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Snowberry has developed a unique process for fitting ski boots in rental. This process is based on exactly the same principles you would experience in one of the world’s leading retail fitting centres and is based on a 3-Step Process.
The first stage of your boot fit is a thorough examination of both feet to allow us to select the correct shell shape and boot model.
This involves is a unique 6-point analysis –
The information gained from your foot analysis enables us to select the most suitable boot from over 60 different models for adults and another 27 models for kids. The aim is to select the boot that best resembles the shape of your foot which will hold your foot firmly but comfortably.
The key to good bootfitting is shell (model) selection. As every boot model varies in length, width, instep height, volume distribution, ankle and toe box areas, this is extremely difficult.
Wrong shell selection is the single biggest problem skiers have with rental boots.
Very few skiers actually know how to put a ski boot on and clip it up correctly.
For this reason, we personally fit every boot - opening the shell up, sliding your foot in and correctly clipping it up, explaining the importance of this process - especially regarding comfort, boot performance, cold feet and safety issues regarding binding release.
Do not underestimate the importance of this. It sets the foot correctly in the boot, and believe it or not, improves your skiing performance and keeps your feet more comfortable and warmer.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
It’s really important that you put your boots on properly every morning. Even though they’re the right size and the right shape, putting boots on incorrectly can result in all sorts of problems – cold feet, sore toes, shin pain and instep and forefoot pressure can all result from putting your boots on wrongly. Your skiing performance can also be adversely affected!
You’d be surprised how many people who’ve been skiing for years don’t know the right way to put their boots on.
For this reason, we show every one of our boot clients how to put their boots on and how to clip up properly.
Standing up, make sure your socks are suitable and are pulled up properly, no wrinkles and are nice and smooth.
Wrinkles and lumps inside the boots can cause rubbing and blisters.
Undo all the clips and open the first boot right up.
Pull the tongue forward AND to the side at the same time – this makes a nice big hole to get your foot in.
Slide your foot in, down and round the corner of the hinge point.
Your toes should slide right to the front of the boot and feel firm against the end of the boot. Don’t panic this is normal and is a sign that the boot is the correct size. When we clip the boot up your toes will be pulled back in the boot away from the front.
Now push your heel well down into the heel pocket at the back of the boot.
Now tap your heel firmly on the ground to force your heel as far back into the boot heel pocket as possible. This will set your heel back into the heelcup of the boot, and your ankle bone into the ankle pocket – the control point of the boot.
Your instep will be pulled back into the highest point of the shell, the forefoot back into the widest point of the shell and your toes will be pulled back from the front of the shell.
Setting the foot correctly is vital to ensure the optimum fit of the boot, improving both general comfort and performance but also specifically aiding forefoot blood supply and helping with cold feet.
Setting the foot correctly is vital to ensure the optimum fit of the boot, improving both general comfort and performance but also specifically aiding forefoot blood supply and helping with cold feet.
Now we need to lock the foot in this position so with the heel set, do the boots up IN THIS ORDER.
In this order –
This is where most people get it wrong!
Tip - If you have a very high instep loosely fasten clip 3 up first to close the boot overlap so that it does not catch.
Stand up and flex into the boot a few times to really slide the heel back into the heel pocket.
Now tighten up the top two buckles to firmly lock the foot in position.
Starting with clip 2 alternate clip 2 then clip 1, one ratchet at a time. Repeat until clips are firmly closed.
Clip 2 is the most important as it holds your heel in the heel pocket of the boot, so it needs to be nice and tight.
Clip 1 should be tight but not uncomfortably so. If it is too tight it can squeeze the calf muscle cutting off the blood supply down the back of the leg.
The micro-adjustments on the buckles can be used to fine-tune the fit.
Loosely close the power band at this point.
Now hook the two forefoot buckles over the first ratchet and flex a few more times.
Next close them properly but NOT TOO TIGHTLY. They should just be tight enough for you to feel the boot around your foot and no more.
Any tighter and you’ll end up with all sorts of problems!
