We’re currently testing hundreds of next year’s skis at Snowbird with a stacked crew. The products that perform best will grace the pages of our next Buyer’s Guide, ultimately helping you, our wonderful reader, to find boards that’ll make your 2017-18 season one to remember… Want to know how we test all these skis? Read below to find out and take advantage of our awesome magazine subscription deal going on right now.

Photos by Erik Seo, Jay Dash and Sarah Sherman

1. Evaluate our custom testing app via your phone and see which skis need reviewing.

2. Go grab your ski of choice from the racks.

3. Consult the corresponding brand rep and get the details on what to expect out on the hill.

4. Have one of the on-site technicians adjust the ski’s bindings to your boot sole. Don’t want to lose a shoe out there!

5. Hop on the lift and go let it rip! Snowbird’s endless terrain provides for pristine testing conditions; get after it, baby.

6. On the hill, consider the following categories to rank the ski properly: versatility, carving, stability, float and playfulness. Keep those notes in your head as best as you can.

7. Don’t forget to have fun on your way down because that’s what skiing’s all about!

8. Hop back on the lift with a new pair of skis and get ready for another rippin’ run of testing.

9. While on the lift, rate the ski you just tested. It’s important to log your opinions right away while they’re still fresh in your head.

10. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Social media greatness from the 2017 Ski Test:

JSKIS.COM Thankful to have @ahmetsbrother out here at #FreeskierFest to learn us some backcountry safety. #skiing #jskis @daymakertouring @freeskiermagazine

A post shared by J Skis (@j_skis) on Mar 7, 2017 at 6:24pm PST

Did the ice bucket challenge today during #FreeskierFest for my man @garywyman to help raise awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and encouraging people to help support Gary's journey as he was recently diagnosed with this devastating disease. You can help by going to his website www.teamgarbear.com Please read below for his story, info, and ways to support. ???? Gary was recently diagnosed with ALS. He received the news in December, a little less than 4 months after getting married to his wife Katie ( @batlashes ). What began as seemingly minor symptoms of twitching, weakness in the hands, and slurred speech, has now revealed itself as a full blown terminal illness for which there is no cure. For those unfamiliar, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the motor neurons in a person's brain and spinal cord, causing muscles to rapidly waste away. ALS patients don't, however, experience any deterioration of the mind, and instead must endure remaining totally aware as the disease robs them of all bodily functions. Unfortunately, after only a few months after diagnosis, Gary is already experiencing major deterioration in his speech, his ability to walk and accomplishing simple daily tasks. While there's hope for treatment and remission for those suffering with cancer, there is no stopping ALS. Once it hits it keeps progressing until the person afflicted is paralyzed and unable to communicate entirely. Gary's life expectancy is 2-5 years. He will soon be wheelchair bound and will require the care of an in-home nurse to assist him in making sure his needs are met while his wife is at work. The medical bills will continue to pile up. We ask that you join us and make a donation and please visit the website link in profile. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. In addition @icelantic_skis and friends will be hosting a fundraiser in Denver in April so please come to the Ogden on April 13th at 7:00 PM for music and raffles to raise awareness. If you work for a company that is able to make a donation of cash or products to auction, please email them through the website and let them know. WWW.TEAMGARBEAR.COM. Love you so much Gary!

A post shared by Scotty VerMerris (@scottyvermerris) on Mar 7, 2017 at 6:15pm PST

Today was a good one. @daletalkington airing a drop at @snowbird this morning. ????: @williamsevan #freeskierfest

A post shared by Nordica (@nordicaski) on Mar 7, 2017 at 5:00pm PST

@dcquigley gettin' up close and personal with early ups at @snowbird this morning for day two of the @freeskiermagazine ski test. #freeskierfest

A post shared by Dave Amirault (@ozskier) on Mar 7, 2017 at 8:16pm PST

Another insane day at @snowbird. Here, local legend @sanderhadley goes real big in the Gad Valley. #FREESKIERFEST

