Ski Net Sports

I rely on Unilocal for everything but never actually write reviews anything. after reading what other people said I’m thinking it’s worth speaking up this time. The guys at Ski Net are so awesome, really surprised anybody felt they were treated poorly. Maybe I caught them on great days both times. I came in with a some skis that needed bindings mounted, the turn around time was beyond reasonable and if you’re stoked, they’re stoked. Anybody that came in and had a bad experience probably needs to get a little more stoked.

Let me caveat that I did not go into this business and am only basing it off my interaction with Claude over the phone. If you want to be talked to like you are a piece of dirt/​S%&^ this is the place for you. Cannot fathom that this business has been going for so many years considering what an asshole Claude is. I’d rather spend my money anywhere other than this business.

I bought skis and bindings at Ski Net a few years ago and new boots last year, and I’m very happy with everything. I’ve also had them tune up my skis and check the bindings at the beginning of every ski season, for several years. It’s a small shop with a limited selection, but they only sell products they like and have tested and/​or researched very thoroughly (so they can describe each ski very well), and the range of products is broad enough to suit a wide range of skiers and price points. But what most impressed me (and why I will be a customer-​for-​life and refer many people to them) is the store’s boot fit guarantee. Due to my own stubbornness and desire for comfort, I was fearful of getting boots any smaller than my previous boots, which were very comfortable, with ample room for my bunions and to wiggle my toes to keep them warm. Claude told me that my old boots were too big but thought I’d be unhappy in a smaller size, so I walked out of the shop with new boots the same size as my old boots. However, after my first day of skiing in the new boots, I was in agony and limped painfully to the nearest boot shop at the Park City resort, where the boot fitter told me (as had Claude) that my boots were too big and added thick padding that enabled me to ski four more days. Upon returning to L.A., I went back to Ski Net. Claude tossed my new boots aside and brought out a pair in the correct (smaller) size. They felt good when I tried them on, and they’re even better on the slopes. I only had to pay the small difference in price (the new boots were a step up from the first pair and thus a little more expensive). Claude is strongly opinionated but he knows his stuff, and the best thing to do is shut up and take his advice!

I have 2 yr. old boots that don’t fit well anymore, the boot liner is all packed down now. Either they are too tight, so my foot and ankle does not slip around when skiing, my circulation gets cut off. Or, I are too loose (so circulation is ok) and can’t control my skis at all.
I called Claude and made an appointment for custom fit orthotics. I’ve been skiing for 36 years, and explained to him what I wanted: boots that fit great without all the above fit problems. I wanted to purchase a new pair of boots. Yes, he’s a bit arrogant, I took everything he said with a grain of salt, a bit condescending at times, but I bit the bullet and did what he told me regarding my boots.
Walked out of there with the custom orthotics that day, with my old pair of boots.
The ski season started, I’ve been skiing 6 times already, and my boots, that I thought I had to replace because of the bad fit, could not be more comfortable now. I can ski hard all day and the usual end of the day «oh my gosh, it feels so good to get out of these boots» — Does NOT happen…
4 stars because of his attitude, but I can’t complain about the product.

I lived near Skinet Sports for years and had gone in a couple of times with questions. I was always treated in the most friendly and helpful manner. So I finally decided to replace my old ski equipment. I bought skis online, but I knew the importance of getting a good boot fit, so I chose to go here for a fitting. Claude is extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. I was a little surprised by some of the negative reviews. It might be because I just listened to his advice and went with what he suggested. I do know the feeling about having done something one way for a long time and not wanting to argue with someone about the «right» way to do it. So maybe if I had some stronger opinions I might have experienced something similar. But still, Claude was always very friendly and genial. I got some great boots that clearly fit me perfectly and comfortably. We also discussed some other ski-​related issues and he was very helpful. I also bought some bindings on sale, and had them mounted on my new skis. I particularly like the fact that this is a small shop with long-​term ownership. I much prefer it to the big stores where staff and management is always changing.

