Fischer TransAlp 80 Ski

Fischer has stepped it down a notch. Building on the success of the Transalp 88, the alpine ski company shrunk the molds and created a slimmer version. While its bigger brother hits the sweet spot for all-around backcountry use, the 80mm Transalp marks the sweet spot for mountaineering. The skinnier version is confidence inspiring on the steeps while shedding a good amount of weight.

With the new “window” graphics on Fischer backcountry skis, you can see the carbon-strings running full length. That reveals one of their “secrets” to making such lightweight boards handle like downhill race skis. You’d have to cut them in half to reveal another secret: the Air Tec channels carved into the core. These are patterned in a manner that scarcely affects the strength while reducing weight.

We think you’ll have more fun skiing them than sleuthing for design clues.

• Curved Aeroshape design sheds snow while concentrating mass for torsion control.
• Titanal plates reinforce the binding area to prevent pullout and distribute skiing forces.
• Tour rocker profile has an appropriate amount of rocker for a mountaineering ski.
• Air Tec channels are carved into the core in a staggered layout, maintaining performance.