Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 8/11/2021
WESTERN MASS. – The past year has been tough for many businesses, but for those selling ski equipment and accessories, business has been booming.
“A lot of people are looking to get outside for a new way to exercise,” said Tyler Samson, manager at Fat Trax and Competitive Edge Ski & Bike. “Overall, it’s been very, very good.”
Scott Walulak, manager at the Ski-In in Wilbraham, and its sister business, Ski Haus in Longmeadow, said they had experienced a similar boom. “It was the busiest season we’ve had in 20 years,” he said. “A lot of first-time skiers.”
Aside from selling new gear, the businesses all lease skis and snowboards for the season. There are a variety of prices for juniors and adults who want to enjoy the sport without purchasing the equipment.
While snow-covered peaks and schussing down slopes may feel far away, ski and snowboard season begins in two short months.
“We get really busy after Thanksgiving,” said Walulak, “but I always tell people, ‘Don’t wait because we’ll already be a month into the rental program and the newest stuff goes fast.’”
In the fall, Fat Trax plans to host a tent sale with discounted prices for snowboard leases. Ski-In and Ski Haus, however, close up shop and set up at the Big E in West Springfield. “That’s our big kick-off sale,” Walulak said, followed by an open house later in the fall.
One might think that having no mountain resorts nearby would hurt business, but it hasn’t slowed any of these shops down.
“Blanford being closed certainly made it different. The Berkshires are the closest now, but people who board are willing to drive,” Samson said.
Walulak told Reminder Publishing, “I think we probably do more [business]. I think a lot of people like to shop locally and once you get closer to the resorts you spend full price. Whereas we have a lot of stuff on sale.” He also said that people appreciate not waiting in rental lines.
There is one way in which ski businesses have felt the pandemic crunch - there has been an industry-wide inventory shortage. Without as much access to new equipment, servicing existing skis and boards has seen an increase. “With the stock shortage, people are keeping their old gear going,” Samson said. Stone tuning is available to keep skis and snowboards in shape, as well as sharpening and servicing binding mounts.
For those people who just aren’t ready for the winter outdoor sports season, all three shops also sell and service a wide array of bikes. For example, Fat Trax/Competitive Edge Ski & Bike carries bikes for various terrain and purposes, from commuter bikes to mountain bikes and everything in between. There is also a selection of electric bikes. The shop carries parts, equipment, clothing and accessories for cycling. Similarly, Ski-In and Ski Haus also offer a range of bike tuning services. Servicing can include tune-ups, flat repairs and suspension work.
Competitive Edge Ski & Bike will begin hosting group bike rides beginning Aug. 27. The rides kick off from Bartlett Road in Montague. There is no cost to participate in group rides; all that is required is “an appropriate bike in good working order, water, and a helmet.” Suggested items include a spare tube, food for energy and, “a little cash in case we stop.” The ride schedule can be found at https://www.compedgeskibike.com.
The Ski-In, 2006 Boston Rd. in Wilbraham can be reached at 543-1234, while the phone number for the Ski Haus at 791 Maple Rd. in Longmeadow is 754-3904. More about both businesses can be found at http://www.skiinskihaus.com. Fat Trax and Competitive Edge Ski & Bike, 612 North Main St., East Longmeadow, is available by phone at 781-5142 and online at https://fat-trax.com and https://www.compedgeskibike.com.