Meraki 112 | 2027

The widest ski in Ellis' lineup, the Meraki is a freeride-oriented powder ski with long, low tip and tail rocker, and a surprising amount of camber for a 112-mm waisted ski. Further fueling its freeride appetite, this ski features a mid-stiff, wood and fiberglass core that's paired with a full-length sidewall. This combination brings a substantial feel without the overbearing properties of metal or the overly soft personality found in some powder-specific skis.

When mother nature bestows the goods, the ski's long rocker lines and malleable flex make it easy to surf and slash, although it carries a little more weight than many skis in this category. As a result, it prefers longer, more deliberate turns. That extra weight becomes an advantage once conditions get tracked out. Despite its twin-rockered shape, the Meraki pushes through chopped snow with surprising composure rather than getting knocked around like a lighter, softer ski. It strikes an impressive balance between playful maneuverability and the confidence needed to ski aggressively.

That supportive flex is beneficial when playing on natural features. While the Meraki remains easy to butter and manipulate, it has enough backbone in the tail to support the occasional backseat landing, rather than washing out..

If you value a ski that can be buttered and skied with a playful attitude, but when weighted can withstand higher speeds and rougher snow, the Meraki isn't one to pass up. Plus, the graphics are among the most unique in the industry, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art form of Suminagashi, which translates to "floating ink."