Highly skilled boot fitter with excellent customer service. Highly knowledgeable of the ski industry. Might have to wait- informal chatty environment. They do have a used equipment room, too. I drive 35 minutes to get there, past several other ski shops. read more

Strands has quality products with expert staff. Local owned shop since the 1930's so what you loose out on price compared to online shopping is worth the history and expertise in my opinion. Highly recommend. read more

Always have what the kids and I need for ski season! Friendly, affordable, and fast turnaround.

I have always had excellent service at Strand's. Friendly helpful staff that go out of their way to ensure you have a good customer experience. I will never buy ski boots anywhere else again. read more

Strand's is a great place to get your ski equipment. Lots of history. The team has a ton of experience.

Best around. Expert Staff and expert service. Fast turnaround time. Well worth the ride to Worcester.

Went to Strand's a couple of days before Christmas so as expected it was busy. People trying boots, getting skis, etc. Looking for skis for my 4yr old granddaughter so selection was limited and I already knew that. Service by the owner was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. As per value, I think is priced reasonably. Would definitely recommend Strand's. read more

The best boot fitters and all top equipment! Long time customer who outfitted to jr racers and myself for years and after a 20yr hiatus and retirement got myself fitted with some needles Lange boots and some nice running Blizzard Brahmas and killing it! read more

I'm just commenting about the review regarding children. I had a totally different experience. I recently bought used equipment and new helmets for my two girls and they treated the kids really well. Nice banter, asking the kids about their skiing experience and preferences. They took the time to fit the boots and had the equipment tuned up and ready quickly. The kids were happy and love their skis. I was happy with the experience and plan on going back soon. Maybe you hit them on a bad day? Vince A. read more

My 12 year old is new to snowboarding. Wrap your brain around a tween needing boots, jacket, snowpants, helmet, gloves, goggles & face mask. It's a bit daunting and I was dreading the experience. This was my first trip to Strands. We headed upstairs and were greeted by Travis. All I can say is that Travis couldn't have made our experience any easier. I was extremely impressed by how he interacted with my son, looked me in the eye, and gave us no pressure to buy any one item. He was knowledgeable regarding all products, allowed us to take our time with decisions (did I mention I was with my 12 year old?!), and didn't flinch when we opted to buy used vs new boots. We dropped a lot of cash at the counter, but that's to be expected for the quantity of items purchased. It felt great to shop and buy local, and the personalized attention added to the experience. The only negative was the fumes... dang it smelled like glue... or SOMEthing! read more

While skiing over the weekend, the pain of my left foot became unbearable. At first, I thought it was being out of shape and the first time skiing in two years. But at the end of day 2, I had a big bruise on my navicular bone. It turns out that the boots I bought at the Gunstock ski swap were a little too big because of a rushed measurement. I just thought they needed to be broken in. I spent a few hours at Strands Ski Shop, where they spent time watching me walk (barefoot!), custom molding my boots, adding some inserts, and giving me tips. My boots feel 100x better. The fit is guaranteed and can go back with any future problems. If you're like me and don't know as much, don't try and save a few bucks by going to a swap for boots. Go here the first time and get it right. read more

Outstanding advice for snowboarding and impressive selection considering it's pre-season!

I grew up in Worcester and skied all through my childhood and high school. I bought all my ski equipment at Strand's, including the last pair of ski boots I owned (a pair of Lange boots I bought in the early '90s). I have lived in North Carolina for the last 15 years and haven't skied much but want to start again. So, I had decided to get a pair of boots. I first looked a few stores in NC but they didn't know what they were doing. I was back in Worcester for Thanksgiving and had decided to see if Strand's could help. My wife and I spent 1.5 hours getting fitted, and at the end the new pair of Lange's fit EXACTLY like my old pair that I had loved. These guys are the best. If you need skis go to Strands. read more

I've been in Strand's Ski Shop three times and I always walk out of there shaking my head. The first time was to pick up some wax and cork. I tune my own skis as well as my kids' and I needed supplies. I forget the exact wording but the sales clerk made some wise arse comment about people who tune their own equipment. Sorry I'm depriving you of waxing fees but if you're going to sell the supplies maybe don't be a jerk when people buy it? Last year I went in looking for new ski jackets and pants for my teenagers. I was thoroughly disappointed by the lack of selection. Last night I scored a sweet deal on a pair of K2 BPC 90 HEAT Gripwalk heated boots for my 15 year old at Ski-In in Wilbraham (close to our house). Unfortunately I was looking for 120 flex and they didn't have my size. So today I got out of work and thought I'd give Strand's one more chance. I walked in and told the old guy with the cane (I think he's the owner) what I was looking for. He tells me, "First, K2 doesn't make boots." I said, "Yes they do." "No they don't." "I just bought a pair of K2 BFCs last night" "No. Somebody else makes them and K2 just puts their name on them." When I walked out of the boot room into the ski area I heard him laugh and mutter something to another customer. Dude, really? I'm in your store looking for heated boots, prepared to spend several hundred dollars. You could've just said, "We don't carry K2 products here, but let me show you what we do have. I think you'll like these for X,Y, and Z reason..." and you probably would've made a sale. But instead you decide to argue semantics and belittle the customer. As if the guy who wants to by an Audi cares that they're really made by Volkswagen. Three strikes, you're out. You'll never get my business again. read more

