If you want to improve your skiing, just look down. No, not at the snow, at your feet. The way your boots fit can have more to do with how well you ski than any other equipment factor.

Take Dave MacMillanís advice: Get the right boot fit for better skiing performance.

(Editorís Note: For the best fit, buy your boots at the start of your ski vacation in a ski town, and then have them adjusted each day over the course of your stay. Boot fitters in a ski town make their living taking care of people who ski 100 days a year - they have to get it right. Your local ski shop, generally far from the slopes, canít give you the service it takes to get a really good fit. Boots may cost a little more in a ski town, but once properly fitted they wonít let you down.)

 Daveís Tips #1 - Buy Boots

"Itís worthwhile to spend the time looking for the best boot for your foot shape. A ski boot is essentially a cast designed to immobilize the foot, and if you have a sloppy fitting boot, your feet are going to hurt because you will have to buckle the boot tighter, which can also result in reduced circulation and colder feet."

Daveís Tips #2 - Buy Tight Boots

"Your toes should touch the end of the boot when you first put your foot into it, and the foot should be drawn to the back of the boot as you buckle it, creating a comfortable space. A too large boot will cause the foot to travel around. You want to immobilize the foot in the boot for maximum comfort."

Daveís Tips #3 - Socks Make The Difference

"Cool, comfortable cotton becomes cold, clammy cotton in the winter. If you wear a thick sock, you are not going to be warmer because you will have to buckle the boot tighter to compensate for the extra bulk."

"Blisters indicate foot movement in the boot. Again, proper fit is the solution. A boot can be tightened in small areas to reduce movement, but if that doesnít work, the boot is too big and wearing that boot will most likely cause blisters."

Daveís Tips #5 - Dry Your Boots

"Itís best to dry boots without the use of excessive heat. Put them in a warm room and leave the liners in the shell to reduce wear and tear induced by pulling them out to dry."

Daveís Tips #6 - Top It Off

"A good hat can equal warm feet."