Gearing up in the Valley
Snow! It finally came. Or as one Sugarbush Resort post mused, “thank you to whomever shook the snow globe!”
Now you have a reason to go buy some new gear! Do you need a warmer hat? New skis for powder days? Maybe you’ve lost your gloves (again), or you’re keen to try uphill skiing (aka skinning). Listed below are a host of places in the Valley to outfit yourself or your sweetheart.
For skis and other hard goods like helmets, poles, and snowshoes, explore Alpine Options, Mountainside Ski Shop, or Vermont North Ski Shop. You can ask questions about the in-stock selection or try a rental before you buy.
For snowboarders, the place to go is Splinters. Boards, gear, and advice await you there.
To tune what you’ve got, Alpine Options, Mountainside, Splinters (for boards), and the Sugarbush and Mad River Glen rental shops are ready to grind you some sharp edges or lay down smooth new wax.
In case you need to upgrade your outdoor winter wardrobe, Sportive and 40Bridge carry the latest luxury skiwear fashions, newcomer Mad River Outfitters has “go to” brands for winter fun, and Clearwater Sports carries favorites Patagonia and Hestra.
All the local ski resorts also sell gear basics in their shops in case you forgot your goggles at home.
And, for the more adventurous shoppers, Green Closet has a rotating stock of consignment items. You never know what you might find.