JOURNAL

For those of us who love the winter, arcing down powder-covered mountains like angels in the clouds, these kinds of dreams are an annual rite.

Buying a ski off the shelf is hit or miss. There are racks of options, and it’s a confusing process. Unless you can test a quiver of models on the slopes in a variety of conditions, it’s practically impossible to know which is best for you. Getting a ski built for you can make a huge difference.

Pete Wagner, a 37-year-old Ohio native, likes to think so. Since 2006, he has been applying his background in mechanical engineering and computer coding to make skis — and a few snowboards, too — that are individually designed to fit each owner.

Your favorite ski resort is (hopefully) opening any minute now, your winter vacation is (mostly) planned… What else is there to do? Time to lock in those custom skis you’ve been eyeing and see how much more fun skiing is when you’re on gear made just for you.

Peter Wagner migrated to Telluride, Colo. in 1998, a classic ski bum--apart from his impressive ambitions, his mechanical engineering degree and a job as a sought-after designer of custom golf clubs that he could handle once the sun went down.