Volkl's New Unlimited AC4

On the East Coast winter is preceded by fall, a distinct season illuminated by reds and yellows and oranges dotting the hillsides; leaves changing color. Here in Lake Tahoe the Aspens change color, but not much else. Here you can tell winter is approaching by the conversations in the coffee shop. Right about the time the whitewater guides are celebrating their last days on the river and the streets become eerily deserted, like some cliché ghost town scene from an old western, people start whispering about winter gear, the first dump and which peaks they plan to hike. By this time of year (late October), most conversations are unabashedly about snow, everyone anticipating those first sweet turns. And just like almost-summer wouldn't be the same without hiking boot reviews, it's not really almost-winter until you know everything there is to know about the season's hot new skis. So here you go, the hottest skis for 2005-2006:

Fischer AMC 76:This is Fischer's “All Mountain” ski, ready to go wherever you do. A combination of titanium, carbon fiber and premium wood make this mid-fat ski tortionally rigid, while still having good longitudinal flex. The blend also keeps the ski light and strong. The ski comes in a 158, 164, 170, 176 and 182. With a 76mm waist and lots of sidecut you'll have what you need to shred on the groomers and plow through the pow, no matter what coast you ski on. Learn more at www.fischerskis.com.

Volkl's AC4 blurs the line between what makes a groomer ski great and what makes a powder ski great...

Volkl Unlimted AC4: A fairly aggressive all mountain ski, the new AC4 from Volkl “blurs the line between what makes a groomer ski great and what makes a wider powder ski great.” The tip-to-tail, precision-milled poplar and beech wood core is high quality, providing a balance between longitudinal and tortional flex. Plus it has a new double grip design (a raised profile on both sides) provides a uniform grip. The ski has a wider 82mm waist for freshies and comes in a 163, 170, 177, 184 and 191. Read more at www.volkl.com.

ZAI Siegiu: Hand-built by craftsmen in Switzerland, these skis are works of art and they shred. Each model is made in one, ideal length and is only sold as a complete set, with bindings that are optimized for the ski. The Siegiu is 170 cm and has a rather modest sidecut compared to other more “aggressive” all mountain skis. Instead, Zai uses three tangentially linked radii, which, combined with tortional stiffness helps you hold and edge in every condition. All Zai skis have a poplar wood core and are constructed sandwich style, for ultimate durability and performance. www.zai.ch