1. How long have you been bootfitting and how did you learn your skills? Where do you find training and are there certifications? I started training as a bootfitter at Gravity Sports about 7 years ago. MasterFit University is the leading resource for bootfitting certification and training on a global scale. I have had the experience of working side by side with the lead professor of MFU for the past 7 winter seasons.

2. What are some the common misconceptions about a boot fitting that customers come in with? There are many misconceptions when it comes to bootfitting. Some think that in order for a boot to ski well, it needs to be painfully tight. Others think cozy comfort is key. Many base decisions on price and color. But the misconception I get the most is that the boot buying process or fitting process is a quick in and out. Take the time to set up an appointment or come in on a slow weekday. Don’ t wait for a pow day with expectations of getting first tracks.

3. Quickly, what are procedures you take a customer through when looking for new boots? We go over ski history, expectations, and most importantly the foot. Any experienced bootfitter is going to take the time to observe the mechanics and shape of YOUR foot. This is key in knowing you’ re in good hands. I like to talk about how the boot is going to feel before even putting it on the foot. Remember folks, it’ s a ski boot, not an UGG boot. It’ s going to feel snug.

4. A customer comes in complaining about foot pain. Break it down, where do you start? Right off the slopes, I usually have the

customer pull boots and socks off to see if there are any visual indicators to the problem. That’ s one advantage to being located on the mountain. If it’ s a walk in, we start with discussion. The one thing about boot pain, wherever it may be, is there are usually several different approaches to a solution. What works for Person A, may not work for Person B.

5. How many boot fits do you figure you do in a season? Is it possible to send every single customer home satisfied? Oh Geez, I don’ t think I could give you a number. Once holiday season sets in, everything gets a little blurry and all melds together. Most bootfitters I know, including myself, are constantly going from one customer to the next and in high demand. Some days it’ s hard to even get a bathroom break. As far as satisfying everyone.... pretty sure that’ s impossible. Not that we don’ t try our darnedest.

6. As technology has changed how has the boot fit kept up. Is there ongoing training? How much time do you spent on research of new product and industry trends? The direction the boot industry is going is allowing skiers to step up their performance to unseen levels. As bootfitters, we are have been getting creative to provide new solutions to common problems. Bootfitters are now joining forces with manufacturers to troubleshoot issues we are seeing on a daily basis, and integrating solutions into the boot to streamline the work we do. So cool! Several of our team members at Gravity Sports are also instructors of MasterFit University and conduct an on hill boot test every spring. At this closed test, we have every boot manufacturer from around the globe in one spot to answer questions, educate, and

introduce all the latest technologies in boots to our MasterFit team. We test every boot for its fit and feel, performance on the hill, and even cosmetics and features. We then write reviews for America’ s Best Bootfitters webpage, where consumers have access to get unbiased reviews on every boot, from beginner models, to race models. Again, so cool! This unique experience is what sets the Gravity Sports team apart from the rest of the shops in our region.

7. Did you ever plan or strive to be a boot fitter or did it just happen? If you weren’ t a boot fitter what would you be doing? I don’ t think anyone ever said I want to be a bootfitter when I grow up. But, I definitely always knew I wanted to be immersed in the ski industry. My parents were married on skis, I was raised at a resort, it’ s all I’ ve ever

known. If I wasn’ t bootfitting? I’ d work at a taco shop. Oh wait, I already do...

8. What keeps the fire burning? How stoked are you every day sending people out on the slopes to enjoy life to the fullest? Not gonna lie, the job can get monotonous. But when you get that person who was about to give up on the sport all because of the boots and you stoke them out, it adds some fuel.

9. What is the best monetary tip you have ever received or possibly the strangest? I can’ t say that there is any that really stand out, but I can say, learn your bootfitter’ s beer of choice.