East Coast Ski Shops are Weak

[koreshot]

I don't normally visit ski shops to buy my gear as I usually buy used or online and base my ski buying decisions based on people's experiences and suggestions on forums like AZ and TGR. I don't particularly trust ski shop employees to provide the most accurate or honest answers either. AZ is much better for that. I also tune (other than stone grind) at home.

So pretty much the only reason I go into ski shops is to buy some accessory cause I need it quick, or to mount, move or service bindings, or go along with a friend that is buying or renting. So here is my completely unscientific oppinion and experience:

People that work in East Coast ski shops suck. I am not referring to their technical knowhow. I am referring to their general demeanor, willingness to talk about the sport/snow/their trips or experiences, excitement about particular gear or the snow that is coming down outside. With a few exceptions here and there, most ski shop employees (all but 1 in NJ) are pretty much dull robots with no passion for the sport. Then there are some, generally slightly older employees, that assume you are complete moron and know nothing or very little about the sport of skiing at all.... probably cause 50% of their customers fall into this category.

In comparison I have gotten this type of experience on only a couple of occasions out west. I have met some amazing characters in ski shops in Co and UT that are soooo stoked to talk anything skiing is scary. I have had dozens of ski shop techs or sales guys talk my ear off about how the new Axial binding is not as sturdy as the old one (they didn't even carry Rossi/Look bindings), or how the storms and wind affect the various aspects of Brighton vs. Solitude, or how they have a metal femur because of a shallow landing. One of them was so nice (he didn't give/sell me anything other than spend 30 minutes talking about his secret stashes in Solitude and Alta) that I had to buy him a 6 pack of beer.

So it seems to me that ski shops out west more often hire people that are into the sport, they are ski bums or aspiring ski bums. Out east (in particular NJ/NY/PA area) its kids that drive their mom's lexus SUV in to the Ski Shop and are only working there cause mom told them they need to do something with all that free time. The one trully cool guy I met was from Killington and had moved down less than a year ago due to family obligations.

Am I the only one that feels this way?

 

[riverc0il]

i think you are generalizing a tad but i would say it definitely is hard to find good trust worthy ski shops in the region. normally, it seems the distance away from ski country is inversely proportional with the service you get. but even then, there are a few local shops around here that i don't shop and drive to lincoln NH to have my skis serviced by techs i trust and do phenomenal work.

i have had some outstanding experiences in gear shops, i have had some terrible ones. just yesterday i was in outdoor gear exchange in burlington, a shop i had heard a good deal about. my first experience was this: walk over to the hiking boots section looking for a winter hiker and stop at the wall looking at the boots then looking around for help. boots are definitely not a self service item, so my intent must have been painted on my face. three employees were in the same section helping each other try on gear and completely ignored me. after at least five minutes of not being acknowledged, i took my business down the street. service is everything, i really appreciate good service and keep my purchases local when shops earn my trust. sport thoma in lincoln has done so and i proudly endorse that shop as A+.

 

[koreshot]

i think you are generalizing a tad

Most definitely generalizing, though I think the problem is a bit more severe in NJ, where we are even further removed from the sport. The only resorts around are tiny hills like Camelback, Blue Mountain and Mountain Creek. Makes finding passionate, knowledgeable workers harder.

 

[ccskier]

I don't normally visit ski shops to buy my gear as I usually buy used or online and base my ski buying decisions based on people's experiences and suggestions on forums like AZ and TGR. I don't particularly trust ski shop employees to provide the most accurate or honest answers either. AZ is much better for that. I also tune (other than stone grind) at home.

So pretty much the only reason I go into ski shops is to buy some accessory cause I need it quick, or to mount, move or service bindings, or go along with a friend that is buying or renting. So here is my completely unscientific oppinion and experience:

People that work in East Coast ski shops suck. I am not referring to their technical knowhow. I am referring to their general demeanor, willingness to talk about the sport/snow/their trips or experiences, excitement about particular gear or the snow that is coming down outside. With a few exceptions here and there, most ski shop employees (all but 1 in NJ) are pretty much dull robots with no passion for the sport. Then there are some, generally slightly older employees, that assume you are complete moron and know nothing or very little about the sport of skiing at all.... probably cause 50% of their customers fall into this category.

In comparison I have gotten this type of experience on only a couple of occasions out west. I have met some amazing characters in ski shops in Co and UT that are soooo stoked to talk anything skiing is scary. I have had dozens of ski shop techs or sales guys talk my ear off about how the new Axial binding is not as sturdy as the old one (they didn't even carry Rossi/Look bindings), or how the storms and wind affect the various aspects of Brighton vs. Solitude, or how they have a metal femur because of a shallow landing. One of them was so nice (he didn't give/sell me anything other than spend 30 minutes talking about his secret stashes in Solitude and Alta) that I had to buy him a 6 pack of beer.

