Wind-Buffed Hardpack
In search of softer snow and more vert, we decided to bootpack up Ardy’s Peak in the late afternoon. While skiing off the summit offered the advantage of untracked snow and incredible views, wind had kept temperatures down, resulting in a frozen, icy crust. As I carved and slid my way down the face, the Savory 7’s edges held on the ice, but I felt like I was teetering on the edge of control, as if I might lose my edges, especially in the tails.
Sizing
The Savory 7 has tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot, and the 170cm length has a shorter effective running edge than I am used to skiing. (For rocker pics, check out our review of the Soul 7, which has the same profile as the Savory 7). Many skis with a tip-and-tail-rockered construction would likely perform in a similar manner on steep ice, which is important to keep in mind if you do most of your skiing on icy groomers or hardpack.
Given the ski’s lighter construction and rockered tip and tail, I wouldn’t hesitate in sizing up. The ski is remarkably manageable and responsive, and I think those who feel they might be in between sizes would benefit from the added stability in a longer length. For me, the 170cm length was a little short. While I appreciated the shorter ski in tight areas making hop turns, there were times I wished I had a longer platform to negotiate icy patches and to rip down smooth runs.
Other Conditions
Due to the lack of groomers at Mt. Olympus and Craigieburn, I haven’t had the opportunity to take any high-speed groomer laps, and I’ve yet to get the Savory 7 in deep powder. But so far, the Savory 7 has skied consistent snow beautifully and predictably. While it might not rail groomers as well as the heavy Blizzard Dakota or the flat-tailed Salomon Stella, I am confident that on corduroy the Savory 7 will be easy to lay over on edge.
Additionally, its light weight, shape, and nimble feel will most likely make it a pretty sweet powder ski. Even in soft slushy conditions, the Savory 7 preferred to stay on top. Compared to a wider powder ski, such as the 12-13 Line Pandora (115mm), the Savory 7 might not offer quite as much float, but it has the most “surfy” feel of any of the 104-107mm skis I have ridden. My only concern for the ski on a powder day would be handling deep, heavy chop post-powder, which will have to be tested later this season.
I haven’t skinned on the Savory 7 in the backcountry yet, but I believe it would make an almost ideal touring ski. Its paulownia core cuts down on weight and its improved performance in consistent snow would be perfect for fresh backcountry stashes. Its light swing weight would also make it a good option for areas with plenty of moguls and tight tree skiing.
Bottom Line
I believe there are many skiers that would enjoy and benefit from the Savory 7. While I can’t say whether the Savory 7 is the “most versatile women’s freeride ski” Rossignol has ever designed (I haven’t skied Rossi’s whole lineup), I do agree that it is fun to ski across a range of conditions. Its lighter construction and maneuverability will make it accessible to intermediate skiers, and it is enough of a ski that advanced and expert ladies can ski hard on it too.
If you are looking specifically for a burly, big mountain ski to bust up deep chop and crud, the Savory 7 probably won’t be quite enough, and the Blizzard Dakota, Nordica La Nina, or Salomon Stella would be better options.
However, the Savory 7 is built to be a lighter, fun ski, and it does that extremely well. Even though the 170cm Savory 7 was a little shorter than I would have liked, I still had a blast in soft variable and consistent snow and could drive them fast. I have also never skied anything that was more enjoyable in the air.
The Savory 7 is no noodle, but it caters to a style of skiing that isn’t solely focused on big lines. It’s a versatile ski that will please many, and I look forward to spending more time on it this winter in deeper conditions where I think its soft-snow performance will truly shine.
Hello,
I am going to buy skis similar to these. They are the Saffron 7 from Rossi — 98mm underfoot but a similar rocker ski. I am 5’8″ 143lbs Intermediate-Advanced Vermont skier and am deciding between the 170cm and 178 cm. What length would you recommend?
Thanks,
Linnea
Hi!
Wondering what size you ended up getting? I am 5’6″ and 132 lbs…am wondering if 175’s will be too long?
Thanks!
Hi Becki!
What would you say your level of skiing is? I would also consider where you spend most of your time skiing. I think that if you are a stronger, more aggressive skier you would be ok with a longer length. Although I do believe it’s a 178, not a 175…I think that the Savory 7 is a more manageable 178cm ski, but if you want to do a lot of tree skiing, ski in moguls often, or prefer making quicker, shorter radius turns, the 170 could be a better bet. Let me know if you have any additional questions and I hope this helps!
Julia
another size question…
My 22 yo daughter is 5″7″ 140 lbs and a strong skier – on blacks mostly out west. Good on steep and in the deep and in trees. Shes still trying to get her timing down in big bumps . Likes to turn more than ski flat out. But relegated to skiing harder snow in the east. Hope to start to get her out into side and back country. What size would you recommend as a good compromize between manuverability and some stability. 162cm or 170?
Thanks