realskiers

The Scott Mission is a great underrated ski.  I think the Crusade is even better, but definitely more demanding where the Mission is more playful.

I like your term "counterculture" for those sporting skinny shaped skis - it really is getting to the point where, except for the racers, very few skiers are on anything less than about 85mm underfoot.  It's just such a huge disservice to so many skiers who basically can't buy a turn and now they have these huge skis that help them get through tougher snow conditions, but they're even farther from ever feeling the power and control from true high edge angle turns.

Alot of people are out their posing with their new mid fats or fatter skis that is for sure, but a small minority are pushing personal limits on wider boards at mountains that have natural terrain and natural conditions. Stuff that was unpossible on the first carving skis and not that easy on the early 'fat" skis like the explosive, axiom and pocket rocket.  Especially in the east where the snow in more vaiable and the terrain is MUCH tighter. My average run at stowe is more technically demanding than my average run at snowbird. i have skied more at each of these resorts than anyone on this board.