New to PNW requests skis to buy recommendations

make sure you get tip rocker. It's not a fad despite what many TAYers think; it actually physics and who can argue with Newton?

Rocker can make the skiing down more tempered and can help to get on the surface when skinning.
But don't go overboard on rocker if you choose that path. Otherwise you have an oversized pair of heavy clown shoes that don't fit a pair of skins.

But the ski you mentioned the Joule is a great ski for the all around. The new version (Last years 09-10 pink highlights) has a softer shovel than the it's predecessors. This gives the feel of the rocker, without the rocker. It's wide enough for what you need to do here and won't weigh a ton. Will bust the crud and float the pow. Fits many binding options if the budget does not afford the gold standard dynafit.
The Dynafit Manaslu is another great option, about the same dimensions as the BD Joule w/slight rocker, but more pricey and almost Dynafit binding only.

Depending on your budget you can get several new or used Fritschi Explore bindings for a good price. That way you don't have to own a bunch of gear specialized to fit the bindings.
And you can ski the lifts with no problem with several boot options.

In the regard beware RonJ, a charismatic and jedi-master of PNW skiing who has uncanny ability to collect female ski partners albeit entirely platonic. During the season, on any given Sunday he can be seen heading of to one of his secret stashes with a line of women behind him like a Mormon polygamist. How he does this we are not sure. He's like our Charles Manson only nice and doesn't kill people.

Wow, Scotty, I’m speechless. Your posts are always a great read with lots of grins and giggles even if you have to stretch the truth here and there to maximize the entertainment value. I missed you during your sabbatical and am glad to see you back in full form. But Really, Scotty, “a nice Charlie Manson that doesn’t kill people”??
That seems like a huge oxymoron I’m not sure I would want to know someone that bore such a description.

But back to the task at hand: spiderzak, you’re getting some sage advice here. Despite Scotty’s colorful meanderings he’s giving you good ski advice. I agree with the others as well, and especially Joe, with regard to the Dynafit Manaslus. Despite Scotty’s exaggerations regarding female ski partners I do have a regular that is roughly your size that went to the Manaslus (in the 169 length) at the beginning of this last winter. Without exaggeration, all I heard from her all winter after every run was “these skis are awesome; you gotta get some”. And she skied nothing else all summer through this last weekend!

And yes, they are pricey (which is why I have held off buying them until recently) but there is a fairly decent discount on them at backcountry.com. So I finally followed her repeated advice and pulled the trigger myself. More on that on this thread .

But Really, Scotty, “a nice Charlie Manson that doesn’t kill people”??
That seems like a huge oxymoron I’m not sure I would want to know someone that bore such a description.

And yes, they are pricey (which is why I have held off buying them until recently) but there is a fairly decent discount on them at backcountry.com. So I finally followed her repeated advice and pulled the trigger myself. More on that on this thread .

I interpreted the Charles Manson thing as cute, sexy worshiping followers.
I don't think he meant the wide eyed glassy stare (maybe when there is a powder field ahead).
But I think a self inscribed snowflake on your forehead would substitute nicely for the one Charley has on his.

Glad you dropped the frog pelts on the skis Ron. I don't think you'll be sorry.
Now we won't be able to keep up with you with those light skis. 

Dynafit Manaslus great ski for spring  and ski mountaineering but IMO too narrow for winter and slush window.
Better ski =  Dynafit Stokes=lightweight plus has some tip rocker. Although no female model , they would suit you based upon flex and softness.
Joedabakers got a pair that are too short for him ( although he hasn't admitted it yet) and is going to sell to me cuz' I have dibs on them!
Or try the new Voile charger although 171 might be too long.

www.voile-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc...OD&Product_Code=5200
Editors pick award Backcountry magazine.

I interpreted the Charles Manson thing as cute, sexy worshiping followers.
I don't think he meant the wide eyed glassy stare (maybe when there is a powder field ahead).
But I think a self inscribed snowflake on your forehead would substitute nicely for the one Charley has on his.

Exactly but Ron's free to interpret it any way he wants! :

Dynafit Manaslus great ski for spring  and ski mountaineering but IMO too narrow for winter and slush window.
Better ski =  Dynafit Stokes=lightweight plus has some tip rocker. Although no female model , they would suit you based upon flex and softness.
Joedabakers got a pair that are too short for him ( although he hasn't admitted it yet) and is going to sell to me cuz' I have dibs on them!
Or try the new Voile charger although 171 might be too long.

IMO Based on her weight the Manaslu or 165 Joule would be just fine for float in the winter stuff, plus the Joules would hold an edge on the firm. The newer softer shovel, will help make it more turny. As she does not have the weight that Scotsman has which will bury a snowboard on each foot.
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.

K2 Payback does not look to bad and saves on weight, but may be underwhelming in performance because of the weight savings.

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.