New to PNW requests skis to buy recommendations

The Stokes as Scotsman referred to are still in the testing phase, but he thinks he is the only suitor if they don't pass Joedabaker's picky ski testing. They are on the short side for me, but I say let the market speak on a price if they don't cut the mustard.

What ???
Not fair! I called dibs first day you got them and I noticed they were too short for you! I have witnesses! Kneel Turner was there, he'll back me up!

I have not skied these, but I think the Voile line up of skis are still on the flighty/twitchy side for an overall multi purpose board.

I would look into Atomics lineup for the new season. I think they have taken charge of making a good all around ski that is light, good width under foot and woman specific.
Atomic Century 129/100/121 in a 166cm.

Would agree with your comments regarding the Voile Drifters( as to flighty)= powder only touring machine and slush ninja sticks but chargers could be good.

Atomic Century in 166 @ 100mm= perfect and width is just right for winter/slush season and I think a shorter ski would suit her just right for the PNW. I'm so pleased you finally came around and recommended a ski => 95mm. I feel vindicated.

According to the book Backcountry Skiing: Skills for Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering, careful ski construction cannot by itself compensate some of the properties associated with mass.

Heavier skis. Dampen better than lighter skis.
Longer skis. Better fore-aft stability.
Wider skis. Float better at lower speeds in a variety of snow conditions.

You can overcome some of the performance problems associated with lighter, shorter, narrower skis if you work on your form. Generally speaking, lighter skis will require higher speed operation for floation, and are less forgiving in poor conditions. Lighter skis also require excellent balance/stability, especially fore-aft. In a nutshell, you will have to move fast on lighter skis and stay very centred over the bindings. With heavier skis, you can "muscle" your way through turns with greater ease; lighter skis require you to stop fighting the snow and force you to go with the flow.

I'll third the recommendation for Mt. Bakers.

Buy This Book

What ???
Not fair! I called dibs first day you got them and I noticed they were too short for you! I have witnesses! Kneel Turner was there, he'll back me up!

I figured that would get your knickers in a jimmy.
You know it's reverse contractor bidding going to the highest bidder and you can pay me $1 less than that price since your a buddy.

“a nice Charlie Manson that doesn’t kill people”??

Wow, that's really creepy, but let's face it Ron's hair is way to short .

As Ron said, I do own the Manaslus (in the 169 length) and love them as much as my "first love"  .  Yes they are a bit pricey, but cheap ain't good and good ain't cheap

As to bindings... go dynafit. I admit I was as dyna-atheist, then agnostic and now a fan but realize they have " issues" and a learning curve.

Hmmmm issues and a learning curve, never had either with my dynafit bindings, but then again maybe that's what happens when you get old, you can't remember 

For starting out I 'd recomend going with fritschis. Easy to get in and out of. Can be used at the resort more easily. dynafits can come later.
The first couple years in the backcountry has a whole lot of things to get used to. Wild Snow,staying safe,learning to go up,navigation, all kinds of new gear and choosing the right partners.
As for skis I'd go for a bargain ski something shorter than you might choose for groomers. Twintips have thier disadvantages -can't stick em in snow for anchors and fastening skins is problematic. . My personal preference is 88-95 waist for backcountry with narrow skis for summer.
Don't know anything about earlyrise tips but I hear everyone raving about them. Meanwhile those K2 baker Superlights at EVO are
279 -25% =210 $
25%off 2009 skis sale lasts till Next monday
www.evo.com/outlet-shop/ski/skis.aspx
Good luck and welcome to neighborhood.