My list:
CR Johnson
Something of a sympathy pick, but was absolutely on the short list of the best all-around skiers on the planet before he got hurt. Last season he was really back to that level, with his performance in the Red Bull Linecatcher. RIP.
Sage
My pick as the best skier in the world. He is probably the best in sick AK spines, and he can mix tricks into his line in both AK and the Jackson. His part in LTW was awesome, do yourself a favor and watch it. He even threw a double in there.
Henrik Windstedt.
If Sage is not the best, he is. Usually for me, the the pick of 'best skier in the world' and 'best all-around skier in the world' are different, as I really have to see someone dominate big mountains to be the best. In the case of Henrik, Sage, and Candide, however, they are blurring the line. Henrik almost made the Swedish Olympic team, competed in the x-games, and has been possibly the best big mountain competitor over the last three years. He also has had insane MSP parts the last two years. Henrik mixes tricks into big lines with the best, he can hit kickers, and he kills big AK lines with the best of them. If big mountain was his only thing he would be one of the top few at that, but he can do other things too. When you watch him ski big lines he could be mistaken for Daron Rahlves.
Seth Morrison
No explanation should be needed. Still insane in big terrain, and the best at tricks off of huge cliffs in the middle of lines.
Candide Thovex
Another candidate for the best all-around skier on the planet. Everyone knows what he has done in the pipe, park, and off of backcountry kickers. His Candide Kamera segments are awesome, and show serious big mountain chops. Last year was the best I have seen from him, he won the linecatcher, and won the freeride world tour, which really impressed me. The only reason I rank Henrik and Sage above Candide, is that although Candide Kamera is impressive, I have not seen the kind of Alaska domination out from Candide that I have from Henrik and Sage.
Eric Hjorleifson
One of the best big mountain skiers on earth, who dominates big lines year after year. He can also mix tricks into lines, hit BC kickers, and ski the park. Most people don't remember his park stuff, but he was spinning 900's both ways in MSP's Yearbook.
Daron Rahlves
Has a very good argument as the best skier on the planet. Anyone who has a history as one of the best racers ever and one of the best big mountain guys deserves respect.
Mark Abma
One of the best all-around. Insane at spinning off of cliffs, and can really ski big mountains.
Kaj Zackrisson
Insane big moutain skier. Has produced some great MSP parts the last few years, and a great big mountain competitor. Won the Verbier Xtreme.
Richard Permin
He probably won't get many votes, but he is an insane big mountain skier. His part in The Way I See It blew me away. He has also competed in big mountain events on the freeride world tour. He also kills it in the park. Not many 'well-rounded' guys can ski big lines the way he does. Watch this years MSP flick if you want to see it. He was holding his own with Kaj and Sverre. There are not many guys who can do that and get invited to a park shoot.
Honorable mention. Sean Petit, Dana Flahr, Tim Dutton, Aurelion Ducroz, Ian Macintosh, Cody Townsend, Dane Tudor....And probably more that I forgot.
