Guide to Ski Boots and Bindings

Offer a broad range of durable ski boots and bindings to fit every skier's specifications

By Margaret Haerens

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Ski boots and bindings are essential to every skier in providing a comfortable, optimum skiing experience.

Many experts consider a skier’s ski boots to be the most important piece of ski equipment. They prevent a skier’s feet from getting cold and wet; they provide stability on the slopes; and if they do not fit, a skier will be in pain all the way down the hill. Equally important are ski bindings, which should give a skier the perfect balance between tightly gripping their ski boots and then releasing them when the pressure exceeds adjustable settings.

Ski boots and ski bindings are often a situation in which not every ski boot is suitable for each type of ski binding. Particularly when a skier needs a heel-free system, you will need to make sure that the binding-boot combination is the correct one for that customer’s needs.

For your business to be successful, you will need to:

Stock a wide range of brands and styles of ski boots and bindings.
Provide a staff of knowledgeable people who have received meticulous training in the art of fitting boots.
Update your inventory with the newest and most technologically-advanced products to generate interest and long-term business from experienced skiers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Remember that having the right ski boot is essential to a skier's performance and enjoyment level

Finding the right ski boot is an important part of a skier's equipment, because it can often correct errors in a skier's technique. Take the time to provide the correct fit, and offer a variety of boots to fit your customer's unique specifications.

I recommend: Nordica is one of the top manufacturers of skis and ski boots for men, women, and children. Atomic makes technologically advanced skis, boots and bindings, as well as skis for all types of skiing and skill levels. Dynastar-Lange also carries a wide range of top-rated skis, boots and bindings for various kinds of skiing and skill levels.

Offer ski bindings to match your customer's needs

Ski bindings are the crucial link between the ski and boot, transferring the power from the foot, via the boot, to the ski. Every skier demands reliability, easy handling, stability and control from their ski bindings.

I recommend: Salomon Sports has a wide variety of ski equipment, including skis, ski poles, boots, bindings and snow shoes. Alpina Sports also offers a popular selection of cross-country and alpine skis, poles, boots and bindings, as well as clothing and ski maintenance products. Marker USA specializes in high-technology and high-performance ski bindings. Fischer Sports also manufactures highly-rated ski bindings utilizing advanced technology.

Provide a selection of ski boot and binding accessories

Experienced skiers will want a variety of ski boot accessories including: ski boot bags, ski boot liners, ski boot heaters, ski boot dryers, and custom foot beds. Be sure to stock the top brands and different styles to appeal to men, women and kids.

I recommend: High Sierra Sport Company offers a variety of durable and attractive ski and ski boot bags. Hotronic USA is a good source for footwarmers and glove & boot dryers. Sole produces heat-moldable custom footbeds which are used in ski boots to provide an even better fit. Garmont USA carries a series of high-quality ski boots and custom ski boot liners.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Ski boot fitters are specially trained to learn how to fit ski boots to the individual skier at Masterfit University, a North American training center for boot fit education. If you are determined to be a top-rated ski shop or ski resort that rents boots to clientele, you should consider sending your top staff to receive this training. Proper boot fitting can remedy such problems as being knock-kneed, bowlegged or ankle tilting.
Because there are so many elements that go into a proper ski boot fitting, the process can take over an hour. Not only does the boot have to be comfortable, but it should also address any foot or ankle problems that may inhibit the skiing experience.
If you are looking for lower-cost ski boots or ski bindings, check wholesale suppliers on the Internet. They will often have discount ski bindings and ski boots during a ski boot sale. You can also get a deal by purchasing used ski bindings and boots from rental centers or ski resorts who are looking to get rid of their old equipment to make room for new items.

The official source of Ski Boots and Bindings is
the Ski Boots and Bindings page at Business.com

Related Resources from Business.com

Ski Boots and Bindings

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