Prior Northwest 110
BEST FOR: Those needing a pow ski but who don’t want to be left wanting when it gets tracked up.
LENGTHS: 178, 184, 190
DIMENSIONS: 138/110/132
RADIUS: 23@184
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $899
OTHER MODELS: 100
The Northwest 110 is the ski Prior’s staff and pro athletes were asking for. A one-ski quiver for charging around Whistler Blackcomb hitting cliffs, launching in the park, nuking powder, bashing bumps, arcing groomers and zipping through the crowds on the rush to après. Despite its young and risky vibe, even conservative and more traditional ripper Ian March found plenty to like: “For a ski that is clearly designed for powder, it has surprising edge grip and carving ability. It responded to an easy approach, but could be pushed hard as well.” It comes standard with a fibreglass build, but Prior can customize it with a lighter carbon setup. There’s also a narrower 100mm underfoot version that’s more versatile for firmer snow conditions. Both models have a big turn radius for opening it up in Blackcomb’s alpine, right where March found the NW 110’s sweetspot. “Off-piste is this ski’s forte, where it was responsive and floaty in the spring powder,” he said. “A fun and forgiving ski for fresh snow days in the resort.”