Just in time for our Blister Recommended Shop, Powder Hound, to celebrate its 10-year business anniversary, I chatted with the owner and founder, Eric Helmbrecht. We dove into a bunch of topics as a reflection of the 10 years Powder Hound has been a staple shop in Girdwood, AK, including how skis, boots, and bindings have progressed; the ways in which the industry has changed; what it looked like to be adaptable during a global pandemic; accomplishments they’re proud of; getting their start at the Palmer State Fair; what it feels like to ski on skis that are over 140 mm underfoot; snowboarding trends; and more.
TOPICS & TIMES:
- AT Boots & 50/50 Boots (4:22)
- Weight Trends (8:55)
- Macro Industry Trends (16:15)
- Global Pandemics & Adaptability (23:40)
- Influx of Skiers and Industry Growth (25:07)
- Employment Challenges (28:36)
- Things you’re Proud of (31:14)
- Palmer State Fair (32:11)
- Year-Round Stable Shop (36:26)
- Season Lease Program (39:25)
- Fat Skis (44:00)
- Breathable & Waterproof Gear (46:12)
- Binding Improvements (48:56)
- Don’t Forget SNOWBOARDING! (50:50)
RELATED LINKS:
Kara really came into her own. Every podcast she did was better than the last one. Cheers!