By Emma Lawson
J skis Vacation
Overview
The Vacation is a playful, do‑it‑all ski centered around a 104 mm waist that shines from pow to park. The shape pairs a relatively wide tip with a smooth, early‑tapered rocker that creates a surfy, catch‑free feel. Offered in 166–186 cm, it’s accessible across body types and riding styles, making it a versatile choice for skiers who like to mix lines — soft‑snow blasting, glade laps, and park laps — without the harshness of a dedicated big‑mountain charger.
Construction and technology
Construction emphasizes pop, durability, and a forgiving ride: a multi‑laminate maple core with aspen in the tips reduces swing weight while pre‑stretched carbon stringers add snap and liveliness. A quasi‑isotropic fiberglass layup gives multi‑directional responsiveness, and full‑height UHMW sidewalls with very thick steel edges and a robust sintered base prioritize impact resistance and longevity. This combination yields a lively, durable ski that’s tuned more for play and resilience than for razor‑stiff high‑speed performance.
On‑snow performance
On snow the Vacation floats well in soft snow and excels at playful moves — butters, presses, and switch laps are all natural. The camber underfoot provides pop and rebounds well, while the early rocker and tapered tip reduce catches when spinning or landing switch. That said, the ski tends towards a softer flex, so at very high speeds or on long, aggressive landings it can feel less damped and supportive than stiffer freeride skis. Compared to the Line Sick Day or Moment Elix, it skews more freestyle and forgiving.
Handling, sizing and specs explained
A brief spec explanation helps with sizing and expectations: the ~3–3.5 mm camber underfoot offers rebound and edge hold; tip rocker (8.5–10 mm by length) plus small tail rocker creates a surfy, release‑ready tip. The 104 mm waist balances flotation and carving potential while the sidecut radii (15–20 m depending on length) affect turn size — shorter lengths make tighter turns, longer lengths track straighter at speed. Weight per ski (roughly 1.82–2.17 kg) influences swing weight and high‑speed stability.
Pros, cons and recommendation
In short, the Vacation is ideal for creative skiers who value playfulness, float, and durability. Highlights include a catch‑free tip for switch and butters, lively pop from carbon, and beefy edges/bases for urban abuse. Downsides include a softer overall flex that limits top‑end stability and reduced support for very large landings. Recommend it for park‑forward all‑mountain riders or powder‑hungry freestylers; those seeking stiff high‑speed stability should consider stiffer big‑mountain alternatives.
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