Rossignol ARCADE W 80 XP10

The Rossignol Arcade W 80 is a women's on-piste ski, 80 mm underfoot, sold complete: the Xpress W 10 GW binding is included in the $649.95 price.

The build is simple, and coherent. A poplar wood core, fiberglass, a cap chassis, and rocker at both the tip and the tail. Rossignol lists no metal laminate in it. Rocker at both ends shortens the edge actually touching the snow, so the ski hooks up late and lets go early. That is why it is hard to catch an edge on. It is also why it goes vague when it is pushed hard and fast on firm snow. One decision, both consequences.

You should hear this from us rather than find it out afterwards. Rossignol's own copy and Rossignol's own spec sheet disagree about what is inside this ski. The copy says carbon layers reduce the weight and credits the grip to sidewall construction. The spec block on that same page lists the reinforcement as FIBERGLASS and the construction as CAP, and the official technology list names no carbon at all. We write the ski from the spec block.

The most useful number on it is the turn radius: 9 m at 142, 10 m at 150, 11 m at 158. That is short, and on a groomer it means the ski comes around with very little asked of you.

Rossignol aims it plainly: intermediate and beginner skiers will appreciate the blend of confident edge control and agility. The parts list agrees with the label. It is the wrong ski for someone who already carries speed, and the wrong ski once you leave the groomer. One hard line, and it is a safety line: the included binding is officially not compatible with junior boot soles, and its boot-sole adjustment starts at 261 mm. It is built in lengths short enough to tempt a junior fit, and by Rossignol's own table that is a mis-fit.

We stock 142, 150 and 158. Bring your boots and we will check the sole against the binding before anyone talks about length.