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 .