and allowed the stored energy in the glass to recoil and send the skis and skier back near the surface to transition to the next turn. Skis without any rebound stayed submerged, where the tips would inevitably cross, dooming their owner to ignominy.

Ten points to the first reader who guesses which classic characteristic is so intertwined with the identity of the Rossi Soul 7 HD it could be said to own it. The Soul 7 HD is the Prince of Pounce, the Raja of Rebound, the Powder Porpoise – you get the idea.   As long as it has snow to settle into, it provides a ride that’s as effortless as powder skiing gets. Take away the medium that gives it life, and it does as well as a dolphin on a dock.

Well, that’s over-stating the case for dramatic effect, but the point is that all Big Mountain skis are intent on solving problems that don’t concern Technical skis. If you evaluate them based on what they’re not made to do, it’s like dismissing a hammer because it can’t insert a screw.

The fact that during the height of its popularity the Soul 7 was mistakenly bought as an everyday ski by skiers with a so-so skill set is hardly the ski’s fault. Given a chance to display it talents in two feet of fresh, it still more than holds its own against the field for fun factor. A Finesse ski with a reservoir of power that never runs out of rebound energy, the Soul 7 HD remains unique in the Big Mountain category for its peppy personality.

Because it’s as forgiving as it is frolicsome, we again award the Rossignol Soul 7 HD a Silver Skier Selection.