Scott Sports 'Mountain' series now comprises four models of backcountry adventure skis ranging in width from 88 to 105 mm. The Superguide 88 W are lightweight, versatile skis that perform surprisingly as well on the groomers as they do in fresh powder snow. Their relaxed attitude allows for the less-aggressive skier to still enjoy a variety of snowy terrain without punishing the legs too much.
Weighing 1,200 to 1,440 grams, depending on length, the skis use a light paulownia wood-core construction for responsiveness and strength without compromising their mass. A Pro Tip Rocker 320 increases float with the 3D sidecut (a straighter section underfoot and a deeper sidecut in the tip and tail) designed for an easier pivot and increased stability. We find they lack a little liveness and have to be worked to find their playful qualities, but they cut through most conditions pretty well. The carving performance was surprisingly good for touring skis, holding the edges well and not chattering at higher speeds.
Scott has paid real attention to the fact that they are true touring skis and will therefore have skins attached for heading up the hill and have one of the best skin fixation systems on the market - reinforced with metal for secure binding retention and pre-cut skins available. With this design feature, heading up the hill becomes much simpler and reduces the likelihood of bad language used for when the skins slip off at the worst moment due to a less-than-ideal set up.
In the touring market range, they sit about average cost-wise.
Whilst superlight in weight, we feel they do lack just a little 'je ne sais quoi' that would set them alight - however the consideration of the skins set up makes up for this, and we'd be happy to take them up the mountain. An expert might prefer to look at alternative options but for the intermediate/advanced skier they are user friendly and a great place to start if you'd like to get into ski touring.