Claude is a master boot fitter and a charter member of America’s Best Boot Fitters. He wants his customers to know what can and cannot be done and will spend the time to make sure the customer makes an intelligent decision. To those who will not listen, I am sure that it may come off as a lecture. For those that will listen, they get an excellent education on the most important piece of ski equipment, your ski boots. He also is great in helping select skis and bindings. I have purchased boots for myself and my family from Ski Net and in the 54 years (not a typo) I have been skiing, he’s the best I’ve found.

Ah… The cult of Claude. To begin with a pitiful human being. Not only is Claude one of the biggest Ahole know nothings I’ve ever met, he plays out some psychodrama during the meeting that is incomprehensible. It reminds me of all those bullies who play out their home problems on others unfortunate to run across them in their outside lives.
He started in on dome creepy, rambling lecture before I had said a word. I had to interrupt him to remind him that I was expecting to hear how he might help me. Well, be careful to he that questions the ‘mighty Claude ‘. This, of course, necessitated another strange lecture. He spoke each phrase as if it had the weight of a prophet. He actually believed that what he was saying was somehow intelligent instead of unintelligible, anger filled tripe. He spoke to me as if I was a child, and yet he was a stupid old man who relied on bullying. As he was talking to me one of his employees rolled his eyes in mock derision. A nice young lady came in while I was there. He contradicted her on a piece of information. He was so sure, he went to his computer to verify. When it turned out he was wrong he simply stayed silent, unable to tell her he was mistaken.
It’s bad enough to be his customer. But we have a choice. I feel sorry for those who don’t have a choice, his family, and employees. What he needs is a healthy dose of psychotherapy.

I was lucky to have Claude fit me with new boots. Last year I got a skier’s toe from my old boots and really to get better fitting boots. Claude was all booked up, but he kindly squeezed me into his busy schedule. He was very nice. It turned out my old boots were one size too big which caused all of my troubles. Claude fitted me new boots and added a navicular pad to support my feet better. He also explained how to properly fit and put on the boots. All this for the price of the new boot. The boot that I was going buy at REI without the proper fit and help were the same price. I just back from 6 days of skiing in Aspen and my feet feel great. No pain or pinching at all during skiing or afterwards. Claude knows how to fit boots. I would recommend him to everyone.

I was very nervous about recent foot problems and bone spurs keeping me from enjoying skiing again. My last several experiences renting boots had been miserable, with creative attempts to alleviate pain by wearing three pairs of thick socks and leaving the buckles so loose that I was swimming around in the boot. Needless to say, my skiing was not enhanced by this method… A friend had heard of Ski Net Sports, and after looking at the website and talking with them on the phone, I decided to see if they could help. Great follow up on arranging my appointment, and even a suggestion to wait until next year when more of my size boots might be available. I decided to press on and see if they had anything that might make my upcoming trip to Colorado tolerable. It was obvious that these guys know their business as soon as the process began. I decided to relax and let them do their thing as the promise «If you don’t like them, you don’t buy them!» was prominently displayed. Also, having recently shopped for boots for my daughter at a major sports store, the difference in questions, fitting process and responses to her concerns made it clear they were experts at SNS. Claude and his staff were great! Knowledgeable and obviously doing something they care about, they even stayed late delaying a trip departure to make sure my boots were perfect! This review is now post Colorado trip and I am ecstatic! I skied hard all day and rarely even needed to adjust, loosen or tighten the buckles. The fit and feel are amazing, and allowed me to forget about my feet and just enjoy the skiing! We closed the lift several days and wanted more time on the mountain. My wife, conversely, had a terrible time with her rented boots, was constantly in pain and had to quit early a few days because it wasn’t fun anymore. She will be visiting Claude and crew before our next ski trip, guaranteed. With the price of skiing so high, it is such a worthwhile investment to make sure your boots fit. These guys are the masters! I gladly give them the highest marks possible and recommend that anyone buying boots do it here. Can you get boots cheaper on sale or over the Internet? Probably, but the expertise of being properly fitted and matched to the right boots will be worth every cent you pay! BTW, the research and reviews I did after I left, confirmed that I had been put in the perfect boot for me! Thanks Claude!

