I mentioned last week that today’s topic is what we can expect to find in the ski shop next year. With more skis to choose from at Stratton each year for the annual gathering of ski reps and ski shops than anyone could possibly ski in three days, I had to pick and choose. But I still got on a bunch of models.

What I found (in no particular order or preference) starting at the top of the catalog pile and comparing my notes were a lot of fine skis and some real value. If you read the big ski magazines, you could easily get the impression that new skis are going to cost $1,200 or more, and you can spend that much, but it isn’t necessary. For one thing, these publications list MSRP (Manufacturers suggested retail price), but only folks at places like Vail and Aspen are likely to even see these prices. The price you’ll see in most local shops is MAP (Minimum advertised price) and that’s the price I will list here.

I did take a few runs on my favorite skis (GS race), but my focus here is on mid range skis for price and ability. The technology has trickled down from the race and high performance models through the lines, and we can now find performance that will suit intermediates and advanced skiers from $400 to $800, and that includes bindings.

Elan has the MAG series in which the number indicates the waist width. I skied the MAG 74 ($499.95), the 72 ($399.95) and the 70 ($349.95). Notice that all are wider than the traditional race ski which runs 65-68 mm (2-2 inches) at the waist. Most companies offer these wider skis, and today’s wider models will carve turns, but they are not as quick edge to edge as the more narrow skis. The Elan MAG series are all solid skis, with the 74 being the highest performer. All are worth a try.

Atomic’s Nomad series is a value line and thanks to technology, they still carve with their wider profiles. The Smoke TI at $599 with binding (76 mm) and the Blackeye TI at $799 performed well, with the Blackeye the more advanced. But the real excitement came from the new Double Deck technology. This is a plate running about 80 percent of the length of the ski, and I tried three models – the D2 VF 75 ($799), 72 ($999) and a GS race. These are very precise carving skis and among my favorites.

Rossignol’s value entry is the Avenger 72, which I skied in a 170. The number indicates the waist size. This offers a lot of performance at $649 with bindings.

I like to take the first run of the day on a GS ski to get the feel of the snow so that’s how I started with Fischer. Always known for their race skis, the world’s largest ski manufacturer has come along in recent years with an extensive recreational lineup, and I found the Heat series with three models ranging from intermediate to advanced at $499, $599 and $699 with bindings, to be solid carvers. I really enjoyed the Progressor 9+, almost a race skis at $999 with binding. I have to admit that my favorite was the World Cup RC 4, a true GS in a 175 at $949.

One company we don’t hear a lot about is Blizzard, but that seems ready to change. The ski has long been popular in Europe and has had a strong race presence, but hasn’t been marketed strongly here. The ski is now under the same parent company that controls K2, Marker, Volkl, and Tecnica. For marketing purposes, Blizzards are combined with the popular Tecnica boots. As expected my favorite was the GSR, a recreational GS at $1049. In the intermediate to advanced models, the G-Force series has the G-Three at $599 and the G-Pro at $799.

At the Volkl, my first choice was the Race Stock GS ($749 w/binding) and I found exactly what I expected, a full on race GS. The ski has a powerful edge hold and carves long turns as if on a rail. The GS Racing Titanium ($999 w/binding) is more forgiving and would be a better all around ski. The RC ($899 w/binding) remains unchanged, and its GS flex and Slalom sidecut makes it quick into the turn with the softer flex good in ungroomed snow. That takes care of the top of the line.

Among the recreational models, I like the Tiger Shark 8 Foot ($849 w/binding), the narrowest of this series at 69 mm under the foot. It’s a fine ski for groomed runs and soft enough to handle broken snow. The Unlimited series covers a price and ability range with varying widths from the 70 mm AC ($499 w/binding) to the 85 mm AC 50 ($999 w/Binding).

The big news from Volkl is in the women ski lines. The Bio-Logic Concept raises the toe of the boot, which reduces pressure on the knee. This is combination of a binding change, a change in the geometry of the ski and the flex, are all designed to make skiing easier for women. This is the latest in the trend of ski manufacturers to design skis and boots specifically for women. These are a small sampling of next year’s offerings. If you check the shops, you may see some of them this year and even get to try a pair.

Finally, Black Mountain in Rumford will celebrate their annual Winterfest next weekend. Saturday will have a little of everything, dog sled rides, new hits in the terrain park, Ski Depot blowout sale, demos, Bushman’s famous food and fireworks. Sunday non skiers can ride the lift to the top for $2 with a barbecue at the summit.

Lift tickets are just $22. For details and times, check www.skiblackmountain.org or call 207-364-8977.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.