• Al’s Ski Equipment Barn
Web site: www.untracked.com
Phone number: 877-865-0740
Comments: Once a new season comes around, most shops don’t advertise gear from the previous season. Al’s, however, has great deals on equipment from past years. Besides sweet prices in general, Al’s also has package deals on certain skis and bindings. All in all, Al’s offers free same day shipping and they claim to carry more freeride and powder skis than any other shop
• Aspen Ski and Board
Web site: www.aspenskiandboard.com
Phone number: 614-848-6600
Comments: Currently, there are no items on their online store. But, brands they carry are listed and they seem to have a good selection ranging from Line to Atomic. Same goes for outerwear and accessories. Since Aspen Ski and Board is a seasonal shop, look for everything to be up on the site by the end of July. In total, the shop carries over 100 pairs of twins.
• Backcountry
Web site: www.backcountry.com
Phone number: 800-409-4502
Comments: With a great variety of ski equipment, clothing and accessories, Backcountry is a great site for one-stop shopping. Prices are competitive with other online stores. For some super duper deals, checkout the “Outlet” page. According to Backcountry, there are over 20,000 products on the site and all are in their warehouse ready to ship.
• D-Structure
Web site: www.d-structure.com
Phone number: 866-378-7828
Comments: Since D-Structure is rider owned and operated, the store is packed with many of the brands that directly run on rider feedback and development. Some items are definitely pricey, but you are supporting a shop that truly supports the sport.
• Decade Snow and Skate
Web site: www.decadesnowandskate.com
Phone number: 801-334-7433
Comments: Once the online site is fully functional come August, expect to see product from a range of companies including Armada, K2, Oakley and Siver to name just a few. And, enjoy free shipping on orders over $50.
• Evogear
Web site: www.evogear.com
Phone number: 866-386-1589
Comments: Evogear has a large selection of just about everything, even without carrying some of the harder-to-find brands. Right now, they’ve got some great prices on 2006 boards. Dynastar Troublemakers, for example, are going for $200. If you have a question about something, leave yourself some time as you might be on hold for a few minutes.
• Gear Direct
Web site: www.geardirect.com
Phone number: 866-289-7547
Comments: Gear Direct carries a large range of gear from a variety of companies, including many apparel brands that are difficult to find. They feature closeouts and weekly specials. Carry brands like atomic, dynastar, rossi, armada, salomon.
• Getboards
Web site: www.getboards.com
Phone number: 800-754-2627
Comments: Getboards carries a large range of gear from a variety of companies, including many apparel brands that are difficult to find. Prices are generally not that low, but, on the front page, they usually have a list of items for sale. If you purchase a pair of skis, you get free three-day air shipping as well as a ski DVD and a t-shirt. Shipping on apparel orders over $200 is included. And, you get a free subscription to Freeskier.
• Glacier Shop
Web site: www.glaciershop.com
Phone number: 800-925-5148
Comments: A majority of Glacier Shop’s outerwear and goggles are Burton, Anon and R.E.D. Ski selection—especially in the twin-tip department—is not good. They’ve got a lot of pretty sweet backpacks, though. What they lack in variety, they make up for in competitive pricing, often beating out the prices of other stores.
• Jibij Pro Shop
Web site: www.jibij.com
Phone number: 303-440-1244
Comments: Jibij’s customer service sets it apart from all other shops on the list. You can find many tough to find products from brands such as Ninthward—including Ninthward apparel—Aeryx and Jiberish to name just a few. Prices are similar to those of other shops. Towards the end of the season, some items can be found for fantastic prices.
• Kirkwood Sports
Web site: www.shopkirkwood.com
Phone number: 888-217-5072
Comments: Kirkwood Sports is one of the only online retailers linked with a major ski resort. The store's phones are offline for the summer, but their web site is up and kicking 24/7. Because of the resort link, you can buy your season’s pass and a pair of boards at the same time. They’ve got a great variety of Smith goggles, though everything else on the online store is limited. But, according to the message on their phone, new products will be up as they arrive.
• Porters
Web site: www.porterstahoe.com
Phone number: 530-583-2314
Comments: Porters is currently under intensive development and is not yet open to the public. Come September, however, it is sure to be one of the biggest players in the online sales realm selling pretty much every product you could ever think about. Prices will be competitive with other sites and added value such as constantly updated news and insider athlete info will round out the package.
• Potter Brothers
Web site: www.potterbrothers.com
Phone number: 866-652-3477
Comments: Potter Brothers has a lot of skis, but not too many twins other than a few K2s, Rossignols and Volkls. Prices are competitive with other shops. If you want a Giro helmet or Predator outerwear, they’ve got a sweet selection to choose from. They’re a seasonal shop, dealing mostly with patio furniture in the summer months. So, look for some new additions to the snow-sports side of things in the near future.
• Proctor Jones
Web site: www.proctorjones.com
Phone number: 888-383-5667
Comments: Proctor Jones has just about everything you could want to satisfy your skiing needs. They carry the core brands as well as larger brands. Prices are similar to just about anywhere else. But, if you’re there at the right time, there could be killer half-price deals on some items. Phones are down for the summer until August 1. Online orders can still be placed.
• Sports Den
Web site: wwwsportsden.com
Phone number: 866-582-5611
Comments: The Sports Den houses a good variety of skis from small and large companies, including 4frnt, Armada, Line and Rossignol to name just a few. Some skis are priced at more than half off the MSRP. Variety on helmets and bindings, however, is lacking.
• Steep and Cheap
Web site: www.steepandcheap.com
Phone number: not listed on the web site
Comments: At midnight every day, Steep and Cheap puts up an item for an incredibly low price. It’s up there until it sells out. And, it’s usually snazzy stuff such as Oakley sunglasses and Dalbello boots. Since the site is owned by Backcountry.com, you can be sure you are getting quality products and service.
• Tramdock
Web site: www.tramdock.com
Phone number: 877-754-0353
Comments: Like Steep and Cheap, Tramdock is also part of the Backcountry.com family. While Tramdock does not carry harder-to-find skis, they still have a wide variety to choose from. You can find fantastic deals on some of last season’s twins as well. Similar to skis, Tramdock does not carry smaller apparel brands. They do, however, carry quality stuff such as Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia.
• Twin Tip Nation
Web site: www.twintipnation.com
Phone number: not given
Comments: Twin Tip Nation doesn’t carry that many skis. But, they do have the brands that can be tough to find such as Ninthward. And, they didn’t jack up the prices on these elusive items. Binding selection is non-existent as they carry just two Look bindings. Check out the apparel page for some fun hoodies and t-shirts.
• US Outdoor
Web site: www.usoutdoor.com
Phone number: 866-876-3932
Comments: US Outdoor has a huge selection of all sorts of stuff from a ton of different companies. Instead of focusing on one aspect of skiing, US Outdoor carries all types of equipment to satisfy every type of skier’s needs. If you’re looking to do just about all your shopping in one place, this is a great shop to do so. And, if you place an order of $40 or more, you get free shipping.
