Bootfitters Blog

Wiltz’s tuning skills have been responsible for three Olympic medals, eight World Cup victories and 17 World Cup podiums.

Master ski tuner Willi Wiltz will be showing his tricks of the trade at the Okemo Mountain School Saturday, November 12 from 5-7pm. Sponsored by America’s Best Bootfitters shop The Boot Pro in Ludlow, VT.

Wiltz is a former U.S. Ski Team, Olympic & World Cup serviceman who has worked with Bode Miller, Tommy Moe, Daron Rahlves, Shaun Palmer and others. The clinic will focus on advanced hand tuning and waxing techniques used in Alpine ski racing followed by a question & answer session.

Attendees can put their new-found knowledge to work immediately and save some cash with a 20% discount on tuning supplies including wax, files, irons, file guides at The Boot Pro November 11-14.

For more information on the clinic contact Shon or Randy at The Boot Pro (802) 228-2776.

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Daron Rahlves, the most decorated American downhill and Super G skier in history and currently a top ski cross competitor, will join Masterfit University as a guest lecturer at the final session of the season at Reno, NV Monday, Nov. 7.  Rahlves, also a student of the technical side of the sport, will discuss his experience with boot fit issues, custom insoles and stance balancing. He will also be available for a Q&A session during the lunch break.

Space is still available in all course levels. To register visit www.masterfituniversity.com.

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More than 120 snowsports retailers, instructors and allied medical professionals gathered at the fall kick-off Masterfit University in Mt. Snow, VT, October 2-3. They were joined by more than 20 manufacturers’ representatives who came to both learn bootfitting skills and promote their products at the new mini-trade fair that is part of the MFU 2011 tour.

 “Vermont is typically our best attended session but this was a record by far for any Masterfit U in our 16 year history,” said MFU Executive Director Steve Cohen. “Our previous high attendance was 105 at Stratton (VT) in 2008.”

“MFU has evolved over the years,” said Cohen. “It’s no longer just an event where we just teach bootfitting techniques to attendees. It has become a bootfitters convention with an active interchange of ideas among participants and a place for reps to network with retailers and talk in depth about new models and new products.”

Said Salomon New England sales rep Ken MacDonald, “I was amazed to see the quality of the attendees. Some of the best boot fitters east of the Mississippi were there to update their skills.”

“MFU was great, as always,” said Phil Burgess of Ski Stop in Westwood and Canton, MA who was attending for the 11^th time. “And it was nice to see boot vendors show up and gain some insight into what we do. MFU should be mandatory for boot reps.”

First time attendee Josh Chittenden of Berkshire Outfitters in Adams, MA said, “These are the best of the best instructors. I look forward to applying what I learned.”

For a look behind the scenes at MFU Mt. Snow click here to view a slide show.

This week, Masterfit University has taken a detour across the Atlantic with its first-ever European event, in Kitzbuhel, Austria. More than 55 people from 10 countries are currently at MFU/EU which launched the first-ever foreign language version of the MFU training manual (in German).

MFU returns to North America Oct. 26-27 in Denver, CO and then moves on to Seattle (Oct. 31-Nov. 1) before concluding in Reno (Nov. 7-8). Registration at all locations is running ahead of last year but space is still available in all locations and for all course level. For registration information visit www.masterfituniversity.com

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Briarcliff Manor, NY—With the addition of the EZ Fit auto-adaptable brand to its line of premium aftermarket insoles, Masterfit Enterprises has expanded its U.S. sales force.

“EZ Fit is dramatically broadening our market penetration and quality reps and sales management are the keys to meeting the needs of our expanding retailer network,” said Masterfit CEO Steve Cohen.

Bob Egeland, formerly Masterfit’s sales rep for the entire Rocky Mountain territory, has been promoted to sales manager while reducing his direct sales scope to Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

Egeland is a Board Certified Pedorthist with extensive experience in footwear sales and orthotic fabrication, retailer fit training and product design. He spent 25 years with a major hiking boot manufacturer before training as a C.Ped and launching his own private orthotics practice and Fit to You retail employee training seminars. Egeland is also a senior instructor with Masterfit University and operates Boulder Orthotics, a custom insole and boot fit center based in Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, CO. Egeland is based in Masterfit’s Niwot, CO office.

