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Park Skiers and Ski Techs (jerks)

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Charlie*
Posts: 198 - Karma: 579
Why is it that so many ski techs are straight up douchers to park skiers? I've been in the game long enough to notice this trend and its really annoying. Almost every season. As soon as the tech sees you have Full Tilts, want your skis center mounted, talk park, they immediately flip the switch into a "holy-er than thou" pompous attitude.

Take for example today. I work at a ski resort so I have to have my gear checked annually. Cool. I can do that. As soon as I lean my armada's against the counter and toss my boots (full tilts) up I get an immediate "oh this fucking guy" look. The dude just shuts down any potential for decent customer service at that point. Looked at my boots like hes never seen them before in his life, and than denies me my inspection because of the heel. I get into an argument telling him hes off his rocker (the boots are a year old and in great shape, not to mention I worked 3 years as a ski tech prior...I know a "banna'ed" boot.) and than he just totally shuts me down and walks off, no discussion. So now i'm forced to buy unnecessary replacement parts. It's always the same story when you talk center mounting skis. They look at you like you have 3 heads. Walk in with world cup skis on the other hand and they kiss your ass, i've seen it.

Take a look at my boots that have "fucked" heels. You tell me NS, im sure theres other techs on here. Whats your opinion? Maybe I'm the one off my rocker...



Yeah I know, its one shop, one dude right? Nope, pretty much every year I deal with the same BS in different shops. The polarization between park skiers (and the rest of the ski community) is bigger than the skier/snowboarder gap. Why is this? Theres really no good reason for it. Even though I don't necessarily believe its true, as a park rat I'm inclined to bring up the fact that there just jealous because they can't shred ;)...usually winds them up. But seriously...are they really that insecure about their skiing? I hope not...

I guess this was a vent thread more than anything, but i'm sure other NSers have similar experiences...Post 'em if you got 'em
Nov 27 2015 5:58PM
232 137
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37521 - Karma: 121,459
oh noes, my oppression being a park skier.
Nov 27 2015 6:10PM
17 43
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Karl_Hungus
Posts: 510 - Karma: 3,664
Bro its 2015 im pretty sure we are kind of the norm now, sorry you ran into some random kook but at this point if youre a bad ski tech with park skiers than youre not going to have much business, after all we break our stuff and need it fixed way more than other skiers
Nov 27 2015 6:16PM
22 1
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LOLZfajitas
Posts: 393 - Karma: 1,054
i ran into the same problem a year ago, i sacked up and bought the heel piece, swapped it out, got my shit mounted then swapped the old heel back and left the new one in the bag for when it really needed it, just some people man, live, and learn
Nov 27 2015 7:29PM
3 0
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japanada
Posts: 13785 - Karma: 1,956
I think that most ski techs probably skied park at some point before getting into fresh snow and bigger lines.

My bet would be he was hungover as hell
Nov 27 2015 7:38PM
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Brocka_Flocka
Posts: 1215 - Karma: 8,742
Just get Full Tilts
Nov 27 2015 7:43PM
14 2
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shin-bang
Posts: 4100 - Karma: 6,997
nah ive somewhat noticed this. my shop targets the gapers/ non informed people, selling them boots that are wayy too big, and basically telling them the wrong decisions on gear.

but as far as relevancy towards the thread, ive only gotten that "youre a park skier noob" a couple times, but for the most part they understand.
Nov 27 2015 7:47PM
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AK_
Posts: 60 - Karma: 247
Very similar experiences for me. Thought it was just up in AK but I just moved down south this year. Blew up a 18 din binding openeing day @ targhee and these ski techs still treating me like a snot nosed kid.
There isn't a single innovation that has pushed our sport further (in and out of the park) than the modern three piece boot. Anybody who says anything else is kidding them self.
Nov 27 2015 8:00PM
1 5
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oldworld_newlife
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 5,251
lol wut.

ive never seen a ski tech against park skiers?

today i walked into a nice expensive ski shop, wearing a big level 1 sweatshirt, carrying my busted ass dirty skis, and asked this old guy at the desk if i could get them remounted center. He was like "oh cool!" "do you jib?" and was totally into it. Then when he asked to see my boots, i handed him my full tilts and his reaction was "nice! how do you like them? i hear good things about them" . after that, he said i couldnt have them mounted for a week and would have to wait, and when i offered him 20 bucks he was like "hell yeah ill be done in 10 minutes".