A post shared by Connor W. Davis (@connor_w_davis) on Mar 7, 2017 at 6:34pm PST

These birds may well be the perfect skis for @snowbird! One of my favs from the @freeskiermagazine ski test this week. #FreeskierFest #BlackCrows

A post shared by lexi dowdall (@kapowder) on Mar 7, 2017 at 7:20pm PST

I didn't tomahawk this one time and @adrian.bee filmed it with his iphone7 #moretomahawkfootytocome #freeskierfest

A post shared by Mike Filander (@mfilander) on Mar 7, 2017 at 8:09pm PST

"Great day to go slow and get some sun at the bottom," said no one at #freeskierfest, ever.

A post shared by Thomas Lampert (@tlampert) on Mar 7, 2017 at 2:01pm PST

@ahmetsbrother learned us the powdah! @freeskiermagazine test #freeskierfest @uvmcatamounts @williamsevan

A post shared by Jason Levinthal (@jasonlevinthal) on Mar 7, 2017 at 5:06pm PST

Powder day No.2 ???? #Alwaysgoodtimes #Elanskis SnowbirdUtah #freeskierfest

A post shared by Jas Korsic (@jaskors) on Mar 7, 2017 at 4:10pm PST

Im trying to remember how to ski ????: @mfilander #freeskierfest

A post shared by Dan Grund (@dangrund) on Mar 7, 2017 at 3:43pm PST

When testing next year's hottest new gear, you gotta TEST it. Stoked to be selected as one of the shredders for @freeskiermagazine giving feedback on next year's product…dropping! #freeskierfest #noturnsarethebestturns #skifast #shreddinswede #thisisfun #bestunpaidinternshipever

A post shared by Derek Pearson (@derekpersson) on Mar 7, 2017 at 11:07am PST

@zach_berman playing model again for me at Day 1 of the @freeskiermagazine Ski Test at @snowbird yesterday. Looking forward to more today with an early tram ride and hoping for some good light today! #freeskierfest @factionskis

A post shared by Erik Seo (@erikseophoto) on Mar 7, 2017 at 6:04am PST

Day one of the 2017 @freeskiermagazine Ski Test was a success. With plenty of good snow, good people, and DJ HotDawg, how could you go wrong? ????: @chris_segal #snowbird #freeskierfest #freeskier #skiing #powder #snow #djhotdawg

A post shared by Snowbird (@snowbird) on Mar 6, 2017 at 6:26pm PST

@chrisgarcin excels on #extremeterrain … Top notch powder day @snowbird to kick off ski testing for @freeskiermagazine #freeskierfest @pit_viper

A post shared by Jenny Ryden Harris (@jenny_ryden_harris) on Mar 6, 2017 at 4:06pm PST

The annual Ski Test started out OK ???? @FREESKIERmagazine @Snowbird @SkiUtah #Skiing #ThisIsSkiing #FREESKIER #GoPro #Utah

A post shared by Henrik Lampert (@hanklambo) on Mar 6, 2017 at 4:10pm PST

Are those next year's skis? Wellllllll….yes. I'll be up @snowbird all week testing the goods for @freeskiermagazine. These @segoskico UP AK skis are on the unicorn prowl for some steep and deep. #FreeskierFest

A post shared by lexi dowdall (@kapowder) on Mar 6, 2017 at 4:11pm PST

Checking in from Pow Town, USA ???????? #freeskierfest

A post shared by Thomas Lampert (@tlampert) on Mar 6, 2017 at 1:21pm PST

@alexfryhunt starting the week off right here at @snowbird for the @freeskiermagazine #freeskierfest test.

A post shared by Matt Berkowitz (@mattberky) on Mar 6, 2017 at 9:48am PST

@mattberky starting #freeskierfest test week off right. #whatsinterlodge #dontmindtheclosedsign #itscooliusedtopatrol

A post shared by Alex Hunt (@alexfryhunt) on Mar 6, 2017 at 7:55am PST

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We’re here! The 2017 FREESKIER Ski Test is underway at Snowbird, Utah