Brian Frias, who previously handled Masterfit sales management, has been promoted to Brand and Technology Manager. He is now responsible for brand positioning, trade shows and digital strategy.

The expanded Masterfit rep force is comprised of experienced reps with blanket coverage in Masterfit’s core snowsports market. “Our team members already represent some of the top lines in world,” says Cohen. “We’re pumped to have such a great crew of long-time pros associate themselves with our growing company.”

The Masterfit rep line-up includes:

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, Northern ID, MT)
Chad Frost
(206) 234-7914
chadfrostnw@gmail.com
Frost is also a sales representative for Rossignol, Sessions, Sun Bum Sunscreen, Anarchy and Angel Eyewear.

Far West (CA, NV, AZ)
Will Lachenauer
(775) 624-1751
will.lg3@sbcglobal.net
Lachenauer is also a sales representative for Dalbello, Elan and Ansai.

Intermountain (UT, Southern ID, WY)
Nick Vigos and Ryan Davenport
(801) 550-8291
nickvigos@yahoo.com
Vigos and Davenport are also sales representatives for Dalbello, Elan, Hard Core and Under Armour.

Rocky Mountain (CO, NM, TX)
Bob Egeland, C. Ped.
(303) 652-3118
begeland@masterfitinc.com
Egeland is also Masterfit national sales manager.

Great Lakes (MN, WI, IL, MI)
Mason Rickert
(612) 819-0022
masonskr@hotmail.com
Rickert is also as sales representative for Elan, Dalbello, Spyder, Wintersteiger and POC.

MN (Non-Snowsports Footwear)
Jeff Wolter
(406) 839-8946
jwolter7@msn.com
Wolter is handling sales within the Minnesota fitness, shoe, cycle and medical markets.

New England (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT)
MacDaddy Group
Ken MacDonald, Patrick Ruane and Bruce Diehl
(781) 631-7916
Ken.Macdonald@salomon.com
Bruce.diehl@salomon.com
Patrick.Ruane@salomon.com
The MacDaddy Group is also sales representatives for Salomon Alpine/Nordic hardgoods and apparel, Go Pro and Skadi Nordic.

Mid-Atlantic (Upstate NY, Western PA)
Rob Haggerty
(585) 461-4657
robhaggerty@frontiernet.net
Haggerty is also a sales representative for Dalbello, Elan, Leki and Hotronic.

Mid-Atlantic (Metro NY, Eastern PA, NJ, DE)
Rick Cherashore
(610) 689-8547
ricec@aol.com
Cherashore is also a sales rep for Dalbello, Elan, Transpack, Leki and Hotronic.

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As Masterfit University prepares to hit the road with its 16^th season of boot fit training clinics, it finds itself a unique, unifying force for the makers of ski boots as well as allied products.

In addition to every major alpine boot brand from A(tomic) to T(ecnica), Masterfit is supported this year by a diverse group of sponsors eager to communicate with this coveted business-to-business market of high end retailers who specialize in bootfitting. Brands like Lorpen socks, Intuition aftermarket liners, KneeBinding and Hotronic boot warmers have all aligned with Masterfit University and use the worldwide seminars as a unique networking opportunity.

“Other then trade shows, it’s the only place such a large group of manufacturers come together for a common purpose,” says Masterfit University Executive Director Steve Cohen. “Ski boot fitting is the life-blood of the specialty ski retail market and bootfitting is the key skill set that separates a specialty retailer from big box, mid-size chain and internet competitors. Boots are the last absolutely-positively has to be bought at a brick-and mortar-location piece of ski gear. Retailers come to Masterfit U to get that stand-apart knowledge.”

KneeBinding is a new Masterfit sponsor this year. The brand that promotes the target of its safety aspect right in its name, may seem like a strange fit for a boot clinic, but not to John Springer-Miller, CEO of KneeBinding.  “When we looked for industry influencers that could help educate people about our product we found that the best boot fitters were already working to provide proper positioning and alignment in boots to reduce fatigue and make skiers safer. Our binding permits the kind of fore/aft stance adjustment bootfitters like so MasterFit University is a great way to communicate our safety and performance solutions to the market.”

