High-quality gear can be the difference between a good day and a great day on the ski slopes. Luckily, there are dozens of Vail ski shops with apparel, equipment and any other gear you need to carve down the mountain’s snowy back bowls like a pro.
Not ready to commit quite yet? Check out these ski-rental shops.
Local Shops for Hard Gear
Hard gear includes skis, snowboards, boots, poles, goggles and helmets. Vail’s ski shops can outfit you in the perfect products for your ability, comfort needs and budget. Avoid the hassle of hauling equipment from home and purchase gear once you’re in town.
Outdoor Divas is the place for women to get gear that fits just right and boosts confidence on the slopes. As one of the only women’s ski shops in the country, their team guides you through the selection process. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll leave feeling prepared and empowered to tackle the mountain.
Address: 520 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail
Vail Ski Tech has been a fixture in Vail for over three decades, offering a full range of ski gear. Located in Lionshead Village near the Eagle Bahn Gondola, this ski shop is known for its friendly, knowledgeable service and full-service repair shop if you happen to damage a boot on the slope.
Address: 555 E. Lionshead Circle, #2, Vail
Pepi Sports is a ski shop where you know you’ll be in good hands. It was opened back in 1968 by late Vail icon and pro-skier Pepi Gramshammer and his wife (a model and Vail icon in her own right), Sheika Gramshammer. Their ski shop is attached to their family’s historic hotel, Gasthof Gramshammer. Explore more family-owned hotels in Vail.
Address: 231 Bridge St., Vail
Troy’s Ski Shop’s warm clubhouse vibe and expert tuning services make it the perfect place to stop in and get your questions answered. They feature brand-new demo skis each year and boast a top-notch tune shop with state-of-the-art equipment.
Address: 302 Hanson Ranch Road, #206, Vail
Ski Shops with Multiple Locations
“Chain” ski shops in Vail include Vail Sports, Christy Sports, Venture Sports and Charter Sports. All these spots offer a variety of name-brand skis, boards, poles and boots. Black Tie Ski Rentals and Ski Butlers are extra-convenient delivery services, where you can place your order and have your ski supplies delivered right to you.
Craniologie, in Vail Village, is all about protecting your noggin during your outdoor adventures. Choose from a massive selection of helmets and goggles — and let their staff make sure you have the perfect size with a custom fitting. Meanwhile Eye Pieces offers a wide selection of goggles and sunglasses (with or without prescription optics), so you can safely spend the day out in the sun.
Winter Apparel Shops
Whether you’re interested in keeping warm in the snow, making a fashion statement or both, your options for winter apparel in Vail are endless. These spots will get your suited up and ready to explore the winter elements.
For some toasty base layers, SmartWool is a solid first stop. They carry Merino wool outdoor socks and breathable wool base layers that are sure to keep you warm and dry. Patagonia and Helly Hanson are also brands known for their cozy layers that have locations in Vail.
Outwear is the layer that makes a statement and protects you while you’re floating on powder or just wandering the villages. The North Face, Burton and Salomon each have free-standing stores in Vail Village and Lionshead, providing some of the most recognizable and popular winter apparel on the market. And for some specialty pieces, Gorsuch has stunning ski jackets, puffy vests and stylish gloves and knit hats.
Kid’s Ski Shops
From warm winter clothing to sturdy ski gear to fun toys, your kiddos will be well outfitted and entertained while they’re in Vail.
KidSport in Vail Village is the place to go and get your child ready for outdoor adventures. Open since 1978, this Vail staple has provided kids ski gear, accessories, clothing and footwear for all seasons.
Generation Vail in Vail Village is like walking into a room of rainbow. The specialty kids store is full of all the things kids love — from games and mountain-town novelties to colorful ski jackets and cold-weather clothes.
Vail Sports Kids in Lionshead is a full-service, one-stop shop for the things kids need when it’s time to play in the snow: mittens, helmets, hats, jackets, pants, socks and boots. And of course, snow-sports gear and ski or snowboard rentals are also available.
More Tips for Your Trip to Vail
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