Völkl has been making superior powder boards since the days of the Snow Ranger and Explosiv. The Confession is the modern version of a venerable wood-and-metal construction with camber underfoot, a retro touch that gives the ski liveliness to go along with its power. As a concession to the Confession’s 117mm waist width, the metal contribution is only one laminate and is confined to a central band rather than running wall to wall.

But you’d never know Völkl skimped on the metal in the Confession’s diet, for it skis likes it’s powered by uranium, blasting through crud like a nuclear shock wave. If you want to make short, mincing turns, a Confession is not your cup of tea. But if you’re an expert who wants a Powder ski that can switch from smear to carve in the middle of a turn, you’ll want to go to Confession on every deep-snow day.