Lastly, re-tighten the power strap so it’s tight but comfortable. Again, you don’t want it cutting off the circulation to your lower leg and foot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
By using an orthotic you can limit the dynamic behavior of the foot, and help maintain a more constant foot shape and size.
Sounds simple but it works.
Skier orthotics support and stabilise your feet inside your boots, limiting the dynamic behavior – shape, length, height, volume change – and allowing us to choose a shell shape and length that closely resembles that of your foot ie a shell that is not 2 sizes to big!
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
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If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
Our main shop is very conveniently located half way down the main street in the centre of Val d'Isere. Ideal for all town centre accomodation and hotels but also just 50m from the FREE bus service stops that come from all parts of Val d'Isere - La Daille to Le Fornet. So its also easy to access the main lifts and pistes at Rond Point, La Daille and Le Fornet.
Streetside is a true 'Mountain Centre' - our bootlab and 'Ski Genius' desk are located here. You can also book all types of ski instruction as well as other mountain activities such as dog sledging, paraponting and even ice diving here. Our ski 'TECH GENIUS' desk is here whee we will try and answer all your technical equipment questions. The 'Guide 2 Val d'Isere' Info desk is also located at Streetside to answer any queries about te town, accomodation, restaurant requirements etc.
Please note - we cannot operate our courtesy transport service (weekends) to this shop due to parking restrictions so if you think you want a lift to the shop please select our Slopeside shop.
Opening Hours -
Monday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 12.30am & 3.30pm - 7-00pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Ideally located right next to the access lifts to the main slopes and nursery / beginner area at Rond Point des Pistes. Just walk accross the road and your on the snow front. Easily accessible from all parts of Val d'Isere via the very efficient free bus service.
This is the shop we operate our courtesy transort service to at weekends, we'll pick you up from your accomodation and run you back again once you've got your gear. You can also leave your skis here over night so you don't need to carry them around after skiing - and pick them up again in the morning ready to ski again.
Please note that we can't store boots overnight because there is just not enough room but you can come in wearing your shoes and carrying your boots and then leave your shoes in the shop fot the day.
Please note - you cannot pick-up 'LOWCOST' or 'Touring / Offpiste Safety' gear from Slopeside.
Opening Hours -
Monday 8.30am - 6.30pm / Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 12.00am & 3.30pm - 6-30pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Our policy is simple and clear, if you need to cancel all or part of your hire for any reason whatsoever prior to collection of the equipment just drop us an email, we will cancel or amend your booking and immediately refund the full amount you have paid for the hire.
Be aware that most other shops and ski hire websites will only refund if you have paid for additional cancellation insurance, for a strictly limited number of reasons and/or will impose hefty cancellation charges which may be as much as the whole hire price for last minute cancellations.
This section is currently being updated
Your SNOWBERRY skis are properly and fully serviced before EVERY rental. This includes base repair, edge sharpening, structuring, waxing and detuning.
However, you are also welcome to bring your rental skis or board in any time during the rental period for us to freshen them up again so they’re good as new. This is especially valuable when conditions are very icy.
The condition of your skis / board is critical to how they will perform.
Recently other shops have started offering the option to pay extra to insure so you get your money back if there’s not enough snow to ski. You don’t need to do this!
We give you your money back as part of our normal refund policy for the unused period as soon as you return the equipment to us whether it’s that there’s not enough snow, too much snow, it’s too cold, the weather is too bad or just any other reason at all.
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Unique to Snowberry, we have a dedicated courtesy transport service with up to 6 vehicles operating all day on Saturdays and Sundays bringing you to our Slopeside shop to collect and be fitted for your equipment and then taking you and the kit back to your accommodation. Just give our transport coordinator a call on arrival and we’ll send a vehicle round as soon as possible.
Just call this number on arrival into resort -
Please note Courtesy Transport is available to and from our Slopeside location only due to parking restrictions at Streetside.
At Snowberry it goes without saying that you can change your equipment as often as you like within the same initial price bracket and that we don’t change you a penny for the privilege of doing so! Whether you don’t like the first skis, you want to try two or three different models, you have a day off piste, you fancy an afternoon on a board or you just want to try something else, just pop in and we’ll swap them over for you. Swaps are of course subject to availability and there would be an additional charge if you upgrade to a more expensive category!
