BLOSSOM SKISTURBO AM77

Another familiar model and another one that, according to our testers, is far better suited to groomed pistes than even light off-piste use. Many considered it highly successful, although a few grumblers remained. At just 77 mm, it was the narrowest ski in the category. Comments included: “These are not skis for special missions, but they are like a solid estate car: you will not win the Dakar Rally in one, but it will get you to the destination in style. They are not especially quick from edge to edge, although that is normal in this group. Once the edges engage, however, they refuse to let go even on very hard snow. Highly comfortable, intuitive and effortless.” Another tester wrote: “Another surprise of this test. Very good skis that worked on pistes in many different states of preparation. They initiate reasonably quickly and track the arc smoothly without surprises. They provide a strong sense of comfort and can make both short and medium turns. I enjoy surprises like this.” We also heard: “Explosive skis! Very energetic and easy to initiate. Better on groomed pistes than away from them. I miss a little stability. They have quite a sporting character without becoming tiring.” This was followed by: “Think of them as wider Cross-Turn skis. Piste models that will cope with poorer conditions. Turny and lively, with good grip on hard snow, smooth tracking and useful rebound. An Italian gem that puts a smile on your face.” Now for the grumblers: “Race-style all-mountain skis. Too stiff and not effective enough in poor conditions. The tune is also too aggressive, which does not help them produce smooth arcs.”