What’s happening at Ortho Ski on and off the slopes
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Are you doing the one thing most people get wrong?
Are you doing your ski boots up right? Short answer, probably not. This is an issue that affects many people. It's such a simple fix to many problems that I'm devoting an entire post to it.
Race fit vs. retail fit
Ski boots come in all shapes and sizes, here we look at the differences between a race fit and a retail ski boot.
All you need to know about canting in 2 minutes
Looking for that perfect edge to slice through the snow like butter? I can tell you how to get closer to finding it than you've ever been before. And no, the heading isn't missing an apostrophe - we're talking about canting folks!
What the foot?
In a ski boot the foot needs some extra help to support the crazy forces that we’re putting through it. We look at how to best help it in a ski boot so it functions at its best.
Riding a chair lift with cold toes is no joke
Cold toes are a common problem in ski boots, and a most unpleasant way to spend your day on the mountain. There are many causes of cold and numb toes in ski boots. Luckily most of the time it’s a problem that can be fixed.
Down the plastics rabbit hole
Ski boots aren’t made from the same stuff. Plastics aren’t plastics. Our bootfitter explains ski boot plastics and their roles
Custom Ski Boot Footbeds for Improved Comfort
Ski orthoses / orthotics, custom foot beds, ski insoles - whatever you want to call them, everyone benefits from a custom foot orthosis in their ski boot.
How do you know your ski boot needs to retire?
Ski boots don’t last forever. Our ski bootfitter talks about the signs of when it’s time to pack your ski boots away for the final time.
Packing your boots away for the summer
With the changing of the seasons clients often ask me how best to store their ski and snowboard boots. Let’s look at what will distress your boots, and what will give them a comfortable bed for their hibernation.
Flexin’ groovin’
Ski boot flex is super important in ensuring the boot works and fits right. Our bootfitter gives you the rundown on what boot flex is and how it should feel.
Types of Ski Boot Liners
A true custom liner is one that is bought separate from the shell and customised to your foot and requirements. Most ski boots come with an off-the-shelf liner. Sometimes they look fluffy and plush and feel nice, but the foam within them is mostly un-mouldable, doesn't have memory, and will pack out reasonably fast causing discomfort and fit issues.
Warm, Lightweight, and Comfortable Ski Boots
Ski boots that are too big can be the cause of more problems than boots are too small. But how do you know? Our Falls creek bootfitter explains it all here.
Why cavemen never skied
It’s important to remember that skiing and ski boots, are not a natural environment for the foot. Nor is it a natural activity or position for your body to be in – humans did not evolve to go skiing and so we need that extra support. Ski boots and ski orthotics need to support the foot correctly to help you do reach your best performance and comfort.
Shin bang
The pain of sore shins, or shin bang, in ski boots will put an end to your day skiing, faster than you can say "I'll be at the bar". But even worse, shin pain can put an end to your whole ski holiday if not dealt with. Our Falls Creek bootfitter runs through the main causes and fixes for your woes.
Getting your ski feet back
It’s likely been 9 months since you’ve stuck your feet in your ski boots (give or take a trip in a plane) and now they’re not feeling the same as they used to. Or perhaps they feel as bad as you remember. At the risk of sounding too preachy let’s just say, new ski season, new beginnings! Get your feet sorted.
The top 8 places to eat in Niseko
Smack bang in the middle of rural Hokkaido, hidden under the snow pack is Hirafu village, the centre of the Niseko ski region for visitors. Hirafu is filled with little restaurants full of delicious cuisine, worthy of foody-visitors alone. From the soup curry, to the okonomiyaki, even the local ambassador is a potato! And who can go past buying some Royce chocolates at Chitose airport?
How to get your toddler on the snow without tears
Skiing can be a great family holiday, but making it enjoyable for everyone involves some careful planning. Making that transition from being a single skier to one with children shouldn't mean the end of fun ski days.
What should I bring to my ski consult?
You need to be able to make the most of the snow when it's there, which means having your boots ready and comfortable to go at the flick of a buckle. So now is the time to try them on and get any problems you might have sorted out so you're not wasting on-mountain time dealing with sore feet. Don't wait until the night before your ski trip.
3 reasons why carbon poles are your key to great skiing all day long
Has your bootfitter ever asked you funny questions about your ski poles? Ever wondered why carbon poles are considered the bees' balls when it comes to ski poles? Well I'll let you in on a little secret here that will change how you think about your skiing.
What's the point of a ski biomechanical analysis? Is it important?
Is a ski biomechanical analysis important? You bet your butt it is! Assessing you and identifying your body's functional strengths and limits is key to getting you in the correct boot set-up. Your ski equipment has a huge influence on the way you ski and your enjoyment on the hill, so a good set-up is vital.