maybe its the attitue some skiers have, i dont think they have a thing against park skiers.
not all techs are jerks OP.
Nov 27 2015 8:14PM
10 2
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 779 - Karma: 4,120
My local shop pissed me off recently because I took my skis boots and bindings to be mounted. When I gave them the information to set the DIN the "tech" scoffed when I told him I wanted it set at a 9. He then told me that I I shouldn't be even close to that. he showed me after incorrectly interpreting the DIN chart I should be set at a four. I informed him of his error and he became extremely irritated and said that I knew nothing of how any ski related technology worked. Moral of the story is I no longer shop there and don't recommend it to anyone due to huge amounts of incompetence.
Nov 27 2015 8:48PM
6 2
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
Charlie*Why is it that so many ski techs are straight up douchers to park skiers? I've been in the game long enough to notice this trend and its really annoying. Almost every season. As soon as the tech sees you have Full Tilts, want your skis center mounted, talk park, they immediately flip the switch into a "holy-er than thou" pompous attitude.

Take for example today. I work at a ski resort so I have to have my gear checked annually. Cool. I can do that. As soon as I lean my armada's against the counter and toss my boots (full tilts) up I get an immediate "oh this fucking guy" look. The dude just shuts down any potential for decent customer service at that point. Looked at my boots like hes never seen them before in his life, and than denies me my inspection because of the heel. I get into an argument telling him hes off his rocker (the boots are a year old and in great shape, not to mention I worked 3 years as a ski tech prior...I know a "banna'ed" boot.) and than he just totally shuts me down and walks off, no discussion. So now i'm forced to buy unnecessary replacement parts. It's always the same story when you talk center mounting skis. They look at you like you have 3 heads. Walk in with world cup skis on the other hand and they kiss your ass, i've seen it.

Take a look at my boots that have "fucked" heels. You tell me NS, im sure theres other techs on here. Whats your opinion? Maybe I'm the one off my rocker...



Yeah I know, its one shop, one dude right? Nope, pretty much every year I deal with the same BS in different shops. The polarization between park skiers (and the rest of the ski community) is bigger than the skier/snowboarder gap. Why is this? Theres really no good reason for it. Even though I don't necessarily believe its true, as a park rat I'm inclined to bring up the fact that there just jealous because they can't shred ;)...usually winds them up. But seriously...are they really that insecure about their skiing? I hope not...

I guess this was a vent thread more than anything, but i'm sure other NSers have similar experiences...Post 'em if you got B'em


You're not wrong or paranoid, do not listen to any responses here that say differently.

The problem is that skiing was an elitist sport for a very long time. When I started riding park back in '98 - both the snowboarders and every other skier though you were utter dogshit.

The idea here is that a park skier is in some fashion 'not a real skier'. It's propagated by the idea where we don't spend all day every day learning to carve, we are somehow lesser than the self proclaimed 'real' skier.

It's cancer in our industry - and though the chemo that has been the rise of Newschoolers freestyle into the common ski experience - this cancer is only in remission, and has not been fully defeated.

So though loads of ski techs out there are amazing, and tones of them are skiers who appreciate the whole mountain - including the park... There are a rare few who still hate anyone who isn't part of the elite class of skiing.

I mean personally I think you should out what this shop is so your brethren here on Newschoolers can avoid this level of ridiculous discrimination.
Nov 27 2015 8:54PM
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Big_Mtn
Posts: 551 - Karma: 1,647
AK_There isn't a single innovation that has pushed our sport further (in and out of the park) than the modern three piece boot. Anybody who says anything else is kidding them self.


You're forgetting about twin tips. I prefer a stiffer boot and I have a narrow foot. Hence the reason why I ski a boot that is very similar to a race boot. There's quite a few high level pipe skiers that aren't in a 3 piece boot. Everyone that is skiing park/pipe at a high level has twin tips, not everyone has a 3 piece boot.
Nov 27 2015 9:42PM
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chuckmarty
Posts: 344 - Karma: 448
I went into a shop in breck wearing my dirty park rat outfit and asked the tech if he could de-burr my edges with a gummy stone (this step literally takes 2 minutes at most) and give the skis a quick wax. The clown wanted to charge me $60 for a full tuneup and refused to do just the gummy stone + wax for a reasonable price. I told him I didn't need my edges sharpened or ptex put into the bases but the dude just wouldn't understand. I promptly walked out of the shop.

