Latest posts for the topic "For the skier who has everything!"

For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:57:41 GMT

I saw and tried one of these at S&R and it works very well but still a little bit overpriced in MHO.

http://www.snow2moro.com/skiing-snowboarding-news/skizmo-the-worlds-first-ski-boot-remover_1194.html

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:36:43 GMT

Looks like a great idea, but once the first boot is off, what hold the thing while taking the second boot off? Your foot in just a sock, on a snowy/wet piece of plastic?

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:04:38 GMT

I wondered that. I did mention it to one of the people at the ski show who was trying to sell them. She just looked awkward and made some noises.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:43:09 GMT

Good point Trencher and Emma. I think you unclip your straps and buckles then just lean forward out of your boots and place your feet into a pair of fur lined slippers :D I must admit that I expend too much energy getting out of mine at the end of a days skiing. Perhaps the group I ski with in February would all chip in quid each and we could invest in one :wink:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:50:10 GMT

I never have trouble taking my boots off but I sometimes had problems putting them on by that I mean getting the buckles done up ....... Until I saw a little gadget advertised for a fiver which fits over the boot clip and just gives you that little extra leverage to close the buckle, a fantastic idea that doesn't break the bank and works.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:53:49 GMT

Ian, Have you got any link or details for this gadget? :wink:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:56:18 GMT

AlistairS wrote:Ian, Have you got any link or details for this gadget? :wink:

I have a look and try and find one, hold tight...... I'll be back

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:04:40 GMT

Well thats torn it ..... it was a company called Tchibo, which now looks like it has folded :cry:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:10:19 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:Well thats torn it ..... it was a company called Tchibo, which now looks like it has folded :cry:

Yes, I know the company Ian, they did some good stuff before their UK outlets closed. I think they still do mail order from the EU and their website.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:17:42 GMT

Rear entry boots ~ are also rear exit boots.
With the added benefit that you are half way up the gondola while your ski buddies are stillgetting their boots on..... )

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:24:11 GMT

AlistairS wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Well thats torn it ..... it was a company called Tchibo, which now looks like it has folded :cry:

Yes, I know the company Ian, they did some good stuff before their UK outlets closed. I think they still do mail order from the EU and their website.

I can't even get the EU site, I think Tchibo have left the building, I'll dig the gadget out and take a photo

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:28:41 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:Rear entry boots ~ are also rear exit boots.
With the added benefit that you are half way up the gondola while your ski buddies are stillgetting their boots on..... )

You will not be in the market for one of these then Dave, are the rear entry boots still available? You don't see many of them about these days.

Ian, Thanks.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 22:46:52 GMT

I've got a boot remover. It's called a husband :D

Allie

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:26:39 GMT

Sadly, this is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. It's relatively easy to get your foot out of the stiffest 'plug' boot even when it's very cold http://www.zipfit.com/fittrick.html (scroll down to "TAKING THE STIFF COLD BOOTS OFF AFTER SKIING")

Putting them on, is (as Dave Mac alluded to) a different matter. Warming them in a heated boot bag http://www.skigearbag.com/ makes it as easy as putting a pair of slippers on. Although placing a large hot water bottle over the front of the boots works almost as well, especially if you can insulate your boot bag with bits of camping mat or something similar.

If you really want to get something for the skier who has everything this has to be it! http://www.artechski.com/jomaxbeveler.aspx

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:41:50 GMT

AlistairS wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:Rear entry boots ~ are also rear exit boots.
With the added benefit that you are half way up the gondola while your ski buddies are stillgetting their boots on..... )

You will not be in the market for one of these then Dave, are the rear entry boots still available? You don't see many of them about these days.

Ian, Thanks.