Strand's Ski Shop - K2 Heated Ski Boots - Ski & Snowboard Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

These guys are about the nicest, most low-key AND knowledgeable gentlemen you could meet. I can see why- with a large selection of high-quality, reasonably priced skis, apparel, and snow sport accessories, there's no need for high-pressure tactics. The quality goods and knowledge the owners share make it an easy sell. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Not only because Strand's is a LOCAL shop, but because the owners and the store are *that*good. read more

Strand's Ski Shop - Strand's Ski Shop - if you like high quality at reasonable prices, make this your first and last stop. - Ski & Snowboard Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

This place is the best ski shop in Central MA... Actually anywhere in MA. Great selection of skis and boots. Super knowledgeable staff. Offers used skis and boots too. I have been coming to strand for 15 years and the shop and staff have never let me down. If you come by, you won't be disappointed. read more

Not a kid friendly place. Snowboard sales guy handled a minor issue aggressively and was annoyed with our daughter who was curious about the maps by the stairs. I'm very disappointed how the snowboard salesman dealt with the situation and wouldn't want to see him work with any kids. read more

I got skis and bindings for Christmas and I went back to get boots and ask about the size of the skis. I ended up getting some really nice boots and they helped me out with getting a smaller ski size to suit my ability better. I have a fused ankle so I have been pretty disappointed with ski boots in the past. The man who helped me was so great and found a boot with less of an arch that was flexible for me to get my stiff ankle in. He took out a certain piece to help me stand up straighter since I lack range of motion. He molded it for me perfectly and even did a toe insert to make it wider at the end. He was extremely knowledgable knowing the buckles I needed on the brand of ski boots to pull my bad ankle back. They have been in business a very long time and have tons of equipment available and sizes. They are efficient at helping you but they do not rush you as they genuinely want you to find something you love. I left them to get mounted and adjusted. I am looking forward to picking them up! Honestly could not have asked for better service! Thanks so much to the wonderful staff! read more

Great personalized service, & a deep knowledge of boot fitting principles. Leif wanted to make sure the boots fit properly and were comfortable, & he wasn't concerned about how long it took to get it right. read more

Like many other reviewers have stated, the staff here is straight up RUDE and definitely give you the vibe that you're not "cool" or knowledgeable enough to be worth their time. I asked a staff person about boots and he became very irritated and did a lot of groaning and sighing until I gave up. The icing on the cake was them screaming at me for taking my skis that had been brought in for a tune-up because they thought I was stealing them and forgot I had already paid lol. I think I'm done with this place for the season. read more

I went to look at boards . Love the customer service the person in the snow boarding section was amazing for recommendations. I will definitely be back there soon. read more

Great selection of skies and boots, and most importantly very knowledgeable owner! The owner helped us pick the best products for us and spent a lot of time explaining different options! Thank you! read more

Maybe go to see what styles you like, but NEVER buy without checking online pricing first. We purchased a jacket for $220 (on sale!), then found the same one online for $69. I called to ask if they match online pricing, and the guy got hostile with me for even mentioning it (that's as far as I got before just hanging up in disgust, never even mentioned the jacket). They have a terrible return policy, store credit only, so we'll be checking very carefully that their prices are not insane when redeeming that credit. Buyer beware, I guess, I just hate getting ripped off. read more

Worst boot fitting experience ever. Purchased new ski boots last season from them for over $600 and had to return 4 times to try and get them to fit right. They never ended up getting them to fit correctly had to go somewhere else and buy other boots. The man fitting my boot smelled like booze and he had clearly been drinking. That should have been my first sign to get out. Learned my lesson. read more

This place was recommended to me by a friend and loyal customer of Strand's Ski Shop. There are no bells and whistles here, just people who do their job and do it well. I got my skis tuned and adjusted earlier this week. I tried my skis out last night and loved it. I will definitely go back if I need any other work done. No bones about it, Strand's Ski Shop is where to go. read more