Some people just assume you know nothing about skiing and only want your money.
Nov 27 2015 9:43PM
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Monsieur_Patate
Posts: 1393 - Karma: 4,307
I think skiing in North America and Europe is really different on many levels. I personally haven't really witnessed that kind of hate towards park skiers here, on the contrary. People are usually pretty stoked towards park skiers. Maybe the occasional tourist grumpy old gaper who doesn't like young people, but withing the community and industry, as long as you shred, nobody gives a fuck how you shred.

I also discovered on NS that ski patrol can pull your pass if you go too fast or whatever.
You also have to use certain 'gates' to access the backcountry otherwise you can also get your pass pulled.
And now I learn that you have to have your equipment checked if your work at a ski resort and they can force you to buy/replace your stuff?

Seriously if they tried to implement even one of those rules in France, people would riot. That shit is not chill, don't fuck with my skiing.
Nov 27 2015 9:47PM
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elm.
Posts: 1505 - Karma: 13,576
Charlie*Even though I don't necessarily believe its true, as a park rat I'm inclined to bring up the fact that they're just jealous because they can't shred ;)...usually winds them up. But seriously...are they really that insecure about their skiing? I hope not...


This is it. they're justl butthurt that they can't ski switch
Nov 27 2015 9:50PM
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Bogs
Posts: 4296 - Karma: 1,361
Op thinks it's unfair and gets upset that ski tech treats him like he's a douche.

Op assumes ski tech is just jealous/bitter that he can't shred as hard as op. Op says he is kidding about this, but clearly truly believes it.

And don't forget about the fact that op doesn't like polarization between skiers while, again, looking down on the ski tech and assuming he is a far superior skier to the ski tech, which is making the ski tech jealous of op's mad skills.

hmm...
Nov 27 2015 9:55PM
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FastSpeed
Posts: 646 - Karma: 644
As a ski shop employee this is partly true. I lease skis and tune skis so I am personally not ski technician, but I work next to them all day. Yeah there are plenty of park skiers that come in with their full tilts and center mounted chronics, and their trashed gear. For example this guy came in with 2 pairs of faction park skis (prodigys I think) and a pair of aldentes. He bought new boots and wanted us to adjust him for him. Well the pivots he had on them were totally fucked. All the brakes were broken and bent sideways or one of the sides of the brake was completely broken off. Afds gone, just a shit show. When I told him we legally can't work on them he stormed off all pissed. But you'll have that. You case is totally different but 1 quarter of you are wreaking the reputation for the other 3 quarters of you. I was like sorry man, but the older guys were super salty, like you described. I try to keep an open mind



I am 16 and don't ski park.
Nov 27 2015 10:18PM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,057
i need to see a bigger picture in order to give you my thoughts on it. but yes, we techs will fail a boot if it is gouged our marred in a way that would cause it not to eject from the binding correctly. We have to visually inspect the boot and it has to pass certain criteria. Im sorry youve had bad experiences with the shops you went to but that doesnt make all techs bad. Im a park skier at heart and work at a shop to support the habit. Unfortunately, if we pass your boot and you get hurt, you can sue us and the shop. Not saying you will, but it has happened and thats why its on the form to test for. I hope you can understand.
Nov 27 2015 10:19PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1485 - Karma: 3,820
Mr.BishopYou're not wrong or paranoid, do not listen to any responses here that say differently.

The problem is that skiing was an elitist sport for a very long time. When I started riding park back in '98 - both the snowboarders and every other skier though you were utter dogshit.

The idea here is that a park skier is in some fashion 'not a real skier'. It's propagated by the idea where we don't spend all day every day learning to carve, we are somehow lesser than the self proclaimed 'real' skier.

It's cancer in our industry - and though the chemo that has been the rise of Newschoolers freestyle into the common ski experience - this cancer is only in remission, and has not been fully defeated.