Interesting question, Alistair. I have Raichle REs, and these were reckoned to be one of the best. They still perform well, but I am at the stage of adding Gaffer Tape to areas where the original protection has just worn through. They have, after all, completed over a 110 weeks of skiing.
My OH has a pair of Nordicas, bought on the same day, mebbe 60 weeks of skiing, good but worn, (the boots, that is, keep up!). A couple of seasons ago, we discovered a shop in Saas Fee that sold updated Nordica REs, and my D-i-L bought a pair. Unfortunately for my Frau, the same shop offered a boot upgrade service. I was so grateful.
We have a seriously good lady skier staying with our family, just now, who is from Vail, Colorado. We introduced her to the Nordica REs, ~ she had never seen them before, but she seems to be hooked on them.
I used to use high back multi-clips, but when I looked at the Raichle engineering design, it was an easy decision. Last season, my ski buddy pointed out that 5 out of 6 of the faster Auslanders that used to worked in same ski school, are all using REs.
So, to answer your question ~ No and Yes.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:38:34 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

AlistairS wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:Rear entry boots ~ are also rear exit boots.
With the added benefit that you are half way up the gondola while your ski buddies are stillgetting their boots on..... )

You will not be in the market for one of these then Dave, are the rear entry boots still available? You don't see many of them about these days.

Ian, Thanks.

Interesting question, Alistair. I have Raichle REs, and these were reckoned to be one of the best. They still perform well, but I am at the stage of adding Gaffer Tape to areas where the original protection has just worn through. They have, after all, completed over a 110 weeks of skiing.
My OH has a pair of Nordicas, bought on the same day, mebbe 60 weeks of skiing, good but worn, (the boots, that is, keep up!). A couple of seasons ago, we discovered a shop in Saas Fee that sold updated Nordica REs, and my D-i-L bought a pair. Unfortunately for my Frau, the same shop offered a boot upgrade service. I was so grateful.
We have a seriously good lady skier staying with our family, just now, who is from Vail, Colorado. We introduced her to the Nordica REs, ~ she had never seen them before, but she seems to be hooked on them.
I used to use high back multi-clips, but when I looked at the Raichle engineering design, it was an easy decision. Last season, my ski buddy pointed out that 5 out of 6 of the faster Auslanders that used to worked in same ski school, are all using REs.
So, to answer your question ~ No and Yes.

You have certainly had your money's worth out of those boots Dave :wink: My concern is that your REs will be extinct before too long and you will have to consider a standard boot unless you can source an old pair and get a new custom liner made for them?

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 20:31:08 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:Rear entry boots ~ are also rear exit boots.
With the added benefit that you are half way up the gondola while your ski buddies are stillgetting their boots on..... )

Having rear entry (oo er missus) boots does NOT get you up a lift quicker. Fact.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 20:52:38 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:Rear entry boots ~ are also rear exit boots.
With the added benefit that you are half way up the gondola while your ski buddies are stillgetting their boots on..... )

Having rear entry (oo er missus) boots does NOT get you up a lift quicker. Fact.

:lol: :lol: Oh you are awful, but I like you! :wink:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:34:28 GMT

"Having rear entry (oo er missus) boots does NOT get you up a lift quicker. Fact."
Absolutely wrong!

The rear entry joke was mine, from 2 years ago. Write your own script.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:38:55 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:"Having rear entry (oo er missus) boots does NOT get you up a lift quicker. Fact."
Absolutely wrong!

The rear entry joke was mine, from 2 years ago. Write your own script.

You might have used it 2 years ago, but its certainly not copyrighted to you. Move on, nothing to see here.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:00:15 GMT

acarr wrote:I've got a boot remover. It's called a husband :D

Allie

:lol: Your right Allie, I always end up helping the OH get out of hers by which time I'm knackered :wink:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:11:40 GMT

SwingBeep wrote:It's relatively easy to get your foot out of the stiffest 'plug' boot even when it's very cold http://www.zipfit.com/fittrick.html (scroll down to "TAKING THE STIFF COLD BOOTS OFF AFTER SKIING")

Putting them on, is (as Dave Mac alluded to) a different matter. Warming them in a heated boot bag http://www.skigearbag.com/ makes it as easy as putting a pair of slippers on. Although placing a large hot water bottle over the front of the boots works almost as well, especially if you can insulate your boot bag with bits of camping mat or something similar.

I just read the zipfit link with interest. When I bought my boots I was told never to leave them near a source of heat as the linings would go out of shape (or back to shape however you look at it). I did wonder at the time, whether it would be ok if I were to make sure I stuck my feet in the boots before they cooled down again. After all, I would only be doing (or redoing) the same as they did in the shop in the first place - wouldn't I?

Am I being thick? If I warm my boots every morning will I be wrecking the fit or the lining in some way?

