The Ace SC11+ is Elan's high-end frontside carver, built with race construction and a short, aggressive turn radius that's all about laying clean arcs on groomed terrain. It's a slalom-leaning carving ski that delivers a precise, locked-in feel for skiers who genuinely enjoy the craft of carving and want a ski that responds to good technique with real performance.

Why we like it:

The dual titanal layup and Active Suspension Drive give this ski a level of damping and edge hold that you don't see often in a sub-75-underfoot frontside ski. It's the kind of ski that makes hardpack groomers feel like a treat instead of a chore, and the TractionTip really does seem to bite into firm snow for cleaner turn entries.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert frontside skiers who live for carving and spend most of their time on groomers. Best for skiers who already have solid technique and want a ski that rewards precision; this isn't the place to start if you're still learning to roll the skis on edge.

Highlights:

Active Suspension Drive is the standout feature here, and it's worth understanding. The system uses a structural element under the binding to absorb vibration and keep the edge locked through the turn, which translates to a smoother, more predictable feel at speed. Pair that with dual titanal sheets sandwiching the Race Frame woodcore and you get a ski that's genuinely heavy underfoot in the best way: planted, calm, and unfazed by chop or boilerplate. The TractionTip adds a textured, beveled treatment to the shovel that helps the tip engage cleanly when you initiate a turn, which is especially noticeable on icy groomers where lesser skis tend to wash out. RST racing sidewalls deliver power straight to the edge, full camber gives you classic carving response from tip to tail, and the sintered race-structured base is fast right out of the wrapper. The integrated Fusion binding system completes the package and is purpose-built to maximize the ski's natural flex.

Things to consider:

This is a one-trick pony in the best sense; it's built to carve and it does that exceptionally well, but it's not a ski you'd choose for off-trail forays or soft snow days. The full camber profile and aggressive shape demand active skiing, so if you want something more forgiving or versatile, the Ace SC9+ steps things down with a lighter mono-ti layup.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to size. Most carving-oriented skiers will land at their normal length; if you want quicker turn initiation for shorter arcs, size down, and if you ski faster and prioritize stability, size up.