So it seems to me that ski shops out west more often hire people that are into the sport, they are ski bums or aspiring ski bums. Out east (in particular NJ/NY/PA area) its kids that drive their mom's lexus SUV in to the Ski Shop and are only working there cause mom told them they need to do something with all that free time. The one trully cool guy I met was from Killington and had moved down less than a year ago due to family obligations.

Am I the only one that feels this way?

I somewhat agree. I had a similar thought today, the only real 'ski shops' are i ski towns. I live on Cape Cod, the only so called shop is in a very nice clothing store. It is good if you only want basic ski equipment and Noth Face and Spyder gear. I was in there the other night, asked them to order me a wider set of brakes for my bindings from Atomic, which I already emailed Atomic directly seeing if it was possible. Atomic gave me the part number, the guy at the local shop looked at me like I had 5 heads. The 65 year old man working in there told me to get new bindings instead. There is the Ski Market chain which I think is sub par at best for gear, I consider it a convenience store. I don't classify myself as joe skier, but I have lived in ski towns before, I know what I am talking about and looking for.

 

[Marc]

Most definitely generalizing, though I think the problem is a bit more severe in NJ, where we are even further removed from the sport. The only resorts around are tiny hills like Camelback, Blue Mountain and Mountain Creek. Makes finding passionate, knowledgeable workers harder.

I'll open my own ski shop and I'll be willing to talk skiing... or porn... anytime.

 

[millerm277]

The one trully cool guy I met was from Killington and had moved down less than a year ago due to family obligations.

By any chance, were you at Colorado Ski & Snowboard in New Providence?


Anyway, I've noticed the same problems you are mentioning, especially here in the middle of NJ. I've gone to a couple ski shops around here, Pelican, 4 Seasons, and Colorado. Pelican is basically trying shady tactics with you, and not telling you the true price of anything, 4 Seasons has new ownership, and is just okay, but not very knowledgable. Colorado on the other hand...has been there for a long time (20+ years), and the owner is very friendly, and most of the staff actually knows good deal about equipment and everything else.

 

[billski]

observation

The phenomena seems to be the worst the closer you are to major metropolitan areas. Staffs generally experience high turnover, low training, low commitment. They are more concerned about going home than babbling on about their last face shot...

Convsersely, the closer to ski resorts, the better the staff. More tenure, knowledge, wisdom, experience and enthusiasm. More likely to also be staffed by folks who get out multiple times per week. Better stories too

 

[skidbump]

The local shop here in poughkepsie/kingston just lost my business after 30 yrs...screwed up my stone grind 3 times this yr and last yr when i picked up they neglected to actually do them..Felt like i was an inconvienence each time i brought it up...So with that said Jimmys at the base of bellearye did a real nice tune on mine and wifes atomic and as allways kieth at The pro and ride in hunter for boots.

 

[kingslug]

I've been using Ski Sundown in Levittown. The owner is very involved in the process and will help you and the salesperson out at any time. He also has ski trips throughout the year that are a pretty good bargain. I used to go to Ski Stop but their best salesperson moved to Vermont and now it's more like a ski Home Depot.

 

[koreshot]

I'll open my own ski shop and I'll be willing to talk skiing... or porn... anytime.

Thanks for the offer, Marc. Unfortunately, South Jersey has plenty of quality porn shops already.

Staffs generally experience high turnover, low training, low commitment. They are more concerned about going home than babbling on about their last face shot...

Must....resist....making....face....shot....joke....

 

[56fish]

People that work in East Coast ski shops suck. I am not referring to their technical knowhow. I am referring to their general demeanor, willingness to talk about the sport/snow/their trips or experiences, excitement about particular gear or the snow that is coming down outside. With a few exceptions here and there, most ski shop employees (all but 1 in NJ) are pretty much dull robots with no passion for the sport. Then there are some, generally slightly older employees, that assume you are complete moron and know nothing or very little about the sport of skiing at all.... probably cause 50% of their customers fall into this category.

We're damn passionate here! I'll give up my stashes (most visitors don't care for trees); shortcuts (as long as you don't drive like an idiot); deals (LaBatts 28 bottle cases on sale up the road for $20). And, we won't bs you to make a sale! :beer:

 

[redalienx11]

I sometimes feel the same way. BUT if there's one shop I've been to that is the exception to the rule it's First Trax up by Jay. The guys there hooked me up with all kinds of stuf on that monster powder day there last year. We chatted about some bc stashes and just enjoyed being fellow skiers. Highly Reccomend. I wish I could say the same for all the other shops I've been too.

I guess it's the same as anythings else- some are good, some are bad.

 

[tcharron]

People that work in East Coast ski shops suck. I am not referring to their technical knowhow. I am referring to their general demeanor, willingness to talk about the sport/snow/their trips or experiences, excitement about particular gear or the snow that is coming down outside. With a few exceptions here and there, most ski shop employees (all but 1 in NJ) are pretty much dull robots with no passion for the sport. Then there are some, generally slightly older employees, that assume you are complete moron and know nothing or very little about the sport of skiing at all.... probably cause 50% of their customers fall into this category.

