RRP: £525

Lengths: 156, 164, 118

Turn radius: 17m @ 164

Dimensions: 127-98-119

Weight per pair (without bindings): 2860g

More Info: Armada Skis

Fall-Line Tester: Amy Marwick

Back for a second year, the Trace range by Armada is designed for female backcountry explorers. I’ve chosen to award the 98 width specifically for its versatility (and vibrant top sheet) but the 105 and 88 feature the same construction if you are looking to fill a certain gap in your ski locker.

Fun and frisky, these babies pack a playful punch on all terrain, eating up any conditions that come your way. They were stable at speed and easy to manoeuvre through lumps, off jumps and over bumps. At 2860g per pair they are ideal for day touring or side-country hikes.

They feature a wide, rockered tip and a broad tail, so they cope well with heavy or deep conditions, but the traditional, positive camber underfoot keeps these planks performing. There are also metal-reinforced binding zones. Charged up and ready to rip, the Trace 98 proved herself a combo platter of responsiveness and aggression on all terrain, lightweight enough to make the ascent and descent equally exciting.