Today marked the third and final day of the 2014 Microbrew Ski Test here at Snowmass, CO. We enjoyed another warm, sunny day and successfully ran through the remainder of the skis that had yet to be tested.

As mentioned in Monday’s Ski Test introduction, the Microbrew brands are designated as such based on SIA data. Manufacturers on site this week include Amplid, APO, Bluehouse, DPS, Epic Planks, Faction, Fat-ypus, Folsom, G3, H2O Skis, Hart, High Society, La Sportiva, Lib Tech, Meier, ON3P, RAMP, Ski Logik, Stockli and White Dot. While this test is held separately from our All-Mountain Ski Test, it should be made abundantly clear that the Microbrew skis are in no way inferior to the skis produced by the bigger manufacturers. Given the massive amount of skis produced annually, hosting two separate tests simply enables us to test a greater number of skis more efficiently.

Testers were overheard this week praising many of the indie brands for producing skis of such quality that they rival those made by the heavy hitters. When it comes time to flip through our 2014 Buyer’s Guide (which will feature ski reviews based on the outcome of this test) and to consider your next big purchase, the Microbrew skis are thereby not to be overlooked.

Following the action on-hill today, we enjoyed another après session at the Wildwood Bar. The party was unfortunately interrupted when we received word that all of the skis had been transported via snowcat from our mid-mountain HQ to the base of Snowmass, where our assistance was required to unload the skis off the cat and into the various brand reps’ trucks and vans. And you were beginning to think it was all glamorous…

With the Microbrew Test in the books, our crew will now enjoy a few down days. A little R&R is much needed as we’ll be in full swing again beginning Monday, when the All-Mountain Ski Test invades Aspen’s Ajax Mountain. The test runs March 11-15, and we’ll be bringing you daily coverage highlighting our experience.

*Stay tuned for a highlight video from the Microbrew Test. For a behind the scenes look at the Ski Tests, follow the #FreeskierFest hashtag on Instagram and Twitter. Also, as explained in further detail yesterday, the Wildwood Snowmass is hooking up one lucky Freeskier fan with a three-night stay. Get the low down, or enter now for your chance to win.