22/23 Test Day 29: Volkl/Aztech/rh+

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day the only way we know how - with another solid TSM test day. This week we were with the crew from Volkl testing a range of their new men's and women's skis under some truly variable New England spring conditions. For the most part, the snow was pretty sticky and slushy making things a little tough. Our testing crew was just happy to be out on the mountain, and even an afternoon shower did not dampen our spirits. 

The rain didn't dampen our clothes either. Last week our ladies got to test out new outerwear from rh+ and Aztech and this time it was the men's turn to feel fancy. We had our guys decked out in their new jackets for next season. Warm and mobile, they helped elevate our group's style for the day. Some of the ladies liked the clothes so much that they broke them out again for round two. 

The end of the season is an easier time for us to get more people out of the shop and onto the slopes. We had 10 staff out there shredding it up — 6 male skiers, 3 female skiers and 1 solo male snowboarder making for a well-rounded bunch. Boot fitter and ski buyer, Andrew Plourde was there making note of how the new models held up throughout the day. 

"The M6 felt confident plowing through the slush and crud,” he said. “I felt like I could go fast in the variable conditions and still have it respond the way I wanted.”

He also tested the Mantra 102, which has the same basic layout as the M6 but with a lighter tip and tail. In his opinion, that makes it a bit easier to ski compared to the older model. He described it as "more energetic," and he felt better equipped to make tighter, quicker turns. 

He also tested out the Revolt ski, a park ski that he found more playful than anticipated that could still hold its own on other parts of the mountain. 

As always, we indulged in some classic Sunapee beach Après. A huge thank you to the Volkl team for grilling up some burgers and dogs for us to enjoy at the end of the day. It was the perfect way for us to celebrate the holiday and begin to round out the season. 

George (left) and Joe (far right) rocking the new rh+ Stylus Eco jacket and the Aztech Men's Nuke Suit jacket respectively. 

Devon (above) and Kara (below) are sporting two new pieces from Aztech, the Top to Bottom bib pants and the Women's Nuke suit jacket respectively.