If you don’t mind being treated like a jerk, and being overcharged, they do great work.
I recently took a pair of skis here for a tune up. While dropping them off I had a very offputting experience. I walked in the door and was met by a guy working on a small child’s skis. The small skis had bright flowers painted on them and I remarked, «Oh, those are cute, haha.» The man working on the skis replied, «Yeah. Little f***er’s starting early.»
I’m sure he was just trying to be funny, but if I had a small child, I would probably have been more offended and left the shop.
Another man walked up to me, and after reading other reviews on this site, my best guess is that it was Claude. I don’t really know, because he didn’t introduce himself, but his behavior was consistent with other negative reviews here.
I asked if he could check my bindings in addition to tuning up my skis, because it had been a long time since I hit the slopes. He asked to see my boots, and when I presented them he remarked, «You don’t really ski on those things, do you?»
I said that I did, and that I really like them a lot. He explained, without measuring my feet, that he could tell that they were too big for me. I began to tell him that I liked the way they fit just fine, and that I understood they specialize in custom boot fittings, but he cut me off. «Nobody in this room skis on boots that big, especially you.» (Yes, I’m shorter than him, but I tried on plenty pairs of boots before buying these, and I’m completely happy with the way they fit. I think they are about a half size too big, and I like the roomy fit. No need to try and intimidate me into buying a $ 1,000 ski boots to replace the ones I already love.)
I said thank you, but explained that I wasn’t really here for boot advice, and that he could forget about the bindings, just stick to the tune up. He told me I must pay up front, and that it would be $ 60. I paid the man and said, «Thanks again.»
He clearly hadn’t listened to a word I said the whole time I was in his shop because as my back was turned, and I was walking out the door, he raised his voice to me and sarcastically exclaimed, «YOU’RE WELCOME!»
It was at that moment I decided to write this review. I’ve never been condescended to, or spoken to so rudely in a place of business, as I was that day. It took them a week to fix the scrapes on the bottom of my skis, and during that time I discovered that Sport Chalet in La Canada does the same service for $ 40 less. Does it really take a week to resurface and tune a pair of skis? I suspect I was being taught a lesson, for not «shutting up and walking in with my wallet out» like others on this site have suggested.
When I picked up my skis a week later, I was greeted cheerfully by some younger crew members at SkiNet who were attentive and very respectful. My skis look great, but my run in with the boot Nazi will make this the last time I go to SkiNet. It’s a shame because they are clearly passionate about ski equipment, and do good work. Some of the team members are awesome, like the one who greeted me when I picked my skis up.
Claude, for the record, you are supposed to thank the customer, not the other way around. I have my choice of where to take my business, and I chose you. Am I greatful that my skis are fixed? Sure! Are there other places in L.A. to get the same work done, at a cheaper price, with a friendlier attitude? Most definitely. I’ll be taking my business to Sport Chalet from now on. I bet it won’t take them a week to tune my skis, either.

I am so lucky to live 3 min from this place. I got back into skiing a couple years ago and I made the mistake of buying all my ski gear online. You can get away with buying skis online, but I learned the hard way, not the boots. Probably the most important piece of ski gear are the boots. I went on an amazing Breckenridge trip a couple years ago with my online bought boots. The boots ruined my trip, I was in so much pain I was tears going down my face after day one. Day two and 3 I couldn’t even make it down one run. I decided, I need custom boots, and I have flinstone feet, so it was not going to be an easy task. I made an appointment with ski net and they found me the perfect pair of boots and made custom insoles for them. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I was only able to go skiing once last season because our local mountains had a bad season. But my new boots were a dream! I did not have any discomfort at all!!! Thank you ski net! I am going to Breck again this year, and it will be amazing thanks to ski net. To all readers, don’t cheap out on the boots! You will thank yourself after you save $ 300 on lift tickets that you save

Came by to ask a question and was really surprised with the customer service! Awesome guys, and super helpful! Would definitely recommend and come here again!!! They got great box! Hahaha bring em’ a beer if you’re so inclined… I hear they like it! Lol

