Sunsports

I went to squaw valley and Kirkwood to get fitted for ski boots because I’m staying in Tahoe for the winter and I received such poor customer service… after doing some research and asking around I was directed to sunsports. I was helped by two different gentlemen and they took their time and fitted to me properly. They were out of my size in the boots I needed so they ordered them for me and when I went in to pick them up they put them on and made sure everything was perfect. I will only go to sunsports from here on out for all of my ski needs. Thanks Sunsports!

My gf and her sister both came here for snowboard rentals the day before we went up to bear valley. The employees were helpful and knowledgable of exactly what they needed. Prices were fair and they didn’t try to up sale us on anything we wouldn’t need.

A wide selection to choose from. Great customer service and very friendly people. The staff was very knowledgable and helpful. Highly recommended.

Unfortunately, one look at Unilocal might keep someone from visiting Sunsport. I had quite the positive experience. I came by the shop late one Friday night, and the owner Dennis, and his son Cameron, stayed well past the operating hours to find some new skis that would fit someone my size. At 6’5″ and 250+ lbs, with a need for speed, finding the right skis was important to me. Because past years have produced less than ideal snow conditions in the Sierras, it was understandable that their stock was slightly outdated– come on people, you try running a family ski shop in this drought! Still, the owner discounted a pair of nice, year old Fischer Big Stix for me, and threw some bindings on them while I waited. Needless to say, I shredded Kirkwood in a gnarly blizzard without any boot ejections whatsoever. Righteous! Come visit this shop for yourself

Thank you to everyone at Sun Sports! I spent an enormous amount of time trying to find a gift for my grandson on Amazon and at the mall. Finally, I found exactly what I was looking for at Sun Sports! A great example of why shopping locally is so important!

This is a hard review to write because the owner is a nice enough guy. But this is the reason we have Unilocal.
Our family takes a ski vacation to Yosemite — Badger pass, every year. We also go to Aspen, where I grew up. I’ve skied since around the time I could walk, and frankly, I know my shit (skis, boots, snow, terrain, clothing, etc).
The owner is a nice enough fellow — seemed eager to help and talk shop. He helped our daughters get their equipment first but I was a little leery when he just gave them the boots and didn’t help them try them on or give them any pointers as to correct fit. Front entry ski boots are difficult for anyone to put on — our 8 and 10 year olds — forget it. Of course we jumped in to help, but what kind of rental outfit doesn’t fit a boot on a kid?
Next he asked me what kind of skier I am. I told him I grew up in Aspen and I’ve skied all my life but that that doesn’t matter right now, I’m going to a mountain with 2 runs open and a 5 inch base. I specifically remember telling him «whatever» ski because that’s what I meant. I can ski on a 2×4 if it’s attached well. I said, something like a slalom ski or something short (easy to turn quickly) because I’m teaching my girls how to ski. I need to turn easily, ski backward, do fun tricks my kids can «ooh» and «ah» at. I’ll be honest, I don’t ski 90 days a year like I used to and I don’t know the equipment like I used to. Until they’re on my feet sliding down a hill. This guy gave me a pair of GS skis! These are race worthy, stiff, hard to turn at anything below 60 mph — the opposite of what I needed, and if he had any knowledge of the sport, he would know that. To his credit, they were good skis, but 100% wrong for what I asked for and needed. And any person who knows the industry would know that.
And the kicker is, when we were checking out, he charged us double for my skis because he gave me «demo» skis! I didn’t ask for demo skis. I specifically said «whatever» skis. I didn’t put up a fuss, but I wish I would have. You just don’t do that to people.
Here’s the other thing. I wanted to buy another pair of ski socks. Mine are about 100 years old and eh, memorabilia. I mentioned it and he brought me over to the sock rack and I immidiately started touching a pair of merino wool socks (good socks) I think around $ 12. Next he tells me that I’ve got to try to THESE, that these are the socks his wife uses every day for work etc. I’m on vacation and, meh, whatever, ok, they’re pink and my kids will like them. Of course, the most expensive ones on the rack — $ 20! The part that bugs me though is when we get to the mountain and I’m putting them on I notice they have an embroidered flower pattern around the shin/​ankle area, which you can’t see when they’re folded nicely in their package. Anyone who knows anything about ski socks knows any kind of wrinkle in the foot vacinity whatsoever can cause a world of pain, quickly. And only a rookie would recommend an embroidered sock. Now these socks are a painful reminder, literally, and a running joke in our family — don’t be a nice, idiot.
I’m not saying don’t go here. But I would strongly suggest that you not take what this man says as an expert advice. Whatsoever. And you can find all the same stuff on Amazon/​elsewhere for considerably less money.
Ah, one more thing! As I’m leaving he tells me, «If you can’t step into the binding, don’t worry, you just have to fiddle around with it, I really need to put new heels on my boots.» WTF. I knew what he meant, but come on… I was firm about not wanting any trouble when I get out there — I blew out my knee a few years back and I don’t want any random popping out or problems stepping in. Guess what? I had the damnedest time getting into one of my skis. Luckily it didn’t pop off when I was cruising down the hill, but still, a business like that HAS to keep their equipment maintenance and safe.
One star. Go to a professional at the resort.

Two months after our purchase, we discovered that one of our son’s skis had been drilled twice when the bindings were set at Sunsports. Obviously, a mistake was made and covered up. We now drive to ANY MOUNTIAN in Dublin where customer service is remarkably better!

I experienced a terrible visit here. Poor customer service. That is their biggest lack. And it wasn’t just 1 or 2 times.