1000 x 90

Business Spotlight: Snow Toys Boutique Ski Shop in BE Has New Storefront, Same Great Service

By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com

If you plan to hit up Sugar or Beech this year, turn to the folks at the recently relocated Snow Toys shop for top-notch customer service and high quality equipment rentals.

The new Snow Toys storefront at 40 High Country Square in Banner Elk.
The new Snow Toys storefront at 40 High Country Square in Banner Elk.

We specialize in helping people that have not necessarily been skiing before or they’re fairly new at it, and we really stress customer service here,” said Ric Crosby, who bought the store with his wife, Edi, in 2010. “My guys will get down on the floor and help you get the boots on to make sure they fit you well.

“At those big shops, it’s just a numbers game. They’ve got so many people that they’re just going to hand you your boots and move on to the next person. We are going to make time to make sure you understand what’s going on so you’ll have a great experience and you’ll want to come back and try it again.”

In the fall, Snow Toys moved across the street from its old location to a new storefront at 40 High Country Square. Now located directly across from the Best Western Mountain Lodge on Tynecastle Highway, the new store in the High Country Shopping Center offers more than 1,000 square feet of floor space.

Although unseasonably warm weather in November and December made for a late start to the ski season, the temperatures are finally dropping and foot traffic is finally heating up at Snow Toys, which typically accommodates 200-300 customers on a busy weekend.

SNOW TOYS

Shop owner Rick Crosby is pictured in the Snow Toys ski shop in Banner Elk.
Shop owner Ric Crosby is pictured in the Snow Toys ski shop in Banner Elk.

Snow Toys offers the best in rental equipment, including skis, snowboards, blades, helmets and goggles in popular brands like Atomic, Salomon, K2 and Burton.

If you’re only making one trip this year and don’t need to invest in your own ski clothes, you can also rent the gear you need to keep you warm.

“We like to remind people that ‘We rent warm clothes,’” said Crosby. “We’ve got bibs and jackets for the whole family, from little kids all the way up to grandma.”

It’s also the High Country’s go-to stop for sleds and tubes, and features a variety of specialty merchandise you won’t find at the resorts.

“Thanks to my wife and her store, WingN It, the shop is really dolled up with all kinds of cool stuff, like beautiful scarves and hats and different things that aren’t going to be at other ski shops,” Crosby said. “We brought in a new line called Solmate and they have socks, fingerless gloves, hats and scarves made out of a lot of colors. It’s kind of a crazy look, which is fun.”

You can also shop a variety of ski socks, headwear and masks, Yaktrax, ski wax, sunglasses, fun beards and more at Snow Toys.

THE EXTRA MILE

Whether you’re new to the winter sports game or you’re a seasoned vet, excellent service from qualified professionals is not a luxury, but a necessity. That’s why Snow Toys employs five certified ski technicians who are always prepared to match you up with the perfect gear and make sure that you know how to use it.

A Snow Toys employee is pictured inside the ski shop in Banner Elk.
A Snow Toys employee is pictured inside the ski shop in Banner Elk.

“The bottom line, although it’s about fun, is that we are responsible to a certain point for the safety of the people who rent our gear, so we take time to make sure they’re set right and they understand the game,” Crosby said. “We’re not trying to be nosy, but were asking the right questions so we can properly fit you and you can have a safe adventure.”

The pros at Snow Toys know they’re the beginning of your winter sports adventure, and they prefer to go the extra mile to make your trip great from the start.

“For the little shops like us, in my opinion, we’ve got to do the extra things to survive in this world. We go the extra mile for people who show them how to get into skis and tell them things like how to fall, why they should pay attention to their feet or why it’s important to know how to stand on a snowboard.”

“I can’t protect you while you’re skiing, but I can definitely get you in the right boots and skis for your capabilities, and we always recommend a helmet and goggles. We have been building our customer service so that we can show you what a ski shop is supposed to be like.”

Make your reservations today at 828-898-4199 or online at snowtoysnc.com.

Trust Snow Toys with your equipment needs and you’ll make new friends you can always count on for safe and exciting winter adventures in the High Country.

Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Snow Toys in Banner Elk
Winter weather arrives at Snow Toys in Banner Elk in January.
Winter weather arrives at Snow Toys in Banner Elk in January.