You want a new ski package. Excellent! When you visit or call we’ll want to know: Where do you ski? What kinds of gear are you replacing? What are your aspirations? Do you have a budget in mind? Your answers will help us narrow down a huge selection of models to a few great choices that will accomplish your goals. Then we’ll discuss fit, size, shape, style and value until we’ve shared enough information to design a ski package that’s right for you. We’ve been at this for over 60 years and have earned the trust of ski patrols, racers, instructors and weekend warriors who love skiing, no matter how often. The best manufacturers in the industry are represented here, so you’ll have plenty of choices that will fit your location, strengths, skills, goals and budget. And because we live in the real world, Shep’s offers season-long leases, used ski equipment and ski rentals too. With our package-price plan the more you buy, the more you save. You will find ski gear to suit you here. Check out our current package prices on our Downhill Ski Package page.
A visit to our extensive ski apparel department will leave you drooling, but warm, dry and fashionable to be sure. And while we’re sure you’ll want to visit the store to see, fit and feel your new gear, Shep’s will gladly ship anywhere in the continental U.S. We are regularly told that our selection of equipment, apparel and accessories equals big-mountain locales, but our prices beat them every time.
Junior Downhill Ski Packages start at $124.99 (skis, bindings, poles, installation)?Adult Downhill Ski Packages start at $279.99 (skis, bindings, poles, installation).
Ski Boots
Begin building your ski package with boots. They help you drive your skis and comfort here is key. With the right boots, the chalet isn’t the only place you╒ll feel warm and comfortable. And if the fit isn’t perfect right out of the box we can provide foot beds, heat molded liners, shell adjustments, heel lifts and more to make any boot fit your unique foot. Another reason? You’ll ski better. Boots that are too big may cost you control. Too stiff and any mistakes will be magnified. Too tight, and you╒re sure to have pain. The wrong cant and your skis may work against you. We’ll help determine the right boot fit to help your skis respond the way they are meant to. Adult boot prices begin around $200. Kids under $100. That’s less than you pay for gym shoes, and you ask far less of them. We stock Lange, Tecnica, Nordica, Fischer, Alpina and Rossignol Boots.
Downhill Skis
Believe it or not, you have something in common with your skis — a complex personality. You both bring certain skills, qualities, and character to the mountain. Some of you prefer to “go naked” while others enjoy the benefits of “integration.” Yes, skiing is a sexy sport. Because we understand that skiers come in all sizes and skill levels we offer (and test) equipment for all skiing abilities. We have comprehensive knowledge of each model we carry, where it excels and where it doesn’t, and which kind of skier will benefit from it most. And we’ll help you care for your skis. A fresh hot wax, a trip to the “hot box spa” or a Wintersteiger stone grind tune-up can make the difference in your outings for seasons to come. In spite of the great features your new boards have, they can’t deliver with a worn-out tune, a bad tune, or no tune. Shep’s expert tech can also help with (heaven forbid) custom repairs. Our repair shop offers state-of-the-art machine tuning, traditional hand finishing and Hot Box waxing. Let us know where you’ll be skiing and we’ll cut the base structure for your destination. Our techs are renowned for their expertise and quality workmanship. We’re the shop jibbers, racers and patrols from throughout the region trust to do the job right. We stock K2, Line, Volkl, Fischer, Rossignol, Nordica and Dynastar Skis.
Bindings
Downhill bindings come from two main camps: “stand alone” and “integrated” and Shep’s them stocks both styles (when many ski shops stick only with integrated, thereby robbing you of an important choice.) Naked skis require stand-alone bindings. Integrated systems are literally part of the ski. Marriage system skis are fitted with plates that require a particular binding. The ideal binding will work with the ski to help improve edge-grip, dampen vibration and enhance the overall performance of the ski.
Ski boots and bindings work together. They connect you to your skis, hold when it’s appropriate and release when necessary. It’s an arrangement that requires maintenance to perform correctly. A boot/binding system takes a lot of use and abuse. It can deteriorate over time and could break at any time. A worn-out or broken system may not work properly when you need it the most. It is prudent to have your bindings checked annually and any time the system (or skier) changes.
Local Ski & Snowboard Clubs, Teams and Race Programs
Shep’s partners with Granite Peak Ski Patrol, Granite Peak Ski Team, Rib Mountain Ski Club, Midwest Best Snowboard & Freestyle Ski Team and Granite Peak Ski Area to make Wausau, Wisconsin a premier ski town with expert coaching, race programs, race leagues, sanctioned competitions, rail jams, freestyle comp’s and social events to put the cherry on top of your ski season. Dozens of great people donate hundreds of hours to make the Badger State Winter Games, Special Olympics, NASTAR, and three outstanding local high school Alpine Race Teams successes each year, and many of these folks regularly contribute their talents to regional and national events. We appreciate the time, talent and dedication that is invested in the sport we all love so much! When asked in the ski film Edge of Never, “Where can you find the heart and soul of skiing in the U.S?” internationally acclaimed big-mountain skier Glen Plake said “Minnesota and Wisconsin.” We know he’s right.
Please visit our friends at these websites to learn about local programs and events and get involved!
Granite Peak Ski Team, Rib Mountain Ski Club, Midwest Best snowboard and freestyle ski team, and Granite Peak Ski Area.