I've been skiing for 25 years, and tearing the wrapper off a new pair of skis is just as adrenaline-charged today as it was when I was 11. Whether it's your first pair or your 50th, the high you'll get from running your fingers over unblemished P-Tex and factory-sharp edges doesn't diminish. Wading through the ever-increasing number of options to select the perfect ride is the hardest part. Before you get overwhelmed, take some time to be honest about where you are and where you want to be with your skiing.