When I raced alpine skiing, I opened my buckles on every chairlift ride. My boots were tight, and my feet needed the break. But my feet were also always cold, and with boot covers on, I couldn't reach my buckles.
That problem is why I started ZAN SKI. In this guide, you'll learn why it helps to open your buckles on the lift, why most boot covers make it hard, and what to look for in ski boot covers with buckle access.
The short answer
Most ski boot covers sit over the buckles, so you have to take them off to loosen your boots. Look for covers with buckle access: an opening over the buckles that you can open and close with your gloves on.
ZAN SKI boot covers have a magnetic flap for this. Open it on the lift and loosen your buckles. Tighten them and snap the flap shut before you ski off. The covers stay on your boots the whole time.
Why loosen your ski boot buckles on the lift?
Ski boots need to be tight when you ski. On the chairlift, they don't. Tight buckles press on your feet and slow the blood flow to your toes. Less blood flow means colder toes.
- Your feet get a break from the pressure.
- Warm blood can reach your toes again.
- Your feet feel better on the next run.
Just remember to close your buckles again before you ski off.
The problem with most ski boot covers
Boot covers help against cold feet. They block wind and snow and keep more warmth around your boots. But most of them go over the buckles. To loosen your boots on the lift, you first have to take the cover off, often with cold hands.
Skiers complain about this a lot. On ski forums, some say they have thought about cutting holes in their covers to reach the buckles. Others say they can only reach some of their buckles with the covers on.
So many skiers have to choose between warm feet and loose buckles. I didn't want to choose.
How ZAN SKI boot covers give you buckle access
ZAN SKI boot covers have a magnetic flap over the buckles. Magnets are easy to use with gloves on. You don't have to find a small zipper or pull a strap with cold fingers.
- Open the flap. Pull it open with your gloves on.
- Loosen your buckles. Give your feet a break on the lift.
- Close it again. Tighten your buckles before you ski off and snap the flap shut.
The cover stays on your boot the whole time. ZAN SKI covers work with all ski bindings, and we tested them on open slopes and between the slalom gates.
What to look for in ski boot covers with buckle access
- An opening over the buckles. The cover should not block the buckles you use on the lift.
- Easy to use with gloves on. Magnets are quicker than small zippers when your hands are cold.
- Stays on while you ski. The cover should stay in place, run after run.
- Fits your bindings. The cover must not get in the way of your ski bindings.
- Warm material. Insulating neoprene blocks wind and snow and keeps more warmth around your boots.
Common questions
Can I open my ski boot buckles with boot covers on?
With most boot covers, you have to take the cover off first. With ZAN SKI boot covers, you open the magnetic flap and reach your buckles with your gloves on. The covers stay on your boots.
Should I loosen my ski boots on the chairlift?
Yes, it helps. Loosening your buckles on the lift takes pressure off your feet and lets warm blood reach your toes. Close them again before you ski off.
Do magnetic boot covers stay closed when I ski?
The flap closes with magnetic snaps, and the buckled strap keeps the cover in place. We tested ZAN SKI covers on open slopes and between the slalom gates.
Do ZAN SKI boot covers fit all ski bindings?
Yes. ZAN SKI boot covers work with all ski bindings.
Are they warm enough for very cold days?
They help a lot, because they block wind and snow. We've used ZAN SKI covers down to -35 °C. On the coldest days, you can also wear heated socks under them. Read more in Ski boot covers vs. boot heaters.
Warm feet, buckles within reach
ZAN SKI boot covers wrap your ski boots in insulating neoprene, and the magnetic flap opens with your gloves on. One pair costs €60, shipping is free on 2 or more pairs, and returns are free for 30 days.
Shop ZAN SKI boot covers or read how to keep your feet warm in ski boots.