2020 Atomic Vantage 86C Women's Skis

The Atomic Vantage 86 C W is a lightweight women's all-mountain ski aimed at skiers stepping up from rentals or a first setup. A light poplar wood core paired with a woven carbon reinforcement keeps it easy to swing and forgiving underfoot, while a mostly cambered profile with a touch of tip rocker keeps it predictable. At a versatile mid-eighties waist, it handles groomers with ease and dips into softer snow when the chance arises. It is an approachable, confidence-building ski for skiers expanding their range.

Why we like it:

The standout here is how light and unintimidating it feels, which makes it a brilliant ski for building confidence and skiing all day without fatigue. Atomic's Carbon Tank Mesh adds a surprising amount of stability and strength for such a featherweight ski.

Who it's for:

This is a ski for beginner to intermediate women who are moving beyond the rental counter and want a versatile daily driver they can grow with. It suits skiers who spend most of their time on groomed runs but want the option to venture into easy off-trail snow. Anyone after a forgiving, easy-handling ski to progress on will appreciate it.

Highlights:

Atomic builds the Vantage 86 C W with its Prolite construction, which starts from the lightest possible profile and adds reinforcement only where it is needed, such as the energy backbone running down each edge. A light poplar wood core provides shock absorption and stability while keeping weight low, and a layer of woven Carbon Tank Mesh adds strength and stiffness from tip to tail without a weight penalty. The shape uses an all-mountain rocker with about 10 percent tip rocker over a long cambered section and a flat tail, which makes turn initiation easy while preserving edge grip. With an 86 mm waist it strikes a versatile balance, quick edge to edge on the groomers with enough float for the occasional soft morning. A Dura Cap sidewall rounds out a durable, friendly package.

Things to consider:

As a light, forgiving ski, the Vantage 86 C W trades top-end stability for ease of use, so hard-charging, aggressive skiers will likely find its ceiling fairly quickly. It is most at home on groomers and in lighter snow rather than heavy crud or steep, firm chutes. Skiers progressing rapidly may outgrow it and want something stiffer before long.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Sizes true to length. The forgiving flex and light build make it easy to manage, so most skiers can pick their usual length. Newer skiers can size down slightly for even easier handling, while those seeking more stability can stay at or just above their normal length.