I'm new to the area and need to pick up some new ski boots. Can anyone recommend a quality local retailer in the Annapolis area (ie Baltimore & DC).

First let me say welcome to Annapolis! U can always check out Ski Haus on Rt. 50 for starters. Then of course Ski Shoppe Ltd. in Reisterstown is a local friendly shop with good knowledge.

But now I'll give you my true bias.... Ski Center on Mass. Ave. in DC has the best selection and ability to truly fit you. They are capable of all the custom work you could need. They do many of the local instructors, patrolers, and racers. It's a long drive but worth it.

BTW... Liberty is your closest resort to the area. It's a 1.5 hr. (85 mi.) drive.

I can second the recommendation for Ski Center -- a great, family-owned business with a lot of experience in bootfitting. One of their employees is Brian Eardley, who has ranked as one of the best bootfitters in the nation by Ski Magazine . Ski Center has gotten a lot of positive reviews from DCSki readers over the years. (And I had my last pair of boots fitted there.)

- Scott

The Ski Haus in Glen Burnie is where I have found some great bargains. DC prices tend to be higher.

Brian Eardley at Ski Center is the man to see. He fitted my friend for boots last year, and that friend did nothing but sing praises for Brian months after the event. Because Brian gets extremely busy on weekends, it is best to catch him midweek--my friend took time off from work to get a midweek appointment.

Ski Center and Brian are the best in the area. If you are looking for top end equipment, and the best boot fitters south of Stowe and east of SLC, there are none better, but be aware that you must have an appointment for fitting. I recommend you get an appointment early on, September or October, as soon as the new boots are in. During the months leading up to holidays the 'Brians' of Ski Center are fully booked and it's not uncommon to wait 2 weeks for a fitting. Best is to book an appointment during a work day when the shop is not busy ... evenings and weekends are full contact.

Does Ski Center do foot beds?