Before you hit the slopes: how to benefit from ski test information

From using ski test results to inform your ski purchases to becoming a ski tester yourself, learn all about ski tests.

Every year, ski testers go out and try all the top new gear of the season. From using ski test results to inform your ski equipment purchases to becoming a ski tester yourself, learn all about ski tests and how they can be of use to you.

Each piece of ski equipment is designed for specific conditions, style, and level of performance. But with so many brands and types of equipment, it can be difficult to make a choice. You can’t try all the options, since it’s just too costly. Ski magazines will organize annual ski tests to see how equipment performs and see if it delivers on what the product marketing promises. Ski testers will test out all sorts of gear in different conditions and slopes and provide feedback and grades for each product.

The feedback from each ski tester is consolidated and summarized. It’s possible that a certain piece of equipment is ideal for a beginner, but that a more seasoned skier will hate the experience of it. All this is taken into consideration.

A ski test will let you know the pros and cons of the equipment. The details are pretty specific. There are categories for slalom skiers and off-piste skiers, but also for easy cruising. So whether you’re advanced, looking for a new challenge, or even if you’re still close to being a newbie, ski tests are a great guide in helping you make an informed decision when it comes to shelling out the big bucks and investing in some nice ski gear.

Do you want to test out some cool new equipment? Every year, ski magazines will look for testers including pro skiers and not-so-pro skiers. Essentially, they need people at every level to get enough information. Nearly anyone can apply, but the spots are limited. If you get chosen, you’ll get to test out skis, spend tons of time on the slopes, and be brutally honest about your experience using each piece of equipment. Most often, they’ll give you some special offer on lodging, but you’ll need to cover most of the cost as well as pay for your transportation to and from the hill.

To find out more about ski test results, visit your ski and snowboard equipment retailer and they should be up-to-date with the latest information on top gear.