2021 Liberty Genesis 106

Skiing in soft snow is fun on any ski, but it really increases the fun-factor when you're on the right sticks. Ladies who shred the gnar will really get a kick out of the 2021 Liberty Genesis 106. These things are stacked with tech, from the build to the shape and profile. While the Origin series has bamboo and poplar, the Genesis replaces the outer poplar with paulownia wood to increase playfulness. It's a bit softer and more flexible, and better suited to lighter skiers and softer snow. The shaping of the 106 screams freeride versatility. With moderate taper and a fair amount of rocker built in, the 106 is an ideal choice for fresh or broken snow. While not a twin tip in the freestyle sense, the turned-up tail is perfect for releasing turns and adding to the smeariness of the skis. There's a lot to love about these 106's and their penchant for shorter turns. The 15-meter radius is all about having fun and keeping your turns tight when the conditions and terrain get sketch. This leads to greater control and boosts confidence when you're in dicey situations. Thanks to the carbon strips, you can feel free to let these things rip as well, as the skis are stiffer than expected, especially in the tail. While we weren't able to get our own testers on the ski this year, we are fortunate to have two of Liberty's athletes give us their feedback and impressions of the ski. Spoiler alert: they like it.

Heidi Nixon skis the 171 and loves it. Her high scores of 5 out of 5 were given for flotation, playfulness, and overall impression. These are right in line with what Liberty sets out to do, especially in a 106. "Being a Canadian who skis both in the big mountains of the west and the mellow terrain of the east, I've always felt the need to own a few pairs of skis. Until I tried the Genesis 106. These beauties have made my life significantly easier in more ways than one. First of all, I no longer have to check the forecast 8 times before heading out. I just grab them and go, because I know they will provide. Secondly, the weight of them has made my touring game way faster and now I can preserve some energy for the way down. Whether it's boot-deep or tits deep, groomed runs or spring slush, you can count on these sticks to make you look good."

Caroline Ungar skis the 164 and finds it just about right. She calls it "a powerful all-mountain ski for any type of terrain, whether it be the backcountry or skiing at a resort. The ski has a bamboo core making it lightweight and easy to control, it offers a playful tip and tail rocker that makes it easier to float on powder while it has a positive camber underfoot to carve awesome GS turns on the hardpack. This ski is perfect for those who love to get after it on the powder days and enjoy groomers on the warmer days." Her top scores for flotation, forgiveness, and versatility are very impressive, and show a well-roundedness to a pretty wide ski.

Ladies who are looking for a wide, fun, and surfy ski will love the Liberty Genesis 106. Due to the shape, profile, and build, the 106 is all about having fun in soft snow. While best suited for deep and fresh, the 106 is surprisingly versatile and capable of handling a lot of different conditions and terrain. There's a lot of fun to be had on the Genesis 106.