Helm of Sun Valley | San Jose 1111 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129

"My experience here has been mixed. This review is for my most recent boot fitting/ shopping experience. It's a tale of 2 different sales reps! While they didn't have sufficient inventory (I visited on Feb 29) and I didn't buy a pair of ski boots, the boot fitter clearly knew what he was doing, and won my confidence. In fact, he told me he didn't want to sell my any of the 3 boots I tried bc none of them were a "best fit" for me (my size is apparently "the most popular," or most typical, so they sell out early). Advised me to return in the fall, when they are well stocked. =========== Until the most recent visit, I had boycotted Helm for years, because the ski salesman sold me the last pair of skis he had on hand, when (in hindsight) they were completely not a fit for my weight, ski style or ability. It was unconsicneable. I skied for a few years and really struggled with skis that qere too ling, too heavy and required a 200 lb young guy with lots of power (they were really for aggressive carving down groomed slopes), whereas I was a middle-aged advanced intermediate skier of 125 lb! Those skis are still pretty new, but just sitting in the garage, since the ski industry has moved onto new tech!"

"Great place; great service. Pro tip go during the work week if you can for a boot fitting, for extra time 1:1. They are extremely patient and thorough and will spend all the time you need with them for a proper boot fitting."

"Very helpful for boot fitting (Tom) and selecting skis (Paul). Highly recommend! Tom was very thorough with his boot fitting and didn’t charge any extra for all his time. They are pretty detail-oriented and patient in working with us and their other customers. Good/fair pricing as well."

"A year ago when my daughter went in and got her boots blown out it was amazing and we recommended this place to everyone. We bought two sets of skis and two boots from here. I went in in the past month and asked for my boots to be blown out. The employee working there snidely told me that I had no idea what I was talking about (I have been skiing for 30 years and raced and taught skiing for several years as well) I ended up going to REI and received great service. I will not be going back, their prices can be beaten elsewhere."

"Stopped in there last Saturday the 10th. To pick up skis, boots and bindings. It was very busy and I will admit, it did take some time before an associate could meet with me. However, after finally meeting with an associate, i understood why. These guys care. They aren’t just trying to sell you something and get you out the door. They spend the time with you, understanding what you need, whats best for the type of skiing/boarding you plan to do. Overall i had a fantastic experience. Staff was very help and my new boots fit great. Highly recommend this place."