Fund Raising Event for the Ski Patrol

That’s a tough question Kim. A lot of folks come early because more of the gear is on the shelves. Friday night used to be for the Ski Patrol only. We decided to open Friday night to the public because first dibs is important to a lot of folks. They donate $20 for that opportunity. Other folks line up prior to the doors opening on Sat. in order to get in early. Fewer folks come in the afternoon. Then Sunday, a lot of the gear is gone but the vendors markdown what’s left (big time). What ever you decide, it’ll be fun scoring great gear and helping out the Patrol at the same time. Remember to print your Get-in-Free coupon if you decide to come Saturday or Sunday.

By Ken Koehlert, Sandia Peak Ski Patroller & Certified Gear Geek, Ski Swap Volunteer

The modern ski boot is a highly engineered product that serves many functions.  It keeps our feet warm, cushions shock and most importantly is the interface between our body and skis.  The right boot, with proper fit preciselytranslates our body motions to the ski and provides feedback from the snow enabling us to gracefully schuss down the mountain.

On the other hand, ski boots generate more complaints than any other piece of gear:  “My feet are cold”; “My feet ache”; “My skis won’t turn where I aim them”; etc.  Many of these problems are caused by boots that never fit properly in the first place, or have become packed out through use and no longer fit.

Boots are such an important factor in skiing performance and comfort that you should devote about 50% of your ski package budget to a top quality boot.  If you plan to spend $600 on skis/bindings/boots/poles, aim to spend $300-350 on boots.  The investment will pay off in happy feet and a quality boot can last over 100 skiing days.  Here are some tips on 1) selecting the right boot and 2) getting the right fit.

The best advice I can give is to put yourself in the hands of an expert boot fitter.  Most of our fine Ski Swap vendors will have boot fitters on the floor to help with your selection of brand and model and most importantly ensure you choose the right size.  Boots vary in stiffness, height, foot shape (width, height, heel pocket), design and features.  The right boot will get your ski season off to a great start and keep your feet happy for years to come.  The selection process starts with a series of questions and your honest answers will help identify the right boot.

These questions include: skiing ability? (beginner, intermediate, expert); weight & skiing style? (mellow, aggressive);  male or female? (most boot fitters will be able to tell without asking); where do you like to ski? (groomers, bumps, race course, terrain park).  Answers to these questions will help define the stiffness, design and features of the boot.  For example, a racer may give up comfort for ultimate performance.  A 200 lb aggressive beginner will need a stiffer boot than a lighter more timid skier.  Today there are many specialized women’s boots that account for differences in foot and lower leg shape and body geometry.

Boot design has a big impact on comfort and performance.  The most traditional design is the two piece overlap with 4 buckles.  This boot can offer a very high level of performance and comfort but can be more difficult to put on and take off.  Alternative designs including rear-entry, mid-entry and cabrio can also offer performance and comfort but are easier to put on and take off.  Some features you may want to consider in your new boot include micro adjustable buckles, a walk/ski mode switch and rubber sole inserts for easier/safer walking and even electric heaters.

Factors that shouldn’t come into play in choosing a boot are brand and color.  I would love to ski in Sonic Orange Tecnica Infernos, but my feet just aren’t a good match to their design.  Much better to work with your boot fitter to find a brand and model that fit your feet and your style of skiing.

You may have noticed that feet come in different widths, lengths and arch heights.  If you’re renting, you’re prettymuch stuck with the brand and models that the shop or ski area have in their fleet.  You’ll be able to rent a variety of sizes, but the width and height may or may not be correct for your feet.  If you buy your own boots you can select the brand and model that best match your unique feet.

When it comes to sizing, trust your boot fitter.  The most common mistake in boot sizing is to buy too big.  A boot that feels like your bedroom slippers at Swap will end up being too big because the liner will begin to pack out as soon as you start skiing.  Snug spots in a boot can be fixed at our vendor’s shops but a loose boot can’t be salvaged.  You can tighten the buckles, but that can cut off circulation and cause pain.  You can wear thicker socks, but you’ll loose the sensitivity and control that a precise fit brings.  So don’t buy a boot that’s too big.

You’ll want to wear the socks you will ski in.  A single pair of thin socks is best.  Make sure you try on both boots since if you’re like most people one foot is bigger than the other. You’re looking for a snug fit around your entire foot.  At first, your toes should just brush against the end of the boot when standing straight. As you flex forward your toes will be pulled back creating more toe room.  Again, honest communication with your boot fitter will help ensure you get the right size.

If you’re a casual, few days per season skier with a fairly “normal” foot this may be all the boot fitting you need.  If you’re looking for ultimate performance and comfort or have “interesting” feet (high or low arch, bunions, bony ankles, etc.) you can really benefit from more boot fitting.  Our fine vendors and their expert boot fitters can work miracles in their shops – stretching, grinding and making customer footbeds to tailor the boot to your exact needs.

In summary: honestly assess your skiing ability and style to help determine the right boot flex and design; work with the experts at Swap and communicate clearly; bring your ski socks (or buy new ones at Swap!) and try on both boots; don’t expect bedroom slipper comfort at Swap – look for a snug fit – DON’T BUY A BOOT THAT’S TOO BIG!

Here’s to happy feet and a big snow year!

See you at Swap.