In a ski town, it can feel like a shop is on every corner. Some cater to rentals, others to locals whose lives revolve around the mountain. Picking the right shop that matches your personal vibe can create a positive experience that can be felt throughout your day. At worst, a bad interaction can ruin the stoke. In North Lake Tahoe (Truckee / Tahoe City) there are over 20 ski shops in the region. Finding a shop that fits your specific needs can feel like a never-ending search. If you ski or ride enough, at some point you will need a shop that can care for your gear.
As women, walking into a predominately male space can feel overwhelming. Especially when you are a newcomer to the ski world. Rest assured, the shops below on the list have been She-Shredz tested in North Lake Tahoe. Â Don't waste your time going from shop to shop. Let the guide below help you find your next shop.
North Lake Tahoe
Olympic Valley- Ski and Bike
There are shops and then there are shops. Olympic Valley Ski and Bike is the latter. One of those true ski shops where legends trust the staff at Olympic Valley Ski to tune and get their gear just right. A staple in the valley with a large selection of demos/ rentals and a healthy selection of skis, goggles, helmets, and more.
Here's what we like about Olympic Valley Ski and Bike:
Top-notch expertise, the shop employees are true ski bums that live, eat, and breathe all things snow and mountain. They know their gear.
Excellent custom service and quick ski-tune turnarounds.
Great selection of up-to-date ski demos and rentals (no lower tier special from the early 2000s here)
Granted it isn't the fanciest ski shop on the list but don't let that fool you. The guys in the shop are beyond friendly and know their gear. They truly want you to have the best day on the mountain. Whether you're picking up a new pair of skis or doing a demo. Located just across Palisades Tahoe, the location is pristine directly on the main road.
*Pro tip they offer a service for a special membership that will allow their members to come in early before the shop opens. This means you can stop by early on a powder day and have the best ski for the day ready to make those turns even sweeter.
Location: 1602 Olympic Valley Rd., Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Granite Chief Ski and Mountain Shop
A Truckee staple, Granite Chief Ski and Mountain Shop is a top-of-the-line ski shop experience. Granite Chief Ski was one of the first shops to introduce professional-level services and tuning on the customer level. Offering a large selection of high-end brands that are hard to find in most shops Granite Chief stands out for various reasons.
Here's what we like about Granite Chief Ski Shop:
High-end ski and gear brands are often hard to find in most ski shops.
Ski Service Cards, get double the amount of service (ski tuning, repair, etc) for the card that you purchase an excellent value.
Superior boot expertise (hard to find a shop that offers good boot fitting and a solid ski shop all in one)
The location itself is beautiful with a top-notch vibe that instantly transports you to a chalet in the high alpine.
Location: 11368 Donner Pass Rd Truckee, CA 96161
Alpenglow Sports
Located in Tahoe City Alpenglow is a staple in North Lake Tahoe. Offering a large selection of ski gear ranging from top-notch brands and specializing in backcountry gear it's hard to miss what you are searching for here on any large alpine objectives. One of the coolest things about Alpenglow sports is their community events. Annual guest speakers (local athletes) share their personal journeys at the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series.
What we like about Alpenglow Sports:
Highly educated staff that is stoked to get you outside exploring.
Extensive gear selection with quality options.
Awesome community events including Winter Speaker Series.
A great online selection for those of you searching for gear from home. Alpenglow has everything you need to keep you going on wherever your outdoor explorations may lead.
Location: 415 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
The Backcountry
The Backcountry specializes in backcountry gear (the name is a dead giveaway). While you'll find a few basics, their main focus is backcountry exploration. Airbags, crampons, skins, and anything else you need on the boot pack you'll find here. Their staff is helpful and even makes newbies in the bc feel at ease.
Here is what we like about The Backcountry:
They have everything you need for a day or a tour hut adventure in the bc.
The staff is knowledgeable, and when you are fresh off of that AIARE 1 course are happy to take the time to explain your new equipment.
Backcountry specialist in gear and mounting.
The Backcountry also offers an extensive online store. Located in Truckee right off the 80, it's an easy stop for when something breaks on the skin track.
Location: 11400 Donner Pass Rd #100, Truckee, CA 96161
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