So though loads of ski techs out there are amazing, and tones of them are skiers who appreciate the whole mountain - including the park... There are a rare few who still hate anyone who isn't part of the elite class of skiing.

I mean personally I think you should out what this shop is so your brethren here on Newschoolers can avoid this level of ridiculous discrimination.


In my experience, it isn't because shop techs hate park skiers specifically, it's more so that they create a slight headache for them. Why? Because parks rats are specific about wanting unspecific things in regards to mounts and tuning and if they are unhappy there is an expense on the shop to redo it. On top of that, fat and rockered skis don't want to work well with some equipment or machines. Injury and lawsuits are another arguing point, but there are plenty of casual skiers who also get injured and want nothing more than to blame their locally loved shop just to get some money.

To be real, it is much easier to mount/ tune a pair of 150's with a rail for a person who knows nothing because they don't ask questions and just accept that you did a good job, just look at how shiny everything is!
Nov 27 2015 10:24PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
PoikenzIn my experience, it isn't because shop techs hate park skiers specifically, it's more so that they create a slight headache for them. Why? Because parks rats are specific about wanting unspecific things in regards to mounts and tuning and if they are unhappy there is an expense on the shop to redo it. On top of that, fat and rockered skis don't want to work well with some equipment or machines. Injury and lawsuits are another arguing point, but there are plenty of casual skiers who also get injured and want nothing more than to blame their locally loved shop just to get some money.

To be real, it is much easier to mount/ tune a pair of 150's with a rail for a person who knows nothing because they don't ask questions and just accept that you did a good job, just look at how shiny everything is!


Fuck that - I was both a ski tech and currently mount my own skis.

Its extremely easy to satiate the needs of a park rat. They want their skis center mounted? Grab the tape measure for the sum total of 5 seconds - measure that shit tip to tail, make a little mark, grab the jig and boom you're mounting skis just like any other day.

The problem is that shop techs think they're better than you because you want something other than the factory recommended mount. It is utter horseshit that it takes extra time.

As for liability - I also don't buy it. Mounting someone's skis a few millimeters away from what is recommended is a simple act of the free market and your customers needs. If you need to set the bindings to a lower DIN and let them crank it up - then whatever.

If the boots are too damaged that the law doesn't allow you to do something - there are waivers that the customer can sign so you are not held liable for the work that they request.

I've experienced all of this on both sides, and its ignorant of a shop tech to refuse a customer's needs.
Nov 27 2015 11:20PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,992
I brought in a pair of volkl ledges and marker squires (i know they are garbage). My ski tech was jealous almost. He said i should take really good care of them since they are really nice. He messed up the mount in every way possible. He didnt even screw in one of the heel plates in all the way so it wobbles when the boot isnt in (it is fully sturdy when clipped in). He mounted the plates in the wrong spot. He didnt even touch the forward pressure in my bindings. I didnt even know what it was until I watched a video on youtube and checked my skis. The screw in the heel pieces were sticking out when i clipped the boots in. I had to twist my screw driver for 30 seconds non stop to get the screw flush with the plastic back. I have no other ski tech in the area so I hope my binding settings are correct.
Nov 27 2015 11:27PM
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Swandog7
Posts: 4955 - Karma: 9,023
Too many race based shops imo. I feel like they just don't have enough experience and complain that they have to do something different than regular skis. Idk it just seems it throws them off a little. I feel like they think we are over worried about our gear and not skiing and think we just cut off people and mess with non park skiers, but then again I'm tired and don't think right when I'm tired
Nov 27 2015 11:54PM
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CTD
Posts: 6301 - Karma: 349
36ChambersOfWuAs a ski shop employee this is partly true. I lease skis and tune skis so I am personally not ski technician, but I work next to them all day. Yeah there are plenty of park skiers that come in with their full tilts and center mounted chronics, and their trashed gear. For example this guy came in with 2 pairs of faction park skis (prodigys I think) and a pair of aldentes. He bought new boots and wanted us to adjust him for him. Well the pivots he had on them were totally fucked. All the brakes were broken and bent sideways or one of the sides of the brake was completely broken off. Afds gone, just a shit show. When I told him we legally can't work on them he stormed off all pissed. But you'll have that. You case is totally different but 1 quarter of you are wreaking the reputation for the other 3 quarters of you. I was like sorry man, but the older guys were super salty, like you described. I try to keep an open mind



I am 16 and don't ski park.


