RRP: £400 including bindings

Lengths: 153, 160, 167, 174

Turn radius: 14-17m @ 167

Dimensions: 120-73-103

Weight per pair (without bindings): 3200g

More Info: Fischer Skis

The Fischer Progressor F17 returns to our stable of winners for the second year running, thanks to the wide appeal of its excellent confidence-inspiring performance at a superb price: £400 including GripWalk-compatible bindings. Fischer – which as we all know is Dave Ryding’s weapon-maker of choice – has frozen prices from last season to this one, across all its ranges.

What’s impressive about the Progressor range is that tech from Fischer’s race skis is repackaged in a lighter weight and easier-going form for mainstream skiers. Weight is low thanks to light-but-strong carbon composite shafts from the aerospace industry, which save weight without compromising strength. The Dual Radius System, with different radii in different sections of the ski, makes for a comfy ride in turns of every size. Early-rise rocker gives easy turn initiation, and ABS Sandwich Sidewall allows even flex and smooth rebound to absorb contours, lumps and bumps.

The whole package is more ‘cruise with confidence’ than ‘burn and blast’, yet the F17 steps up at speed too, giving a smooth, stable ride without turning your legs to jelly. It’s also great for nipping through chop and moguls, or heading off the side into shallow powder. We didn’t encounter spring snow during the test but reckon the F17s are made for fun in the Firn.

Spend another £100 and you can bag the just as brilliant bright red F18, which is a fraction heavier, wider and meatier, and geared to more aggressive skiers.