The Evolution of Switchback Sports: A Local Adventure Story
Park City is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and exceptional ski resorts, attracting a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts. Amidst this thriving scene, Switchback Sports has carved out a unique niche by prioritizing affordability and accessibility. While many local ski shops focus on high-end, premium-priced gear, we have made it our mission to provide quality outdoor equipment at prices that are budget-friendly for families and locals. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the mountains and outdoor activities without the burden of excessive costs.
Patrick Fannon, the owner of Switchback Sports, reflects on those early days: “We moved our family to Park City when our kids were 1 and 3. We wanted to expose them to all the awesome outdoor activities that our mountains offer—skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and more. But, we had no idea how much these activities cost. Holy cow, we were blown away with the cost of entry for all of these activities. We made it two winters and in 2010 thought—why isn't there a family-friendly, locals-friendly shop that allows people to get affordable gently used or new gear so folks can easily and affordably access the resorts and trails around Park City and Deer Valley? In the spring of 2011, Switchback Sports was born. One underlying theme that has never changed here is that people in Park City and Deer Valley love their gear. They love to try the newest skis, boots, and bikes, but they also understand great value. Our goal has always been to be the platform that enables access to the outdoors! We love what we do and where we live and feel so lucky that we get to share our passion for outdoor adventure with every family, local, and guest who comes to visit us either in-store or online. In 2010, this challenge sparked an idea: Why not create a shop that caters to families and locals, offering affordable, gently used or new outdoor gear? We envisioned a place where people could easily access top-quality equipment without breaking the bank. This vision became a reality in Spring 2011 when Switchback Sports opened its doors. Our original location was a modest cinder block warehouse on Iron Horse Drive. Here, we introduced a unique business model that allowed customers to consign or trade in their gently used gear, which could then be exchanged for either other used or new items in the store. This approach quickly resonated with the community, showing there was strong demand for great gear at better prices. As our reputation grew, so did our business. By 2014, we had outgrown our Iron Horse location and moved to a larger space on Bonanza Drive. This new venue allowed us to expand our offerings significantly. We broadened our inventory to include a wide range of gear for both winter and summer activities. Skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic gear were complemented by bikes and paddling equipment. We also began selling outdoor clothing and accessories. A significant milestone was the introduction of our rental services, providing affordable gear for those who needed it for a short period. Our continued growth necessitated another move in 2017, this time to our current location on Deer Valley Drive. This new space was thoughtfully redesigned to accommodate our expanding inventory and services. For the first time, we offered a full spectrum of retail, rental, and service options in one place. Our customers could now purchase new or gently used equipment, take advantage of trade-in and consignment opportunities, and enjoy a comprehensive range of winter and summer gear all under one roof.”
Comprehensive Services at Switchback Sports
Switchback Sports is more than just a retail store; we offer a range of services designed to enhance your outdoor experience. Here’s a closer look at how our services cater to both winter and summer adventures:
Winter Services
- Ski and Snowboard Sales: Choose from a wide selection of new and gently used skis, snowboards, and boots. We carry top brands and provide expert advice to help you find the right gear for your needs.
- Winter Gear Rentals: Our rental fleet includes skis, snowboards, boots, and poles for all ages and skill levels. We also offer snowshoes and Nordic skiing equipment. Our rental services are designed to be affordable and flexible, ensuring you’re equipped for the slopes without long-term commitments.
- Winter Gear Trade-Ins and Consignment: Bring in your gently used winter gear and trade it for store credit or other items. Our consignment program also allows you to sell your gear through our store, giving it a second life.
- Tune-Ups and Repairs: Our in-house technicians provide ski and snowboard tuning and repair services. From edge sharpening to base repairs, we ensure your gear performs optimally on the snow.
- Custom Fitting: Get a personalized fit for your skis or snowboard boots with our expert fitting services. Proper fit enhances comfort and performance on the slopes.
Summer Services
- Mountain Bike Sales: Explore our range of new and gently used mountain bikes, including electric bikes. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bike for your trails and riding style.
- Bike Rentals: We offer a variety of bikes for rent, including mountain bikes, e-bikes, and more. Whether you're hitting the trails for the day or the weekend, our rentals provide a cost-effective way to enjoy your ride.
- Paddleboard Sales and Rentals: Discover our selection of new and gently used paddleboards, ideal for exploring local lakes and rivers. We also offer paddleboard rentals, perfect for a day out on the water without the need for long-term storage.
- Pickleball Gear Sales: Get into the game with our range of pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories. We provide quality equipment to help you enjoy this fast-growing sport.
- Bike Repairs and Maintenance: Keep your bike in top condition with our repair and maintenance services. Our skilled technicians handle everything from minor adjustments to major repairs, ensuring your bike is ready for any trail.
Year-Round Services
- Expert Advice and Custom Fitting: Whether for winter or summer gear, our knowledgeable staff is here to provide personalized recommendations and custom fittings to ensure you get the best performance from your equipment.
- E-Commerce: Through our website, www.switchbacksports.com, you can browse our full range of gear and services, make purchases, and arrange for shipping directly to your door, no matter the season.
Rooted in Park City
What sets Switchback Sports apart is our deep connection to the Park City community. We’re not just a business operating in Park City; we’re a local institution that has grown alongside this vibrant mountain town. Our founders moved to Park City with a vision of making outdoor sports accessible to everyone, and over the years, we’ve become a cornerstone for locals and visitors alike.
Every step of our expansion has been driven by our commitment to the community. From our humble beginnings in a cinder block warehouse to our current multi-location setup, each move has been motivated by our desire to better serve the Park City area. We’ve seen the town evolve and grow, and in turn, we’ve expanded our services and offerings to meet the changing needs of our customers.
Enhancing Convenience with Skis on the Run
In our ongoing effort to elevate the outdoor experience for our customers, we’re excited to spotlight Skis on the Run, our sister company that provides convenient delivery services for ski and bike rentals. Skis on the Run is dedicated to ensuring that you can hit the slopes or trails without the hassle of transporting your equipment. We handle the delivery and pickup of your gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.
Whether it’s during the winter season for skis and snowboards or in the summer for bikes, Skis on the Run offers seamless, hassle-free rental services, bringing the equipment directly to your accommodation.
Both Switchback Sports and Skis on the Run share a commitment to making outdoor adventures as accessible and enjoyable as possible. With our combined services, we strive to meet your needs with unparalleled convenience and excellent customer service.
For more information about our products, services, and locations, visit us online at www.switchbacksports.com or stop by one of our locations. To explore Skis on the Run and book your delivery, visit www.skisontherun.com. Thank you for being part of the Switchback Sports and Skis on the Run story and helping us continue to make outdoor adventures accessible and enjoyable for everyone!