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It’s almost a new year and that means time for some new gear. If your hubby, wifey or better-half doesn’t have to dig deep into Santa’s stockings to buy you a new set of skis, then by all means make sure that you try them on (and out) first. Whether it’s going to be you or someone else picking out some new skis for the 2010 skiing season, the rules still remain steadfast; know what you’re doing before you buy! Here’s some things to ponder before plundering your wages on skis that won’t work for you.

Read the Mags & the Web

One of the best ways to learn about the newest ski designs and innovations is to read up on the goodies. A month’s research before you buy anything will have you feeling very confident in your purchases; and, let’s face it, skis and equipment are anything but cheap! Magazines, I understand, can become quite overwhelming with their testing of 200, 300, 700 different kinds of skis. The trick here is to simply weed out the kinds of skis you won’t be needing—for most of us, this is the easiest part.

Answer the question: Will I need park and pipe skis, powder skis, carving skis, beginner, intermediate or advanced skis? Will I be skiing a lot (and thus improve) or will I be skiing for a week or two-week skiing holiday in Val Thorens, Zermatt or Les Arcs and then be finished for the season? If yes to the former, then buy skis that will allow you to slowly advance—skis that are slightly above your current skiing level; if yes to the latter, then buy skis that fit your current skiing ability. Reading online, independent reviews of skis is one of the best ways to “test” without paying for the newest skis.

Size Does Matter

In some cases, size does matter; skiing is one of those cases. Let us talk about ski size for just one moment: The orthodox and thus accepted belief both in the US and EU is that the ski should reach somewhere betwixt the top of your noggin and the bottom of your chin. Here is a rough idea of how this works:

Chin Level: You should choose skis that reach about or a little above chin level if you are a starting out or are an intermediate skier. Moreover, you should pick chin-level skis if you like to turn quicker and sharper. And, finally, grab up the chinners if you are one of the skinny dudes or dudettes—this means that you are lighter than the average weight for your height.

Noggin Level: You should choose skis that reach to or a little above your noggin (the crown of your head) if you like to take to the un-groomed pistes. If you like to go fast and plan to do some combative moves in the powder and your weight is above average for your height, then noggin level skis might just be for you.

Here is a suggestion chart I created for the size of skis you’ll need based on your height in centimeters. All these numbers, however, go out the window once you throw in other factors such as ability, terrain and desires.

At the end of the day, however, the only thing that matters is your own idea of comfort. Though the skis you buy should befit the terrain and your ability, the real confidence booster is when you’re totally happy with your choice of skis. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. If you are a beginner but want the longer skis because you don’t turn so quickly, then try the skis out and then make up your mind. If you’re buying at an honorable ski shop, they’re likely to take back a pair of skis you just can’t stand in exchange for another set (as long as it’s within the first few days of buying). Buy what works for you and get out there because the snow is finally falling!