The Bootfitting Congress is back!

When a dream comes true!

There are places that seem naturally destined to be home to excellence. Lech am Arlberg, a small village nestled in the Austrian Alps, is one of them. Renowned for its idyllic setting, world-class slopes, and high-end establishments, in 2022, this prestigious resort became the host of an extraordinary event: the Bootfitting Congress, organized by the SIDAS Academy.

A Groundbreaking First Edition

It all began behind the store walls of Strolz, a long-standing partner of the SIDAS brand. This iconic store in Lech, a true institution in the Austrian skiing world, had the honor of hosting the very first edition of a conference that would mark a turning point in the world of bootfitting.

The stated goal was clear: to bring together the world's best boot fitters to share their knowledge, experience, and innovation. The event was a success right from its first edition, bringing together nearly fifty enthusiasts of ski boots and footwear who shared a common belief—that expertise is built through dialogue.

"I'm so proud of what we're accomplishing with this Bootfitting Congress. Our wildest dreams are coming true," said Martin Kirmair, head of the SIDAS Academy in the DACH region (Switzerland, Austria, Germany), at the time, with an emotion that speaks volumes about the symbolic significance of the event.

Because what's at stake goes beyond a simple gathering of professionals. The strength of the SIDAS Academy lies in its ability to organize, autonomously and independently, a unifying event that brings together key players in the skiing and bootfitting sectors. Lectures were held one after the other, the range of topics continued to expand, and discussions of enormous value gave rise to the innovations and ideas of tomorrow.

"I'm so proud of what we're accomplishing with this Bootfitting Congress. Our wildest dreams are coming true"

Martin Kirmair, head of the SIDAS Academy in the DACH region

Rapid Internationalization

Starting with its second edition in 2024, the Bootfitting Congress has proven that it is much more than just a regional event. More than 70 participants from around the world made the trip to Lech—representing a total of 13 countries. The international bootfitting community has found its rallying point.

The format is taking shape: high-level theoretical lectures, discussions among experts from different skiing cultures, and an atmosphere that blends professional rigor with mountain camaraderie. All of this takes place in a premium setting, thanks in particular to the hotels and restaurants offering high-end amenities that host the participants.

"The Bootfitting Congress is an event you don't want to miss! It's a real goldmine of information. We're back with plenty of tips and advice on biomechanics, comfort features, and the performance of ski boots. The added extra? An incredible atmosphere with unforgettable activities and parties!"

Fabien Loschi, store manager

The topics covered span the entire bootfitting process: foot biomechanics, boot fitting techniques, thermoforming and injection molding of liners, comfort and performance features of ski boots, and the latest advances in materials and machinery, among other topics. For the professionals attending, it serves as both a comprehensive refresher course and a source of inspiration.

"The Bootfitting Congress is an event you don't want to miss! It's a real goldmine of information. We're back with plenty of tips and advice on biomechanics, comfort features, and the performance of ski boots. The added extra? An incredible atmosphere with unforgettable activities and parties!" says Fabien Loschi, store manager, perfectly summing up what participants take away from the experience.

2026: The 100-participant milestone

Now a fixture in the sector's calendar, the Bootfitting Congress is held every two years. And the trend is clear: each edition takes another step forward.

From September 14 to 17, 2026, Lech will host the third edition of the event, with nearly 100 participants. A figure that symbolizes the growing prominence of an event that has become a must-attend for the entire industry. The format is also evolving: hands-on sessions will play a much more prominent role, with numerous interactive workshops—hence the slogan for this year’s event: "Get dirty & Get going!"

The objective is clear: “Even bigger, even more international, even better!”, as the teams proudly proclaim. New topics, leading speakers, enhanced hands-on sessions, and networking opportunities at the heart of the program—everything is designed to push the boundaries of expertise even further.

Bootfitting: A Field That Deserves Its Own Conference

Behind the participants' enthusiasm lies a demanding professional reality. Bootfitting is a precision craft that combines anatomy, biomechanics, materials, and the customer experience. If they don't fit right, ski boots can ruin a season; if they fit perfectly, they turn skiing into an unforgettable experience.

Although it is a fascinating profession, the role of bootfitter is now in jeopardy. Fewer and fewer young people are going into bootfitting, given how varied and specialized the field is. Bootfitters are the unsung heroes behind performance and enjoyment on the slopes, so it is the Sidas Academy’s duty to do everything possible to preserve this invaluable and passionate craft!

The very fact that this conference exists, that it is growing, and that it brings together experts from many countries to discuss a single topic is a sign that this field is becoming fully aware of its importance. By creating this space for discussion, the SIDAS Academy has succeeded in transforming a close-knit group of insiders into a truly united and passionate community.

Let's ride it!