You can also change skis to board and back again if you wish.
Think about it - you may want longer or shorter, you are are going off piste with a guide, or just fancy trying something different.
Whether you’re staying a long way away from the town centre and main lifts, you have young children and don’t want to carry your kit as well as your own or you just want to head off to après ski without worrying about your skis, our overnight equipment service is super-popular. Leave your hired equipment – boots as well as skis/board if you want – with us when you come off the slopes and pick it up in the morning. What could be easier? Available at both Slopeside and Streetside.
No more lugging your ski equipment back and forwards to the slopes every morning and evening, you can store them 'FREE' with us at either of our shops.
Our ski storage service is a godsend for families with children, people staying a long way from the slopes, or just anyone who can't be bothered to carry their skis home.
Overnight storage - SKIS - BOARDS - BOOTS - in both shops!
Proper ski and boot hire is not simple, straight forward or guaranteed, it requires a high degree of technical knowledge, experience and input to get it correct.
Listening to your needs and advising you on the best most suitable gear and then fitting it correctly is key to you having an enjoyable and positive skiing experience. And believe me this is NOT easy or straight forward. This needs a high level of technical knowledge and experience.
Our staff team are our secret ingredient.
No ‘untrained Saturday boys’, we are true technical experts, we have some of the most experienced staff in the ski industry.
We worked out we have almost 200 seasons of combined experience in the business between us.
Most of us are qualified ski instructors, and some have been with us for over 25 years, so we know what we are doing.
And we all speak English as a first language.
Once again, our policy for early return of our hired equipment is totally transparent and honest. You only pay for the equipment for the length of time you have it, so if you return all or part of your equipment earlier than intended we will give you an immediate refund for the remaining hire period, regardless of the reason for the early return . Watch out for other shops that either do not refund for early returns at all or will only do so for illness or injury, only on production of a medical report and only for the person who is actually ill/injured which is not much use if you have to stop skiing too to look after an ill child!
Please note equipment must be returned in order to receive a refund and that you must return the equipment by close of business the day before to receive a refund for the following day.
Just to reasure you our refund policy is and always has been that you only pay for our hire services if you do take the equipment, and only for the period for which you keep the equipment. This relates to cancellation or curtailment as a result of Covid 19 in exactly the same way as it does to anything else. If you have to cancel your hire with us because of a new outbreak (or for any reason whatsoever) you WILL get all of your money back, immediately and with no questions asked. No ifs, no buts, no maybes and no fobbing you off with a voucher or telling you to claim on your holiday insurance.
In March 2020 when we were forced to close at a moment’s notice, we immediately and automatically refunded all clients who had booked with us for the remainder of the season without them even having to contact us to request a refund. As far as we know we were the first and one of the very few hire shops anywhere in the World to have done so. Regardless of the legal arguments, we feel strongly that this was the only ethical thing to have done.
Most shops buy very little new equipment each year and you pay the same price whether you are one of the lucky ones who gets newer equipment or one of the unlucky ones who gets skis which are often – we kid you not – five or more seasons old and well past their sell-by date. We don’t think this is fair.
When you book with us we first of all ask you to chose the ability level from Level 1 (cautious beginner) up to a Level 5 expert. But then unlike other shops, you can also choose the age of skis you would like to have, with the final price you pay reflecting both factors. If you want this season’s brand new skis, you’re guaranteed to get them with our Premium Plus Option while if you’re happy to compromise with older equipment our Eco Option means you will never pay the same as someone who has the new skis. We can’t say fairer than that!
Details to follow
The object of these terms and conditions is to define the general conditions of the rental of products offered by:
These terms and conditions apply to all reservations made through the site. They supersede any other conditions or documents. By reserving, the client accepts them fully and without reserve. Skishop reserves the right to modify them at any moment.The conditions applicable are those in vigour at the time of reservation.