This all day.

It's alot of things that can make park skiers a pain in the ass typically from a shop employee point of view.

- Typically think they are cool as shit
- They know everything, despite riding full tilts two sizes two big
- They probably didn't buy any of the gear from the shop they're are in
- Gear is usually beat to shit
- Usually cheap and wants stuff for free or a hookup
- Want the DINS turned up, skis center mounted, etc, no big deal but more paperwork/work to do and again, not usually down to spend more money or tip especially well.


It's not about park skiers specifically, it's just that alot of park skiers happen to be dirtbags.
Nov 28 2015 5:12AM
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CTD
Posts: 6301 - Karma: 349
36ChambersOfWuAs a ski shop employee this is partly true. I lease skis and tune skis so I am personally not ski technician, but I work next to them all day. Yeah there are plenty of park skiers that come in with their full tilts and center mounted chronics, and their trashed gear. For example this guy came in with 2 pairs of faction park skis (prodigys I think) and a pair of aldentes. He bought new boots and wanted us to adjust him for him. Well the pivots he had on them were totally fucked. All the brakes were broken and bent sideways or one of the sides of the brake was completely broken off. Afds gone, just a shit show. When I told him we legally can't work on them he stormed off all pissed. But you'll have that. You case is totally different but 1 quarter of you are wreaking the reputation for the other 3 quarters of you. I was like sorry man, but the older guys were super salty, like you described. I try to keep an open mind



I am 16 and don't ski park.


This all day.

It's alot of things that can make park skiers a pain in the ass typically from a shop employee point of view.

- Typically think they are cool as shit
- They know everything, despite riding full tilts two sizes two big
- They probably didn't buy any of the gear from the shop they're are in
- Gear is usually beat to shit
- Usually cheap and wants stuff for free or a hookup
- Want the DINS turned up, skis center mounted, etc, no big deal but more paperwork/work to do and again, not usually down to spend more money or tip especially well.


It's not about park skiers specifically, it's just that alot of park skiers happen to be dirtbags.
Nov 28 2015 5:12AM
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Anesteezia
Posts: 239 - Karma: 1,386
The ski shop I go to is so legit. Definitely some park skiers working there instead of salty old guys. I think Krotch Works there. They carry Armada and Saga, and they mount any pair of skis without batting an eye (unless the skis are fucked up).

They could provide a great example of how other ski shops should run their buisness.
Nov 28 2015 9:13AM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
CTDThis all day.

It's alot of things that can make park skiers a pain in the ass typically from a shop employee point of view.

- Typically think they are cool as shit
- They know everything, despite riding full tilts two sizes two big
- They probably didn't buy any of the gear from the shop they're are in
- Gear is usually beat to shit
- Usually cheap and wants stuff for free or a hookup
- Want the DINS turned up, skis center mounted, etc, no big deal but more paperwork/work to do and again, not usually down to spend more money or tip especially well.


It's not about park skiers specifically, it's just that alot of park skiers happen to be dirtbags.


I work in a shop in Keystone and although it's a high end retail shop, a lot of park skiers come through with broken fulltilts.
You're pretty spot on, I get paid on commission so when you walk the screw heads off your titlts and get butt hurt because I'm charging labor just keep in mind that I'm a poor park skier too and I just gave up a $1,000 boot sale to fuck with your neglected equipment.
I live in an expensive place so of course I'll try to help out my fellow park rider. But I think the issue is more of the fact that no shop likes working on fulltilts because they are pieces of shit.
i also don't give a fuck what kind of hook up you get at your friends shop in Breck. Don't come in dropping facts about how legit you are, just be cool
Nov 28 2015 10:30AM
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AGOF
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 3,605
I've got to the point I only trust one tech to work on my skis boots, and if I have to get skis mounted elsewhere. I tell them the bindings are still I use, hand them boots and skis and just have them drill the holes.
Nov 28 2015 10:32AM
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NoSkillsCrew
Posts: 1204 - Karma: 2,113
I will say we get a bunch of park rats into the shop I work at and they can range from super chill to kind of annoying. I'll mount something wherever. I won't turn up your dins. I won't work on fucked up gear. And unless I know you I won't give you a bro deal.

