Purchasing new skis definitely figures high on my list of favourite moments, but when it comes to ski boots… not so much. Let’s put this out there- ski boots are not comfortable. If they are, there can only be two explanations:
1. They are at least 5 seasons old.
2. They are too big for you.
This explains why I haven’t gone through the traumatic experience of new ski boots since January 2010. To be fair, the higher performance you go for, the more work and discomfort is involved. Boot fitting is a complicated affair; it involves countless hours of measuring, heating, moulding and grinding. A good boot fitter is like a unicorn- rare and mystical.
My favourite boot fitter/unicorn happens to work his magic at the best ski shop ever (in my humble opinion), Totem Pole in Ludlow (VT). Torin Tofferi, aside from being a terrific human being, can make even the most stubborn race boot fit like a glove. I have been through my fair share of heartache with ski boots, but my current ones have been the best fitting from day 1 that I have ever had the pleasure to wear. An ABC board certified Pedorthist, Torin has years of boot fitting experience and a winning personality. What more could you want?
I propose a New Year’s resolution for all you skiers out there: get boots that fit. Better yet, get them fitted at Totem Pole if you plan a trip to Vermont any time soon. I firmly believe that boots are the most important piece of ski equipment, the foundation for good skiing at any level. Find your unicorn!
More on Totem Pole to come.
Winter is coming,
K
This is continued from my series on Ludlow, Vermont:
Women’s Alpine Adventures
Okemo Mountain Resort
The Best Ski Town, Ludlow Vermont