The principal characteristics of the equipment and the options offered online are described on the site. Skishop reserves the right at any moment to retract one of more product references or any option featured on the site.The texts, photographs, graphics and information used in the description of products or options are non-contractual and may not be held in any way to bind Skishop. For further information concerning the products or options offered on the site, clients should contact Skishop:
By telephone on +33 (0)479 41 10 61 7 days a week 830 am to 1230 pm and 330 pm to 7pm from December to April only.
By e-mail at service@snowberry-valdisere.com
Or at the following postal address: SAS SKISHOP129 Route des Marais, ZAC de la Gare, 73790 TOURS EN SAVOIE – FRANCE
The equipment and options offered on the site remain available only so long as they remain accessible on line, at Skishop’s sole decision, but subject to the proviso that availability is limited to the amount of stock available.
The rental prices and prices for the options offered on the site are given in Euros, including taxes, and remain valid so long as they remain accessible on the site, at Skishop’s sole decision. Skishop reserves the right at any time to modify the rental prices or the prices for the options offered on the site. The price applicable to a reservation will remain the price in force at the time of the reservation. Promotions or price reductions offered on the site are valid only for reservations made through the site. The price for any equipment rented or option taken in-shop, including additional equipment or options or modifications to a booking made online, will be based on the public prices displayed in-shop. However, for any extension of the rental period requested in-shop prior to the expiry of the initial period the hire cost will be charged in accordance with the prices and discounts applied at the time of the online booking.
Reservation of products and options offered on the site is made online using the following process
The contract consists of the the terms and conditions of booking and online rental prevailing at the time of booking, the reciept by Skishop of the customer’s reservation, the email confirmation of payment and reservation sent to the client. The customer may obtain a copy of these documents on request:- To the following email address : contact@my-ski.fr ;- Or to the postal address :SAS SKISHOP129 Route des Marais, ZAC de la Gare, 73790 TOURS EN SAVOIE - FRANCE
Payment of the rental price is made in Euros. No other currency is acceptable regardless of the nationality of the client or the country from which the booking is made.
Payment is made in advance during the booking process. Payment is made via the secure online Banque Populaire payment system. SKISHOP has access to confidential client information regarding payment as part of this process. The following payment methods are accepted:Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and other major credit cards)
The booking may be cancelled or amended by the client at any point up to the point of collection of the equipment, by contacting Skishop by e-mail at service@snowberry-valdisere.com or by post at the address given above. The client does not require to give any justification for the cancellation of their booking and no penalty is applied. The right to cancel the contract can not under any circumstances be exercised after the client has taken possession of the equipment. In the case of cancellation of the contract by the client prior to collection of the equipment, the reimbursement of any sum paid by the client in advance will be made within a maximum period of 30 (thirty) days from receipt of the client ‘s request to cancel the contract, by credit card used by the client to pay for the reservation.
The client may collect the equipment reserved at the date, time and place indicated in the confirmation e-mail.At the time of collection, the client must confirm that the equipment collected by them conforms to their reservation. In the event of the client not being satisfied that the equipment collected by them conforms to their reservation they must indicate any discrepancy or anomaly in their own handwriting accompanied by their signature. Failure by the client to indicate any such discrepancy will be held as acceptance that the equipment supplied to the client and collected by them conforms to their reservation.
The rental period is as indicated on the e-mail confirmation of the reservation. Any extension of this period may be arranged in-shop on collection of the equipment or during the rental period. Skishop reserve the right at their discretion to refuse a request for the extension of the rental period, in particular in the event of there being a problem with availability of the equipment. The prices and other conditions applying to this extended rental period will be those applicable at the time of the online reservation.
The client shall be the sole judge of their capacity to use the equipment rented and that of the persons identified as users of the equipment at the time of the reservation request. The client alone is responsible for their use of the equipment from the point when they take possession of it. The equipment rented is destined only for use by the client and those persons indicated as users of the equipment and the client has no right to sub-let the equipment or to lend it to third parties whether for a consideration or free of charge.
