Early February was time for my annual trip to Stratton Mountain in Vermont. I call it my trip to toy land as I get to spend four days taking runs on next year’s skis and trying on the new boots.

My hope each year is for clear skies and consistent groomed snow so that each ski gets the same test. The clear skies are also important for the trip as snowy roads can turn a four-hour drive into six. I got my wish for the drive, but we had 5-6 inches of fresh powder over a groomed base on the first day. Any ski would have felt great under those conditions.

The big trend in the new skis is the “rocker.” Most brands now offer this construction, which is a “long gradual bend from tip to tail” — almost a reverse camber. Some models have this full rocker, while others feature tip and tail rockers. The full rocker makes turn initiation easier and floats better in soft snow, while the tip and tail rocker (basically a softer tip and tail) makes turn initiation easier, while maintaining the positive edge hold of traditional camber underfoot.

As always with new technology, there are variations. Elan took a second step. Recognizing that camber makes a ski hold well in turns while the rocker makes turn initiation easier, they came up with the Amphibio, which uses both. The inside edge of the outside ski provides grip while the outside edge of the inside ski can provide easier turn initiation. The solution was to camber the inside edges and rocker the outside edges. This requires skis to be worn on the right feet. The skis are color coded — inside edges black and the outside white.

Rossignol rates their rockers Power (traditional camber), auto (70 percent camber) powder (50 percent camber and rocker) and spin (100 percent rocker). Their top series in the East will be Experience in the Auto Turn group, slightly softer at tip and tail. These are designated according to waist width. I skied the Experience 83 in a 176 and found it a versatile ski that was easy into the turn and a solid carver. ($699 w/binding) The Carbon 74 in a 170 was easier turning but still held well. At $500 with binding, this is a strong value and will be found in shops for less. I also snuck in a run on the World Cup 9GS and found exactly what I expected — a ski that likes speed and carves through anything.

The full rockers in powder were in their element and a lot of fun. In the Volkl line they are designated by width. Their pricing is similar with the 84 going for $1,059 and the 73 for $499, all with bindings. They all performed well, with the wider models better for skiers who like to spend time off piste. The 73 and 75 are good value at $499 and $599 and would be recommended for skiers who stick to the groomed runs.

The Code Speedwall has replaced the Tiger Shark series. With bindings, the Code psi is priced at $949 and $799. Either Code model will make an upper intermediate or advanced skier happy.

Atomic has an expansive line of rockered models, adding rockered tips to the all mountain Nomad series which we have recommended for value. Atomic calls this Adaptive Rocker. Here in the east, the Smoke at $399 with binding and the more aggressive Smoke TI at $599 are a lot of ski for the money. I also took the time to get on some of my favorite Atomics — the Vario series. Designed for groomers, these skis have traditional camber. These skis offer GS carving at speed and are for the skier who wants high performance. The 73 mm waist is $699 with binding and the 75 is $799. A new model SYS 75/NTL 12 has a new construction and comes in at $1,249.

When I got to Fischer, it was mid afternoon and the new snow had been skied out, leaving piles of loose snow with groomed hard pack in between. For these conditions, I like a ski that will carve through it. The Fischer World Cup GS was perfect in a 180. For old-school skiers who like speed, this is a great ski at $899, but for every-day skiing, the RC 4 is more versatile while still delivering top performance.

New is the Progressor series with the 900 at $899, which is rated for upper intermediate through advanced skiers, and the 800 at $799 that is rated for less skilled skiers. These are both high-performance skis with the 800 more forgiving.

Head’s new offerings include the X Shape series. I skied the STX and the MTX found them easy into the turn with good carving characteristics.

Obviously, there are a lot more models on the way, but these are a good sample of the skis that most shops will be carrying. They will work well here in the East. Check them out. See you on the slopes.