January 6, 2003 – Atomic has worked closely for the last three years with research scientists at the University of Innsbruck and the University of Salzburg to fully analyze the differences between how men and women apply pressure when turning a ski. “I'm glad we are part of a big alpine company,” stated Atomic's Nordic Director Rick Halling. “If we only made Nordic skis, we wouldn't have the money or resources to pursue this level of research.  It was possible to take the biometrical testing for alpine and adapt it to Telemark.”

The results were a bit surprising. Men and women of similar weight apply fairly equal pressure at the initiation and apex of a free heel turn. It is at the end of a turn, when exiting the apex, that women apply far less pressure than men. The data shows that a Telemark ski designed for women should have similar tip and mid flex to men's skis. However, the tail section should be close to 8% softer in flex.

Atomic has incorporated this research to create the “Femme Fatale.” Atomic's International Nordic Director, Norbert Irouschek, points out that “This is easily the most thoroughly researched and tested women's ski on the market. It was tough work being the only man at a remote hut with eight Norwegian Viking ladies. Post testing always included plenty of Sauna and Schnapps. We got the job done, and the new ski is worth all the hard work.”

The Femme Fatale is designed as an All Mountain ski with equal on or off piste application. It is primarily designed for Telemark, but like all Atomic Tele skis it will perform splendidly as an AT ski. The Femme Fatale will be available to consumers by the end of January.

Femme Fatale:

Sidecut:            106/72/98 Construction:    Beta Core:                Densolite Weight: 2895 grams (pair of 180) Lengths:            150,160,170,180