Words: Pip Campbell
A man who knows what he likes and likes to stick with it, Feet Banks had been using the same rear entry boots since 1991. This year, he finally decided to see what the new-fangled modern technology was all about and get a new pair. What better place than the biggest ski resort in North America to find ski boot experts?
Surefoot Whistler: Ski Boot Wizards
Surefoot uses a combination of computer measurements and analysis of your skiing style, ability and goals to fit you with boots that give the best of both comfort and performance. They use some pretty fancy technology – insole scanning, computer modelling and injection molding – to create custom insoles and liners that fit your foot to perfection. Throw in a boot heater and you’ll never have a day on the hill ruined by sad feet again.
Whistler’s Boot Fitters Know Skiing…and Feet
Whistler has multiple ski and outdoor shops filled with the latest ski boots, each staffed by gurus who know all the secrets of the trade. Whistler’s boot fitters are also usually hard core skiers themselves. Add their understanding and passion for the sport to the volume of fitting they do each year, and you’ve got a recipe for finding new boots that will last you for years.
Another huge advantage is that all the shops are close to the slopes (Surefoot is literally 30 seconds walk from the base of the Whistler Village Gondola) so you have the huge advantage of taking the boots for a few turns, seeing how they feel, then popping back into the shop for micro adjustments.
Insider tip: travel light by bringing (or buying) your boots, and renting your skis. For more tips on where to get skis to backcountry gear and the all important boots, visit Whistler’s outdoor gear shops, and Whistler.com can help get you here.
