I'm in the market for new ski boots and want to make sure I'm doing it right and going to the best bootfitter around. I know REI and Alpine shop both have good sales going on ATM. I'm a Co-op member, and would like to spend my money there if possible, but was wondering if anyone had any experience with them as a fitter. I also know of some places in the Stowe area, but would probably be paying more at a small shop like that. Does anyone have any experience, advice or recommendations?

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Effinehright t1_jatctuo wrote on March 3, 2023 at 10:39 PM

#2,154,858

Pinnacle in Stowe is the best in VT

Fantastic_Painter_15 t1_jatdbft wrote on March 3, 2023 at 10:42 PM

#2,154,892

I’d recommend you not go to REI. You’ll get a FAR better experience and end result at a smaller, non-corporate shop like Pinnacle in Stowe

nolsinhere t1_jatdf1o wrote on March 3, 2023 at 10:43 PM

#2,154,894

Race Stock in Waterbury is very highly regarded for boot fitting

whatsupbudbud t1_jatoja1 wrote on March 4, 2023 at 12:05 AM

#2,155,365

Ski rack or Alpine shop in btv. Just buy boots that are comfortable. I raced for most my life and I can honestly say a comfortable boot is the best "performing" boot.

You can get in the weeds about fit but unless your trying to shave seconds off your race time, it's all diminishing returns. Your way better off in a boot you don't mind wearing all day.

If you can't wait to tear your boots off at the end of the day or have to pop the buckles in the lift line, your just being silly about it. Unless someone's paying you to ski, you shouldn't have to do either of those things.

Custom molded liners like Intuitions are way better money spent than a shell that just doesn't fit your foot right.

rockpharmer t1_jatpuq8 wrote on March 4, 2023 at 12:15 AM

#2,155,404

OGE is another good option not to mention the consignment selection.

inter_fectum t1_jatscoa wrote on March 4, 2023 at 12:34 AM

#2,155,522

Ski rack worked so hard with me to get my boots right. Stretching plastic, molding liners, etc. All for free. I can not recommend them enough.

jonahhillfanaccount t1_jaty63x wrote on March 4, 2023 at 1:21 AM

#2,155,786

Jimmy at skirack is great at what he does

Traditional_Lab_5468 t1_jatzihw wrote on March 4, 2023 at 1:32 AM

#2,155,835

Replying to Fantastic_Painter_15 (#2,154,892)

I've heard nothing but good things about Pinnacle but I gotta say I wasn't stoked with my experience there. The people were very kind and seemed very knowledgeable, but I went there and was basically like "I don't know anything at all about how boots should fit" and they said "very snug". I said "to me, very snug is how tight my rock climbing shoes fit. Do you know how tight those are and should they be that tight or like... less tight than that?" and they said yes, my boots should be as tight as climbing shoes.

So anyway, long story short, I have permanent vascular damage in my toes now and can't ski anymore.

VTpowpatrol t1_jau3ivo wrote on March 4, 2023 at 2:04 AM

#2,156,012

OGE, Skirack, Race Stock, Pinnacle, and Mountain Ops (also in Stowe) are all great. I buy a lot of stuff at Alpine Shop but didn’t love my boot fitting experience with them. I would not buy boots from REI.

VTpowpatrol t1_jau3uph wrote on March 4, 2023 at 2:06 AM

#2,156,021

Replying to VTpowpatrol (#2,156,012)

Also, don’t forget that the price you pay typically covers boot fitting on top of the boots themselves at the local shops. Pinnacle and Mountain Ops both move a ton of boots per year and have a ton of experience. I live an hour away from Mountain Ops. I paid full price for my touring boots there. But I happily make the drive for any (free) adjustments because they are just so nice and skillful about them.

IceCoastRep t1_jauacaw wrote on March 4, 2023 at 3:00 AM

#2,156,270

Replying to nolsinhere (#2,154,894)

Agree.. PJ at Race Stock is actually one of the best in the country… former US Ski Team tech… people travel to see him. Also, don’t buy a boot because it’s on sale, buy what fits your foot. It’s the most important piece of ski gear.

Vermonster87 t1_jauhsqf wrote on March 4, 2023 at 4:04 AM

#2,156,604

Replying to IceCoastRep (#2,156,270)

PJ is hands down the best in the area. There are other good boot fitters, but if you want the best around you need to go to Race Stock.

ElDub73 t1_jaujgub wrote on March 4, 2023 at 4:20 AM

#2,156,686

OGE

friedmpa t1_jaukgjp wrote on March 4, 2023 at 4:29 AM

#2,156,726

skirack

Nutmegdog1959 t1_javlm3y wrote on March 4, 2023 at 12:20 PM

#2,157,845

OGX had some very knowledgeable people way back when. I was in there buying some everyday boots couple months back and over heard the sales associate fitting an inexperienced skier. He hit all the high points and was very patient.

Gloomy-Hunt5517 t1_javydg3 wrote on March 4, 2023 at 2:24 PM

#2,158,398

Racestock in Waterbury

WhatTheCluck802 t1_javyv3k wrote on March 4, 2023 at 2:28 PM

#2,158,418

If you are up for the drive, Slope Style in Montpelier is fantastic.

jesreson t1_jb9a9mq wrote on March 7, 2023 at 11:51 AM

#2,177,613

Doug at ski rack is a pro. I had instaprint insoles done for my lupos a few years ago and it's completely changed my skiing for the better. Highly recommend!