I will say that my older coworkers get pretty annoyed with park oriented customers because they are always looking for the hookup. So just come in and be chill.

You want to get on any techs good side and are poor? Tip us in beer. Cheap beer. The gesture is appreciated. Don't like how one shop treats you? Go to another. Build a relationship with a tech or a shop and treat them right and they will start to give you deals and float you stuff. If someone treats you shitty don't give them business. Leave a bad yelp review or whatever. Complaining to the NS crowd probably wont get you anywhere though.

Also full tilts do wear fast. Yours look fine though.
Nov 28 2015 11:41AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
NoSkillsCrewYou want to get on any techs good side and are poor? Tip us in beer. Cheap beer. The gesture is appreciated.


Anyone reading this, note that the advice presented here is the secret to good shop treatment.

Roll in with a 6 pack and a weird request and buddy you will be treated like a god.

overall in this discussion I think there are two main lessons:

1) don't go to shops that have bad attitude old school ass holes that think park skiing isn't a part of skiing.

2) treat shop employees with respect. If they want to give you the bro hookup, earn that shit through respect and/or beer/weed.

Core shops are the shit. If you're ever in breck, walk yourself into Slopestyle and they will take care of you with honest advice and respect as a park skier. I wish there were more shops like this in the world.
Nov 28 2015 12:00PM
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MARCOOO
Posts: 105 - Karma: 277
I've gotten the complete opposite of this. All the techs I've talked to have been mad chill and been really cool about it. Although some have poked fun at park skiing but those guys were much older and have been skiing for 40+ years and say they wish they could do the same.
Nov 28 2015 12:01PM
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Tony2urnt
Posts: 216 - Karma: 214
Don't let him invade your safe zone like that
Nov 28 2015 12:19PM
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DowseBigamy
Posts: 113 - Karma: 147
In the UK, park skiing is just tarting to become a 'bigger' thing now, but there are still not that many shops that deal with freestyle equipment and brands in the way that some in the US and Canada seem to. That means that we have to go online to buy our stuff, and if you don't know what you're doing it's a minefield. We had some guy come in with fairly small boots, 84mm waist skis and the biggest pair of Rossi bindings he could find. The binding plate was wider than the ski.

So it isn't all techs, there are some guys out there that will treat you like gold, but I think some of the negativity towards parkl skiers comes from experiences where they've cluelessly bought all the nice looking things online to see if they're actually compatible, and the fact that some of us don't look after our gear very well.

However, the above is true for general skiers too, hundreds of people just buy the pretty looking stuff online. They just don't seem to get the same treatment - and I can't figure out why!
Nov 28 2015 12:50PM
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SKIU4EA
Posts: 2387 - Karma: 2,072
I feel sometimes there is a condescending vibe when I go into a new shop, but that's rare. I always think to myself that there must have been circumstances and scenarios in the past to make them act like that. whether it be kids angling for free shit or just cocky park kids with gear falling to pieces.

Sucks because I have to mount some new skis and I have to go to a new shop. Hope I don't run into this problem.
Nov 28 2015 12:52PM
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gnarballsianm
Posts: 621 - Karma: 703
Wow where do you live man? I'd just keep trying different shops until you find some guy who isn't a totall dick, i'm sure they are out there.

I am not a full blown park skier persay, more into the b.c. seen, but i do ride my gear hard and when I walk into my local shop Seattle Ski those guys are more than welcome to accomidate whatever worn down or broken pieces I have without a question or attempt at having m the buy uneccessary parts.

Any shop worker that denies you business is a jackass because those guys especially need it in todays ski economy. Granted, my brother did run into this issue down in Kent area when he was trying to get his Salomon Czars mounted with Marker Baron's, he brought all the components in and the shop worker just grilled him on how his skis needed a base tune because of wax build up, his boots (nordica beasts) were too worn down and flexed out, and his bindings where too high of a din for him even after he told them he was at an expert level of skiing. He got back his skis fully mounted for $25 with a lost diginity and a din set to 6.

