Sidas Academy’s 3rd Bootfitting Congress Convenes Global Industry Experts in Austria

The third Bootfitting Congress, hosted by the Sidas Academy, recently concluded its four-day event transforming Lech am Arlberg, Austria, into the global epicenter of ski boot customization. Drawing 100 retailers and industry professionals from 19 different nations, the event fostered an unparalleled environment for learning, sharing, and moving the bootfitting industry forward.

A Global Hub for Innovation

While a significant portion of attendees hailed from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Italy, Sweden, the USA, and Canada, the congress also welcomed participants from as far away as Lebanon, Japan, and Kazakhstan. This diverse turnout highlights the congress's growth since its inception in 2022, cementing its status as a true international hub for expertise and knowledge sharing. The event was held at the iconic Sport- und Modehaus Strolz, a long-standing partner that opened its doors to the international community.

Hands-on Innovation: "Let's Get Dirty"

A major highlight of this year's congress was a heavily practical approach, epitomized by the interactive "Let's get dirty" workshop.

Exclusive Pre-Launch Access: Participants were given first-hand experience with Sidas's completely redesigned Custom sole range and state-of-the-art Custom machines before their wider market release.

Direct Engagement: Martin Kirmair, Head of Training DACH at Sidas, noted that the goal was for dealers to physically experiment and test as much as possible in the workshop environment.

Field Specialists: Hands-on sessions allowed attendees to explore concrete field issues, guided by specialists like Max Schubert for insoles and Jules Mills and Billy Kaplan for shells and innerboots.

Expert Insights and Biomechanical Advancements

Complementing the practical workshops were theoretical blocks and expert presentations focusing on the future of personalized ski experiences. The expert-led conferences delved into crucial topics:

• Impact on the Body: Dr. Lutz Graumann and Stephan Riedl explored how bootfitting shapes biomechanics and overall bodily function.

• Ski Behavior: Franz Simmerl and the German Ski Association discussed visualizing balance and gliding positions.

• Tibia and Boot Interaction: Damien Amblard presented on the role of the shin plate, power strap, and tongue concerning flex, performance, and injury prevention.

• 360° Touring Fit: Massimo Pellizzer and Lorenzo Crosetta from Scarpa detailed the specific challenges of fitting ski touring boots.

Industry Partnerships

The congress's success relied heavily on the collaboration of major winter sports brands. Industry giants such as Scarpa, Rossignol, Salomon, Kastle, Nordica, Head, Atomic, Tecnica, Lange, and Fischer actively participated, helping to ensure the event remains at the forefront of technical and commercial developments in the bootfitting profession.