Summary: The Shuks Anne is one of K2's new women's specific AT skis for the 07/08 season. It's wider throughout and lighter than the men's Shuksan, accommodating a women's style and body structure. This mid-fat ski is versatile to get you down the mountain with grace in variable conditions from powder to corn to hard pack. This ski has a generous sidecut and even with it's weight saving structure it's stiff enough to be stable on firm snow.
We certainly appreciate K2's acknowledgement of the growing industry of female backcountry skiers. These skis definitely skied differently than the Shuksan, and although they were incredibly light on the feet, they were steadfast on resort hardpack, conditions that you'll (hopefully) never encounter in the backcountry. A strong choice for east coast conditions, or skiers who find themselves in firm conditions a lot, or ski mostly safe, spring corn. |
Introducing the first dedicated ski mountaineering ski for women; this mid-fat is ideal for springtime touring when you're just as likely to encounter frozen corn as fresh powder. Two sheets of metal and a deep sidecut ensure that it's ultra smooth, precise and stable on firm snow, yet it still has enough width to shine in softer conditions. No longer will you have to make do with product designed for men.
The Shuks Anne is designed for advanced and expert level women skiers who want maximum versatility for touring on hard and soft snow. It is ideal for touring in the spring over multiple days.
Conditions:
60% hard snow / 40% soft snow Sidecut:122-80-108/16.0
Weight: 8lbs/pair (167cm)
Construction:Titanal metal laminate, Bioflex core
All of 07/08 K2's AT skis feature a powder tip (less hooky), tip and tail holes for quick construction of a rescue sled, colorful graphics, progressive sidecut, skin clip arc, and straight tails. |
Skiing magazine: "Like its male counterpart, the Shuks Anne features a metal-laminated wood core, but slightly wider dimensions give it more floatation in deep snow. Testers found it smooth and damp and easy to push into a variety of turn shapes.
Gripes: Go too fast and you'll over power it.
Props: Adapts to any conditions. "
Backcountry magazine: " Like the Shuksan, the Shuks Anne is designed as more of a ski-mountaineering tool than the Miss Baker: able to float through soft snow but not cave in the face of firm conditions. Credit this capability to Titanal metal over the Bioflex core and a deeper sidecut with blunter tip. Said a Western tester venturing to the East: 'This was the first ski I tested, so I had the opportunity to ski it in the East Coast ice and powder. It was zippy and responsive, and handled well in hardpack, powder and crud. It felt almost like a mogul ski on steroids, soft in the tip and tail, yet burly enough to handle whatever I could dish out.' Said another: 'Whether it was fast GS turns on ice, or teeny tiny slalom turns through tight trees, the Shuks Anne was able to grab an edge and hold on through the course. I didn't know what to expect from a women's specific K2, and I didn't have the highest of expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by this ski.'"
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