First off, my disclaimer:
I like the best for the least amount of money. So what I do is usually buy the best stuff for the cheapest price on the internet. But that’s only after hours and hours of research to make sure that I’m getting the best for the least. I’m also wise to the fact that brick-​and-​mortar shops will charge an outrageous price for product.
What I knew going into this process:
What my mondo size was, my foot width, what type of boots I wanted, how stiff the boots I wanted, and I knew I needed orthotics.
Before the appointment:
Knowing that Claude would probably charge me an arm and a leg, I ordered three pairs of boots, all top of the line, super stiff, from online retailers for the average price of roughly $ 350 each total. I picked boots that I knew would most likely fit my feet but had enough variance between them so that Claude could ultimately find which of the three pair that would fit my feet the best.
The appointment:
Made an appointment with Claude. And when I got there, he knew who I was. He told me to sit down, and then he immediately started making the custom orthotics. In my mind, I thought that was very presumptuous because he didn’t even ask me if I wanted a custom orthotics. Furthermore there was no introduction, no exchange of pleasantries, and we didn’t talk about prices. Hell, I didn’t even know if this was actually Claude! And yes, I should have discussed prices, but I didn’t because I had read his website, and I thought I understood that the orthotics cost $ 199.99 and what that included. As it turns out, I was wrong. More on that later.
So the custom orthotics and boot fitting took about an hour and after all the measurements. Claude was about to sell me some top Nordica’s but I told him that I already had 3 pairs of new boots in the car and showed him a list of what I had. One of the three were Nordica, so we went with them.
One thing that was annoying was when I asked him about the other boots, especially about one particular pair of boots. He gave me this look like, «how dare you question me!». It was a bit disrespectful considering the hours of research that I had done and my general overall knowledge of ski boots and my experience. I understand that he is the master, but I have every right to question why he thinks the boots he selected would fit me best and why the other ones wouldn’t fit me. Furthermore he should feel happy to explain to me how he came to that conclusion and why.
I got that same look from Claude a second time after I answered a question of his that he asked his assistant, of which his assistant assistant did not know the answer to. The question? Was was my boot liner heat moldable. I answered yes it was. I knew this because of all the hours I had spent researching boots especially these boots. And again, he looked at me like, «what the hell are you doing talking? You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about! I do. I’m the expert. You just need to sit there and be quiet.» He did eventually heat the liners to mold them, but he didn’t do it because of what I said. He said that it wouldn’t hurt if he did it, so he might as well try it. His motto: «The customer is never right.»
The fit:
In the end, the boots came out perfectly. Everything fit perfectly, like butter! So yes, Claude knows what the hell he’s doing. But don’t go into the shop expecting to ask him a bunch of questions, or him giving you a bunch of answers or explaining what he’s doing and why. Expect to come into the shop sit down, shut up, and open up your wallet. Because when the whole thing was done the charge was not $ 200 but $ 320. Why? Because he just raised prices $ 20 for the orthotics, to $ 220, and if you don’t buy boots from him he charges you $ 100 for a boot fitting. Neither one of these prices were discussed before starting, which by the way, is an old salesman trick: You always discuss prices after the product has already been put in your customers hands. So I felt a bit helpless, and had to pay the man. Oh, and the price for those boots that he was going to sell me? Full retail — $ 755 (w/​tax).
Bottom line:
Come into the shop with your wallet open in front of you leading the way, sit down, keep your mouth shut and don’t ask questions. And if you follow those instructions, Claude will welcome you with open hands, and you’ll leave with boots that fit you like butter.

I’d like to thank Claude for getting me back on the slopes after ankle surgery. He took fitting my boots to another level. He creatively worked around an ankle that was twice the size of normal and has provided me a pain free skiing experience again. He is professional, knowledgeable and fun to be around. It was worth the 50 mile drive. Most importantly you can see he loves helping people. A terrific experience all the way around. Thanks Claude!!!