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:05:22 GMT

EmmaEvs wrote:

SwingBeep wrote:It's relatively easy to get your foot out of the stiffest 'plug' boot even when it's very cold http://www.zipfit.com/fittrick.html (scroll down to "TAKING THE STIFF COLD BOOTS OFF AFTER SKIING")

Putting them on, is (as Dave Mac alluded to) a different matter. Warming them in a heated boot bag http://www.skigearbag.com/ makes it as easy as putting a pair of slippers on. Although placing a large hot water bottle over the front of the boots works almost as well, especially if you can insulate your boot bag with bits of camping mat or something similar.

I just read the zipfit link with interest. When I bought my boots I was told never to leave them near a source of heat as the linings would go out of shape (or back to shape however you look at it). I did wonder at the time, whether it would be ok if I were to make sure I stuck my feet in the boots before they cooled down again. After all, I would only be doing (or redoing) the same as they did in the shop in the first place - wouldn't I?

Am I being thick? If I warm my boots every morning will I be wrecking the fit or the lining in some way?

I put my boots in front of an electric fan heater for 20 mins. Then I microwave a corn heat pack very hot. I wrap the heat pack in a small towel. I place the boots (facing each other) in an insulated freezer bag, with the heat pack in between. It keeps the boots warm for hours in freezing temps while left in the car. I do this to my boots at least 100 times a season. No ill effects so far, But lots of easy to get on, easy to strap up, and warm feet, starts to the day.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:37:19 GMT

:shock: And I've been tugging on cold damp boots each morning. We won't be able to heat the packs you mention, but I can put my boots closer to a radiator for a short spell, maybe wrap a towel around them to stop direct heat on the plastic. I recently got some of these ball things that draw moisture so can stick those inside over night.

This is starting to look like a much cosier start to the season! Maybe my toes won't go numb now :thumbup:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:44:35 GMT

Make sure you stay at accommodation with a heated boot warmer, Mrs W always starts the day with those Heat pad toe warmers but she is a bit of a wimp :wink:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:34:14 GMT

Do they put the heated boot warmers in the rooms?

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:17:17 GMT

EmmaEvs wrote:Do they put the heated boot warmers in the rooms?

They normally do not allow boots in the room ...... you normally find the boot warmers in the ski and boot room.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:58:43 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

EmmaEvs wrote:Do they put the heated boot warmers in the rooms?

They normally do not allow boots in the room ...... you normally find the boot warmers in the ski and boot room.

EmmaEvs, do be cautious with commercial boot warmers. I wrote off a new pair of Conformable footbeds when I trusted one machine. The footbed shrivelled up because the machine overheated the footbed.Cost to me GBP100 :evil:
I'll not stay anywhere that won't allow me to take at least my liners to my room.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:00:27 GMT

The places we stay in have a heated book locker room, which seems to keep my boots warm and dry :D

Emma,
Be careful taking your liners out - I took mine out and totally failed to get them back in! My husband had to do it for me :oops:

Ally

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:11:23 GMT

Never taken my liners out, never had a problem

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:17:37 GMT

AllyG wrote:The places we stay in have a heated book locker room, which seems to keep my boots warm and dry :D

Emma,
Be careful taking your liners out - I took mine out and totally failed to get them back in! My husband had to do it for me :oops:

Ally

For most boots, it's pretty easy to get the liners back in, so long as the shell isn't too cold. Sometimes there are seams on the liner, or sharp pieces of plastic protruding a little in the shell which will snag. You can run some duct tape down the inside of the boot cuff, to cover any snags. Also place a little tape over seams on the heel of the liner if needed. You can remove custom foot beds before using boot driers, but you would normally have to remove the liner to do that.

I don't like the newspaper stuffed in the boot idea, as this will restrict air flow, which is what really dries boot liners (especially in the mountains, where the humidity is very low).

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:20:15 GMT

EmmaEvs wrote:Do they put the heated boot warmers in the rooms?

Have you ever actually been skiing before????? )

I use those crystals that were mentioned, simply insert the bag into the linings and they take away any moisture and smell overnight. Put them close to a radiator, as they need to be kept warm despite what you might have thought.

Never had a problem with boot warmers in a ski room in a chalet.

Don't very often take linings out either, maybe once at the end of the season, and never had a problem either, same as Ian.

