The Scott Superguide 95 scored highly in last season's tests - albeit for quite different reasons among testers - and this years' model is unchanged apart from updated graphics. Designed as a do-it-all backcountry ski, the Superguide range is very similar to the lighter Speedguides, but with the beef to handle a descent with a more freeride-oriented skier.
And in short, it does exactly that, with an added element of fun. After the surprise of how light the ski is for its dimensions, it completely out-skis expectations, being both lively and solid for its weight. The very straight sidecut is not such a bad thing on the uphill, but it does mean it's not great edge-to-edge - until you open it up that is!
At speed it doesn't exactly carve short turns but it will swing beneath you from left to right with the slightest encouragement, like a lightweight pendulum, while giving the feedback of a much more precision-focussed ski.
Once you get up to speed its natural lazy turning style also makes for great cruising, but it can be pushed more than this suggests. And all this in a touring ski!
The straight edges are great for skinning (especially as they barely seem to compromise performance on hard pack - in fact they ski narrower than the 95 waist suggests) and the surface area is there for powder.
We were advised by the Scott rep to 'let it ski itself', and that's really what you need to do. One of the most versatile touring skis out there.
Buy Scott Superguide 95 Skis: £575 at Ellis Brigham
