Great advice Steve. It’s amazing how many skiers (both experienced and novice) have no idea how to pull out their liners and dry their boots. Best part… you reminded them to keep the shells buckled. It keeps the plastic in shape and is the easiest way to prevent shin bang. Simple, yet highly neglected.

I also enjoyed your comments on the Olympic winners. I am a bit disapointed in NBC’s coverage of the Alpine events (although getting better as the US continues to ski so well). There are so many great stories about comebacks, dedication, and just all-around good humor from the skiing community but it somehow get’s overlooked…maybe everyone’s distracted by the ice dancing costumes?!

Good tips, Steve, especially keeping the boots buckled. I prefer my small boot dryer, room temp air, tubes go to the toes, no pulling the liner out every time, which used to be 200+ times per season. As soon as I get home, the boots are buckled and drying (with a little anti-bacterial spray added). It is fairly small, so it travels easily, don’t forget an adapter for other countries. Along with my Cat Tracks, this has kept a 25 year old pair of Lange ZRs skiing great day after day (my 3rd set of shells in those 25 years- broke 2 pairs when I was younger and stronger).
I appreciated your hiking etiquette- should be required reading before getting a lift ticket!