The Fischer Atua was part of Fischer’s Maori lineup of twin tipped freeride skis prior to the 2007-2008 season when the lineup was revamped. The Maori lineup featured various sized freeride skis with a Maori tribal naming scheme and top sheet theme. All of the various skis including the Riu, Rangi, Kehua, Atua, and Watea were each available in only one length. A telemark version of these skis was marketed in the T-Stix name with the numerical width added as a suffix to differentiate the various skis.

The T-Stix numbering scheme was brought over to the full Maori linup as Fischer took major strides to better promote and market this lineup of skis in the 2007-2008 season. Fischer combined the Kehua, Atua, and Watea skis into the Watea Series which features various numerically width distinguished versions including the 84, 94, and 101. The new Watea series (not to be confused with the previous “Watea” ski which was exclusively the 101 size point) eliminated the twin tips in favor of turned up tails and better distinguished each ski within the current realm of designations: all mountain mid-fat, all mountain fat, and fat powder. Additionally, the 84 and 94 are available in more than a one size fits all.

In obtaining the Atua, I concluded a search for a powder ski to round out an ideal quiver which includes a carver (64) mid-fat (79) and a fat (96). My requirements for the fat ski included a healthy side cut, a wood core, a light and lively feel, quick turning despite the width, great float, and ideal for tight New England tree skiing. A minimum of mediocre bump and groomer performance needed to be within tolerance ranges as these conditions are skied in between untracked powder shots at most New England mountains. The short list included the likes of the Volkl Mantra, Salomon Sandstorm, Karhu Jak and Jak BC, Black Diamond Kilowatt, Scott Mission, Voile Insane, and the Fischer Watea 94.

After endless beta review via the internet and having ruled out the Volkl Mantra, I narrowed down the short list to a few offerings with the Watea 94 leading the pack. One of my dilemmas was deciding whether the ski would be an on piste or backcountry ski. The lighter weight Karhu, Voile, and Black Diamond offerings favored a freeride binding whereas the heavier skis would be too much of a weight penalty on the up hill. Reviews of the Fischer Watea 94 were nothing short of sensational and the ski seemed ideal for my needs, if a bit too all purpose, damp, and groomer friendly.

The twin tipped Fischer Atua (129-96-119) at 186cm could be considered a “Mantra-lite”. Due to the twin, this ski is comparable to the 177 Volkl Mantra with an actual running length of around 180cm if you were to discount the rear twin tip in favor of the turned up tail of the Watea 94. Unfortunately, the twin tip of the Atua comes with a weight penalty with no performance gains. Also considering the Watea has slightly more shape with a narrower waste, and it is fair to draw conjecture that the Watea 94 probably feels and skis slightly lighter than the Atua.

My first five days on the Atua involved all extremes of conditions from scraped hard pack, groomed hard pack, groomed packed powder, true packed powder, powdery bumps, hard packed bumps, loose snow, powder, untracked boot deep, and untracked knee deep (not all on the same day!). This ski was less than satisfactory on hard packed and scarped conditions which comes as no surprise. What was surprising is that the Atua lays down a nice carve on packed powder groomed conditions, similar to the Volkl Mantra without quite as much “wow” factor. Bumps were acceptable when softer with decent swing speed but required a lot of work and effort to achieve a good rhythm. Definitely not a high performer in the bumps but acceptable performance very much unlike the Volkl Mantra. This ski starts to come alive as it begins to taste natural snow, especially fresh powder. But under one foot of snow saw no strong performance gains and incentives compared to my Legend 8000. This ski really starts to take off and shine at one foot of fresh powder. It feels very lively and surfy in powder conditions and has a sensational float. In knee to boot deep powder, the snow essentially felt bottomless. Fellow skiers commented that the ski looked amazingly fun to ski in such conditions. Snow was billowing up into my chest and face and flying over my shoulders. Just a sensational feeling. Despite the width and weight of the Atua, I found turns quick, agile, and lively. Rotary turns felt really good with a nice twisting motion felt under the arches and balls of my feet.

For the New England powder hound that enjoys skiing trees, I can give this ski a strong recommendation as a powder day ski. However, I can not recommend this as a one ski quiver for a New England skier. A mid-fat provides much more variability in irregular New England conditions that often require good performance in hard pack conditions and bumps where the Atua merely manages to keep its head above water. Fischer has the Watea 84 available for this everyday all mountain need. The Atua has performed above and beyond expectation in powder over one foot and has earned a spot in my quiver as a dedicated powder board.