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We’re into our third day of testing here at Copper Mountain, and things are going swimmingly. That is to say, we’re bagging hundreds of scores and reviews, ultimately enabling us to rank the creme of 2017’s jib stick crop. As evidenced by the photos above, our ski testing squadron sure ‘s hell ain’t holding back; Copper’s Central Park has been groomed to perfection each day, the sun is shining and we’re taking full advantage.

Springtime park skiing. One heck of a crew. Next year’s top park boards. It don’t suck. Remember: We do it for you 😉

How we rank the skis

With a few simple clicks on a mobile device, testers rate skis on a scale of 1 to 10, based on the categories of carving, stability, versatility, swing weight, playfulness and overall stoke. The ratings compound into a massive heap of testing data, directly at our fingertips. Just think: If a certain ski has received enough reviews to satisfy our needs, we’ll pull it from the racks right then and there, allowing our testers to migrate towards models that need further analysis. This process ensures a thorough and proper evaluation of each ski in the test. Moreover, our custom ski-testing app allows testers to document their feelings in the moment, while the strengths and nuances of a certain ski are still freshly embedded in their minds. The data translates directly to our final ski rankings—presented in the annual Buyer’s Guide.

Who gets to test?

The people integral to the success of the ski assessments are our beloved testers. Regarding the all-mountain ski test, our testers come from all walks of life and locations across the United States. They’re built in various shapes and sizes and all have different ways of looking at the mountain. Honestly, they’re the wackiest bunch we know. Yet, despite comedic tendencies, you’d better believe that their skiing savvy is nothing to laugh at. Here at Copper, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest up-and-coming talent in the realm of park and pipe. Line ’em up for a game of SLVSH and there’s hardly a trick these cats can’t perform.

In both cases, our editorial team handpicks our ski testers. Both groups consist mostly of rippin’ Coloradoans who have made lives for themselves in the mountains. Some work in ski shops. A handful are former professional or aspiring athletes. Some are pure ski bums, “funemployed.” Rest assured, they’re highly qualified for the job, some even having tested with FREESKIER for the past decade.

How to follow along

To be sure you don’t miss a beat this week, be sure to tune in via freeskier.com and the channels listed here:

Snapchat: Using your mobile device, log in to Snapchat and scan this code. Or, add the user FREESKIER_mag to your contacts. Stay tuned to our Snap Story for “almost live” coverage of the ski test.

Instagram: Follow @FREESKIERmagazine to enjoy a bevy of photos & videos highlighting our experience at Copper.

Facebook: The best content. Always. facebook.com/FREESKIER.

Twitter: Have questions about the skis we’re testing? Holler at us via @FREESKIER.

Related: More Info: We’re testing next year’s park-specific skis at Copper Mountain