Volkl

Bridge Ski

The Volkl Bridge Ski is your connection to ski-slope fun. A curvy ski that spans the gap between an all-mountain and pipe-n-park due to a fairly short turning radius, the Bridge begs for slaloms, trick parks, and trees. While you won't encounter flying monkeys, you might find stashes of untracked powder, and 95mm underfoot means you can handle that, too.

Volkl's full rocker and Extended Low Profile mugshot shows a flat camber underfoot, finished off by rocker tip and tail. The modus operandi of the ELP is easy handling in soft snow without abdicating all control on hardpack groomers. Given that the ski lies flat against the snow, it will be harder for a novice skier to put the ski on edge than with a positive-cambered ski, but well-seasoned park players and all-mountain maniacs will be in heaven.

Unlike the Tacoma Narrows Bridge built in 1940, the Bridge ski is a solid piece of German engineering. The multi-layer Sensorwood core creates a solid foundation atop which Power/Tough Box sidewall construction sits. If you envision the core in thirds, the center portion is made of ash, providing stability and secure binding-screw retention. The outer thirds of the ski are made from a poplar and beech laminate. Softer than ash, the laminate offers snap without sass, so you can ride the rails, land your jumps, and cruise the blues.

The Bridge is made using traditional vertical sidewall construction. First, the wood core is wrapped in a fiberglass sheath for side-to-side stability. Then, carbon-fiber stringers are then laid vertically over the ski, for tip-to-tail stability. By using different materials, Volkl's Power/Tough Box construction creates a ski that pops when you want it to, follows your lead, and dampens vibrations for a smooth ride.