Skiing magazine: "The redesigned Mt. Baker narrowly edged out Volkl's M Rock for the Best in Test award. This year it features a slightly leaner tip, and a shallower sidecut that makes it less hooky in soft snow. Push it into both short and long turns with enthusiasm. It'll push back. Gripes: More girth would help it float better. Props: Dependable in all conditions."

Backcountry magazine: "With its increased emphasis on alpine touring, K2 is drawing distinctions between what it calls 'frontside' skiers who are as apt to traverse out of bounds as to ski on-piste, and 'backside' skiers who are more likely to start the day skinning. The Mt. Baker is designed for the former. And while it has K2's new floaty tip and shallower sidecut for softer snow, it adds some weight via a Titanal metal sandwich to apply power when snow turns thuggish. Best for most Western testers in medium-radius turns, the Mt. Baker had a calming, non-eruptive presence. 'Easy and predictable in cut soft conditions. In variable snow it made things much smoother and easier to predict,' said one. 'Stable, steady,' added another. 'Holds up to speed. Nice edge hold. Lively.' A third characterized it as 'a damp, powerful ride. Doesn't take much work or demand high energy.'"