This guys know there business! When you need ski boots this is THE place to go. Yes, they are not sweet-talking sales droids. But they know their stuff. Leif is the best boot fitter I've ever been to, and I've seen my share in 40+ years of skiing. People complain of their prices. Prices actually are not bad, and considering that they'll take care of any boot problems for the life of the boot and do it for free - it's a bargain. Good luck top the guy who came in to try boots and then bought them on line. Me - I'm not a manikin, and my feet are far from ideal shape, so I really appreciate a proper fitted boot. I've also bought skis from them on several occasions and prices were also quite competitive. Ski equipment business being what it is you have to be realistic. Oh, and ski tuning? They are the best, and have the best equipment and expertise by far on this coast, and maybe in the country. read more

Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Very patient and do a fantastic job listening to their customers needs. Tremendous skill set with boot fittings. read more

This is a great ski shop. They offer a great selection for most things. I particularly like their boot selection and service - frankly it is unmatched in the North East and probably one of the best boot fitters in the country. If your boots hurt you need to try this place. As for the prices noted by one review - it's because they sell quality equipment and provide outstanding service. If you want lower prices you can go to any number of places that will sell you lower quality products and provide a far lower level of service. read more

The real deal! Very knowledgeable about ski boot fitting. I finally threw out my old Lange boots that had a comfortable fit but had been kept together for the last few years with two sided tape/duct tape and replacement Velcro. Leif looked me up and down asked a lot of questions about my abilities. He then introduced me to APEX boots which are a technical snow board boot with a strap on hard shell to make them alpine boots. Comfort plus +++++ due to the "boa" tightening system and moldable foam inter-boot. I think Strands has extended my skiing experience by at least ten years. I am 67 and a former ski patroller. Fitting was two hours long but I never felt rushed. read more

Theses guys are amazing I was talking to Scott and Leif for over an hour easily definitely lost track of time. These guys know their stuff. Honestly, I simply went o get information so I could buy the same boots online for less. I'm a college student so obviously my first concern was how expensive ski equipment was since I'm new to the sport. My second concur was how it all works. Honestly, I had no idea there was so much involved; adjusting the bindings for the right position, changing boot settings under different skiing conditions from Soft to Hard, or even why I needed stiffer boots for the park. I think I'm an expert now, and by the way yeah you could save $50 bucks online, But its not even worth it. These guys will customize everything for you from the ski, bindings, to the inserts inside the boots. and if thats not enough they use a special molding process to make the boots fit you perfectly... AMAZING BUTTOM LINE, yeah so what I spent an extra $50 bucks... But not only did I get the best service hands down but also the equipment is exactly how I need it. Which is extremely important because if it isn't your most likely not going to improve and more likely to get hurt... So hey, maybe I should thank them for saying my life! Thanks Guys... read more

Classic Worcester!!! All of the reviews are either ones or fives. Love 'em or hate 'em ... no in between. I love them. Been coming here for fifty years. My mom grew up on the hill in back and around 1950 Strand would take the neighborhood kids in his VW van to city park where there was a rope tow and get ski lesson for 50 cents. Classic Worcester. Get the "non-touchy feely" welcome and if you pass you get the best service and most loyal treatment going forward for years. THE best place to get skis sharpened ... period. Miss the old guard dog who would not be too nice even when open for business( sort of) .... Don't change a thing!!! read more

I have been going to Strands for years. I lived about 1.5 miles from the shop for a long time, but this year we made the effort to drive almost an hour back and give them the business. We have always been happy with them, until this year. They measured my son for boots, he was just on the cusp, so he was bumped up a half size. But, they didn't have that size in stock, so they bumped him up another half size. Okay, I can deal with just under a full size up. Then, I got the boots home and saw they actually bumped him up another half size from what they told me they sold me. So the kid has boots that are just about 1.5 sizes larger than his actual feet. Cool. Now I know why they were totally sketchy about giving me my receipt, etc. There are no refunds - only store credit, and I don't want store credit there. They also mis-sized the skis, again likely because they just didn't have what we needed in stock and just wanted to make a sale. Bad karma. read more

