When you have more than about a foot of fresh snow, the Excursion 88 skis would probably be better than than the M62. With less than a foot of snow, they'll both be fine. That means for typical New England winter conditions, there maybe 2-3 days a year where the Excursion 88 is better than the M62,...

That would work, but it isn't going to work better than its narrower cousins. A wider ski will not only glide slower, but it will also be harder to turn than narrower skis, when using the same leather/fabric boots. The 88s would be harder to turn compared to M62, but better in some # of inches of f...

That ~80mm wide at the tip, and stiff underfoot, is a good 90% of the time class of ski for here in New England. It seems like the Fischer 88 excursion would also fall into this category - wide tip & stiff underfoot? That would work, but it isn't going to work better than its narrower cousins. A wi...

That ~80mm wide at the tip, and stiff underfoot, is a good 90% of the time class of ski for here in New England.

It seems like the Fischer 88 excursion would also fall into this category - wide tip & stiff underfoot?

Have I seen 98s in the wild?
....I suppose not.

I have also considered the 88 excursions and I have seen those in the wild.

I live in the flatlands of New England, but only 10 minutes from a very hilly golf course, Gannon Golf club, and awooded park called Lynn Woods. Almost every hole has significant elevation changes and the wooded area has climbs that approach 180 feet. In fact, the golf course did previously have a s...