For those that like to get right to the point, he’s actually up in western Canada. But, for those who would like just a tad more detail on what in the world I am talking about, Andrew Evans is National Geographic’s Traveling Digital Nomad. He travels around the globe for National Geographic and tells the world (via his blog) what he finds. If you are into the outdoors at all, chances are good, the Digital Nomad will have some appeal. I know about Andrew because a representative from National Geographic contacted me as they thought I might be interested in his adventures… Who wouldn’t be really, I mean here is a guy living the ultimate dream! Of all the stories I have been catching up on from his travels to Canada, I particularly love his most recent post entitled ‘Corduroy‘, where he talks about a snow cat driver named “Bammer” who lives in Banff. As Andrew mentions, Bammer gets his nickname from the way he skis (fearlessly), and although he has a real name, no one in town seems to know it… I’ve met a few characters myself in the ski world that have a similar reputation, and I know it’s people like Bammer who make a place like Banff what it is. So I figure if you are reading this post, then odds are you might also like to follow along with Andrews adventures up in Canada, you check out his latest by clicking here!

As we are now well into December, old man winter has yet to really show any real signs of enthusiasm for us down here in the mid Atlantic, and most of the ski areas have been struggling to run their guns consistently. However, that maybe about to change. Early indications suggest that we might get a little help over the next couple of days. According to this image from Accuweather, we could see anywhere between a dusting and several inches of the natural stuff. However, if I’ve learned one thing about snowfall over the years, tomorrow is a long way off, and a lot can change between now and then!

Over the last few years, my friend Matt has been working at the premiere ski boot fitting shop on the east coast (maybe the world – seriously), and I have been trying to get him to write a guest post here on the Virginia Skier about custom boot fitting, and how important it is. If you find yourself up in Ludlow, VT, or understand just how important a great fitting ski boot is and want to make a special trip, I highly suggest visiting Matt at The Boot Pro!

Guest Post By: Matt Tripp:

What’s the best ski boot for me?

Quite simply, the best ski boot for you is the one that fits your foot. Just because you saw that cool looking boot on the cover of the ski magazine that matches your jacket, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good boot for YOU. Your foot may be narrow or wide. You may be flat footed or have high arches. Or maybe you have some Fred Flintstone feet like my buddy Gregg. This guys feet are “high volume,” to say the least, with enormous bunions. Maybe you think it is hopeless to be comfortable in a ski boot.

Good News:
There are lots of different ski boots out there with good options for different widths, sizes angles etc… There IS a ski boot out there for you!! Sometimes (like with Gregg), the widest boot on the market was not enough. You may need a Bootfitter to modify the boot as needed. In Gregg’s case I made a nice condo for the bunions to live in.

A ski boot should fit like a “firm handshake fit.” Snug all around the foot. It’s okay to have a little wiggle room in the toes, but you also want to be fully supported without much foot movement in the boot. “Comfort IS King,” but remember ski boots are NOT supposed to feel like a soft furry UGG boot. It is still a ski boot.  In a good ski boot fit, a custom insole is a mandatory addition. I will get into custom insoles more next time.

With a good ski boot fit, your performance will be better, and your ski day will be longer. The only real problem is that après ski may start a little later. Cheers.

- Matt Tripp
The Boot Pro
44 Pond St., Ludlow, VT 05149
802-228-2776
And on Facebook

For those who have not heard yet, world renowned freeskier and cliff hucker, Jamie Pierre was killed Sunday afternoon in an avalanche in Little Cottonwood Canyon, outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Jamie Pierre was most well known for his appearances in several well known ski movie productions as the guy who went huge! As a fellow Alta/Bird skier, I had the opportunity on more than one occasion to see him ski, and the ski industry has lost yet another great one. The clip below is from Teton Gravity Research’s Anomaly, where Pierre broke the then current record for the biggest cliff drop with this 240-250 footer! I think this clip summarizes his spirit perfectly. Rest in peace…

This week, I found a pretty good clip of some great ski crashes. Some of them look really painful, but the last one (#1) had me laughing out loud! Check out that hair, and what are they wearing, a latex suit? I mean that person (not quite sure if its a man or a women) slid like half a mile!