Helm of Sun Valley | San Jose - San Jose, California

Dhiraj Deelip Gandhi

Great service and good rental price. They don’t offer seasonal rentals which could’ve been a good deal.

Stacey Palau

We chose to go to Helm first, thinking they’re the best on the area. Customer service was poor (especially by the manager on duty), and we were told to come back another day (after being told otherwise on the phone). We ended up going to a local competitor, which demonstrated excellent customer service. Helm lost our business.

Lukas Swidler

I can honestly say I tried to support this shop, but the owner made it clear my business wasn’t wanted.
1. First Visit: I stopped by to try on boots from the clearance section. After testing a few pairs, I found one I liked and brought it up to the counter. Instead of helping me make an informed decision, the owner dismissed me outright, claiming he knew better than I did about what I needed. He insisted I had a narrow foot and should wear extra-narrow boots, even though I’ve had wide feet and worn wide shoes my entire life. The lack of respect for my input was insulting.
2. Second Visit: Despite the initial experience, I decided to give them another shot. This time, I came back for the full boot-fitting process: custom insoles, punches—the works—ready to invest over $1,000. I arrived at 5:05, excited to start fresh and commit to the process, but the manager refused to work with me. His reason? “We don’t do boot fittings after 5.” Money in hand and enthusiasm crushed, I left feeling completely dismissed once again.
3. Final Visit: After being unable to purchase boots from Helm, I ended up buying a pair online after trying some in-house at REI. Still wanting a custom insole, I returned to Helm since they’re the only ones in the area offering this service. But once again, the manager shut me down. He refused to work on my boots or create a footbed for me, offering no reasonable explanation other than that he simply didn’t want to help me.

Growing up in San Jose, I used to admire Helm. Passing by the shop, I thought how cool it would be to go there and be part of that community. But both locations—San Jose and Santa Cruz—are now under the leadership of a manager who lacks basic respect, professionalism, and customer service skills. He makes the entire experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming.

I feel for the rest of the staff, whose reputation is tarnished by this individual’s poor leadership and lack of integrity. It’s a shame to see such a promising business overshadowed by one person’s attitude. I won’t be coming back.

Sean Shevachman

Stay away from this place at all costs! This place and staff do not care about your needs nor concerns. I went in for a boot fitting and immediately felt something was wrong with the boots, but the staff insisted I didn’t know what I was talking about. They promised lifetime care and adjustments, even returns if I wasn’t satisfied. I foolishly decided to trust their expertise because of their promise. However, after trying the boots on the slopes, they were extremely uncomfortable (much more than any new boot). A second opinion elsewhere confirmed the boots were too small. When I returned to the store, they promised adjustments but refused a return. Even after attempting an adjustment with them and yet again having to rent new boots on the slopes because of how terrible these fit me they refused to allow me to return them. The third time I came in, the owner was rude, even laughing at me while I explained my situation. He told me I could need 5-7 more visits for adjustments before a return would be possible, which is absurd and would cost me so much money in rentals. Towards the end he practically kicked me out of his store and told me If I wasn't happy I could sell them on ebay... Don’t trust their promises – they will take your money and treat you poorly. I will be reporting this business to the BBB for their scams and customer service.

Lior Bassin

I just walked out of the worst customer experience of my life. Looking to purchase new ski boots, I was met with the owner, Chris being incredibly rude and condescending. While I understand that as a beginner I may ask questions that are obvious to an experienced fellow, I never thought a sales representative would ever treat a potential customer in this manner. Honestly, at one point I felt deeply threatened and had to leave the premises in fear of my life. I don’t recommend anyone shop here. If they treat their customers this poorly, I don’t want to even imaginehow they treat their employees. Avoid this place at all costs, or rest assured Chris will intimidate you out of the store if you run into any issues. A report will be filed with the Better Business Bureau as well, as this is absolutely unacceptable from a business inside the United States of America.

Nick V

Went in for new ski boots, and was told multiple times that needed a size smaller 26.5 vs what i normally would use 27.5. The discomfort level is 10/10. I’ve been skiing for 40 years, and this is the first time I went against my own instincts to listen to their obnoxious know it all owner from Helm - what a mistake. Avoid dealing with this place.

Andrew Ng

One of the best bootfitters in the area. If you need help selecting a new pair of boots and bootfitting, ask for Tom!

Chiucat / Angel

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.

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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 were WAY too long, 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!