So i total agree, it does happen, just find the right shop though and you'll be all good.
Nov 28 2015 1:25PM
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pikes
Posts: 165 - Karma: 818
maybe just take the gamble and don't ever go to a tech?
Nov 28 2015 1:52PM
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murphyboiiii
Posts: 720 - Karma: 1,587
this one time the owner of a shop where I used to live would only back mount my park skis, and while I told him several times that they should be center mounted, he refused to mount my skis unless they were back mounted. Huge dick move and I spent the first half of the season with back mounted AR-7s
Nov 28 2015 10:41PM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,832
Mr.BishopFuck that - I was both a ski tech and currently mount my own skis.

Its extremely easy to satiate the needs of a park rat. They want their skis center mounted? Grab the tape measure for the sum total of 5 seconds - measure that shit tip to tail, make a little mark, grab the jig and boom you're mounting skis just like any other day.

The problem is that shop techs think they're better than you because you want something other than the factory recommended mount. It is utter horseshit that it takes extra time.

As for liability - I also don't buy it. Mounting someone's skis a few millimeters away from what is recommended is a simple act of the free market and your customers needs. If you need to set the bindings to a lower DIN and let them crank it up - then whatever.

If the boots are too damaged that the law doesn't allow you to do something - there are waivers that the customer can sign so you are not held liable for the work that they request.

I've experienced all of this on both sides, and its ignorant of a shop tech to refuse a customer's needs.

This I don't understand why more people don't mount their skis. My shop is really chill usually and it is a really high end shop in sun valley where the skier age is 55 and we have very little park. The guys are chill and my dad and I both just go in and mount our skis out selves. He says there are 2 rules always keep the fridge stocked with beer and always leave it cleaner than you found it. If I'm 14 and can mount skis so an any of you like bishop said its not hard to grab a tape measure even though a lot of skis include the center marking now. Ski techs and ski patrol are like cops just a few assholes will ruin the whole image for everyone. Fuck the ski techs coming straight from the under ground I got it bad cause my boots are brown. But really though OP should find a different shop and just bring in a case of beer and get on their good side then learn to mount his skis.
Nov 29 2015 11:32AM
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Kygourz
Posts: 112 - Karma: 172
I work at a shop and our techs are all chill about park skiers even though they are all mountain guys.
Nov 29 2015 1:03PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3936 - Karma: 6,279
I fucking love the shop that I go to. I haven't seen any special treatment between racers and park skiers there and they pretty much treat everyone the same.
Nov 29 2015 4:06PM
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,748
chuckmartyI went into a shop in breck wearing my dirty park rat outfit and asked the tech if he could de-burr my edges with a gummy stone (this step literally takes 2 minutes at most) and give the skis a quick wax. The clown wanted to charge me $60 for a full tuneup and refused to do just the gummy stone + wax for a reasonable price. I told him I didn't need my edges sharpened or ptex put into the bases but the dude just wouldn't understand. I promptly walked out of the shop.

Some people just assume you know nothing about skiing and only want your money.


How did you go to a shop in breck wanting a "park tune" and NOT go to Slopestyle? That's your bad, straight up. The guys there would've known exactly what you wanted, and would've been reasonable on the price 100%. Plus, they probably would've done it right then and there for you, maybe tossed you a beer, and at the very least you could've watched a new ski flick while you waited.
Nov 29 2015 4:26PM
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Brunzy
Posts: 35 - Karma: 86
I always get shit from techs. Last week I took my skis to get center mounted and the guy literally said " what the hell are you thinking, these are going to ski like shit." We kept talking and he said he wouldnt do anything less than like 1.5 inches back. I asked for the manager and he said "you're looking at him." needless to say I took my shit and left.
Nov 29 2015 4:33PM
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elcornholio
Posts: 797 - Karma: 1,556
The shop I go to to get boot fitted and mount skis is great and the ski techs are chill af. That said, I've been to places that pretty much channel out park skiers. Once I went to a shop that wouldn't mount a ski if it had edge cracks and wanted like $120 to mount a pair of skis. I guess its a location thing because I've had the best success at shops near ski resorts, but not exactly at the resort.
Nov 29 2015 4:48PM
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chuckmarty
Posts: 344 - Karma: 448
casualHow did you go to a shop in breck wanting a "park tune" and NOT go to Slopestyle? That's your bad, straight up. The guys there would've known exactly what you wanted, and would've been reasonable on the price 100%. Plus, they probably would've done it right then and there for you, maybe tossed you a beer, and at the very least you could've watched a new ski flick while you waited.


