Ski Expert Ben Bialek
  • Ben Bialek

    Ever wanted to quit your job and follow a life anew, somewhere adventurous, that you've never been before? That's where I come from, and how I landed in Juneau, Alaska as the next step in following my passion for the outdoors and finding a career that puts me there! Over the last 9 years, I've been tested in the back-country, side-country, in-bounds, and even on glaciers and icefields. I've had to tackle some of the best and weirdest conditions in the world, and am always pushing my own limits.

    But working and riding in a rainforest can be a momentous task...Fortunately, through my work in the industry, I've had the ability to try out all sorts of new gear, from jackets and socks, to splitboards and avalanche bags. So let me tell you, I know how much of a difference the right gear can make! Let me help you make the most of your precious days out in the snow...and fly past your friends too, of course!

    429 reviews averaging 5.0 stars
    Currently online
    CategorySki Expert
    Customers helped8,687
    Current locationJuneau, Alaska
    Favorite brandsHelly Hansen, Fairweather Ski
    Favorite spotEaglecrest Ski Area
    Favorite cocktailJuneauper Gin and Tonic
    My Qualification9-Year Ski Industry Professional
    4.99 / 5 stars
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    Sorted by
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: M
    I know nothing about skis and this was so easy!
    I've been skiing for about 6 years now but have spent all that time learning how now to bust my butt, and not about the actual gear. I knew I was ready to upgrade the second-hand beginner skis I bought 7 years ago but had no idea where to start. Ben did all the leg work for me, gave me easy to understand feedback about his choices, and then answered all of my questions. 12/10 would recommend!
    Verified Review | Submitted on Feb 10, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Karen
    Exceptional Experience with Ben!
    Ben was incredibly warm, attentive, and easy to talk to, which made a huge difference for me as someone who got into skiing as an adult. Progressing in the sport can feel overwhelming—not just because of the technical gear, but also because of how much there is to learn to do it safely and effectively. From the very beginning, Ben made the process so much more approachable, taking the time to explain my options, answer all my (many) questions, and help me navigate decisions with confidence. His depth of knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm made me feel supported every step of the way. I honestly wish I had an expert like Ben available all the time—his passion for the sport and commitment to helping others are truly next level. He’s not just knowledgeable; he’s a fantastic ambassador for skiing and an invaluable resource. So grateful for his guidance—highly, highly recommend! :)
    Verified Review | Submitted on Feb 7, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Diedre
    Diedre's experience with Ben
    I felt I got great suggestions and share knowledge based on my own research though no practical experience. Plus did not feel condescended to, which is a worry whenever I have started new activities in the past as an overweight middle age woman (kayaking, hiking, climbing, even getting a tattoo!) Absolutely wasn’t the case with my interaction with Ben. Much appreciated!!!
    Verified Review | Submitted on Feb 7, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Kevin
    Response, friendly, knowledgeable with above and beyond support!
    Ben was more partner than sales person or customer service professional. He was incredibly knowledgeable and based his recommendations on my specific needs. He was also very responsive and proactive. He checked in after I received my skis and even provided some feedback as I was looking for the best way to have the new bindings mounted. He was great and I would work with him again.
    Verified Review | Submitted on Jan 25, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Ray
    Very helpful and great to work with
    Ben is clearly passionate about skiing and getting people into the right stuff. As someone who has never shopped for ski equipment, I was daunted by all of the options available. Ben considered my experience and history as well as goals to ensure I was kitted out properly. Thank you Ben and I appreciate the attention and time!
    Verified Review | Submitted on Jan 22, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Lawrence
    Ben is awesome!
    I ski in Killington Vt where they are known to have extremely knowledgeable skiers/boarders, coaches etc. and they do to a degree but I will tell you that Ben was more helpful than all of them. I was told so many different things that didn't really line up with what I noticed when I demo'd skis but everything Ben said about the ski's I demo'd was spot on. I am grateful to have found him and will share my experience with others. Great guy - he worked hard and answered more questions that I would imagine he would care to but he answered them all and hung in there with me right through the end. If I am ever in Alaska, I hope to meet him and take some runs with him sometime!
    Verified Review | Submitted on Jan 21, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Shannon P
    Shannon P's experience with Ben
    Ben was awesome! He was able to answer all of my questions (and I had a lot); provide the best options for me and my skill level. He provided me with different scenarios to help explain best enviroments for a certain type of gear to help me make the best decision on what I wanted to get.
    Verified Review | Submitted on Feb 6, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Anthony
    Ben was absolutely outstanding.
    I wont lie, I put Ben through the ringer. I have been talking to him for quite awhile and unfortunately wasn't able to make any purchases. Ben still kept my Curations up to date and too the specifications I gave him. I was finally able to make a purchase and ben was excited as I am. It was an absolute pleasure working with him and would highly recommend him to anyone else.
    Verified Review | Submitted on Dec 30, 2024
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Becky
    Becky's experience with Ben
    Ben understood exactly what this older woman needed for Alaska. I've been looking at base layers for -30F for a few weeks. Ben led me to exactly what I needed and I purchased them in only a few minutes. It was my first time using curated and it's so convenient. I will definitely use again.
    Verified Review | Submitted on Jan 20, 2025
    Ski Expert Ben Bialek
    Expert: Ben Bialek
    Reviewer: Theo
    Ben is a fantastic person and extremely knowledgeable and professional in his field
    In the winter of 2021 I was using curated to shop for skis and was paired with Ben as my curator and he was extremely helpful. However eventually I chose not to buy skis that year after all. Fast forward 3 years I again became interested in buying my own pair of skis and chose to return to curated. To my surprise I was paired with Ben once again, immediately he was enthusiastic and happy to see me back and jumped right into helping me find out what I needed to know to acquire the right skis. So on Christmas Eve Ben put together the perfect combination of everything I needed and I ended up settling to buy my first skis. 11/10 service from Ben.
    Verified Review | Submitted on Dec 25, 2024
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