The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
PLACE FOR LOVERS OF SLIPPERY SLOPES
Local business specializes in gear for downhill skiing and snowboarding
A North Olmsted business specializes in all things related to skiing and snowboarding.
Village Ski & Snowboard, 25401 Lorain Road, sells and repairs skis, snowboards and accessories.
“The business has been open since 1974,” said Ed Daugherty, owner of Village Ski & Snowboard. “I took it over in 1999. I was the general manager for the original owner, Bill Fitch, and I bought it from him.
“I just really enjoyed the sport, and I had worked all aspects of the job, so I decided to buy it.”
Daugherty said the business focuses exclusively on skis and snowboards.
“We sell strictly skis and snowboards, and everything that goes with them,” he said. “So, that means we sell the clothes and boots.
“We do boot fitting, a lot of custom boot fitting. We have a full-service shop. It’s any repair that needs to be made; we do sharpening, waxing, ski tuning and anything like that,” he said.
“It’s basically everything downhill ski and snowboarding and all the accessories,” Daugherty said.
He’s in the busy season, he said.
“Business has been pretty good, considering we have a pandemic going on,” he said. “People are more likely to go out and do things.
“You saw that with the summer businesses, like kayaking and paddle boarding, so I expect the same thing for us.”
Daugherty said Village Ski & Snowboard is the only business on this side of Cleveland that specializes in skis and snowboards.
“As far as what we do, we are the only shop in the area that only sells skis and snowboards,” he said. “There are a couple stores on the (east side of Cleveland), but I think we are the only shop on the westside that only sells skis and snowboards and specializes in that.”
Daugherty said the business makes sure the equipment fits and functions properly.
“Folks come to us for our overall expertise,” he said.
“Our boot fitting for skis and snowboards is really second to none.
“Customer service is another plus when you come to us. It’s kind of Amazon proof in that way; you need to be here to have your boots fitted.”
Village Ski & Snowboard is a great place to go if you are new to skiing and snowboarding, Daugherty said.
“We do beginners, that’s one of the biggest things we do,” he said. “Especially with children, we do a junior trade back program. We sell everything from beginners to experts.
“It’s a great place for beginners because they will
get everything they need to have, all the right equipment. That’s the most important part of coming to a shop like this; you’re going to get the right advice.
“You will get the right equipment for what you need. We do not try to over sell anyone. If it’s not right, we’ll fix it.”
Accessories
Daugherty said the business also has a full line of accessories.
“We always have a guarantee on everything we sell for fitting,” he said. “It’s everything they need for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
“We have accessories like helmets, goggles and anything else you need. If you are thinking about skiing or snowboarding, you should come here first.”
Daugherty said a big part of the business is the repair side.
“Mainly the best thing we do is our service,” he said. “I have a separate building next door here to the shop where I have all the repair equipment, grinders, sharpeners, mounting benches, and we also do custom insoles for the boots.
“It makes it convenient for us and it keeps everything in house. We have a large amount of skis we are tuning right now as folks are looking to get back out.
“Folks should usually get the skis tuned at the start of every season. We probably do about 4,000 to 5,000 skis a year.
“We also take care of your boots and snowboards,” he said. “Just come to us, and we will help with all ski and snowboard needs.”
For more information on Village Ski & Snowboard, and its Black Friday deals with skis and binding starting at $299, visit http://www.villagesnow. com/ or call 440-779-8788.