Like last year, we were once again part of the 2022 WorldSkitest. From March 29 to 31, the new ski models for the 2022/2023 season were tested in the Silvretta Montafon in Vorarlberg. Together with active and former ski pros, as well as other independent testers, we took a close look at the new skis before they hit the market next season.
Three different ski tests
Every year, the WorldSkitest tests the new models of the best-known ski manufacturers for the next ski season. These include the brands Fischer, Völkl, Nordica, Kästle, Elan, Dynastar, Salomon, Rossignol, Atomic, Blizzard, Stöckli, Scott and Hagan.
In total, the WorldSkitest consists of three ski tests. In 2022, these took place in different regions. From March 21 to 23, the FreerideSkitest tested the new powder models in Kals in East Tyrol. The TourenSkitest took place from March 24 to 26 at the Falkert, a popular starting point of the Carinthian Nockberge Trail.
For the AlpinSkitest, it was then off to the Vorarlberg ski resort of Silvretta Montafon from March 29 to 31, 2022. Among the testers, in addition to amateur athletes, were once again numerous active and former, international top athletes such as Katharina Liensberger, Ricarda Haaser, Jure Kosir, Eva-Maria Brehm, Michael Walchhofer, Manfred Pranger, Hans Enn and Reinfried Herbst.
>> Review: That was the WorldSkitest 2021 at the Mölltal Glacier
How the models are tested
Models are tested in different categories such as High Performance and Allround, each for men and women, and AllMountain. For the race category, slalom (SL) and giant slalom (GS) skis are tested in annual rotation. This year it was again the turn of the SL models.
| AlpinSkitest | FreerideSkitest | TourenSkitest |
|---|---|---|
For an objective evaluation, the skis are covered in black tape and only marked with a number. So the testers don't know which model and which brand they have under their feet.
For each ski, the testers have only one run to test the ski's handling characteristics. The red run no. 34 at the Sonnenbahn served as the test slope.
Directly after the run, the ski is then evaluated on the test sheet. For this purpose, 1 to 10 points can be awarded in each of the categories long turn, short turn, edge grip, stability at speed and general effort.
In addition to the handling characteristics, the design is also evaluated at the end. After all, the visual appearance is usually not an unimportant factor when buying a ski. For the "SnowStyle" award, all models are therefore exhibited once again without the black neutralization. The testers can then choose their three design favorites per category and award their personal gold, silver and bronze.
Test results will be available in the fall
As usual, you can find out how the new ski models performed in the WorldSkitest in our magazine in the fall. The results will be published in time for the start of the World Cup. Until then, you can take a look at the Skitest results from last season.