They were closed, ya dingus.
Nov 29 2015 8:16PM
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skebumw
Posts: 190 - Karma: 444
36ChambersOfWuAs a ski shop employee this is partly true. I lease skis and tune skis so I am personally not ski technician, but I work next to them all day. Yeah there are plenty of park skiers that come in with their full tilts and center mounted chronics, and their trashed gear. For example this guy came in with 2 pairs of faction park skis (prodigys I think) and a pair of aldentes. He bought new boots and wanted us to adjust him for him. Well the pivots he had on them were totally fucked. All the brakes were broken and bent sideways or one of the sides of the brake was completely broken off. Afds gone, just a shit show. When I told him we legally can't work on them he stormed off all pissed. But you'll have that. You case is totally different but 1 quarter of you are wreaking the reputation for the other 3 quarters of you. I was like sorry man, but the older guys were super salty, like you described. I try to keep an open mind



I am 16 and don't ski park.


I am 16 and dont ski park

I dont discriminate but its true like a 1/4 of the punk ass shitty stereotypical park skiers ruin it for the other 3/4. Some of us like me and my boy chambersofwu dont judge the other 3/4 based off of the 1/4. Not all people are as rad as us I guess.
Nov 29 2015 8:51PM
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FastSpeed
Posts: 646 - Karma: 644
skebumwI am 16 and dont ski park

I dont discriminate but its true like a 1/4 of the punk ass shitty stereotypical park skiers ruin it for the other 3/4. Some of us like me and my boy chambersofwu dont judge the other 3/4 based off of the 1/4. Not all people are as rad as us I guess.



*Slow claps*
Nov 30 2015 7:47AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
casualHow did you go to a shop in breck wanting a "park tune" and NOT go to Slopestyle? That's your bad, straight up. The guys there would've known exactly what you wanted, and would've been reasonable on the price 100%. Plus, they probably would've done it right then and there for you, maybe tossed you a beer, and at the very least you could've watched a new ski flick while you waited.


My name is Doug Bishop and I support this statement.

If you are in Breck, are a park person and go anywhere else than slopestyle... you need to be committed.
Its literally the park skiers paradise. That shop joins the ranks of the few elite places where you experience pure bliss as a park or park-minded skier.
Dec 1 2015 12:23AM
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Nikolaus
Posts: 863 - Karma: 1,000
the techs mounted mine a week early cuz we brought them a six pack
Dec 1 2015 1:29AM
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willysworld
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 5,485
Monsieur_PatateI think skiing in North America and Europe is really different on many levels. I personally haven't really witnessed that kind of hate towards park skiers here, on the contrary. People are usually pretty stoked towards park skiers. Maybe the occasional tourist grumpy old gaper who doesn't like young people, but withing the community and industry, as long as you shred, nobody gives a fuck how you shred.

I also discovered on NS that ski patrol can pull your pass if you go too fast or whatever.
You also have to use certain 'gates' to access the backcountry otherwise you can also get your pass pulled.
And now I learn that you have to have your equipment checked if your work at a ski resort and they can force you to buy/replace your stuff?

Seriously if they tried to implement even one of those rules in France, people would riot. That shit is not chill, don't fuck with my skiing.


It's cause skiing in Europe is so much better than the Usa.. only resorts in North America that compare are Whistler, Jackson Hole ,Telluride, Revelstoke and kicking horse.. and even those ones bar whistler are quite small compared to Euro resorts. Go ski in meribel and visit the Togshop. Best ski shop in France and the ski tech skis better than you do..
Dec 1 2015 1:42AM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
japanadaI think that most ski techs probably skied park at some point before getting into fresh snow and bigger lines.

My bet would be he was hungover as hell


this
Dec 1 2015 2:55AM
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270on420out
Posts: 7513 - Karma: 51,156
murphyboiiiithis one time the owner of a shop where I used to live would only back mount my park skis, and while I told him several times that they should be center mounted, he refused to mount my skis unless they were back mounted. Huge dick move and I spent the first half of the season with back mounted AR-7s


You should've went to another shop.
Dec 1 2015 7:42AM
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