The Heart of the Slopes: Why Eskimo Ski & Board Shop Feels Like Home

If you’re a ski enthusiast in Colorado, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Eskimo Ski & Board Shop. It’s the oldest ski shop in the state—a living piece of skiing history that’s been around for an incredible 85 years. This place isn’t just about selling gear; it’s about the love of skiing, passion for the outdoors, and a commitment to helping others feel the exhilaration of flying down a snow-covered mountain.

From Humble Beginnings to Skiing Legends

Eskimo Ski & Board Shop began with a modest dream. In 1939, Frank Bulkley II aimed to introduce kids to the joy of skiing. He established the Eskimo Club, a children’s ski school designed to make a difference. The club’s mission was to offer a safe, high-quality, and affordable skiing program for children from Grand County, Denver, and the Front Range areas. And wow, did it flourish.

With the success of the Eskimo Club, Frank realized that there was a growing need for a dedicated place where these young skiers and their families could get the equipment and advice they needed. Thus, Eskimo Ski & Board Shop was born. The shop became a natural extension of the club, providing high-quality gear and fostering a sense of community among skiers of all ages.

A Legacy of Passionate Skiers

Many of the shop’s customers and employees are proud “Eskimos” from the Eskimo Club. Some of them are in their 80s, reminiscing about the days when they first strapped on skis as kids. Others are the last generation of students before the club had to disband in 2018. Together, they’ve helped introduce over 250,000 youngsters to the joys of skiing and snowboarding.

The shop’s staff members are a different breed. They live and breathe the sport. They know the difference between a double black diamond and a green circle, and they can help you navigate both. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their knowledge is invaluable. When they sell you gear, they’re actually setting you up for adventure.

Keeping the Mom-and-Pop Feel in a Modern World

Eskimo Ski & Board Shop has managed to strike a perfect balance between staying up-to-date with the latest gear and maintaining that beloved mom-and-pop-shop feel. It’s a delicate dance that requires a lot of tedious hours and perseverance, but they pull it off beautifully. They’re always working on modernizing their offerings and introducing new technologies while ensuring that customer service remains top-notch.

Walking into the shop, you’ll find everything you need to hit the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for affordable gear or an expert searching for the latest in ski technology, they’ve got you covered. And the best part? You can trust that you’re getting advice from people who genuinely care about your skiing experience. Need a perfect boot fit? They’ve got experts for that. Looking to get your skis or board tuned? They handle it with precision. Equipment repairs? No problem. 

A Proud Family Business

After 85 years, Eskimo Ski & Board Shop remains a proud family-owned business. They continue to foster the sense of community and love for the outdoors that started with Frank Bulkley’s vision. If you’re interested in learning how to ski or snowboard, or if you’re simply in need of quality gear and expert advice, this is the place to go. 

Eskimo Ski & Board Shop isn’t just a store; it’s a community, a tradition, and a gateway to the freedom of the mountains. So next time you feel that itch to hit the slopes, stop by Eskimo Ski & Board Shop. Whether you’re gearing up for your first run or your hundredth, you’ll find everything you need and more. And who knows? You might just become part of a storied legacy that’s been 85 years in the making.

Congrats to Eskimo Ski & Board Shop for being a Top 3 Finalist for the 2024 Best of Mile High awards program! All winners and finalists can be found here.