How do you determine your ski ability level?

I have read, heard and seen people claim to be an intermediate level skier
because they can turn and stop or have skied a few times on season. Most
have skied less than 20 times and generally at the same mountain. I would
consider this skier a beginner and a far cry from intermediate level. The
same applies to the skier that claims to be an advance skier because they
can make it down a black diamond at a small mountain.

So how should a skier's level be determined? This is also important to know
for many skiers so they are better able to get the right equipment for
themselves. using these levels: beginner, intermediate, advance, expert &
master (a skier that can ski just about anything that is skiable - "extreme
skiers" also has the knowledge and experience to go along with it).

Thanks,

JQ
Dancing on the edge