The equipment rented must be returned no later than 9 (nine) am on the day following the last day of the rental period. The client will be charged for a full day’s rental on the basis of the public prices available in-shop for any equipment not returned by the said time. In the event of failure to return the equipment for whatever reason the client will be invoiced, in addition to the rental price, on the basis of the following table
For equipment which is not new to the rental park in the current season, a fixed depreciation figure of 33 (thirty three) % per season which the equipment has been in use will be applied to the figures mentioned in the above table. For the avoidance of doubt it is specifically stated that no depreciation charge will be allowed in respect of the 2020/21 season. For clarity, it is specifically stated that the rental cost will not be deducted from the sums above.
In the absence of handwritten reserves made by the client at the time of collection of the equipment, the client recognises and accepts that the equipment is in good condition at the time of collection and must be returned in the same condition.
All equipment is coded and marked and the same equipment with the identical codes and marks must be returned
In the event of the equipment being damaged in any way due to negligence or deliberate misuse of the equipment by the client, the cost of returning the equipment to good condition will be invoiced to the client. Damage due to negligence or deliberate misuse of the equipment by the client which can not be repaired will be invoiced to the client on the same basis as equipment which has not been returned as outlined in the tables above. For clarity, it is specifically stated that the rental cost will not be deducted from the sums above. In all of these circumstances, where the equipment rental has been paid for by credit card the client authorises SKISHOP to charge all or any sums due as outlined in this article against the credit card used to pay for the reservation. It is specifically agreed that SKISHOP shall be the sole judge of what amount to negligence or deliberate misuse and on whether damage can or cannot be repaired.
At the time booking or at the time of collection of their equipment, the client may elect to select the optional insurance offered by SKISHOP which covers the risk of loss or theft of the skis or snowboards rented. Boots and helmets are not covered by this insurance.The cost of this option is:
This releases the client, subject to an excess being paid by them, from the obligation to pay the replacement cost of the equipment in the event of loss or theft of the equipment rented.The excess for which the client remains liable is as follows:
If the payment for the equipment rental has been made by credit card, the client authorises Skishop in advance to charge any excess due by this same method.
Should any of the equipment rented by the client be returned before the end of the rental period, for whatever reason, the period of rental remaining will be refunded in accordance with the prices and terms and conditions of rental applicable at the time of booking and payment.
Skishop will not be held responsible or liable in any way for any failure:
In no event will Skishop be liable in any way as a result of hypertext links from the site to other web sites. Skishop will not be liable in any event should it be impossible, as a result of the client ‘s fault, to acknowledge receipt of the rental request or to confirm the reservation by e-mail. This will apply in particular where the e-mail address supplied by the client does not exist, is wrong, is not valid or is saturated and unable to receive messages.
This contract is subject to French Law. The language of the contract is French. If the contract is translated into a foreign language the French version will rule.
Any litigation must be submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts in Albertville (France) who will be the only courts of competent jurisdiction.
This section is currently being updated
This section is currently being updated
This section is currently being updated
Snowberry has developed a unique process for fitting ski boots in rental. This process is based on exactly the same principles you would experience in one of the world’s leading retail fitting centres and is based on a 3-Step Process.
The first stage of your boot fit is a thorough examination of both feet to allow us to select the correct shell shape and boot model.
This involves is a unique 8-point analysis –
The information gained from your foot analysis enables us to select the most suitable boot from over 60 different models for adults and another 27 models for kids. The aim is to select the boot that best resembles the shape of your foot which will hold your foot firmly but comfortably.
The key to good bootfitting is shell (model) selection. As every boot model varies in length, width, instep height, volume distribution, ankle and toe box areas, this is extremely difficult.
Wrong shell selection is the single biggest problem skiers have with rental boots.
Very few skiers actually know how to put a ski boot on and clip it up correctly.
For this reason, we personally fit every boot - opening the shell up, sliding your foot in and correctly clipping it up, explaining the importance of this process - especially regarding comfort, boot performance, cold feet and safety issues regarding binding release.
Do not underestimate the importance of this. It sets the foot correctly in the boot, and believe it or not, improves your skiing performance and keeps your feet more comfortable and warmer.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to select the correct shell shape and fit a boot correctly.
To do this we use a skier orthotic.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL part of bootfitting, without one you cannot select the correct shell size and shape and will end up having to use a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion