screw the haters, you dont even have to go down a hard trail to get to the park. center mounting effects your skiing ability marginally, especially if you are experienced. you will be fine. You should see the "trails" that i have gone down at Stowe on my invaders. if anyone should have trouble going down some gnarly trails, it would be on noodley centermounted invaders. not a problem for me. if you are strong you are fine