Scott Russo is vice president of sales at Dalbello, a Masterfit University sponsor since 2001. He sees Masterfit support yielding a multi-pronged benefit for his company. “Through Masterfit U we have been able to present new boot design concepts and to exchange product planning ideas with the most experienced and highly skilled ski bootfitters in the world.”

And he’s seen Masterfit U train his dealers to better sell Dalbello boots. “For specialty ski shops seriously interested in elevating their level of service and expertise,” says Russo, “MFU is the industry’s best investment in employee training programs you can make.”

Like Russo, Lorpen North American sales manager Bruce Barrows also uses his Masterfit association as a product incubation zone. “The feedback we’ve received from the staff and participants at Masterfit U regarding socks has allowed us to gain a much fuller understanding of what performance boot fitters are looking for in a high end ski sock.  MasterFit has provided us with the best practical focus group you can find for future product development ideas.”

Masterfit University will be held this fall at four locations across the U.S. and, for the first time ever, in Europe:
Mt. Snow, VT  Oct. 3-4
Kitzbuhel, Austria Oct. 18-19
Denver, CO Oct. 26-27
Seattle, WA, Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Reno, NV Nov. 7-8

For registration and curriculum information visit www.masterfituniversity.com.

For sponsor information contact Steve Cohen at scohen@masterfitinc.com or (914) 944-9038.

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Rising British golfer Eddie Pepperell has selected Masterfit’s Instaprint X-Sport custom insole for use in his golf shoes. The 20-year-old, who turned professional in May and is now playing on the European Challenge Tour, has had a storied amateur career. He won the Welsh Open Amateur Championship in May 2010 and the Portuguese Amateur Championship by one shot earlier this year. At the Portuguese, he sank a 40-foot birdie putt to win on the final hole.

Pro golfer Eddie Pepperell credits Instaprint insoles for improving his play

“Footwear fit in golf is critical,” says Pepperell, who has worked with Masterfit’s European Division chief James Choularton to customize his golf shoes with Instaprint insoles.

“It’s an area which can increase performance and therefore becomes something I would refer to as a ‘critical non essential’. During a golf swing I look to maximize my power whilst maintaining good balance and stability,” says Pepperell. “Instaprint insoles have certainly helped me achieve this. I’ve noticed the difference most when playing in the wind and whilst playing off un-even lies. With Instaprint insoles, I know that when I tee it up, my footwear is as good, and probably better, than every other player in the field.”

Featured this past August in golfmagic.com’s series called “One to Watch,” Pepperell started making a name for himself at the age of 12, winning the English U12 Championships in 2003.  Two years later he won the U15 Faldo Series – a title he successfully defended the following year in 2006.

“Golf may not be one of our core markets right now,” says Masterfit CEO Steve Cohen, “but we know our aftermarket insole products can boost performance and comfort in all types of sports footwear. We’re excited to work with a pro of Eddie’s caliber and have him validate the efficacy of our products—and to be part of helping him achieve new successes.”

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Despite the recent destruction Hurricane Irene caused in Vermont, Mt. Snow’s Grand Summit Hotel and other resort facilities came through unscathed, reports sales manager Kelly Murphy. While several sections of Vt.’s famed Route 100 remain impassable in the Stratton and Jamaica areas, the stretch from from Wilmington to Mt. Snow is open to vehicular travel. Vt. Rte. 9 from Bennington to Wilmington has re-opened (albeit with lane limitations). Road repairs are progressing daily and while there still may be some minor detours at Masterfit University time, all attendees should be able “to get there from here.” For up to date Vermont road information from the state Agency of Transportation click here.

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Before the season really kicks in, take some time to make sure your tools are ready to withstand the rigors of a full season of bootfitting. Foredom handpiece grinders are incredibly durable but can benefit from some preventative maintenance. And always make sure to have an extra shaft (or two!) and sheath on hand so you don’t go down on a busy weekend. Here’s a look at what Foredom suggests.

Greasing and Replacing Shafts and Sheaths

Replacing Motor Brushes

You can also download the following manuals and printouts (in PDF):

1. Howto: Foredom SR Operators Manual
2. Howto: Foredom Shaft and Sheath Replacements
3. Howto: Foredom Motor Assembly Diagram

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Veteran bootfitter Lee Kinney of The Custom Foot in Englewood, CO (suburban Denver) is seeking to add a bootfitter to his staff. It’s a year-round, full-time position (the America’s Best Bootfitter-certified shop does a brisk hiking boot business in the summer) and an excellent opportunity to work with a learned pro.

