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Ski'N See


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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Here in Utah, it's hard to get to the mountains without passing a Ski'N See store. As the company's owner Roy Ostendorf put it, "The easiest way would probably be in a helicopter." That's because all six of the Ski'N See locations are strategically located en route to northern Utah's ski resorts.

I met with Roy and the company's general manager, Ryan Larsen, just a few weeks ago at one of their stores in Sandy. I was surprised to learn that when it began, the company only rented skis. The doors were kept open during the summers by selling sunglasses — hence the name: Ski'N See. That was 1987. In the 16 years since opening, the company has added five more stores and dramatically broadened its product line.

In fact, these days the name Ski'N See may be a bit misleading, belying the store's impressive and ever-evolving selection of products and services. The company not only rents and sells skis and snowboards, but wake boards and a variety of water sport accessories. I was particularly taken by an inflatable, cylinder shaped contraption called the Orbit 190. With its occupant lying safely inside, the Orbit 190 is pulled behind a boat in the same way that a tube or other towable is pulled; only it rolls along the water like a spinning barrel. Quite a ride — if you've got the stomach for it!

Ski'N See even sells golf clubs — custom made I might add. Important measurements of the golfer's grip, and the timing and tempo of his or her swing, are taken into consideration to ensure that the clubs are the perfect weight, length and size.

More about the business can be found on the company's Web page. You'll be pleased to know that Ski'N See is a participating business this week in Midvale City's Small Business Celebration. For the next month or so you'll find all of the company's demo skis on sell at its Midvale store, located on 1339 East and Fort Union Blvd.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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