Greg Cooper

My K2 ski boot split after only five ski days. My K2 Mindbenders had seen just five days on snow when one boot suddenly started coming apart. No warning. No modifications. I was miles from where I needed to be on the mountain, and the first strange feeling was my heel moving as though it had released while the ski was still attached. Then I saw the shell. I was absolutely furious. As an instructor, I can deal with chopped-up snow, tired legs and an awkward traverse. What I hate is losing trust in the one bit of kit connecting me to the ski. I stopped skiing normally and nursed myself back on one leg because I was worried the boot would tear further. That is a ridiculous position to be in after five ski days. K2 did send a replacement even though the original pair was a month out of warranty. I sold the replacement rather than take that doubt back onto the mountain. Once a boot failure has destroyed my confidence like that, I'm done with it. Five days was enough.