This place sells all kinds of ski equipment, including used skis. They do excellent ski tuning on their own specialized machine. The ski-clothing is reasonably priced. I mostly have experience with their custom ski boot service. (The custom boots are Strolz-brand.) I have problem feet that are misshapen in about 3 ways. I went everywhere, and I mean everywhere, looking for boots until the guy at the Mad River ski shop told me to go to strands. I had already bought and thrown out 3 pairs of boots in desperation before coming to strands. (Including one custom-modified pair from the wilderness shack.) Lief, the shop owner, spent at least 10 hours working on my boots. (I'm sure that it would be quicker for most people, but my feet are really messed up and shopping for shoes was a nightmare for my mom when I was a kid.) He was GREAT. First he looked at my feet and bent the hard shell of the boot with heat and pressure. Then I stood in the boot and he poured in the liner, which solidified into foam around my foot. Then he modified and re-modified the liner and the orthotic footbed to get it right. And he re-modified it more twice after I went skiing. All the modifications (for one year) were included with the boots. This guy was great, and I felt bad because he spent so much of his time on me. Note that while you're getting your boots fixed up you can visit nearby Wachusett mountain to try them out. (It's hard to know how boots will feel until you actually ski in them.) There's no way I'd still be skiing if it weren't for the excellent bootfitting at Strand's. read more

I recently called Strands to see about getting a boot fitting performed on a pair of boots I bought up at Stowe Mountain over the summer. Stowe was unable to perform the fitting since the main shop was closed for the summer but they highly recommended Strands. After explaining my situation the boot fitter he was extremely rude to me to the point of dropping an F-bomb on the phone as he informed me that he wouldn't consider performing a boot fitting because the boots were purchased someplace else. His exact terms were that someone else got all of the "money" since I purchased my boots someplace else and all he would get out of the deal was "crumbs". I even tried to point out to the individual that their website states "If you currently have a ski boot that is giving you problems, bring it in and we will analyze your foot and the boot and give you an estimate on what we can do to make the boot fit you better or work on getting you into a new boot that fits your foot. Custom ski boot fitting takes time, so plan on spending some time so that our boot fitting specialists can make sure that you leave feeling like you can ski all day and not worry about quitting part of the way through a day of skiing because your foot is in pain." Still he would not even budge on his refusal to consider the job and frankly I wouldn't want to give someone like that any of my or my family's business. Their loss. read more

Went here twice. Two words, rude and over priced. Had my skis tuned once here. And another time I bought new boots and asked them to adjust my skis to the boots. They gave me attitude about not buying the boots there, that they don't do that. I asked why and the guy got all pissy, so I told them to F off and that I would never be back. Want a good shop, with certified boot fitters? Then go to Ski Stop in Westwood. Its a little far, but they are nice and will take good care of you. Strands can suck it. read more

Leaf is the best period. Unlimited ski knowledge. Knows the brands fit and can eye your foot on the spot to find you the best boot in your price range and skill level. He spent a couple hours with me, adjusted my bindings on my ski's to fit my knew boot and threw in a superfoot. The best. read more

One of a handful of great, old-school ski shops left. Leif and Roy are experts at what they do. No one can fit or build you a boot better then Leif can and no one can tune up your boards better then Roy. This is not a place you come to be ooed and awed, most of the time it is pretty cluttered and grimy but who cares, its a ski shop. My father used to work here as a kid and this is the only place I have ever gone for ski equipment. These guys are THE best. read more

I'm reviewing a particular service of Strand's. I went there specifically to get a pair of Strolz custom downhill ski boots. I was referred there by my brother, who had a pair fitted there about 12 years ago, and has raced in them every year. He absolutely loves them. The same fitter, Leif Mikkelsen, is still doing the fitting. He is probably the most experienced fitter you could find. He is also an owner, and it seems, the main problem solver for the shop. Contrary to a few reviews, I found it to be a very friendly shop. I do agree it is cluttered and old, but I liked the atmosphere. I was fitted very professionally, and the comfort of the boots, once finished, was outstanding. The process is well thought out, and, if you have trouble with finding comfortable boots, these are worth looking into. These are the type of boots you can really ski well in, and be comfortable, and warm! read more

The only ski shop in town and their prices show it, snow sports are expensive enough. They also don't carry synthetic core equipment, so if your favorite company only makes wood core skis then you're out of luck. This place is very much stuck in the past and the old way of doing things and isn't very progressive... think of your father's ski shop. 2 stars because they have a great selection of ski boots, over priced but good to at least go and try on and then go online and buy them. read more

Just had an awful experience here. Second time so no I will just not go back. My son is new to snowboarding. He bought a board and bindings from a friend. Bindings were not attached and there were no screws with them. We went in and waited forty minutes. Finally Mr. "I know way more about snowboards than you" shows up and treats us like dirt. Tells us they dont sell the screws and gave the -shame on you for not buying everything here look. We took off and went to Wachusett. 35 minutes and board is ready to go and free wax thrown in. Customer service goes a long way (at least it should) Rob Pelczarski read more