POPULAR science [January 2004]
What's New WINTER RECREATION 

The New Slide Rules
four high-tech ways to cruise the slopes this winter

Take one look at this season's crop of high-performance mountain toys and you'll realize that while your Radio Flyer may be nostalgic, it's also from the Stone Age. Engineered to be agile, stoppable and fast as all get-out, these snow carvers navigate intense terrain with ease and are guaranteed to draw some incredulous stares. —JENNY EVERETT

KNEELING
MAD RIVER ROCKET
KILLER B SLED

The 7-pound Killer B is built for deep off-trail powder. Set your knees on the squishy foam kneepads, strap the quick-release belt around your thighs, and use your hands to drag-steer and brake as you glide down the mountain.