The less you fanny about with your boots once they fit you perfectly, the better I think.

But do keep them warm while you are away.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:12:58 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

EmmaEvs wrote:Do they put the heated boot warmers in the rooms?

They normally do not allow boots in the room ...... you normally find the boot warmers in the ski and boot room.

Mmm. I take my boots back to my room. Nobody's tried to stop me yet and I wouldn't be too amused if they did, unless they were willing to compensate me if they went missing. First day of our first ski hol and MrEvs rented boots disappeared. That was just an inconvenience, if someone nicked our bought boots I'd be after a scalp.

Bandit wrote:EmmaEvs, do be cautious with commercial boot warmers. I wrote off a new pair of Conformable footbeds when I trusted one machine. The footbed shrivelled up because the machine overheated the footbed.Cost to me GBP100
I'll not stay anywhere that won't allow me to take at least my liners to my room.

:shock: Nightmare. Did you bury the offending boot warmer under a deep snowdrift? How do you know in advance whether the place has a problem with boots being taken to the room? It's not something they draw attention to in the brochures etc. Or am I just an awkward get while everyone else plays by this mysterious rule?!

Ally and Trencher - I think I'll avoid taking the liners out and just use a combination of moisture thingies I've bought, and a reasonable spell by the radiator. Am looking forward to putting my feet in snuggly warm boots this year :D

Last but definitely not least - yes Tony I have been skiing before Only to two different places though (snot my fault I'm a late starter - haven't you noticed I never get involved in 'serious' threads?!). In 'N' I get odd looks taking my stuff back to the room but nobody's pulled me. In Kitzbuhel we rented a locker at the bottom of the gondola.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:00:04 GMT

Always take your boots to bed with you

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:03:17 GMT

Emma,
They usually have big notices up in the hotel/apartment block saying no skis or boots to be taken upstairs to the bedroom/flat. In fact, we were staying in one block that had a sign saying they had CCTV and anyone caught doing this would be thrown out :shock:

I imagine it's because the sharp edges of the skis wreck the carpets etc. and the boots drip muddy water everywhere.

The places I have stayed in, in France and Austria, either have an open plan boot room with a combination lock on the main door, or individual lockers with keys, so that one's boots and skis are reasonably safe from theft.

Ally

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:28:17 GMT

Another advantage of one clip boots is that no one will think of nicking them. )

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:29:03 GMT

Sounds to me like you need to pick better places to stay, rather than prison camps

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:36:48 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Always take your boots to bed with you

I like this solution. Although if MrEvs reads this he will take you completely literally and then you will have a lot to answer for Mr H! :lol:

Ally I wouldn't mind the lockers with keys, but anything less I'm not keen on, even a combo locked room.

I've got a bit of an issue with someone in a hotel telling me what to do with my stuff when they're taking no responsibility for it whatsoever. :(

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:58:18 GMT

It is a courtesy. In Austria, if you visit a private house, you normally remove your shoes at the door. The houses are spotless.
It isn't quite the same in a hotel of course, but it is still not good form to take dirty gritty boots into a room.
Your turn on the naughty step, Emma.

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:09:12 GMT

It's a fair cop. I'm on the naughty step.

Will it be better if I wipe them down first? Got no prob doing that. Easy.

Anyway where do you lot go skiing to pick up mud and grit? I've heard of off piste but that's ridiculous! :wink:

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:17:26 GMT

EmmaEvs wrote:It's a fair cop. I'm on the naughty step.

Will it be better if I wipe them down first? Got no prob doing that. Easy.

Anyway where do you lot go skiing to pick up mud and grit? I've heard of off piste but that's ridiculous! :wink:

Three years ago, I skied down a turnip field, that was covered in heavy frost. It was a bit bumpy! Loads of mud and grit at the bottom of that run!

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:26:48 GMT

Turnips? Dave you're a genius. You've just solved the problem of insufficient snow. Don't bother with snow cannons just plant turnips. Cheaper, tastier and they last longer. Probably.

P.S. I wouldn't let you in my bloody house with bootfulls of grit mud and turnips either!

Re:For the skier who has everything!

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:03:22 GMT

If the chalet's got a suuna sneak into there for 5 minutes in the morning!