Novice Skiers: What to Look for in a Boot

• SHELL- find a shell that fits the shape of your foot. You can take the liner out of the boots and make sure that there's enough space between your heel and the back of the boot to fit two fingers.
  
• STIFFNESS- remember that softer boots are more comfortable, but all boots should be stiff when you try to move sideways.
  
• FORWARD LEAN- Beginning skiers look for a boot that has little or no forward lean because they will feel off balance and will not be able to stand up straight.
  
• ENTRY- in order to maximize comfort and minimize forward lean, rear entry boots are required for beginning skiers. Rear entry boots also facilitate entry and exit.
  
• MATERIALS- Ski boot shells are almost all constructed with the same materials- polyurethane. However, the liner can be composed of various materials to maximize warmth and comfort. Most beginner boots have linings that are soft and warm such as fleece and cotton.

• SkiNet's Private Lessons for Novice Skiers