If you walk into any reputable ski shop and purchase ski boots, the salesperson will probably bring up the idea of getting aligned or balanced. Biostance is one such technology that focuses on balancing the skier over his or her bindings. A technician will take a look at your boots and body type and adjust your bindings as necessary to optimize comfort and performance. It’s a limited service and can only be found in a handful of ski shops in the states, but go to their site to find the closest shop near you. We spoke to Biostance founder Chris Korich about integrated binding systems and why forking over some extra cash could actually reduce leg fatigue.
When and why did you start Biostance?
We founded Biostance in 2005 to develop simple products and services for skiers to dramatically improve their control, confidence, and comfort. But to get these benefits, skiers need to get focused on boots, bindings, and balance.
Is it worth forking over the money for the process?
You wouldn’t buy $100 tires and not pay to get them mounted and balanced on your car. So why should you purchase a thousand dollars worth of ski equipment and not get it all balanced to your body?
How exactly does this work?
Skiers typically go to ski shops to get a problem solved, whether it’s boot pain or skis that aren’t performing. Biostance retailers know they must focus on your bindings as well. Let’s imagine the front of your foot is going numb and your heels are loose, making it hard to control your skis. Most ski shops are going to sit you down and want to dive into more boot fitting. Biostance technicians are going to first ask you about the bindings on your skis. You may own boots and bindings that both have a high heel design. Combined, this can be tipping you onto the front of your foot, causing the numbness, heel lift, and loss of ski control.
What is done to the skis and bindings?
It depends. If you own skis and bindings that are stance adjustable, Biostance shops can look up your boots on a chart and shim your bindings to a more relaxed and balanced stance. Many customers choose to purchase more appropriate bindings to mount on their skis. Unfortunately, many skiers have purchased ski/binding systems in recent years that can’t be modified. While you still see a lot of advertising for these integrated systems, a lot of people are going back to separate skis and lighter weight bindings that can be stance balanced.
What are your personal experiences on how this has changed the way you ski?
Before developing Biostance, I suffered from foot pain, knee strain, and leg fatigue like most skiers and was always searching for that magical ski. I struggled staying forward and handling difficult snow conditions as well. Now skiing is a relaxing escape. —Originally Published in Skiing Magazine (Thanks!)
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