Viking Ski Shop

The Viking Ski Shop is the best Ski Shop I have ever been to. I met with Dennis to have some boots fitted and worked on. Dennis and the Staff were so knowledgable, professional but treated my daughter and I like family. I travelled 3 1/2 hours away to see if they could help me on boot fitment that a shop where I am from did not fit me correctly. Dennis worked with me for 2 hours and was willing to fix the issues I was having and put a rush on it since I am an instructor but also I was from out of town. Dennis told me the truth that I needed to purchase a new boot that I had already knew but wanted to try to salvage the boots I had that was only 3 seasons old. I truly cannot say enough how wonderful the Viking Ski Shop is. I want to also Thank Dennis and the Staff for getting through to my daughter to finally take up skiing in which I have tried to get her to try for a few years. If you ever need a ski shop but a shop that will take the time to do the proper fitment then the Viking Ski Shop should be the one stop shop to make your skiing and snowboard needs done to profection.

I went there for a boot fitting and to get bindings put on my brand new skis. Dennis was My boot fitter. He was awesome. I have a hard time finding shoes, boots, anything that goes on to my feet because I have high arches and a wide toe box. Dennis found the right boots for me. After all the adjustments, the boots fit like a glove. Plus there is a 2-year fit warranty. He was very knowledgeable about his craft. I'll be going back there for boots for my kids. I do recommend having an appointment because it is quite busy and you will wait and wait. I had an appointment and I didn't have to wait long at all. Wow! You need to go to Vikings ski shop for all your ski needs.

I have NO idea how many stars to give because my experience was so disparate depending on the human I interacted with during my visit. I chose 4 stars after really thinking about it because if you ask about one person it would be 5 stars, but another person it was 1 stars. TL;DR: Based on my one time in this shop, I think this is one of those places that’s a Chicago institution. And if you’re down for a little weirdness, you’ll get great equipment that will serve you. I left after 4 hours with boots, skis and bindings that I feel strongly will be exactly what I was looking for for my skill level and ski plans. Details: I called the day of my appointment 1 hour prior to my appointment time to see how their busy day was going (I. E. are you running late, do you want me to reschedule) and was told all was well and to head on over. When I arrived, however, I was told they were running late. So I’m thinking, 15 minutes wait. No biggie. About 1 hour into my wait, I asked a man with a long grey ponytail when he came to the front waiting area (he seemed to be in charge maybe? That’s why I asked him) what the status of their schedule was so I could make an informed decision to either keep waiting or reschedule. Before I could finish my sentence he barked “The situation IS that we lost one fitter, THAT’S what the situation IS.” And he said all this without looking at me. I asked him to please look at me as I’m hearing impaired and I’m not angry, just looking for info so I can make an informed decision. He then said less angrily, “I think about 20 more minutes.” I made it work with no drama but it was truly weird to wait for an hour with no info. Then, the man who fitted me for boots (a different man) barked directions at me, and repeatedly mumbled after me asking him to please speak more loudly or look at me when talking so I could see his lips. Nope. Okay fine. THEN he told detailed stories about his violent combat experience in Vietnam and his vast martial arts experience. When I tried to interact with him about what he was sharing, he cut me off. The stories increased the time the fitting took. See? Mixed bag.

Don’t usually write reviews this long but I had to for this one. There’s a reason this is one of the best ski shops in the country. I live near Tahoe and none of the shops there are this good. I love to ski but every boot I’ve ever had has somehow given me blisters and bruises. On the suggestion of my brother - who used to sell skis at another shop in Chicago - I finally went to Viking. They spent over two hours with me in what felt like a part boot fitting, part physical therapy, part podiatrist appointment. It was excellent. In the end, I not only had the perfect, custom fit boot, I finally understood why my feet have issues.Yes, it was nosebleed expensive (about $800). But these boots are going to last me at least 10 years so I think it’s worth it. Highly highly recommend!

I was very disappointed with the service I received today and sloppy fix job. I've bought my ski boots at the Viking Ski Shop a while ago and love them. It was a good experience then. However, the seal does not hold well at the first buckle in my boots and I have been feeling air and snow getting in. I brought them in to the shop 1 week ago and asked for help with this-either adjust the original seal or add a new seal. When I talked to a person in the shop a week ago, they said they will try to fix it or put an adhesive. When I went to the shop to pick up my boots today after a week, I was super surprised when I saw the boots - the job is very sloppy. It looks like a job on the spot; and with yellowish color on my white boots. Still TBD if it holds. I would prefer that I was told that this cannot be done if I knew how sloppy this will be. I am attaching 2 pictures of the boots. I am super disappointed with this and I hope situations like this will be handled differently in the future.

Viking Ski Shop is an excellent boot fitter. They took their time helping me select the right ski boot. In the fitting process, they explained how all of the boots were designed and how that affected boot fit. After having multiple ski trips cut short by discomfort from ill fitting rental boots, I am looking forward to enjoying a great season of skiing thanks to them.

I called in the late afternoon looking for the Völkl M6 Mantra Ski in the 191cm length; a ski you can’t find in stock at a brick and mortar ski shop anywhere in the Midwest…I was amazed to find they had it in stock. Viking got me on the skis I wanted days before a big ski trip after my order at another ski shop was delayed. Thanks for saving my trip! The staff seemed extremely knowledgeable - when they asked what boots I planned on using with the Völkls; their team member responded with “great boots” when I mentioned the Tecnica Mach 1 HV 130 Flex. (I’ve had people look at me with a blank stare in the past). Oh, did I mentioned the M6 was $200 less expensive than the other ski shop I was ordering from? In fact, it was the least expensive out of anywhere I’ve looked (even online). I ended up getting a new hardcase for my skis with the money I saved. Viking - Thanks again for saving my ski trip. You’ve made a lifelong customer. I look forward to recommending you to my friends. To those reading this - Safe skiing and always wear a helmet (Viking has those too).