DEFIANTLY. Personally, as I'm getting BACK into the sport, I get the attitude that I'm an idiot, things changed allot, and I have no idea, and I should just buy what they want me to. I may be new, but I'm NOT an idiot. DON'T tell me I should buy this or buy that for whatever oddball BS reason you can come up with (Not YOU, but THEM, as in, at the stores).

Example was just yesterday at Ski Market in Nashua, NH. I was looking for a pair of mildly tinted goggles. I'd heard of some of the goggles for night skiing that where meant for night skiing, and that's what I wanted info on. They showed me clear goggles talked all about why I shouldn't use them, just use clear goggles, and get two goggles. The reason why I wanted these was I typically ski after work, around 5pm. The suns going down, but still up. Regardless of the debate, I wanted to look, have a conversation, make up my own MIND. Not listen to a sales pitch.

In the Southern NH area, I've had exceptional help only at Zimmerman's, all locations. They recognize me when I come in. They talk about what THEY do, what they've done, and what I might want to do, but don't PUSH me. If I want to look, they leave me alone.

I've also had good experience with Ken Jones in Manchester. The Nashua store not so much, but in Manchester they where very friendly when I had the kids there. Also, they helped me with my goggles from an earlier paragraph.

Hrm, I'm starting to rant, aren't I. Basically, I totally agree at many stores. Zimmerman's is my store of choice, however. They're also the ski shop at Crotched mountain, so they're right where I like to go.

It should also be mentioned that the Zimmerman's outlet store in Amherst has GREAT deals on off-year gear.

 

[goldsbar]

Completely agree but I'm sure there's a few individual exceptions. Not unexpected - if you're truly passionate about skiing you're not going to be working in NJ. You'll be living in Utah or maybe even N. VT. I remember I was in some ski/golf shop in NJ eyeing a pair of Atomic Metrons. "Dude, you don't want those, you want the Bandits." This guy didn't ask me one thing about my skiing. Bought new 1 year old Metrons for around half price on Ebay and love them.

 

[ccskier]

I sometimes feel the same way. BUT if there's one shop I've been to that is the exception to the rule it's First Trax up by Jay. The guys there hooked me up with all kinds of stuf on that monster powder day there last year. We chatted about some bc stashes and just enjoyed being fellow skiers. Highly Reccomend. I wish I could say the same for all the other shops I've been too.

I guess it's the same as anythings else- some are good, some are bad.

I have been doing business at First Trax for a few years. Good gear but can be pretty expensive. I have been looking at a pair of Atomic Snoop Daddy's all year, prices online were $689 - first trax $815. Not sure if ft was including bindings, but I will hope so. I would rather support a local shop than online. We will see.

 

[koreshot]

Its good to see I am not the only one feeling this way about most, not all but most, ski shops in my area. Some good suggestions have been thrown out there and I'll keep them in my back pocket in case I am in the area and need a ski shop. I just wish that more stores realized that when enthusiast skiers come into the store, to them its almost like entering a mini place of worship (at least it is to me, being so far away from any decent skiing), it would be nice to employ people that share the same 'religion'.

 

[maplevalleymaster]

I actually just bought a pair of Volkls yesterday at Northern Ski Works in Ludlow and the sales clerks were very knowledgable. This place is known for their great service, buut I can see how others could be a problem.

 

[skibum]

My wife and I have worked in ski shops east and west so we have to add a couple of (completely generalized) observations.
Western customers at destination resorts, of course, have more money to spend. But they did like to hear how their money was being well spent and how the product would benefit them. Eastern (talking new england here) customers are frugal and want to hear about how they are getting a deal. I had to talk adults out of buying kid's goggles so many times it was not even funny.
Management is also totally different. In the west the customer is a friend, in the east he is an adversary. Out west, if I talked to a customer for a while and they left without buying anything, there was no problem at all. I had created some good karma and perhaps they would be back to buy. Its just part of the laid-back lifestyle out there. In the east the manager would assume the customer had just picked my brain so he could go buy online and I was told not to waste time on such people.
Also western shops had the pre-season party, holiday party, end-of-season party, commissions, bonuses, 300+ days of sunshine, 300+ inches of snow, etc...
Eastern shops had ...uhhh...had..uhh...well..not much fun and for less money.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Most definitely generalizing, though I think the problem is a bit more severe in NJ, where we are even further removed from the sport.

I'll bet it's hard to find a good surf shop in Kansas City, MO.

If you want to find people who are passionate about the sport, you generally improve you chances by looking closer to the goods.

 

[catskills]

koreshot, I don't think you're going to the right ski shops. A good boot fitter can significantly improve your skiing ability. For ski boots and custom orthodics, I would highly recommend Keith Holmquist at the "The Pro Ski and Ride" in Hunter, NY . Good boot fitters, usually means you will need to make an appointment weeks in advance. :wink: