Wildebeest

Correct

Infrequently, only if I can't find the item I want/need in a shop. This brick-and-mortar buying habit of mine only applies to two broad categories of my spending; a.) things of high value (i.e. jewelry, etc.) or b.) things that are experience oriented (i.e. skiing, cycling, hookers, etc.). I am a frequent online shopper in other categories (i.e. Amazon Prime). Boots are a no brainer, I rely on an experienced bootfitters recommendations, I always try on several models, and I go back to my bootfitter for fit tweaks after I've skied them a couple of times. Ski's generally are at price parity between online and in store for current models. If you go to a good shop like Wick's or Salter's, you can talk to someone who's actually skied the model. When they throw in mounting, it tips the price in favor of the shop. Other items like helmets, goggles, & outerwear I don't feel comfortable "showrooming" the item. If the shop went to the trouble evaluating and inventorying the item, my using them for showrooming crosses an ethical line for me.

For me, the two most important criteria in choosing a ski shop are a.) the bootfitters, and b.) the vibe of the place. Wicks had both and was in a convenient location for me. Ski Bum doesn't score nearly as well, but it's been awhile since I've tried them. Guenther's up at Elk scores well on both counts but unless I'm headed to Elk, the location is out of the question. Also have to hit them when Dave is working. Salter's has got some of the best bootfitters around and has a relaxed vibe. Over the years I've bought three pairs of boots (with three different bootfitters) from them. They know their stuff. Although it's a bit of a hike up to Collegeville for me, they will replace Wick's as my go-to shop. Like with Nestor's, it's unfortunate that the independent ski shop's are more passion than profit, and exit strategies are limited for their owners.

Resort ownership is consolidating into just a handful of big players, with guest services, mountain operations, and real estate becoming strikingly uniform (abet in many cases improving). All the major hardgood brands are offering me too products with very little differentiation. And my point with Wick's takeover by Buckman's, the uniqueness that made Wick's special will be quickly replaced by a homogenized merchandising format and staff profile. I like Buckman's for their convenience, but there is nothing special about their brand.

Just got an email announcing Buckman's has acquired Wick's. Totally bummed. Wick's has been my primary shop for decades (use Salter's for boots). Loved its quirky nature and the sales staff knew their stuff. From my POV, Buckman's is a big downgrade and the takeover is another symbol of the homogenization of the sport.

Made my day. Great Pics.

This old thread just caught my eye. Salter's just sent out an email with a flash sale 20% discount on ski and snowboard tuning. Now $28 till Sunday (2/23/2014). It's also on their website ( http://www.saltersski.com/#!whats-new/clpn ).

I've now skied in my Fischer's (Ranger 12's) 5 days in conditions as cold as 12 degrees and as warm as 50 degrees. No issues, consistent flex across the temperature range. Practically no break-in period fit wise, with excellent circulation from day one. During the fitting process, Salter's corrected some minor alignment problems and the difference is noticable between turns and while gliding. I think I picked a winner.

I just got a pair of Fischer Vacuum-Fit boots at Salter's. Best boot fitters in the region. Can't wait to give them a try.