Claude and team are such friendly and knowledgeable ski experts. I felt very taken care in the occasions I have gone to get boots fitted and skis tuned. It is hard not to be a fan of this place.
As others Unilocalers have stated, you are not faced with a ton of choice when you visit Skinet. Still, when you walk out, you feel you have a wonderfully fit piece of footwear in which a two mile ski tour does not intimidate you.
All the shop members are generous with ski knowledge and service level, but most importantly Claude is a true authority on boots.
His methods are simple and effective, and he produces a balanced and responsive feel between you and your ski.
I highly recommend going to Skinet. My boots, all in, cost about $ 850, but I would proudly attest to the value I feel I get from this shop. I will be getting all my ski, binding and boot work done here going forward.

After years of tolerating the pain of ill fitting rookie boots (thanks Sports Chalet!) I ultimately decided to let bygones to begones, and bite the bullet for all new equipment.
My existing boot easily cramps up my foot, so much so I removed the lining to give me a bit more wriggle room to work with to reduce the pain, having realized how important the boots were to the skiing experience, I was willing to pay for anything just for total comfort and sheer bliss of skiing pain free.
Before stumbling upon Claude & SkiNet from other review sites, I was deciding whether I should give Surefoot a try. The sole reason (pun intended) I decided to go with SkiNet, was Claude’s decades of experience, for the boot is to be only as good as the boot fitter, even at the most advanced and expensive place, if the person working there didn’t have enough experience to pick the right boot to begin with, I figured it doesn’t matter what technology is laid upon thereafter, it won’t be great.
I understand when other reviewers have concerns that you don’t have much to say in regards to your boots when you’re at SkiNet, you pretty much don’t, but why should you? Do we really claim to know anything about ski boots other than what pretty colors they have on them? To be fair, my experience may differ because I already decided that I will completely trust the man’s experience, and money was no object if it means better skiing.
So I didn’t question the boot selection, nor the orthotic, and boy, what a difference it makes.
I can’t vouch for others, but the first day I ski with my new boots, I was smiling for the whole damn day. They were literally so comfortable, I didn’t bother unbuckling during lunch, and I ski until it was so dark spotting terrain became impossible, and there was no soreness thereafter other than my overworked muscles.
The boots made a remarkable difference in skill level too, the moguls that used to be daunting, now is like a walk in the park, the confidence level I gained with perfectly fitted boots was unreal.
So if skiing matters to you, I would definitely recommend SkiNet, but if you are concerned about having your two cents on what boots you ought to be using, then why bother with a boot fitter? You can just go click on the internet since you obviously know what you are doing.
BTW, I bought skis from him too, and no, though I wanted the more expensive skis for my own ego, he forced the cheaper one down my throat because it didn’t match my skiing.

Claude and his team are experts at boot fitting and equipment selection. Provide them lots of information, cooperation, and feedback. Then, trust them to do it their way for the best results. Yes they will sell you a custom orthotic because it is essential for a great boot fit and worth every penny. For best results, let them choose your boots based on their assessments and your anatomy. I am an expert skier but I am not an expert boot fitter and so I looked for the best, found Claude, drove in from Riverside, and let him do what he does best. My boots are pain free and the control through to the skis is phenomenal.
I also bought a pair of skis. Claude listened to me and we worked together to select equipment to fit my skiing style. After two days on my new boards, I feel like a kid again on equipment that is working great for me. I am now a walking advertisement for Claude and his team. Ski Net Sports Rocks!

Never have written a review before but felt compelled to lay down the objective experience to the best of my ability:
Such an odd, yet interesting experience
I have been skiing for 25 years– few times a year– I’m 27. I give credit where it’s due and I’m after a result when I shop– ie I usually don’t mind when there is not adequate «bedside manner» (although of course it is pleasant when employees/​owners are pleasant)– it usually doesn’t stop me from just getting what I need.
I have rented up til now– so «ill fitted» or not properly sized– they said people go bigger and tighten buckles tighter– is what I have done. But nonetheless I have improved in these ill fitted boots and had fun doing it all these years renting.
I was interested in the boot, obviously his knowledge, and a heater. Not an orthodic– even though I’m SURE it would make for a better boot– it’s a custom orthodic by a man who knows what he is doing. it is just not at the top of my list right now. and I know I am able to enjoyably ski without one cause I have for over two decades.
That being said– once I had stated I wasn’t interested in an orthodic –keep in mind I’m still spending 600 $ for what I did want– he basically didn’t want to answer any more questions– I had tried on two boots– one «tester» he said he knew wouldn’t fit but was «comfortable» and a decent one. He proceeded to say he «feels he has to talk down to me» and that’s when I knew this wasn’t the place for me when that was his response to me saying I know this is my size since you fit me but it does hurt around my ankle and not in a snug ski boot fitting kind of way. He was done answering any questions without an orthodic involved.
So there you have it. My opinion? This is my first time where I felt a caustic approach got the best of me and most likely won’t be purchasing there. A shame because he does very much know what he is doing– he only wants to answer soapy questions though– and won’t do it without an orthodic.

