Mt Hood has been in the midst of a major snow cycle and I used the opportunity to give G3's El Hombre a good test. El Hombre measures in at 136/105/124, the snowpack has measured in double digit every day this week. The combination seemed like a good match.

The Hombres are mounted with AT binders and I have skied exclusively at the ski area with them. Although they weigh in at a respectable 3.9kg/pair, it is a big board for touring and I simply have not broken the touring barrier with such a big ski yet.

On the snow El Hombre likes to go. There is no need to be shy in any condition, these skis make short work of it all. They are remarkably lively for their size. They prefer medium to big radius turns but I have found them equally as reliable when a few short radius turns are needed.

El Hombre simply like to go fast, turns with ease in all snow, and rides up and over everything you would hope it would. That said, the Hombres do all this without taking you for a ride. Some big skis make me feel like I am just along for the ride. With the Hombre, I always feel like I am driving.

From windbuff to fluff and cut-up pow to groomers, El Hombre is up for the task. The skis have personality and allow you to ski in snow and places you would not venture with a narrower ski. Hood is famous for its wind and dense snow. The Hombre never waivers, regardless of what is underfoot, they float up on everything, and really come to life at speed.