freezywater wrote:snowhugger - depending on where you're going it may be worth waiting until you get to resort, the bootfitters in resorts tend to know what they're talking about a bit more than the puppets in slush+rubble etc etc.
There are a number of reasons why buying boots abroad might cause a problem - I sell boots in the UK so you may consider me biased but this is why I think the way I do -
If you have a problem with the boots after you leave the resort how will you resolve the problem?
Most staff in the bigger resort ski shops are seasonal staff, why should they be any more knowledgeable than staff in the UK? Many people will do and say anything to get a job in resort. In 14 years working in resorts in Europe and Canada I've seen loads of people fitting boots who didnt have a clue.
This isnt true of all shops by any means but some resort shop staff know that they will never see you again after the week - they take the opportunity to get rid of old or inappropriate (for you) boots.
My advice would be to phone some shops local to you (independent shops will offer a better service in my opinion. If you go mid week you will often be served by the owner) Ask them if they offer a comfort guarantee.
Ideally they will do any refitting that is necessary for free for the life of the boot.
If you ski on a local slope, you can suss out any problems after youve bought the boots but before you go on holiday.
Dont get me wrong - there are some very good boot fitting shops in the Alps but there are many that are not. And even if you find a good shop what will you do if you have a problem after you leave?
This winter I think you might also find that boots are cheaper in the UK than in the Euro zone