My fiancé and I visited Ski Net Sports to get him some customized ski boots & skis for the upcoming ski season. We found Claude to be extremely knowledgeable; he was able to explain how ski boots should fit (and identify the best ski boot for an individual), and he taught us the proper way (and easiest way) to put on and get out of a ski boot.
Here’s a summary of what to expect during your custom ski boot fitting. (Make sure you wear shorts and bring your favorite ski socks).
1. Claude will study and measure your feet, stance, posture, from a frontal, profile, and back view with your feet in various positions to determine the best ski boot for you. (We actually brought in a pair of Salomons we picked up at Sport Chalet, which we had help picking out from their resident «expert», but it wound up being an entire size too small).
2. Claude will ask you about your skiing style and expert level to determine which boot would be most suitable for you. You’ll then see his picks for you and make a decision on a boot.
3. Next, custom orthotics are created for you. First, your feet is placed into a machine that creates a mold of your feet (like a deep footprint). After this is done, Claude places hot moldable orthotics into the molds and allows them to cool in the mold to take on your feet’s shape. He then attaches a black rubber sole onto the foot bed and shaves the entire thing down to fit your feet and boot.
4. Claude then warms up the custom moldable ski boot shell until it’s really hot. You put on the ski boot lining (with your new orthotic). Then he places the boots onto your feet and has you test out the fit, he then has you walk around for about 10 – 20 minutes around the store to make sure it’s comfortable and no pressure points develop.
The shop sells skis, poles, helmets, and other equipment you need. They also take care of your skis and hot wax them so you are ready to hit the slopes.
I am definitely going to visit Claude to get my own set of ski boots very soon! Our last ski trip to Alta was really fun, and would have been more fun if not for the foot pain from ski boots that weren’t customized to my feet! My fiancé had no foot pain in his custom ski boots for the first time skiing EVER and had more control over his skis. Go see Claude — he’s awesome!

Yes, properly fitted boots are worth it!
I had to think about whether to spend this amount of money on boots for a hobby that I will practice a few times a year… (which I originally had stopped since I never felt comfortable in all the boots I have owned or rented over the course of three decades)
Then I went to a few stores and after permanently smiling sales reps, looking up how to size things on the web while ‘checking’ something for the customer (sadly, I am not kidding — I overhead one sales rep giving this advice to another when she asked him about fitting skis and boots for her client!!) and finally strongly trying to sell me what product they had in store without regard to my foot already cramping up after only 15 minutes in the best fitting boot they had for sale in my size (for $ 400)…
All of this was at a very well respected and accordingly priced chain store!
That was enough to convince me to spend more (about double) on even better and perfectly fitted boots with a custom footbed made in a place that specializes in skiing and boot fitting only — and I have no regrets whatsoever!
Actually, after so many mediocre or bad ski boot experiences in the past it was quite hard to sit back and let the professional do his job trusting he knows more about my feet after half an hour than I do after living with them all my life…
Finally, after today’s day on the slopes in my new fitted boots I would never go anywhere else! I have never skied better — the difference in control over my skis these boots allow while feeling so comfortable all day long have made it easy for me to enjoy the most difficult runs with speed and precision — and all that after having hardly skied in the past 15 years… I wish I had done this sooner!
Also, the wax they put onto my new skis has to be the fastest I have experienced yet. Love it!