The crew over at Faction Skis believes that skis are tools of escape and expression. Candide Thovex would agree, as evidenced by his instantly recognizable style and his backcountry-ready pro plank, the Candide 4. 0 Ski, a big-mountain touring stick that's as unique as Candide's skiing. On the outside, its tip and tail rocker, minimal camber underfoot section, and wide 118mm waist provide killer flotation and an ability to surf powder fields with ease, so you can bang some quick cliff-top turns, get sendy, and then slam on the brakes before you mob into those trees. On the inside, a balsa, poplar wood core integrates woven flax fibers to create powerful pop, snappy return, and boostability that most flat-cambered skis can't match. A layer of multi-directional fiberglass keeps the ski torsionally stuff, so you can rally it hard without speed wobbles or chatter. Faction opted for the strength and precise edge control provided by sandwich sidewall fabrication, which isn't quite as light as a cap construction, but makes up for it with stability, strength, and power. Faction also included lightweight 1. 8mm steel edges and a titanal plate underfoot to ensure edge strength and bomber binding mounts, because blowing out an edge or pulling a heelpiece out when you're miles from anywhere is an experience best avoided.