Bootfitting experience is a must, custom insole fabrication experience helpful. The job also entails scheduling appointments as well as receiving and organizing inventory. The salary, as always, “is commensurate with experience.”

Interested? Contact: leekinney@aol.com; (303) 761-4002

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Friend of Masterfit and BEWI ski show impresario Bernie Weichsel was trapped in Killington, VT and sent this email detailing the destruction the area suffered during Hurricane Irene. We bring it to you here with his permission.

Thought you’d find these photos interesting, given all the news about the flooding in Vermont, as well as other parts of the Northeast, in the aftermath of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. I am posting these after my return last evening from Vermont. I had planned, a while ago, to go up to Killington this past weekend to take care of some issues with property I own at the Inn of The 6 Mountains.

Had driven up on Friday and had gone Saturday up to Warren for a meeting and had decided, with the approaching storm, to stay in Killington to Monday before coming back here. Of course I had no idea I’d be witnessing, and be in the midst, of some of the worst weather, and its aftermath, to ever hit Vermont.

While the storm started petering out on Sunday night, after raining up at Killington 10+”, between 2 am and 5 pm on Sunday, it was only when dawn broke on Monday morning that we started to get an idea of what kind of damage Tropical Storm Irene had done. Most of the first reports were of the rumor and second hand type.

What was clear was that Killington was an island, cut off in all directions with the word being that we wouldn’t be leaving the area anytime soon (4 days or more was the best estimates). Electricity was out (but the Inn, luckily, was one of the first to get it back at noon Monday) and so were phones (but cells did work) but after some scouting we found out, yup, we weren’t going anywhere fast!

The Killington area, being basically “high-up” fared relatively well, as did, I understand, most ski areas in the state, but the Superstar wing of the Killington Base Lodge—built over a stream!—did get wiped out (see photos.

I walked up there on Monday afternoon to take a look since the road up was closed. Folks came back telling us that Route 4 going both ways, east and west, from Killington, had been washed out as well as 100 North and south. I investigated East Mountain Road which proved impassable on Monday morning and we were told that Route 4 from West Bridgewater to Woodstock had many breaks. Media reports and phone calls kept coming in of terrible destruction in Ludlow, Jamaica, Pittsfield, amongst many other towns.

Most sadly was what happened to our good friend Phil Camp (ed: former president of the Vermont Ski Areas Assn.) and a whole area of Western Woodstock. I saw Phil, almost in tears, on TV Monday night – saying that this week’s edition of his paper, the Vermont Standard, will get out. Nobody I know doubts him! Vermont’s got a lot of rebuilding to do, but as we all know, all too well, Yankee ingenuity and toughness will see it thru, and quicker than anyone expects!

When yesterday morning broke I was looking at spending a lot more time in Killington than I wanted to. No matter how much I love the place I don’t have time to spend a week, or more, there this time of year. But then we got word that East Mountain Road had been cleared of debris (by a Killington bucket loader) enabling us to get to West Bridgewater. And even though there were parts of that road that were only wide enough for a car to pass, barely, we made it to route 4.

There we found, besides some serious destruction in West Bridgewater, cars coming from Woodstock on Route 4 west. So, off to Woodstock we went, slowly, and negotiating a number of narrow passages and skirting debris, but we made it.

Going East from Woodstock the road was in its usual heaving condition (except for the roads heading off to the North to Queche being blocked off) and afterwards on the Interstates all was normal.

I show here a selection of photos I took, not only in Killington but on the road to Woodstock. Hope where ever this finds you that you are well, safe and dry! Do plan on visiting in a rebuilt Vermont as soon as you can; they’ll need everyone’s support!

—Bernie

According to Weichsel, Killington does not plan to re-build the Superstar Bar, also known affectionately as Mahogany Ridge. As the home to the Masterfit/America’s Best Bootfitters boot test for three season and a key part of the Killington social scene, we mourn the passing of the bar and will raise a tall one to its memory. But more importantly, we encourage all to support our friends in ski country Vermont—and New York, whose Catskill region was similarly decimated—with our thoughts, prayers and financial support.

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