Q1

Tell us about how you got started in snow sports retail. What is the best part of this industry?

A: I’ve been connected to snow sports for as long as I can remember. My dad had me on skis at an early age, which sparked a lifelong love for the mountains. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I saved up to buy my first snowboard set-up — and that’s really where my personal passion for snow sports took off. Around that same time, I began working behind the scenes for an e-commerce sports retailer managing product databases and helping with inventory systems. That early hands-on experience in both retail and technology gave me a unique foundation for understanding this industry from the inside out.

The best part of this industry, hands down, is the community. Snow sports bring people together in a way few things can — whether it’s chasing powder days, teaching someone to make their first turns or gearing up families for their annual mountain getaway. It’s an industry built around fun, freedom and lifelong memories. I feel fortunate to be a part of it. 

Q2

How was the past ski season for Angles Sports? Any thoughts on the 2025-2026 season?  

A:  This past season was a tough one for us. Longmont saw about half of its average snowfall, and like many shops in the region, we took a hit on sales. Rentals were down and we definitely felt the impact of an unpredictable winter. That said, it reinforced the importance of diversifying our product mix and staying connected with our community year-round.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, we’re staying optimistic. We’ve already started making strategic adjustments — including deeper pre-season promotions, expanded multi-sport offerings and more partnerships with local resorts and community groups. If there’s one thing this past year taught us, it’s the value of resilience and creativity in this business. We’re ready to hit the ground running when the snow returns. 

Q3

What does Angles Sports do to encourage greater ski participation? How do you encourage a new skier to continue the sport?

A:  We believe the barrier to entry shouldn’t be intimidating, so we focus on education and access. From beginner-friendly rental packages to free community clinics and how-to workshops, we aim to make the sport approachable for everyone. For new skiers, it’s all about experience — ensuring their first day is a great one. We follow up with those guests, invite them to upcoming events, offer discounts on additional rentals and help them find the best equipment as their skills progress. It’s about creating a welcoming environment both in-store and on the slopes.   

Q4

From a retailer perspective, what has the greatest impact to help snow sports specialty retail be successful?

A:  Community connection is everything. In an era of online competition, specialty retailers thrive by building authentic relationships — with customers, with local resorts and with other businesses. Service, expertise and experience are where we can differentiate. Being involved in your local scene, offering value-added services like boot fitting and tuning and showing up at the mountain keeps you relevant and top-of-mind. Specialty retail succeeds when it becomes a trusted part of the local outdoor culture.