Mountain Business

Owning the mountain business Sierra Nordic, owner Gary Schmitt does his best to make certain everyone who walks into his store or calls his phone gets superb service and expert information. This is his passion!

Gary enjoys listening to his customers so he can understand and offer advice that works for their interest. He is particularly keen on assisting beginners, and people not in good shape or who have a physical issue. He can assist customers who do not want to ski fast, as well as those who value speed.

Sierra Nordic carries selections of skis for each type of terrain you plan to ski on, so the performance of the skis will match your needs and ability level.

Sierra Nordic carries a wide selection of ski clothing to meet your comfort needs. Gary had a great end of season sale in 2009. When I visited the store I made use of the sale to purchase a new Marmot jacket!

Gary has more than 25 years experience in the cross country ski industry. He has been a ski school director in five states and two hemispheres, lastly at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center, Truckee CA. As a challenge, Gary spent 5 days skiing with no tent in the Beartooth Mountains wilderness in central Montana. During the trip he built only snow shelters.

Cross country skiing is a great total body aerobic exercise. Many of the cross country skiers I talk to say the same thing, in just an hour’s time they get a far better workout and lose weight faster then going to the gym. Wouldn’t you just rather be outside? According to Gary, when snow conditions are icy and at their worst for downhill skiing, they are at their best for cross country skate skiing.

Five local cross country ski resorts are located within a few minutes from Gary’s store in Truckee:

· Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center in Truckee (see photos below);

· Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort;

· Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area in Tahoe City at Lake Tahoe;

· Northstar at Tahoe Nordic Center

· Auburn Ski Club at Donner Summit (see their website for membership).

Mountain Business of the Month

Sierra Nordic - Cross Country Ski Shop