Compartments very well designed. Comfortable for day of skiing. Don't even need easy release to get on lift. Easy to fill bladder (sprung a leak on second week of skiing, and was readily replaced by CamelBak). Takes a few minutes to attach skis, which is good compared to other packs and is very convenient when hiking, walking through base village, and taking shuttles. But, and I suspect this is unavoidable since friends with other ski packs say the same, the water line freezes quickly in any winter weather. The only solution I found is to take a pull every time I stop on the slope, then frequently on lift. Once that becomes a habit, you're good to go. Filling bladder with hot water was not as effective as hoped--benefit lasted an hour or less (though noticed warmth on back longer, so there's that). Despite this, I will use this pack skiing from now on. Better than stuffing pockets, awkwardly carrying skis, and looking for water on the slope.