Bob Skinner's Ski & Sports — Local services in Newbury

In a word, WOW. A genuine locally owned gem. I was recently there with my GF to get her a new pair of boots after she was mis-sized at another shop. The foot scanner they use gives a ton of extra information that conventional shoe sizers just don't give, combine that with the insane level of boot fitting expertise they have there and she was squared away in less than 30 minutes. What really stood out to me was the level of care and integrity shown by every person in that shop. When they were fitting her boots to her skis (sidewalk find she has been using for 2 seasons) they warned her that they were actually kids skis only rated for 100lbs and could split on her considering they are around 6 years old. They let her borrow a set of demo skis at no charge so she could try her new boots out and make sure everything was good safely (we use those Carv things and her metrics improved by almost 20% in multiple areas on the new boots). When she came back she was interested in safer skis but didn't want something with the price tag of the Demos. Rather than try to highlight features and upsell her Doug found her a pair of Atomics that not only were in her budget but also came with bindings that saved her a ton of money on top. We had such an incredible experience I went back a day later to get a new pair of boots myself. I am a huge nerd and they were even getting into the nitty gritty of engineering and materials with me. This shop is the total package. Frank, you guys have two new customers for life! Shop...

Pro: My partner had a solid experience with Frank when she went into the shop this past winter. She had ski boot / foot issues for awhile so he was able to help her get fitted, paying meticulous attention to detail and explaining why she had issues with her boots.

Con: Knowing that she had a good experience, I decided to go into the shop this past summer to get fitted for ski boots (first time buying ski boots / new skier), but I was very disappointed with the service that I received from a gentleman who fitted me (it wasn't Frank). He couldn't have been more reluctant to help me, and every time I asked him questions (as a new skier I was curious about ski boot fitting), he couldn't have been more curt... It certainly wasn't the service that I was expecting, but I ended up buying boots anyway because I like supporting local shops.

Recommendation: This is a shop that I hope to return to, but next time, I'll be certain to request Frank for assistance (or some of the other staff members). Similarly, if you're going in for a boot fitting, then I recommend...

I wanted to like Bob skinner's but I'm extremely disappointed. i asked them to put cold temp hot wax and I wont be back doe 3 days to pick up. Instead they put warm temp wax (because next day was 50). I drove in the freezing rain to pick up my board. When I arrived at Stowe Feb 5th my first run was awful. I called and talked to Ann. She said bring my board back another time and they will do it. On Feb 13th, I went back and asked them for a cold temp hot wax. The guy told me there is not cold temp in the forecast. I told him I heading to Co and wont be riding again until Feb 22nd. Instead of putting the cold temp wax, the guy told me I wanted the red wax and if I wait a few min he will have a done. Well I'm at crested butte guess what it's cold and I'm sticking to the snow. I had to call my day by noon and can my board hot wax with cold temp wax. They have officially ruin 2 riding days. I like in cambridge ma. I will never go there again. They cant seem to following a...