For outdoor enthusiast, Alpine Ski Shop at 9629 Fairfax Boulevard has equipment and knowledgeable staff dedicated to everything from snow sports, tennis, pickleball, skateboarding, and much more. With the days getting longer, we stopped by Alpine Ski Shop to learn more about taking advantage outdoor activities.
Tell us a little about Alpine Ski Shop.
While our main business is in getting folks outfitted for skiing and snowboarding, we are a four season twelve month a year store. We keep busy on the “off-season” with a full line of tennis, inline skate, and skateboard gear to get anyone out and about.
What makes Alpine Ski Shop unique to Fairfax City?
For sure, we’re the only ski shop in the city. We’ve been in business for coming up to 50 years (1971) and have been in the Northern Virginia area for our entire lives.
What encouraged you to take the leap to get started?
We took over an existing ski shop storefront back in 2013. At the time, we were looking to expand our single storefront and the timing was perfect for going back to the area.
What inspired you to open an business in Fairfax City?
We had a store for 25+ years in Oakton, that we closed in 2003 so we were quite familiar with the area. With the opportunity to be back, more central in the city, was an easy decision. Knowing about all of the future developmental projects along the 29/50 corridor was also exciting to see a “new” Fairfax City come along.
What do you enjoy most about having a business in Fairfax City?
I like the “smallness” of the system. If I ever have questions for anyone on the governmental side, calling city hall is easy and low-key affair.
How has Alpine Ski Shop changed since its opening?
We’ve increased our skateboard and tennis business a lot in the summer months, which has led to being able to increase the staff and keep more people employed for more than a better part of the year.
What do customers say they love about Alpine Ski Shop?
That we’re a family owned operation and have been in business a long time. Since coming back to the area, there are a lot of customers I haven’t seen in 20+ years who stop in to either bring their kids to get gear or just to stop in and say, “hi”.
What are some of your fondest memories or biggest successes since Alpine Ski Shop has been open?
Seeing the growth in the area but also seeing a lot of the things that stayed the same. Growing up in the area and going to school in Fairfax City, I still do a lot of “that used to be” and “I used to go there”, which my wife LOVES to hear as we drive through.
What’s next for Alpine Ski Shop?
Keep on keepin’ on. We’re trying to tip-toe through the pandemic and trying not to take anything for granted. We’ve been very fortunate to have a business that caters to sports which encourages “social distancing” and being outside.
Are there any fun facts you would like residents and visitors to know about Alpine Ski Shop?
We’ve been in business for coming up on 50 years. My brother and I have been “running the show” for close to 25 of them.
When you’re not working, where in Fairfax City do you like to spend your time?
As a family, we’ve spent some spring, summer, and fall afternoons at Van Dyck Park, the occasional dinner at Arties, or breakfast at 29 Diner. We were very excited when Aldi opened.
How can people follow you on social?
@alpineskishopffx on IG
@alpineskishopfairfax on FB
@alpineskishop on Twitter