THERE ARE FEW THINGS THAT CAN BE MORE PAINFUL and frustrating than ill- fitting ski boots. Blisters, jammed toes and sore ankles are an all- too common experience for skiers, let alone the emotional distress of having your day or entire vacation ruined be

Fortunately Whistler is a hotbed for boot- fitting talent, so there’s no need to suffer! Many local ski shops employ respected fitters with years of experience, allowing their clientele to comfortably and efficiently ski to their potential, while ensuring their vacation remains the fun and relaxing time it’s supposed to be. We asked Whistler’s own Lauralee Bowie for her thoughts on the importance of boot fitting. Bowie is not only a world champion freestyle skier and Director of Lauralee Bowie’s Ski Adventures, she also has years of experience testing boots and equipment for ski magazines. “It is the ski boot and the fit of the boot that is most important. That is where one should invest the time and money. It is the feet that turn the skis, and if one is not aligned properly, it is impossible to do; or the skier is working overtime,” says Bowie. “I have changed so many skiers’ lives around the world, simply by boot fitting.” It makes sense for any level of skier to see a boot fitter, even if little customization is needed. You’ll at least have an expert’s help choosing the most appropriate shell and liner to purchase. This may seem simple, but when asked what the most common problem is with off- the- shelf 2 4

boots, every fitter said the same thing: they’re too big! Sam McDonald is the manager of Whistler’s Surefoot, a chain of stores that are dedicated to selling custom fit ski boots. After a computerized scan of your foot, their boot fitters help you select an appropriate shell, and then create CNC- machined footbeds and custom liners to precisely fit your feet. McDonald explained why people tend to end up with bigger boots than they need. “A boot that fits properly in the store feels a little small. If you’re used to having your toes feel like they do in your shoes, you put on a ski boot that fits properly and your immediate reaction is ‘ it’s too small’,” says McDonald. “Ski boots get bigger the more you ski them; so you don’t want them to fit like shoes.” Even at lower price points, most boots on the market can be modified. Last season, Whistler Blackcomb established The Salomon Boot Lab, located in the Pan Pacific Hotel. The Boot Lab is well equipped with a workshop that would make Santa’s elves jealous: full of presses, planers, routers, alignment jigs and other tools. Head Boot Fitter Jim Montrose says his crew can work on nearly any boot, and even snowboard boots can be punched or re- shaped to some extent. However, some do

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